Travel North Carolina-The North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival 2024

 Every month I put out a post on "A Few Things to do In North Carolina" for that month.  It seems that most times I don't get the chance to visit any of the events I suggest but in September I did have the opportunity to attend an event.  I went to The North Carolina Gourd Arts and Crafts Festival held at the State Fair Grounds in Raleigh. 

The Gourd Festival is put on by the NC Gourd Society.  Here is how they describe themselves...

"The North Carolina Gourd Society (formerly the Gourd Village Garden Club) first met in Cary in 1937. The oldest chapter (“alpha chapter”) of the American Gourd Society, it is among the oldest garden clubs in North Carolina. Early festivals were held in the school cannery, a dry cleaners and a furniture store. Over the years festivals have featured dolls, a gourmet gourd buffet, hard-working, practical gourds, Mother Goose gourds and many others. 

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in North Carolina dedicated to the culture and heritage of gourds in America. We hold an annual festival in September at the N.C. State Fairgrounds."

Admission into the festival was $5/person.  The price was well worth it.  We saw some unique artwork at the festival.  There were also classes to take and things to buy, including decorated gourds. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye.

I wanted to get these chicken gourds for Christmas so badly.  My daughters both have chickens and I think they would love them...

Many of the gourds for sale at the festival had a Halloween theme...

There were some beautiful artistic pieces on display as well...

We had a nice time at the NC Gourd Festival.  The lovely artwork and the holiday themes were enough to make me want to try to paint and decorate a gourd:-)

If you get a chance when it comes time for the Gourd Festival in 2025, I suggest you check them out!

Get out and explore, and happy travels, everyone!

KathieyV