Fire on the Mountain is an annual celebration of the art of the blacksmith, held the last Saturday in April in downtown Spruce Pine, NC. The event is a partnership between Spruce Pine Main Street, Penland School of Crafts, and the Toe River Arts Council.
Each year, the festival contains: – A month long exhibit of new work by artist blacksmiths, culminating in a closing reception the Friday night before the festival at the Toe River Arts Gallery in downtown Spruce Pine.
– A featured Master Blacksmith who demonstrates multiple times at the festival, presents a lecture at Penland School, and conducts a Master Demonstration workshop the Friday before the festival
– Several invited demonstrators who share their talents at the festival – Vendor blacksmiths selling their wares, and demonstrating techniques in their booths – Tool vendors – A free hands-on tent, where the public can sign up to try their hands at blacksmithing, assisted by blacksmith volunteers
-A forging competition
-Vendors selling metal works
– Local restaurants on Main Street and food trucks!
Adult Forge-Off Competition – (above Main Street Central Park)
Participants are provided with iron stock, minimal tools, and 55 minutes to complete their best work.
The Adult Challenge (18 and older) will be forging candle holders, and is hosted by Penland School of Craft. Participants will receive starting stock of 7″ x 1/4″ x 1″ in size. Each participant will have a small gas forge, anvil, forging hammer and leg vise. Participants are open to bring any other hand tools they want to use during their time slot. Bring your own candle or choose from a selection of stump and taper candles on site.
The Youth (12 to 17 years old) challenge will be forging snakes, and will be hosted by Arthur Morgan School. A guardian must be present for youth to participate, and they must sign a waiver. Youth must have adequate experience to work independently without coaching.
The public is invited to watch as participants forge. At the end of the day a jury of blacksmiths chooses the Adult winner. All youth will receive certificates of participation. To sign up in advance, e-mail commcollaboration@penland.org. We will hold a few spaces for same day signup, too.
For more information Visit the Event Facebook Page Here
2023 Blacksmith Festival was a success!
Save the date for next year! The festival is always held the last Saturday in April in downtown Spruce Pine, NC. We hope you will check it out next year.
