Ramsey Activity Center

The Mountain Artisans shows are famous for featuring just the biggest selection of authentic handcrafted art and craft in this area, with dozens of artisans participating in this annual event. There is a wide selection of heritage craft. Several of the old time quilters still make them one at a time just for you. Goat milk soap, pine needle baskets, white oak baskets, hand tied brooms and cotton woven rugs are hard to find and all here. Some of the most skilled doll craft, leather craft, and master jewelers around exhibit with us. Many of the gourd artists have won awards in competitions. You will understand why everyone who attends the shows just says, "Wow" when they attend and plans to come back next year!

The 50th annual Mountain Heritage Day will be a combination old-fashioned mountain fair and showcase for Southern Appalachian music, arts, dance and song, with the atmosphere of a big family reunion. Visitors will find three stages of traditional old-time, gospel, and bluegrass music and dance, with plenty of fiddles, banjos, and clogging. Festival-goers are invited to join in workshops at the Circle Tent and participate in shape-note singing, one of the mountains’ sacred traditions. Admission and parking are free so bring your family and experience all that our rich heritage has to offer. Don't miss the Smoky Mountain Splendor Quilt Show at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center on campus, featuring 300+ quilts, displays, vendors and more. Mountain Heritage Day is recognized as one of the "Top 20" events in the Southeast for the month of September.

Regional artisans have their handmade on display for sale in this folk and heritage craft show. The show has everything from quilters to soap makers, basket makers, leather craftsmen, master jewelers and more. Started in 1987, the event has grown every year and now takes place at Western Carolina University's Ramsey Center in Cullowhee, North Carolina. Children under 12 free & free parking.