A nearby craft fair, founded in 1963, is one of the premiere fairs of its type in America. With the theme of
“An Appalachian Experience”, visitors are able to enjoy music, art, and culture in a tight knit community.
“We are holding the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair here at Cedar Lakes in Ripley West Virginia. The fair is open from 10 to 6 daily. We will be open until 6:00 tonight and tomorrow will be out last day on Saturday from 10 to 6," says Jan Sizemore, President of the fair.
The fair is an opportunity for food venders, exhibitors, and artisans to display their craftsmanship and talents. Many participants in the fair feel as though art is vital to education.
“I just think the arts are very important and I think it’s very important that it’s taught in our schools. We certainly need our art teachers and vo tech teachers. Any of the arts," noted Helen East Hemetek, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for the West Virginia Art and Craft Guild.
While each of the exhibitors showcases unique skills, a 19-year-old blacksmith was a standout not only because of his tools and fire but because of his family supporting his passion and helping him at the fair.
“There’s always people talking about how their grandfathers or great grandfathers were blacksmiths. So, people tell me that," responds Bennett Life when asked about what is the most common reaction he receives as a young blacksmith.
“He just, you know, if you could see the tree that he did, I mean it’s just-just the art that comes out of him just absolutely amazes me. He just set his mind to do it. Nobody in our family does this. He just decided that he wanted to learn it, and he did. And I’m just really, very proud of him for that," says Jennifer Life, Bennett's mother.
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