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Marion's biggest festival offers homespun entertainment

Photo: Matt Dymond

Droves of people turn out for last year's Mountain Glory festival and its crafts, foods and entertainment.

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: October 7, 2009

This Saturday, the 26th annual Mountain Glory festival will again hail the arrival of the fall season.

The autumn celebration covers the courthouse lawn and three blocks of Main Street in Marion. Browsers and shoppers looking for original handicrafts or homespun enjoyment will find plenty of choices among more than 100 artists, crafters and food booths and a wide variety of entertainment, from traditional bluegrass to haunting melodies from Native American music.

Vendors will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, blooming onions and ice cream.

Local entertainment will be featured at Mountain Glory. Bluegrass and traditional mountain music, gospel, the Foothills Community Band, rock 'n' roll and other music are scheduled throughout the day.

Folks can enjoy a variety of entertainment, from traditional bluegrass to American Indian music. The entertainment will be presented at three different stages: the Gazebo Stage on North Main Street, the Family Stage at the courthouse lawn and the Gospel Music Stage at MACA's Greenlee Theater. The Addie's Chapel Gospel Choir is an annual favorite.

Besides the mainstays of music and crafts, the festival offers glimpses into local and regional pastimes, such as foot races and area talent.

The Mountain Glory Quilt Show will be at the McDowell Arts Council Association's gallery, which is located right in the middle of the festival site. There is no admission to the quilt show.

One of the most popular areas at the festival each year is the Children's Arena, which provides hands-on activities, a best-dressed pet show and special entertainment for kids.

Featured this year is a wide array of custom-made jewelry. Jewelry making and beading is a very popular pastime in the mountain region. This year's Mountain Glory festival features many jewelry artists with a variety of different styles. You can find many great shopping opportunities for Christmas, said festival organizers.

The festival is sponsored by the city of Marion. For more information, visit www.mtngloryfestival.com or call 652-3551 or 652-2215.