Almost a year after Hurricane Helene disrupted businesses and livelihoods in Western North Carolina, local artisans are finding reunion, community and recovery at the NC Mountain State Fair’s Heritage Circle.
“When you come to the fair it’s not just about rides and cotton candy, it’s a tradition that their parents and grandparents had and a lot of us still continue to do,” said Brenda Anders, team lead of the Dogwood Crafters co-op, the organization hosting the Heritage Circle.
The Dogwood Crafters cooperative is a nonprofit organization based in Dillsboro showcasing mountain arts, crafts and gifts by regional artisans as well as hosting classes and events to honor Appalachian craft traditions…