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Sponsors and volunteers always needed!

 

The 18th annual Saluda Arts Festival planning is well underway. The event is set for May 20 starting at 10 a.m., with art, food, music and fun planned for all over downtown Saluda. 

The day’s music will include performances by Life Like Water and Asheville Junction.

From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the Don Mintz Builders front porch, Life Like Water will perform. David Matters, together with his bandmates Megan Drollinger and Charles Furtado, have developed a sound that straddles the edges of contemporary folk and traditional music from around the world. This music contains elements to fit almost anyone’s taste. You can dance, groove, bob your head, space out, tune in, relax, get excited, and possibly even shed a tear to it. 

 

A Bluegrass/Americana band from the high country of North Carolina, Asheville Junction will perform from 2 – 4 p.m. at Saluda Moon Glass Studio & Gallery. Their lively, entertaining shows are filled with hot fiddling,’ harmonies and much more. Folks find themselves singing, clapping, and toe-tappin’ along to the music. Tierra Raiti, lead singer and fiddler for the band, has been noticed as a formidable rising musician, and was invited to appear on Woodsongs International Radio Show last year. 

Asheville Junction formed when mother-daughter duo Tierra and Maria Raiti moved to Asheville and joined up with long-time local musicians Brad Pope on upright bass, Tim Comstock on mandolin and Ken Sager on dobro.

Organizers have also planned a variety of things to do for all ages, as well as delicious food choices. With extended children’s activities there will be magic acts, balloon artists, juggling, and face painting from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the McCreery Park Pavilion.

Enjoy a variety of delicious choices from various Saluda restaurants. All Saluda restaurants from BBQ and pizza to gourmet meals will be open and staffed for the increase in visitors.

The Saluda Arts Festival is organized and sponsored by the Saluda Downtown Foundation and funded through this organization and its sponsors. Because of the love and support from many individual donors and business sponsors, the Saluda Downtown Foundation is able to keep this popular festival running year after year. 

Organization and execution of the event is done entirely by Saluda volunteers who graciously and lovingly provide the workforce to make this happen each year.

Saluda Arts Festival Sponsorships are available and make a great opportunity to promote your business in Saluda! We sincerely thank our sponsors for their gracious contributions, which continue to support the art culture and history in Saluda. Without these sponsorships, we would not be able to offer the same top quality, family-oriented cultural event for which we are recognized. We are grateful to all our sponsors who contribute funds to support the Saluda Arts Festival.

Individual sponsorships can be made for any amount. Business sponsorships will be recognized on a “Sponsor Banner” that will be on display during the festival. Business sponsorship categories are: Silver-$100, Gold – $250, Platinum – $500. 

With contributions of $250 or more, a special banner will be made for you and placed in a highly visible area. Special underwriting sponsorships are available and for more information about these opportunities, email saludancartsfestival@gmail.com. Sponsors are also recognized in our media releases and announcements.

 

For more information, please contact Beth Carson at bethcarson151@gmail.com or 828-749-1118. 

Volunteers are needed to make the Saluda Arts Festival a success.

“We hear every year from participating artists how our volunteers make the Saluda Arts Festival one of the best festivals they attend,” says Lynn Casey, organizer of the event.  We need your helping hands and smiles again this year for the 18th Annual Saluda Arts Festival on Saturday, May 20. 2023.

Linda Bailey is the Volunteer Coordinator and will contact you with your assignment. If you have any questions about the different type of responsibilities, you may reach Linda at boblindabailey@hotmail.com or call 828-749-1584.

There will be an orientation meeting on Thursday, May 18 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Saluda Visitors Center. You will be given an information package and have all your questions answered at that time.

 

Submitted by Lynn Casey