The theme for this year's Celebration was "Art in Iron: Forging a Tradition." The goal was to help awake the public to the arts - music, arts, classes, history, theater, dance, exhibits, and programs. The Hiddenite Center with the assistance of more than one hundred volunteers, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, musicians and dancers, and folk life presenters, provided the public with an up-close and personal way to experience and enjoy the arts!

This year's Celebration kicked-off with the annual Square Dance hosted by the Emerald Squares at the Center's Educational Complex on Saturday evening, September 20.

On Tuesday morning, September 23 the Celebration moved into high gear with the Senior Adult Day. Seniors were provided with games and entertainment.
Tal Harris, accompanied by Cathy Estes and the Stony Point Strings, provided an amazing program of stringed music and saw playing. A delicious lunch was
served and enjoyed by those in attendance. The large group of Seniors enjoyed
games, meeting folks, and entertainment.

Thursday evening, September 25 brought an amazing family to the Alexander Central Auditorium in conjunction with Celebration week. The Hunt Family Fiddlers of Virginia presented a rousing evening of pop, contemporary, and inspirational music. Their fast-paced, energetic Irish step-dancing, and their personable manner quickly had the audience in the palm of their hands.

This year's climatic day was blessed with an outstanding array of arts, crafts, folkways, foods, entertainment, and an enthusiastic and eager audience
to enjoy "Art in Iron: Forging a Tradition." The day was strong - beginning
to end! "We strive to do quality programming to serve our public, and the
Center's staff is extremely pleased with the overall quality and thrust of this year's edition of the Celebration," remarked dwaine coley. "With a wonderful staff who plans every detail, the day was picture perfect. Spirits were not dampened by the overcast day, but activities went on without a hitch! We must say thank you to the host of folks who freely give of their time and energy to make the day possible - those who hosted in the museum, manned the doors, tended the welcome booth (especially the ACHS Student Government), provided music and stories on the stages, served cold drinks, provided for the needs of others, and labored (and I mean labored) to set up and clean up. Thank you, volunteers!"

"This year was our second Hiddenite Half Marathan and our first 10K run, and it was a 'Gem of a Race!" commended coley. "I must say a HUGE thank you to Rick French and a host of volunteers of planned the road race from beginning to end. The event added excitement and interest to the day! WOW! Running from six to thirteen plus miles and still smiling when crossing the finish line, is a REAL FEAT!" Winners were recognized in order of finish as follows: 10 K run: Ed Hedrick (Male 0-24 - 41:16.5), Chris Thomas (Male 35-39 - 42:09.8), Logan Davis (Male 0-24 - 46:36.5), Laura Rhyne (Female 0-24 - 46:55.6), Josephine Smith (Female 0-24 - 50:13.5) and Tracy Baker (Female 30-34 - 53:52.7); Half Marathon run: Josh Marcus (Male 0-24 - 1:23:40.0), Joe Cornwell (Male
30-34 - 1:27:16.5), Jake Warren (Male 0-24 - 1:31:24.0), Kim Holland (Female
30-34 - 1:43:22.5), Marissa Cooper (Female 30-34 - 1:57:29.2), and Stephanie Holland (Female 35-39 - 2:01:54.3).

"I must tip my hat to the Center's staff, Karen Walker, Allison Houchins, Jenny Patterson, Peggy Martin, Robert Walker, Elmeta Adams, Jerri Head, Martha Burgin, and our support staff and volunteers. A host of volunteers and cooperative community folks guarantee the success of this annual venture,"
commented the Center's Executive Director. "Without groups like the Emerald Squares, our neighbors at the Community Conference Center, and the wonderful FFA from the Crossroads Christian Academy we would not attempt such a massive undertaking. Thanks too to good community residents who graciously cooperate with the activities and a wonderful host of volunteers who rally to make the day memorable for everyone. The Center is deeply grateful to all who participate and work to make things happen."

The participation of numerous artists and craftspersons made the day most enjoyable for the entire region. Special presentations of North Carolina heritage arts made the day unique and special. Visitors from surrounding areas particularly commented on the unique nature of these special exhibitors and artists.

"The Hiddenite Celebration of the ARTS is put away for another year, but the planning and evaluation have begun for next year's festivities. IF the public, arts and crafts vendors, entertainers, food vendors, or anyone else has ideas and suggestions, the Center's staff is eager to have input to help make the event more manageable for next year. The Center welcomes input from participants and visitors," concluded the Center's Executive Director.

The Hiddenite Celebration of the ARTS was made possible in part through the generous funding of the Alexander County government, North Carolina Arts Council's General Support and Grassroots grants (which is funded by the North Carolina Legislature and the National Endowment for the ARTS), and the R. Y.
and Eileen Lackey Sharpe Family Foundation. The Center is most appreciative of the businesses and individuals who support the Celebration through the annual tabloid. These funds bear some of the Center's expenses for the set up and staging of the festival. Also special thanks to Sipe's Lumber and Mountain View Farms.