Audra Rasnake, left, who was selected as the 2010 Festival Artist, talks with Audra Yarber during Wednesday's press conference. Yarber's design was selected and used for a t-shirt for this year's festival. (David Crigger | Bristol Herald Courier))
*** Published June 24, 2010 in the Bristol (Va.) Herald Courier. ***
ABINGDON, Va. – Convenience for vendors and visitors alike is behind the location changes for the 62nd annual Virginia Highlands Festival, which starts July 24.
Instead of the traditional sites on the grounds of the Martha Washington Inn and the Barter Theatre, the festival Arts and Crafts Show will be held this year on Remsburg Drive. The Antiques Market will remain at its previous location at Virginia Highlands Community College.
Susan Kimbrell, co-president of the festival, said the new location on Remsburg offers a "better space" that is "more convenient" for both customers and vendors, who will line both sides of the street from Cummings Street to Depot Square.
Overall, Kimbrell said, she expects 2010 to be a good year for the festival. The economy is improving, she said, and she expects a good turnout.
Promoting this year's festival theme of "Piece the Future from the Past," a Glade Spring quilter was selected as the festival's signature artist, and a middle school student designed the festival T-shirt.
Audra Rasnake, who has been quilting since she was in third grade, created a Baltimore Album block wall hanging that was selected as the signature work for the festival.
"Considering there were 10 nominations, I feel very blessed," Rasnake said.
Rasnake said the chosen work is one of the most detailed she has ever created. The quilt is decorated with pine burr blocks, cherry wreath blocks done in appliqué, appliqué birds that mimic Pennsylvania Dutch birds, and a cross-hatch quilting background.
Audra Yarber, 13, from E.B. Stanley Middle School, designed this year's festival T-shirt, which is lime green with an image of the sun. The design was chosen through a competition for students from the Washington County schools.
Stretching over two weeks and three weekends, the festival features a little something for everyone, from live performances to lectures and classes to art exhibits and craft and antique sales. Full event schedules are available on the festival website, http://www.vahighlandsfestival.org, or in the festival magazine, the Highlander.
The music offerings include everything from Celtic to bluegrass, with performances at the Abingdon Market Pavilion, in addition to the shows at the Barter Theatre.
Children's events also are planned through the two weeks, including rock-climbing opportunities and pony rides during "Kids Rule Day" on July 31 and "Family Fun Day" on Aug. 7 at the Latture Field.
