BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – The Appalachian Arts and Crafts Fair has been a staple of creative talent from across the Appalachian region in Beckley since 1965.
This year, the AACF featured a diverse range of artisans, including woodworkers, carvers, quilters, blacksmiths, metal and stained glass artists, as well as herbalists, candle makers, and Appalachian food vendors, such as the Ronk Family Maple Farm, whose maple syrup, maple apple butter, and maple cotton candy are pure heaven.
“I make my own maple syrup, and after the syrup is made, you have to make the sugar to make the cotton candy,” said Paul Ronk. “And you’ve got to get it up to 265 degrees. Then it crystallizes and becomes sugar. This is delicious stuff; no preservatives of any kind in it, no dyes, totally organic.”
We are home to some amazing artists and crafters here in southern West Virginia.
“We have so many unique and talented vendors here making wonderful crafts you just can’t find in the stores,” Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Michelle Rotellini said. “This is a great place to come. Find something beautiful for your home or a special gift.”
For a one-of-a-kind special floral gift for yourself or someone else, at the Bloom Boutique, choose a frame, select the background, then flowers, and create.
“We’ve got a mini Bloom Bar here this weekend, you design your own, and all the tools and supplies are provided,” said Owner Michele Moran. “The flowers are natural. I grow some and purchase some fresh flowers. Press them”
According to Ronk, to make one gallon of maple syrup to serve takes 80 gallons of sap. He creates different products from that syrup, from the much-loved golden maple syrup.
“Also, we have five different kinds of infused maple syrup: blueberry, strawberry, coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, and then we have maple apple butter, maple mustard, and maple barbecue,” he said. “We have lots of different things that you can make from maple syrup, and they’re all delicious.”
Happy feedback and putting a smile on people’s faces with their products is incredibly rewarding.
“I love interacting with the local community and hopefully doing business with them in the future,” said Moran. “We’re honored to be here for our very first time,” Ronk added.
IF YOU WANT TO GO
August 1st & 2nd
Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center
