By David Rogers. October 1, 2011. BLOWING ROCK -- With morning snow flurries assailing one and all, the seasonally autumn "scarecrow' outside of the Rumple House seemed eerily out of place -- and underdressed -- as he greeted visitors to Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church's annual Artisan Festival on Saturday, in downtown Blowing Rock.

Organizers reported vigorous early morning traffic had already purchased many of the prized items, but there was still plenty of bounty among the shelves and table tops when Blowing Rock News arrived in mid-morning. Certainly, the frequent wintry scenes we espied, including a variety of snowmen, seemed appropriate with the surprise winter storm.  There were reports that Grandfather Mountain was to get 1" to 3' of snow accumulations overnight.

Outside, legions of volunteers supplied visitors with hot chocolate, cider and, of course, Rumple's increasingly world famous "Artisan hot dogs.

All money raised from the sale of arts, crafts, and homemade baked goods goes to benefit worthy charitable causes in the area.  The 2010 event resulted in a donation of $6,000 to Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S. (Children Are Really Extra Special) and that organization's campaign to aid needful students in the Blowing Rock area.

Rumple member Mary Holstein told Blowing Rock News, "This is a great opportunity for special talents and even artistic hobbies of our church members to be transformed into community aid. By doing it this way, the beneficiaries are not just receiving money, but community love expressed in so many different and meaningful ways."

Comments: