It's Time for the 33rd Annual Riverfest

By Julie Senger

On September 23-24, Cherokee County residents will be gearing up to attend the annual Riverfest arts and crafts festival! For the past 33 years, the Service League of Cherokee County has presented this juried show, which features original, creative works and products from artisans who come from all over the region. There will also be concessionaires, a myriad of local entertainers as well as a childrens area with various rides and fun activities!

Riverfest is the Service Leagues largest annual fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting the needs of less fortunate children in Cherokee County. Admission to Riverfest is a suggested $5 donation for adults and children ages eleven and older. The event will take place rain or shine.

Each year, Riverfest awards artisans in three different categories: Fine Arts, Crafts, and
Gourmet Products. Check out last years winners!

Fine Arts First Place Winner - Schulz Pottery

Greg Schulz grew up surrounded by art in central Florida. His artist mother encouraged his desire to explore various art mediums from an early age. He later graduated from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and pursued a career as a creative director in advertising.

Leaving the corporate life behind in 2013, Greg decided to delve into life as a potter. Mesmerized by the essential elements earth, water, wind and fire he fell in love with throwing and hand molding clay and has never turned back. In his studio on the Etowah River, he gets up early to begin creating original, functional pieces of art for your home. A Cherokee County resident since 1990, Greg lives with his wife, Susan, a border collie and six chickens. Their three children are now grown and have flown the coop.

For more information about Schulz Pottery, visit Schulz-Pottery.myshopify.com/.

Crafts First Place Winner - Rustic Roots

Angela Kook, owner of Rustic Roots, said, We specialize in handmade, upcycled, home and garden decor. We take everyday items that have been used and abused and give them a new life.

Angela started Rustic Roots three years ago after her son was born. She began refinishing furniture and making decorative items for her own home/garden. Her friends and family kept telling her that she needed to start her own business, so she decided to give it a try. Angela employed the help of her parents to assist with the woodworking and construction of many items, and she learned how to make most of her products through trial and error.

Gourmet Products First Place Winner - Appalachian Heritage Guild/Country Rhoades Arts & Crafts

The Appalachian Heritage Guild is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and Christina Rhoades of Country Rhoades Arts & Crafts was manning their booth at last years Riverfest. What modestly began as a hobby for Christina has grown into her way of life. She expanded from just a couple of arts and crafts festivals into participating in about 15-20 different events across north Georgia as well as several local farmers markets.

Christina makes preserves, soaps, hand woven scarves, pottery, candles, metal works and photography. She has also developed a relationship with some fellow local food product producers, and she offers their items for sale along with her own. These items include raw honey from Cantons Ross Berry Farms; specialty oils, vinegars and spices from Home Appetit in Cumming; and jams, jellies and pickles from Maxwell Farms in Dallas, GA.

For more information about the items Christina offers, visit CountryRhoadesArt.com/.

So, come on out to the 33rd Annual Riverfest to see the hundreds of talented artisans, and find out who wins this year! Riverfest will be held in its new home at Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton. It is open from 10:00am-6:00pm on Saturday and from 10:00am-5:00pm on Sunday. For more information, please visit ServiceLeague.net.