Ridgeway ‘Opens Doors’ for Festival

RIDGEWAY – The Town of Ridgeway will host its eighth annual Arts on the Ridge festival Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 with the theme “Opening Doors to Arts & Antiques.”

“It’s lining up to be a really great show,” said Darlene Embleton, secretary of the Fairfield Council on the Arts.

Starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, there will be wine and live music at participating merchants. At the Century House, the evening will begin with the Meet the Artists Gala, a performance of piano music by Lee Dixon and the presentation of this year’s Friend of the Arts award, as well as the People’s Choice award.

While art will be displayed throughout the Century House, a special section of student art from the Richland 2 and Fairfield County school districts will be on display.

“Their work is always really extraordinary,” said Phyllis Gutierrez, chairwoman of the event, “and really shows us what incredible talent and instruction we have in our schools’ art departments.”

On Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the town-wide arts festival will include free musical performances and demonstrations of painting throughout the day. Artwork will be displayed on the lawn outside the Century House, and Antiques will be displayed in the Cotton Yard. Vendors will include trunk restoration, antique hats and attire, antique needle art, antique book appraisals and a display of antique cars.

All day on Saturday, a Meet the Authors forum will be held at the Ridgeway Library (across from the “World’s Smallest Police Station”) featuring writers Sandy Vassallo, Jean Ann Geist, Nikki Richardson, Tom Poland, McKendree Long, John Huffman, Ken Burger, Bebe Butler and Virginia Schafer. Winnsboro storyteller Frankie O’Neal will spin a few tales at 2 p.m.

Food will be available in the downtown area at The Old Town Hall Restaurant, The Country Store, Laura’s Tea Room and from vendors in the Cotton Yard.

“This festival brings all aspects of the Fairfield and Blythewood communities together – artists, schools and families,” said Arts Council president Virginia Lacy. “We’re looking forward to a great weekend.”

Contact us: (803) 767-5711 | P.O. Box 675, Blythewood, SC 29016 | [email protected]