Indian Summer Festival
By JARED PUTNAM

Cesar Reyes plays a flute at the Forest Flute Creations booth.

The 2006 Indian Summer Festival entertained large crowds over the weekend, as Woody Gap School in Suches hosted the 29th annual event.

The festival began in 1977 as citizens of Suches rallied to form another means of raising money for the school.

Each year the event has grown, helping provide the students at Woody Gap with sports items, trophies, computers, and more.

Vendors at the festival offer a variety of choices including pottery, jewelry, mountain honey, and folk art.

In addition to the various craft booths, the event boasts attractions such as the "Run Above the Clouds" race, mountain rangers hand-to-hand combat demonstrations, an Indian play performed by Woody Gap elementary students, an auction, live music, clogging, and plenty of tasty treats for festivalgoers to snack on.

A rock wall, square dance, and an "old time" turkey shoot provided fun for those looking for something more hands-on.

Visitors browse through clothing at a festival booth.