Catawba Furniture Mall Presents 5th Annual Hickory's Heritage Festival

Hickory's Heritage Furnishings Festival is an indoor festival celebrating the home furnishings industry and features area and regional artists and potters, interior design consultations, furniture crafting demonstrations, a wine tasting, community businesses and organizations, entertainment, food, contests, and childrens games and activities. It is held annually at Catawba Furniture Mall, 377 Highway 70, Hickory, Saturday, August 9, from 10 am - 7 pm and Sunday, August 10, from 1 - 5 pm.

(PRWEB) August 9, 2003 -- Once again Hickory's Heritage Furnishings Festival is slated to be the premier North Carolina furnishings event of the year. Not only will it be the biggest salute to the furniture industry, but also the festival will include a fast array of exhibits, games, contests, and entertainment. Starting in High Point in 1997, the N.C Furnishings Festival was taken On the Road" and found its place in Hickory, NC.

Since 1999, Catawba Furniture Mall has continued the tradition of celebrating the furniture heritage that has helped keep N.C. strong for decades, and has put Hickory on the map throughout the nation and even the world. The festivities will begin on August 8th with an Exhibitor Reception from 5pm-6pm and an official Opening Ceremonies from 6pm-7pm.

The evening event, which will provide entertainment, hors doeuvres, and wine, is open and free to the public. Highlights of the evening ceremonies include W. Steve Ikerd, owner of Catawba Furniture Mall, to recognize several distinguished guests who have dedicated their lives to the furnishings industry. Among the honorees are: Bill Karslake, retired from Southwood Reproductions and formerly with Hickory Chair Co, Johnny Jones of J. Royale Furniture Inc, and Brent Kincaid, former president of Broyhill Furniture Industries.

Bryan Derreberry, president of the Catawba Chamber of Commerce, will provide opening remarks, The Honorable Mayor, Rudy Wright will read Hickorys official proclamation naming August as Furnishings Month", and Catawba Valley Bank will be recognized as the Festivals Host Sponsor. Author of the new release Shopping the North Carolina Furniture Outlets, Ellen Shapiro, will speak about her experiences in writing the book and will be on hand Saturday and Sunday for a book-signing. The 2002 Pinnacle Awards will be unveiled. Sponsored by the American Society of Furniture Designers, it is a traveling photo exhibit that is making several stops to the furniture industry hot spots.

The exhibits recent inaugural debut took place at Wood Armfield Home Furnishings in High Point, NC. Hickorys Heritage Furnishings Festival is honored to be chosen for one of the exhibits first tour destinations. On schedule to appear August 9 and 10 are: Fine Art Consultant, Jan G. Milner, who will be available for appraisals, Merilyn Parker who will demonstrate faux painting, local potter, Tammy Leigh, and Carl Moser, regional photographer.

WKKT Radio, 96.9 KAT Country will broadcast live from the festival featuring morning radio personality Paul Schadt and partner Sarah Waters. In addition there will be furniture exhibits, manufacturer demonstrations, free interior design consultations, furniture crafting demonstrations, and the best in furniture prices and selection.