Family Tradition Turns into International Event

What started out as a fun family tradition has become the largest event of its kind in the world. Organizers expect over 11,000 visitors for the 9th Annual International Gourd Art Festival, happening June 25th and 26th at the 100-acre Welburn Gourd Farm in Southern California.

(PRWEB) March 17, 2005 -- What started out as a fun family tradition has become the largest event of its kind in the world. Organizers expect over 11,000 people for the 9th Annual International Gourd Art Festival, happening June 25th and 26th at the 100-acre Welburn Gourd Farm in Southern California.

Gourds, which were once considered only for making birdhouses and craft items, have now emerged as a popular canvas for fine artwork, some selling for upwards of $25,000, and the International Gourd Art Festival is the place where the most incredible gourd art from around the world is showcased.

We never imagined our annual 4th of July party would turn into this," said Laura Cunningham, Festival Director and daughter of Welburn Gourd Farm President, Doug Welburn. Less than 600 people attended the first festival nine years ago, and it has grown almost entirely by word of mouth since then."

As festival attendee, Betsy Roberts of San Diego put it, I found the love of my life - GOURDS - at this festival and can't leave them alone now!

In addition to over 50 gourd art exhibitors, including international artists from Peru, China, and Canada, festival guests will enjoy live musical performances, a gourd art competition with over 300 gourd art pieces, fare from local restaurants, and a selection of over 100,000 dried gourds ready to take home and craft.

Hard-shelled gourds are different from the colorful ornamental gourds often displayed at Thanksgiving time, in that they will last indefinitely when kept away from moisture and direct sun. Their durable, wood-like shell makes an extremely versatile canvas, ideal for painting, carving, sanding, dying, wood burning, and even to weave and sculpt on.

The Welburn Gourd Farm, recognized as the worlds largest supplier of organic hard-shelled gourds, is located about mid-way between the cities of Los Angeles and San Diego in the picturesque valley community of De Luz in northern San Diego County. The farm is open to the public year round and hosts the International Gourd Art Festival every June.

New this year is the Gourd Crafting Arena where adults and kids have the opportunity to try their own hand at gourd crafting. In addition, enrollments are going on now for 21 full-day instructional gourd art classes taking place June 23rd and 24th, the Thursday and Friday before the event. Festival tickets are just $7.50 and children under 12 are admitted free. Free parking is available. Call (760) 728-4271 or visit www.gourdfestival.com for more information.

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