Inaugural Dinglerfest brings folk art and music to Dillard

Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Charlie Dingler, organizer of Dinglerfest along with Kip Ramey, showcases his artwork at the inaugural festival Saturday, May 6. Dingler showcased his “Whirligig” creations and his folk art creations. His medium is typically mixed-media and three dimensional. The event featured many exhibitors showcasing their beautiful handmade creations including folk art, pottery, paintings and much more.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. This dinosaur made its way to Charlie Dingler and other exhibitors at Dinglerfest to check out the folk art at the inaugural festival.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Several people enjoy the folk art of Charlie Dingler at the inaugural Dinglerfest Saturday, May 6.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Crowds of people made their way to Dillard Saturday, May 6, for the inaugural Dinglerfest that featured folk art, blacksmithing demo, music and many other exhibitors who created beautiful and unique works of art.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. A colorful sign showed people the way to the Dinglerfest weekend event.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Selena Birkbeck and Matt Jones smile with impression as they speak with Les Barnett about his unique Panjo creations at the inaugural Dinglerfest Saturday, May 6. Also pictured is Patti Barnett.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Jack Blades with WoodFlagArtStudio paints and displays his artwork at the inaugural Dinglerfest Saturday, May 6. His artwork features animals and plants and he also creates rustic vintage wood American flags.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Elizabeth Collins Hanes with Chicken Tracks Art Ranch cultivates creativity and displays her creations at Dinglerfest Saturday, May 6.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Artist Chris Allison with Chicken Fried Folk Art colorfully displays his folk art at the inaugural Dinglerfest Saturday, May 6.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Visitors and exhibitors at Dinglerfest in Dillard Saturday, May 6 enjoyed music by the group “Playing it Forward Trio.” The group plays 100 percent for charity, with all fees and tips benefiting Rabun County charities. Members are Karen Bacon, David Bacon and Greg Presmanes.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Visitors and exhibitors at Dinglerfest in Dillard Saturday, May 6 enjoyed music by the group “Playing it Forward Trio.” The group plays 100 percent for charity, with all fees and tips benefiting Rabun County charities. Members are Karen Bacon, David Bacon and Greg Presmanes.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Mavis Stevens with Last Chance Trailer Park is excited to share her creations with the community at Dinglerfest Saturday, May 6. Also pictured is Mary Gayle Wright.
Megan Broome/The Clayton Tribune. Clayton resident Conner Horn enjoys conversation with blacksmith Eli Bundrick as he completes a demonstration of his craft at Dinglerfest in Dillard Saturday, May 6.

DILLARD– Dillard was the place to be for all things involving folk art Saturday, May 6, as crowds of visitors showed out to the inaugural Dinglerfest.

The event featured many exhibitors showcasing their beautiful handmade creations including folk art, pottery, paintings and much more. There was also a blacksmithing demo and music by the band “Playing it Forward Trio.” The group plays 100 percent for charity, with all fees and tips benefiting Rabun County charities. Group members are Karen Bacon, David Bacon and Greg Presmanes.

“I’m thankful and overwhelmed at the response,” artist Charlie Dingler, whose likeness the festival is named after, said about the successful turnout. “It’s been incredible.”

Dingler said Kip Ramey co-organized the event and commended the great job he did.

All proceeds from Dinglerfest went to Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund.

“I’m a cancer survivor so all this is really important to me,” said Dingler, who plans for Dinglerfest to be an annual event.

Dingler posted on social media following the event thanking everyone who helped make it a big success. He thanked Andy, Cindy, Mellissa, Taylor Joe and Silas with R.M. Rose Distillery; The Dillard House; The city of Dillard; Monica Spears for singing to open up the show; Play It Forward Trio; Kip Ramey; Sharon Bishop; Donna Baker; his family for all their support with the show; as well as the show volunteers.

"We would not have had a show if it wasn't for the artists that came up and did an amazing job setting up your beautiful booths. We are doing this again next year, so be ready everyone," Dingler said.