Gourd show returns Friday, Saturday

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, October 16, 2019

One of the area’s favorite hard-shelled fruits will be on full display this weekend at the Cullman Civic Center.

Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or are simply interested in the artistic creations that are made using gourds, there will be plenty to offer at the 21st annual Alabama Gourd Show, which takes place this Friday and Saturday.

The gourd show, hosted each year by the Alabama Gourd Society, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission to the event is free for everyone.

Free demonstrations on both days will allow visitors to learn how the artist achieve their special techniques, and several classes will let an aspiring artist learn first-hand from an experienced gourd artist. There will also be plenty of raw gourds, supplies, and tools for purchases. 

The ribbon competition exhibit room will feature all of the gourds that have been entered in this year’s competitions, and the free kid’s patch booth will let children decorate their very own little gourd and take it home with them.

Gourds’ ubiquity and versatility has driven interest among regional artists and craftsmen, leading to the establishing of festivals and shows like Cullman’s. The local show got its start in 1999, when gourd growers and enthusiasts met here to map out a plan for launching an Alabama Gourd Society.

To learn more about the Gourd Show, visit alabamagourdsociety.org.