Top 7" thick, 24" wide. Bases 23" square, 26" tall. List of tools needed, Chainsaw and Band mill. List of materials.....Big Tree.

This was my first time going to Fire on the Mountain and I must say I was very impressed. There was everything there that makes a great festival. Smiths were teaching kids the basics in one area and grown ups in another. Great demonstrations were going on all day by knowledgable people with great skills and friendly smiles. It was a pleasant place to be because of all the good hearted fun.

The tailgating was as good as I have seen anywhere. Anvils, forges, vises, and tongs were plentiful as well as swage blocks, hammers, punches, videos etc.... An upstart smith could have walked away with a complete blacksmith shop for under $1000.00, well... backed their truck up and carried off is more like it.

Our new president, Lyle Wheeler, was doing his duty and maning the NCABANA booth. All memberes were welcome to bring their wares and sell under Lyles tent.

Just a block away was the Toe River Arts Council and it's anual Blacksmith exibit and it was awsome! Several great works by great artists were showcased. See them all in the gallery on www.theblacksmithsanvil.com

Upstairs in one of the old renovated buildings was the Foxfire Cafe. It just so happened we stumbled on it when they were having live bluegrass music. All of downtown Spruce Pine is lined with neat shops to visit so if your wife and daughter weren't into the bluegrass and coal smoke, like mine weren't, there was still plenty to keep them occupied. All in all, a great festival in a great scenic place, well worth the pilgrimage. I'm looking forward to next year, I may even bring my stuff and participate.