Cool Stuff
Have you ever seen a blacksmith or wood carver hard at work creating beautiful handiwork? Visit the 18th Annual Magnolia Festival on April 27, 2019 in Gardendale, Ala., to see craftsmen demonstrating their craft live and so much more! Plus, Magic Moments is once again partnering with the festival to host a 5K color race and 1-mile fun run with proceeds going to grant the wish of one child with chronic, life-threatening illness from North Jefferson County.
Forging Fire Champ. Mike Deibert, a blacksmith from Trussville, Ala., has been forging fire for about 16 years. His passion for blacksmithing has only grown since he took an introduction course in school. Deibert previously lived in Nicaragua where he and his family served on the mission field. During the day, Deibert is an elementary school teacher in Fultondale, Ala. See his collection of knives, including chopper, bowies, hunters and kitchen knives, during the Magnolia Festival. Deibert appeared on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire in September of 2018 where he was named champion!
Blacksmithing & Woodworking. L&P Artisans, from Ashville, Ala., will also demonstrate their craft at the Festival. In addition to blacksmithing, the two childhood friends create unique woodwork. Logan Lowery and Ellas Poston share a passion for creativity and the value of working with their hands. Lowery mainly focuses on woodworking while Poston focuses on blacksmithing. Their custom crafts include handmade knives, wedding rings, necklaces and furniture.
Weekend of Fun. The Magnolia Festival begins on Friday, April 26, from 5-10 p.m. Enjoy a variety of food and entertainment as the sun sets. Come back on Saturday, April 27 to see live demonstrations by craftsmen, shop for handmade crafts as well as enjoy a car show, pooch parade, live music, contests, food vendors and more. Admission is free. Learn more about this Alabama 200 Officially Endorsed Event by visiting www.magnoliafestival.org.
-Melissa Armstrong
