Forge Day and Heritage Festival
February 7, 2026
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
About this event
Attendees will see exhibits and demonstrations of traditional skills and artifacts, including basketmaking, spinning, weaving, quilting, music, dance and storytelling.
Members of the Gulf Coast Blacksmith Association and the Gulf States Knife Makers Association will demonstrate their skills and sell their work. Bladesmith Seth J. Borries, Season 6 Forged in Fire Champion, will demonstrate his skills. Bladesmith David Bond will be there with his amazing knives for sale, and the event will feature blacksmiths Chuck Averett, Jared Kattengell, Larry House, Ed Lott, Bob Mercer and others.聽 This year also features Sam Albritton, a coppersmith.
Would you like to try your hand at the Forge with supervision by an expert? Please wear closed-toed shoes and long sleeves. We have safety glasses to lend you or bring your own. A release waiver will need to be signed. Older children are welcome to forge with the consent and supervision of their parents and one of our blacksmiths.
Cattleman Bob Rouse will show off one of his Piney Woods Cows. Erin Haynes will be displaying her Babydoll sheep, a gentle, heritage breed known for their soft, fine wool.聽 And鈥he star of the show will once again return: Leftie, a miniature donkey with a huge personality! This year, Leftie is bringing his best friend, Poncho! They are inseparable.