The Little Mountain Festival, an annual kiln opening celebration complete with guest artists and live mountain music, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, at 6148 Peniel Road, Tryon.

The event has been held every October at Little Mountain Pottery for 43 years. Claude and Elaine Graves founded Little Mountain Pottery in 1973 and curated the annual event until they retired four years ago.

When Tyson Graham moved to Tryon with his wife, Darby, to work in the Graves’ studio, they knew they wanted to carry on the tradition.

This year will mark the fourth year that the Grahams have hosted the event.

The small festival centers around the rustic pottery studio where Graham’s latest work will be on display. Guest artists this year include Richard Beard, with Instruments of Rutherfordton, and Hannah Seng, of Saluda, who will exhibit their work outside the studio.

Every year, musicians from across the Southeast converge at Little Mountain Festival to play impromptu old time, blues, bluegrass and Celtic jams throughout the day.

The highlights of the event is a kiln opening at 11 a.m., when Graham will unveil his latest batch of gas-fired, handmade redware.

Those interested in learning more may visit tysongrahampottery.com or call 828-817-5741.

– Submitted by Tyson Graham