The Western North Carolina Pottery Festival has become a popular event in downtown Dillsboro. The event is Saturday, Nov. 3.

Attendance at this juried event exceeded projections the first two years, and organizer Joe Frank McKee predicts as many as 10,000 folks will attend in 2007.

“When we started in 2005, we didn’t expect the number of people who appreciated pottery that came in and stuck around all day. We were slammed with pottery connoisseurs,” McKee said. “I think this year will be even better. The quality of the work will be excellent and we have 14 new potters. We do not want to get stagnant.”

A total of 36 potters from seven states will demonstrate and display their work in downtown Dillsboro from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. That lineup includes Kristi Sloniger of Illinois, who specializes in functional red pottery; and Mike and Karen Baum of Lebanon, Ohio. The Baums’ specialty is traditional European pottery.

Leon Nichols of Charlotte is the featured potter. Nichols is known for creating large pots and will demonstrate his techniques.

Among the top Western North Carolina exhibitors are: Brant Barnes of Riverwood Pottery in Dillsboro; Mark Karner of Fiery Gizzard Pottery in Balsam; Terry Painter of Different Drummer Pottery in Maggie Valley; and Travis Burning and Joe Frank McKee of Tree House Pottery in Dillsboro.

Also exhibiting will be Peter and Judy Brater Rose of Knoxville, Tenn. The Roses are members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and specialize in wood-fired pottery.

Once again, Tree House Pottery will have its coffin wood kiln. It will be fired all day Friday and unloaded Saturday at 1 p.m.

Admission is $2 per person and includes a ticket for a day-long raffle. Children under 12 are admitted free. A parking shuttle and bag-check services are available at all three gates.

For festival info, call Joe Frank McKee at (828) 631-5100, or visit mountainlovers. com. For lodging info, call the Jackson County Visitors Center at (800) 962-1911.