Annual Beersheba Springs festival draws large crowd

Portugal native Nazare Hoffpauir shows one of her beautiful works in progress. Her unique style of tatting was taught to her by her grandmother.

Some 175 exhibitors from several state were on hand to sell their handcrafted items at the event got under way in the late summer heat.

‘It is really hot, but we still had a good crowd on both days,’ said publicity chairman Fran Holt. ‘We had some very nice crafts this year, lots of visitors from out of state, Florida, Missouri, Georgia and Alabama, and I’m sure others.’

Among the exhibitors performing demonstrations on their specific crafts were jewelry maker Anne and Andy Bond. The couple exhibited for the first time and traveled from Newnan, Ga. They make a unique necklace using horse shoe nails woven together with colorful wire to make a cross, symbolic of the crucifix.

Portugal native and Ringgold, Ga. resident Nazare Hoffpauir showed her lovely tatted table runners, tablecloths and purses. Hoffpauir learned the art from her grandmother as a very small child, and is continuing the tradition.

The works of art are started on a frame, making a base of thread squares. She then uses a very large needle she constructed herself to weave brightly-colored threads into the base to make intricate designs, making each piece one of a kind.

‘I love my job,’ said Hoffpauir. ‘When I moved here, I could not speak English very well and I started making and selling my tatted pieces.’ This visit to Beersheba Springs is a first for Hoffpauir, and won’t be her last, since it was not only a success, but proved to be an enjoyable visit.

The hotel dining room served hot meals each day while food booths at the site provided sandwiches and soft drinks for the hungry masses. Hand-dipped ice cream was also available as a refreshing treat.

Proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Beersheba Springs Library, Beersheba Springs Rescue Squad, Beersheba Springs Community Center, Grundy County Center for Exceptional Citizens, North Elementary School and some used for food baskets.

The town of Beersheba Springs is located on U.S. Highway 56, approximately 18 miles from McMinnville.