Apple Atcha Fest

Schedule of Events

7pm - Cast Iron Curious

Cooking in cast iron has grown in popularity in recent years, as more people appreciate its superior benefits. Katie Hoffman and Brett Tiller, founders of Vintage Kitchen Cast Iron, enjoy sharing the reasons why they prefer cooking in vintage pans as opposed to newer ones. There are a lot of practical benefits: a well-seasoned pan won't stick, the thermal density of cast iron keeps food hot longer, and there's no need to worry about toxic non-stick coatings, to give a few examples. But there's more to it for Brett and Katie, including the fascinating history of cast iron cooking vessels in the US and Appalachia in particular--and the fact that so many of these individual cast iron pieces have their own stories to tell, and a beautiful patina that started in great-grandma's kitchen!

During an evening presentation at the Millwald Theater in Wytheville, VA, Katie and Brett will talk a little bit about this history. They'll also offer advice on choosing the right cast iron for your cooking style. Of course, they'll cover the most popular topic of all--the basics of cast iron care and maintenance. A lively Q&A session will follow.

After the presentation, Brett and Katie invite you to join them for an in-person Cast Iron Clinic. During the clinic, you'll have one-on-one time to discuss what interested you most about cast iron--including your own heirlooms! Bring your own treasured cast iron, along with your questions about its history and condition. Brett and Katie will try to tell you something about the age and maker of your pan if they can. They'll give you advice about restoring it. If you want to try it yourself, they'll point you in the right direction. If you want them to do it, they can give you an estimate and you can send it away with them to their "pan spa." As you wait your turn to speak with them you can peruse pieces from their own collection that are a little "museum" that they sometimes display for those interested in cast iron history. There will also be some restored cast iron for sale.

This will be a fun and informative night. Bring your curiosity and your cast iron!

8pm - LaPrelle

Appalachian Art Panel with Bluz Rogers, Kristina Gorcheva-Newberry, and Elizabeth

9pm: Appalachian Road Show

All great music serves a purpose, but for the members of Appalachian Road Show, their collective goal transcends mere entertainment. The award-winning acoustic outfit is on a mission to illuminate the history, challenges, and rewards of life in that storied region and celebrate the spirit of the Appalachian people who call it home. They did so on their sophomore album Tribulation and are back again on the aptly titled Jubilation, a colorful song-filled journey chronicling not just the past but the present.

The album begins with a voice synonymous with Appalachia as the legendary Dolly Parton introduces the project, gently reminding listeners: With faith and resilience, Appalachians have endured cold, dark winters, punishing work and hunger, floods and fires. But pride in this place and our people endures, even into the modern age. Every loss is mourned, and the sunrise of every new day inhaled as a blessing from God. For we know that for every dark valley on our journey, we will arrive on another peak. Every tribulation is answered, in time, with Jubilation.