Hickory – The Historical Association of Catawba County has announced that the 22nd Annual Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival (CVP&AF) will take place Saturday, March 23, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. This acclaimed event brings together potters and vendors from across the southeast to exhibit and sell their unique artistry and craftsmanship.

Saturday’s festival also includes live demonstrations and a special lecture and exhibit: “Pots Around the World” presented by Dr. John Butrison, author of Global Clay; Themes of the World Ceramic Traditions. The exhibit will span some 4000 years of ceramic history, from a Neolithic Chinese jar to a German Bellarrnine to a Brazilian sculpture of Sr. Francis, His lecture and slide presentation will reflect the extraordinary diversity of world pottery. The lecture is at 11:00 am. and is included in the Saturday ticket price.

The CVP&AF Steering Committee is excited to announce a “face lift” to the always well-attended Friday Night Preview Party on March 22nd from 7 to 10 p.m, at the Hickory Metro Convention Center. The event will feature an updated Southern Fare menu, cash bar, and live music. The Preview Party is the primary fundraiser for the Festival and provides guests with the opportunity to purchase festival items early, time to interact with vendors, and a fun night of great food and entertainment. Again, all Preview Party ticket buyers will be entered in a drawing for a $200 gift certificate to be used on Saturday at the festival.

To be eligible, tickets must be purchased by the March 15 deadline. The raffle winner will be an during Friday’s event.

Tickets for the Friday Night Preview Party are $45 and include admission into Saturday’s festival. These can he purchased online or through direct mail (CVPAF/Party, PO Box 2583, Hickory, NC, 28603).

Tickets for Saturday’s festival are $6 for adults, $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and can be purchased at the door. For more information about the CVP&AF, please visit http://www.carawhavalleypottervfestival.org.