Pottery fest booms

The sixth annual Piedmont Pottery Festival drew potters and collectors from around the state Saturday. Potters sold everything from pitchers and mugs to egg separators and oil lamps, all made in their workshops. Rockingham County residents bought pieces by the boxful. Attendees traveled from as far away as Concord and Asheville to buy the hundreds of handmade pieces.

Festival organizer Mike Doughtery said he was very pleased with the success of this year's festival.

"I really think it adds value to the community. There is so much art and talent in Rockingham County," he said.

Vendor spaces were limited to about 50 spots to reduce competition during the event, but the demand for spaces was very high. The event drew 600 people its first year, but Saturday more than 2,500 were expected.