BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Thousands of people gathered in downtown Black Mountain last weekend, Aug. 8-9, for the annual Sourwood Festival, celebrating the town’s arts, food and Appalachian traditions.

The festival, held the second weekend of August each year, featured local artisans, crafters and vendors, along with live music, food and plenty of sourwood honey.

Organizers said they received 224 vendor applications for this year’s festival. Of those, 105 were accepted, including 33 vendors from Buncombe County.

Buncombe County vendors made up about 31 percent of the accepted vendors.

The weekend also included Battle of the Blue Ridge and other downtown festivities, giving visitors and residents a chance to shop, eat and enjoy live entertainment while celebrating the Black Mountain community.