Special to the Enquirer

Baskets, vases, animals, ornaments and other unique items handmade out of gourds will be on display the third weekend in October during the annual Alabama Gourd Show.

The annual event, held at the Sparkman Civic Center, celebrates the beauty and versatility of gourds and features masterfully created works of art from hundreds of artisans, crafters and growers.

For more than 20 years, the annual event has been held in Cullman. This is the first year the event will be held in Hartselle.

Hosted by the Alabama Gourd Society, the Alabama Gourd Show offers the public an opportunity to mingle with gourd artisans and admire a variety of unique arts and crafts handmade from gourds. Gourd artists will be demonstrating their techniques, and children can decorate their own gourd to take home as a souvenir for free.

The two-day event also offers demonstrations and make-and-take classes. For those who want to get more hands-on, classes taught by an experienced gourd artist will be offered for a fee.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Oct. 15-16 at the Civic Center, located at 406 Nance Ford Road.

For more information or to pre-register for the classes, call 256-709-4585 or visit www.alabamagourdsociety.org.