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hew it comes to festivals, you just can't beat Wilson’s Whirligig. It’s the annual celebra tion of an authentic piece of our culture — the whim sical, beautiful folk art of Wallis Simpson, a local treasure who is known around the world. _ Today and Sunday in ‘downtown Wilson will be days of music, food and art with things for the entire family to enjoy. This is the Sixth year of the festival, and each year it has grown ‘in size, interest and, well, just plain fun. Yet while the bands, the ‘art and the activities are ‘what draw many people, this year in particular is a Bes time to point out and ocus on the reason for this festival. » For years Simpson rebuilt Whirligigs, the «whimsical windmills of ‘recycled parts, on his sLucama farm. The larger “ones have drawn visi tors from faraway places, ‘and many more compact “ones have been exhibited ‘around the world. They ‘Capture the imagination ‘with their combination of ‘humble parts and creative ‘Spirit. Simpson’s art and this work is recognized cel erated worldwide. = Having a renowned folk ‘artist as a part of your community is a unique attraction. His work has come to be emblematic of Wilson, a part of who we are that’s widely recog nized. It’s well worth a fes tival — and a community celebration. This year residents can use the festival as a way to learn about sheeconaees. Whirligig Park own, an exciting project that will permanently preserve many of Simpson's signa ture works on a two-acre lot downtown. The family has agreed to sell Simpson’s larger whirligigs — his personal collection — to Wilson Downtown Properties. The plan is to permanently lo cate them in a park across from Hi-Dollar Warehouse, which will be known as the Wallis Simpson Whirligig Park. The project is spear headed by non-profits Wil son Downtown Properties, the Wilson Downtown De velopment Corp., Wilson Arts Center and the N.C. Arts Council. The park has the poten tial to become a regional and national draw for cul tural tourists. And, it will be a resource of everyday value and enjoyment for residents. In Wilson, the whirli gig’s the thing. This week end in particular is a time to celebrate it and have some fun while sampling good food, good music and arts and crafts. Check it out. a AREA # AGREENEN rela I
Newspaper Details
Wilson Times
Wilson, North Carolina, US
Sat, Nov 06, 2010
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Tracey B.
NC, USA 21 Jun 2026
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