Special to the Enquirer 

Baskets, vases, animals, ornaments and other unique items handmade out of gourds will be on display this weekend 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. The event is free and open to the public.  

For more than 20 years, the annual event has been held in Cullman. This is the second 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 A Kids Patch make-and-take classes, gourds of all shapes and sizes, a ribbon competition room and more. Tools and supplies will be made available.  

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Oct. 14-15 at the civic center, located at 406 Nance Ford Rd. 

For more information or to pre-register for a class, call 256-347-9480, visit www.alabamagourdsociety.org or email gourdzilla@aol.com.