Even a hot summer day didn’t stop a crowd from turning out for the City of Montevallo’s 2nd Tinglewood Festival.
Aside from the beautiful setting next to Shoal Creek, Orr Park is unique for carvings done by Tim Tingle, who the festival was named for.
After a storm damaged some trees in the park, Tingle was told to go to city hall to gain permission to carve them. Instead, Tingle carved faces and figures into the cedar trees along the creek, which was affectionately named ‘Tinglewood.’”
While he took a risk, it has paid off for both Tingle and Montevallo. It has also led to additional carvings created.
With over 40 carvings on the Tinglewood path, it provides a perfect venue for celebrating wood carving and woodworking crafts. The event was organized by the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce and Montevallo Main Street along with Montevallo Arts Council. The event was held on Saturday, Sept. 7.
The carvings were not the only thing that attracted attendees. Tinglewood Festival also had an abundance of art vendors selling their own wood-based goods. Wesley Urquhart of Cedar Creek Millworks displayed handcrafted outdoor furniture, for example. Other goods varied from bowls and vases to music boxes and decorative ornaments.
Some vendors were new to the festival this year, such as an artist from Borderland Creations who goes by the name Skriv. She was scouted to participate in the festival this year but has been doing woodwork for over two years.
“Woodwork is a different kind of craft. I grew up building houses with my dad. I just found a different outlet,” said the Birmingham based artist in reference to her more decorative products.
Throughout the day, there was also a live chainsaw demonstration featuring artists from all over the east. The carvings were auctioned off that afternoon to various festival goers.
While some attendees were drawn to Tinglewood festival for the auction, the festival also had a children’s area, complete with games and crafts and balloons. Such events at the festival even included a whittling contest with Tingle and wooden boat race.
“It’s so nice to see children run around and use their imagination,” said Frederick Maybee, a vendor who sold wood trains and other toys.
In addition to the activities in the children’s section, Tinglewood also hosted Montevallo’s Cars by the Creek, which displayed vintage vehicles of years past.
After the artists packed up their booths and the crowd from the day dwindled, some people stayed and gathered around the stage, sitting on blankets and chairs or standing in front of the guest music artists.
First up was the brother pairing Phil and Walon accompanied by vocalist Sarah Looney. The trio performed covers consisting of classical vocal harmonies. Next came the Vegabonds with songs and guitar riffs. Finally, the audience was served a dose of variety, from traditional country to soulful ballads, and the Zac Brown tribute band known as 20 RIDE took the stage.
“Tinglewood brings a kind of identity to Montevallo because woodwork is a specific kind of craft,” said Dr. Emma Atwood, associate professor of UM’s English department. “The festival has already brought us growth in the city and I’m interested to see how the it grows.”
Ariel Hall is a writer for The Alabamian. She is a senior communication studies major and enjoys reading and photography in her free time. Previously, Zoe has acted as editor in chief, lifestyles editor and advice columnist.
