Apple-themed ornaments on sale

The 2010, limited-edition ornament featuring a classic Blue Ridge Pottery China pattern is now available.
This year’s ornament, the seventh in the Erwin Kiwanis Club’s collectible “Heritage Series,” features the “Home Place” pattern. According to Don Dutton, project manager for the Kiwanis Club, the ornaments appeal to both locals and collectors from all over the country.
“The ornaments celebrate the heritage of Unicoi County by incorporating Southern Potteries,” he said. “People from all over collect Blue Ridge Pottery China. There’s hardly anybody in Unicoi County who hasn’t had a relationship with Southern Potteries, even though it’s been closed for many years.”
Previous ornament designs have included the “Weathervane” pattern (2009), the “French Peasant” pattern (2007) and the “Christmas Tree” pattern (2006). The Kiwanis Club’s fundraiser originally featured ornaments celebrating various landmarks in the county, including the old Unicoi County High School and the Unicoi County Courthouse. However, in 2004, club members decided to switch to the “Heritage” theme.
Like last year’s ornament, the “Home Place” ornament features an apple theme that coincides perfectly with the 33rd Annual Unicoi County Apple Festival.
The center of the ornament is a direct rendering taken by a digital photo of the china pattern, and each pattern features identical gold framing. All proceeds from the ornaments will benefit the projects of the Kiwanis Club, including The Shoe Fund and The Shopping Tour for local children, and even donations to other organizations.
“All proceeds go to the Kiwanis,” Dutton said. “Every penny that we make goes to our projects.”
Dutton urged collectors to buy ornaments soon, as supplies are limited. While the ornaments will be sold at the Apple Festival, Dutton also has a standing order list.
“Collectors come to the Apple Festival each year anticipating this year’s ornament,” he said, “but sometimes they are disappointed. We only have a limited number of ornaments, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.”
The ornaments are available at The Erwin Record, the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, Keesecker’s Furniture and Clinchfield Federal Credit Union. Ornaments are $12 each. For more information, call Dutton at 743-4510.