Three-day Festival of Glass to return to Milton after two-year hiatus

MILTON, W.Va. (WCHS)—A popular summer event is set to return to Milton this year.

Blenko Glass Company said it is bringing back its Festival of Glass after a two-year hiatus. The festival is scheduled for Aug. 4-6.

The long weekend event offers glassworking classes and live demonstrations of technique from local and regional artists, auctions for specialty and one-of-a-kind pieces, a vintage glass sale, food trucks, local vendors and artists and live music, the company said.

On Friday, visitors can work alongside skilled craftsmen to blow their own water bottles in large or miniature versions, make windchimes and nightlights or garden mosaic stepping stones, the company said.

Many of the public events are concentrated on the main festival day, Saturday, when Blenko’s factory campus will be open to the public for a day full of classes, demonstrations, food, drink and music, the company said.

Blenko Glass Company President John W. Blenko will also be on hand at the visitor center on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 5-6, to sign the special Festival of Glass pieces and other purchases.

The Festival of Glass was established as a way to celebrate the lost history and heritage of American glass manufacturing and design, and in particular, the once-booming art glass industry in West Virginia.

The festival will run from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. on Sunday.