By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

March Gourd Madness is returning to the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center for the second year.

This year, the unique art activity will be held on March 22-23, featuring classes for specific projects that can be done with gourds, demonstrations and vendors selling supplies.

“We will have 20 classes this year,” organizer Mack Gothard of the Chilton County Arts Council said.

Gothard said he was excited to see that the event has drawn people from outside the region to participate.

“Last year, we had a supplier from New Hampshire,” Gothard said. “They are not able to attend this year, but our supplier will be from California.”

Registration for classes can be completed at marchgourdmadness.com to reserve and ensure a spot. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In addition to vendors selling gourds and other supplies needed for gourd art, there will also be a number of gourd artists selling their finished projects.

Some vendors will be demonstrating how to use their products and techniques for gourd art.

“It’s where you can see something you want to try demonstrated and if you want to take a class, you can take a class,” Gothard said.

The Tannehill woodcarvers will also be doing a demonstration at the event.

While March Gourd Madness has been an annual event for the Chilton County Arts Council, this is only the second year for it to be a two-day event. Gothard said he looks forward to seeing the event continue to grow.