From Staff Reports 

WAYNESVILLE — The Heritage Life Skill IV weekend drew a number of preppers (aka “survivalists”) May 29-31 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds.

A food truck was on site for meals and snacks. In addition, Blue Ridge BBQ set up on site for those who were camping.

The event was later declared a success by its sponsor, Carolina Readiness Supply, located in Waynesville.

The May 29 evening speakers were Al Smith, who addressed “Security in Uncertain Times;” and Mr. MadMick, who spoke on “Group Dynamics.”

The May 30 evening speakers were Craig Shiba, who spoke on “Understanding Your Weapons Capability;” followed by the cast from the History Channel’s new television series, “Alone.”

Among the classes taught were canning meat, vegetables, butter, and jam, bread-making, cheese-making, secret garden of survival, quilting, basic sewing, beekeeping, essential oils, teas and tinctures, shitake mushrooms, fire-starting, weed walk (edible plants)., emergency auto repair, Dutch oven cooking, livestock for beginners, land navigation, radio communications, archery, trapping, shelters, blacksmith, knife-making, building a forge, perimeter security, surveillance detection, suturing, CPR certification, reloading, seed-saving, prepper pharmacy, water/wells/handpumps, dehydrating and tree grafting.