Blacksmithing may have been popularized in recent years by shows like Forged in Fire and Men at Arms, but in Florida the tradition has been thriving for decades thanks to the Florida Artist Blacksmith Association (FABA).
Founded in 1984, FABA has spent 40 years teaching the craft, preserving its history and setting up historical blacksmith shops across the state. Its mission is simple: “To teach – To preserve.” The organization will mark its 40th anniversary with a three-day celebration in Gainesville, Oct. 10-12, featuring demonstrations and hands-on classes.
Monthly meetings are also part of FABA’s educational program, held at eight locations statewide. The Fort Walton Beach chapter—known as the Far West Panhandle Blacksmiths—is headquartered at Traditions Workshop, 418 Green Acres Road. Meetings often include demonstrations, open forges where attendees can try projects themselves, and a provided lunch with donations appreciated.
First-time visitors are welcome free of charge. Annual family memberships cost $30 and include access to every FABA event statewide, discounts for the annual convention, and a digital copy of The Clinker Breaker, the group’s monthly newsletter.
Upcoming events include:
- Oct. 10–12: FABA CON 40 in Gainesville.
- Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Timber Creek Distillery, 6451 Lake Ella Road, Crestview: Annual club-level competition with a five-hour pizza cutter challenge. Wood and tools for handles will be available, and participants can expect pizza from the stone oven, drinks from the distillery, and possibly axe throwing.
- Dec.: No meeting due to holidays and festivals.
- Jan. 24 and Feb. 28, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at Traditions Workshop: Indoor winter meetings with a focus on Journeyman standards and ABANA Level 1 curriculum projects.
- March 28, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at John Butler’s farm, 4112 Bell Lane, Pace: Make-and-take class crafting a Viking-era utility knife. Class cost is $130, including lunch. Limited to 12 participants. Register at traditionsworkshop.com/classes.
Spring and summer meeting sites for April through June are to be announced, and FABA is seeking host locations with room for a truck, trailer and 20-by-30-foot tent, plus access to 120v power and water.
For details, contact David at david@traditionsworkshop.com or call/text 850-974-1548. Safety glasses, solid shoes or boots, long trousers and long-sleeve shirts made of natural fabric are required for all events.
