WNC Wilderness Wednesday Report:
The changing light and the fluttering wings of the pipevine swallowtail signal that we are entering the last fleeting days of summer but it’s not too late to get out there and explore. The lake waters are still warm and there's still plenty of bright summer flowers to photograph before the leaves begin to turn. Get out there and catch some sun!
Strart planning your end-of-summer getaway here: https://grahamcountytravel.com/
And read the full August WNC Nature Report here: https://grahamcountytravel.com/august-wnc-nature-report/
Sound check for tonight’s 7:30 pm performance!
Join us for a Special PreSeason Concert with local favorites Wood, Wire and Clay featuring brothers Johnathan and Joshua Jones along with Dwight Bradshaw and son, Cameron Bradshaw.
When you hear stringed tunes echoing through the hollers, you know summer is here. The Joneses and Bradshaw’s spent many summers honing their craft, as Dwight mentored the brothers and his son. Successful with the Smoky Mountain Boys and respected as a soloist, Bradshaw uses his experience to pour into younger generations of musicians. Johnathan and Joshua proved themselves as diligent and talented students, becoming master banjo, fiddle, and mandolin players. Bringing in Cameron on bass ties the band together for a cohesive sound locals love to hear. Though attending to families and careers reduced availability for concert tours, music continues to be an important part of the Jones and Bradshaw’s live.
TONIGHT they’re pulling out their wooden instruments, tuning up the wire strings, and allowing themselves to continue improving like malleable clay. Wood, Wire, and Clay takes to the Grand Old Stage of Lynn L. Shields Auditorium so you can start your summer with favorite songs from a favorite local band.
While tickets are NOT required, donations are requested. Help Stecoah Valley Center continue preserving and promoting southern Appalachian culture through music.
All seats are General Admission. Doors open at 6 pm. The concert starts at 7:30 pm. All concerts are in the fully restored Lynn L. Shields Auditorium. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the Schoolhouse Cafe beginning at 6 pm.
https://stecoahvalleycenter.com/calendar/wood-wire-and-clay-in-concert/
2024 Flame Azalea Festival
Join us for the annual blooming of the Native Flame Azaleas and a full season of Flame Azalea celebration. We'll be hosting our in-town festival on Saturday, June 8th at the Graham County High School featuring Outdoor, Gardening and Craft Vendors, an antique tractor show, guided hikes, a full lineup of incredible live music, kids activities, educational workshops, food trucks, and so much more! Mark your calendars for a festival to remember and stay tuned for all the details!
THE LINEUP:
10:00 am
Flag Ceremony/Posting of Colors
National Anthem
Robbinsville High School Band
10:15 am
🎵 Jacob & Lauren Goins 🎵
Jacob Goins is a poet who dresses his words in delicate melody, carefully designed. When he performs with his wife, Lauren, they are a duet whose voices are in harmony with the voices of our mountains as well as each other.
Born and raised in the Appalachians, Jacob fashions folk music that shares in the gentleness, the rise and fall, and the golden peacefulness of the North Carolina mountains. His writing is born of woods, of the emergence and recession of light, and of the silence in which he lingers. In every humble effort, he strives to make art that doesn’t sing over the quiet, but rather sings with it.
He is currently hard at work on new music for release in 2024.
11:00 am
🎵 The Sundown Band 🎵
The Sundown Band livens things up with an eclectic mix of country, soft rock, and Motown covers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s – Americana at its best. A blend of Alabama harmonies with a bit of Positive Force funk keeps audiences anticipating the next song. All members hail from Western North Carolina - Don O’Dell (keys/vocals), Rick Trammell (acoustic guitar/lead vocals), Jamie Nichols (vocals/lead guitar), Greg Bauman (lead guitar/vocals), Kemmy Garrett (bass), and Wayne Barter (drums).
12:00 pm
🎵 Stecoah JAM Band 🎵
A great mix of traditional bluegrass and old-time fiddle tunes from the Stecoah JAM Band. This group of students – some of who
Join us for - A celebration of Traditional Ways of the Snowbird Cherokees
This Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 11 am to 4 pm
1897 Little Snowbird Road Robbinsville, NC 28771
A Learning Experience for Everyone!
FREE PARKING, FREE ADMISSION
VIDEO: Featuring a look back at past festivals
Demonstrations Include:
Beadwork
Pottery
Quilting
Wood Carving
Hominy Cooking
Basket Weaving
Bean Bread Making
Butter Churning
Story Telling
Flute Making
Herbal Medicine
Lid Tossing
Traditional Dancing
Stick Ball
Fish Game
Cherokee Language
Corn Pounding
Menu:
Wild Greens
Fry Bread
Indian Taco
Hominy
Fatback
Fried Chicken
Sassafrass Tea
Additional Information:
828.735.4959
828.735.4275
828.735.6938
Happy 2024! Wishing a year of adventure, mountain-filled rest and relaxation, and of course countless new memories made in the heart of #YourNaturalDestination We can't wait to welcome you to Graham County, North Carolina!
The Dragon Hillclimb XVII returns Saturday and Sunday, July 29-30, 2023 to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in Graham County, North Carolina. Drivers race uphill on a closed track in what can only be described as, "God's country." Take in the sites and adrenaline-pumping excitement of this epic course from the sidelines as a spectator or enter to participate at the link below. An incredible experience for the whole family with generations of tradition just waiting to be enjoyed. Check out the full video for all the details!
Enter to participate here: https://www.motorsportreg.com/events/2023-dragon-hillclimb-xvii-hillcimb-scca-appalachian-hill-climb-series-375878
Please note: This race takes place on a closed road. All racers are required to meet specific safety requirements before entering the race. Do not attempt on open roads without training.
We're getting our ducks in a row for tonight's Music on the Square with the Ramblers! PLEASE NOTE: If it's raining this evening, Friday Night Music on the Square will be in the Graham County Community Building located at 196 Knight Street Robbinsville, NC 28771.
Happy New Year from Graham County, North Carolina! We can’t wait to welcome you to #YourNaturalDestination for adventure in 2023!
Have you explored the Stewart Cabin? This is a great destination for those looking to get off the blacktop and relax near the creek. The Stewart Cabin is located on NC-143. Grab a handy map of this destination here: https://tinyurl.com/2sm8uvu5
Flying above the mile high Cherohala Skyway. Only in Graham County, NC.
#yournaturaldestination #cherohala #nantahalanationalforest #dronelove #smokymountains #roadtrippin #roadtripusa #wnc #themountainsarecalling #cheoah #828 #robbinsvillenc #robbinsville
Join us for the 5th Annual Native Azalea Festival in #YourNaturalDestination beginning Friday, June 10th and last through Sunday June 19th! This year's festival will include both Virtual and In-Person opportunities to enjoy the blooms!
For our 2022 Native Azalea Festival, we invite you to join us from near or far for a two-week celebration. The festival will kick off officially the evening of June 12th with a @Bluegrass all stars performance at Stecoah Valley Center at 7 pm
Enjoy a self-guided hikes around Hooper Bald off the Cherohala Skyway to view the beautiful flame azaleas or follow along from home on our YouTube page or Facebook.
Azalea hiking and area touring maps are NOW available at the Graham County Travel and Tourism Office located at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771
Schedule of Events:
✨✨Friday, June 10th through Sunday, June 19th
Explore Hooper Bald on a self-guided Azalea walk
Explore this 1.2-mile out-and-back trail near Robbinsville, North Carolina just off of the Cherohala Skyway. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 60 minutes to complete but be sure to allow yourself extra time to explore the breathtaking native, flame azaleas. As you arrive at the bald from the meandering trail, head left toward the wooded area to meander through the overhead blooms. After exploring the azaleas, take a walk out to the bald for 360-degree views of the region. Maps and additional informtion are available at 474 Rodney Orr Bypass Robbinsville, NC 28771
✨✨Sunday, June 12th at 7 pm
Special Azalea Festival Concert with
the Bluegrass All-Stars
Darren Nicholson and Marc Pruett of Balsam Range with Audie Blaylock and Reed Jones of Redline will be ‘Spreading the Good Word of Bluegrass’ during this special Sunday night performance. They may be just playing around and having fun between tours but these four have been raising the roofs under the banner of the Bluegrass Allstars. More info.
Adults $18; Students/K-
The flame azaleas are blooming all across #YourNaturalDestination but do you know the history of Hooper Bald where our annual native azalea walks take place? Learn more here for local historian Marshall McClung!
The 36th Annual Fading Voices Demonstration Day - A celebration of the traditional ways of the Snowbird Cherokees is nearly here. Make plans to join us for this incredible day.
FREE ADMISSION
When? Saturday, May 28th from 11 am - 4 pm
Where? The Little Snowbird Church
1897 Little Snowbird Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Menu: fry bread, Indian Taco, Hominy, Fatback, wild greens, fried chicken, sassafras tea
Demonstrations include: beadwork, pottery, quilting, wood carving, hominy cooking, basket weaving, bean bread making, butter churning, story telling, flute making, herbal medicine, lid tossing, traditional dancing, stick ball, fish game, Cherokee language, and corn pounding
Please note: The sacred mound ceremony will begin at 11 am. Everyone who would like to participate in the ceremony should bring at least on cup or turtle shell of dirt from home.
Celebrating Earth Day 🌎 from the heart of #YourNaturalDestination
How are you exploring the natural world today? 🥾🚣♀️🌸🏊♀️🦅🚴♂️🏇🌿
Drop a picture of your favorite outdoor adventure below for a chance to Bea featured!
And to continue your exploration, click here: https://grahamcountytravel.com
Soaking up these final days of Summer. Safe travels to #YourNaturalDestination We can’t wait to see you out on the lake!
For more trip planning info, start here: https://grahamcountytravel.com
A look back at the annual Snowbird Community Fading Voices demonstration day. From traditional craft displays to delicious food and spirited games, the celebration was enjoyed by all. Looking forward to next year's gathering on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Hope to see you there!
Snowbird Cherokee Language Camp Snowbird Community Library Cherokee One Feather EBCI Communications Department Snowbird Youth Center Snowbird & Cherokee County Services Snowbird Cherokeecofamily
