Earth Day Celebrations and Events in the Mountains

photo courtesy NOC

April 22 - 24, 2016
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Event:     NOC Spring Fling    This event is NOC's way of welcoming spring to the Southeast. Come out and be a part of World Kayak's Hometown Throwdown, race in the Boater Cross or push your skills on the Nantahala Cascades. Don't forget to check out the season's hottest gear at the NOC's Outfitter's Store, plus, enjoy free live music and local brews at Big Wesser BBQ + Brew.

photo courtesy Chimney Rock State Park

April 23, 2016
NC City:  CHIMNEY ROCK
Event:     Earth Day Celebration at Chimney Rock State Park  Join Chimney Rock State Park rangers, biologists and other environmental educators to learn about the great work being done to protect the beautiful landscape. Booths will be located in Chimney Rock Village behind the Old Rock Café.   

April 23, 2016
NC City:  OLD FORT
Event:     Mountain Thunder Car Show    Annual Mountain Thunder Car Show in downtown, historic Old Fort. Sponsored by the Route 70 Cruisers, all makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles are invited to join the fun, no entrance or admission fees! There will be food, crafts and a “swap meet” area for treasure hunters.  

April 23, 2016
NC City:  NEBO
Event:     Folk Rock and Trees for the Earth - Skiffle Creek.   Come to South Creek Winery, give a listen to this great local group and raise a glass to original and cover tunes. Freddy Bradburn, who has released several CDs, including critically acclaimed “Cartoonland,” heads up the trio. Tasting room opens at 11 am with wine tasting for a nominal fee; music begins at 1 PM.  


April 23, 2016
NC City:  SYLVA

photo courtesy mainstreetsylva.org

Event:     Greening up the Mountains   This annual spring festival, named for the way the “spring green” creeps up the mountainsides, is a celebration of the local economy, sustainability, and traditional heritage crafts. Three full music stages will feature local bands, children’s performances, and heritage dance, along with the annual Youth Talent Show and more. Storytelling, face painting, an inflatable slide, the recycled materials Superhero Costume Contest, volunteer projects and more. Annual Greening Up the Mountains 5K Run. It also celebrates the greening of the environment, with information about sustainable living and presentations by environmental groups. It is held on on Main and Mill Streets in historic downtown Sylva from 10 AM to 4 PM.

photo courtesy visitNC.com

 April 23 - 24, 2016
NC City:  MAGGIE VALLEY
Event:     Southeastern Mini Truckin' Nationals   An open car show with spectators welcome. Hundreds of mini trucks will compete. Auto and Food Vendors will be on site. Held on the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds at 3374 Soco Road 

photo courtesy visitNC.com

April 23 - 24, 2016
NC City:  ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     Cheoah River High Flow Weekends   The Cheoah river has many Class IV/IV+ rapids and lots of residual vegetation that require a high skill level to negotiate. With the exception of two or three half-mile or so sections, the Cheoah is unusually continuous with a gradient that is consistently steep for a river its size. The 9+ mile run can be broken into three sections and represents a whitewater experience not often found in the Southeast. Recommended for experienced paddlers only.