5 minute read

Fall Festivals

from Carolina Mountain Life - Autumn 2022

by Carolina Mountain Life, Inc

from Carolina Mountain Life - Autumn 2022, page 101

Article from: Carolina Mountain Life - Autumn 2022

Sonny Sweet—A Life of Service

Fall Festivals Forever

By CML Staff

VCF Spinning Demonstration Photo by Scott Sharpe

Courtesy of Valle Country Fair

VCF Fresh Apple Butter - Photo by

Scott Sharpe VCF Tuxedo Alpaca - Photo by Ann Gerber Courtesy of Valle Country Fair Pumpkin Bowling

In autumn, festivals are a popular pastime for visitors and residents alike, as noted in our Regional Happenings section. Two enduring festivals, the Valle Country Fair and the Woolly Worm Festival, have taken place every year since the late 1970s, and not only give festival goers a special weekend of memory making, they provide meaningful contributions to High Country charitable organizations through festival proceeds. In fact, last year alone, the two festivals contributed $150,000 to organizations that do vital work here in our community.

We hope you’ll join us here in the High Country October 15 and October 16 to make some long lasting memories of your own. Take note of each festival’s “5Ws” and enjoy some choice photo memories from recent years’ festivities.

THE 44TH VALLE COUNTRY FAIR

Who: The Valle Country Fair is sponsored by Holy Cross Episcopal Church, in cooperation with The Valle Crucis Conference Center

What: An old-fashioned familyfriendly festival, with juried fine art and crafts booths, savory mountain foods, such as homemade brunswick stew, chili, barbecue and fresh baked desserts, along with all the homemade apple butter, jams and jellies you can eat. Enjoy the sounds of local bluegrass and country bands.

When: The 44th Annual Valle Country Fair will be held on Saturday, October 15, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: NC Highway 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk, across from Holy Cross Church at 122 Skiles Way, Banner Elk 28604

Why: Last year, 13,000 people attended the festivities and enjoyed all that Valle Country Fair has to offer. Youngsters entertained themselves throughout the day, with pumpkin carving, pumpkin bowling, and face painting among the highlights. Many of the dollars generated through organizers and vendors support numerous community organizations, including: The Children’s Council, Girls on the Run, High Country Caregivers, Jason Project, LIFE House, Meditation and Restorative Justice Center, Mountain Alliance, Reaching Avery Ministries, Spirit Ride, Watauga County Schools, Extended Learning Centers.

Admission is free with $10 parking per vehicle adjacent to the field. No pets, please. For more information, visit www.vallecountryfair.org or contact Holy Cross Church at 828-963-4609.

Nancy Owen, Corporate Race Winner

Photo courtesy of Avery Chamber of Commerce

Master of Ceremonies Shawn Stricklen Children cheer on their woolly CML’s worm competes in corporate race

THE 45TH WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL

Who: The Woolly Worm Festival is cosponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce.

What: As “The Official Woolly Worm Festival of NC,” attendees enjoy the most unique sport of racing woolly worm caterpillars for cash prizes and other honors. The Woolly Worm races begin around 10 a.m. each day. The winning worm on Saturday is declared the official winter forecasting agent. More than 160 vendors offer a variety of food and wares, and live entertainment and children’s activities take place all weekend.

When: The 45th Annual Woolly Worm Festival will be held Saturday, October 15, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, October 16, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (always the third weekend in October).

Where: Located on the front lawn of the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk, NC | 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, 28604

Why: Who doesn’t love a good caterpillar race? Each year, this legendary event draws nearly 20,000 people, 160 vendors, 1,000 worm trainers, and national media crews to the town of Banner Elk. The profits from the Woolly Worm Festival support county-wide projects as well as the children of Avery County as set forth by the Kiwanis Club charter. There are many local organizations that benefit from the dollars earned at the Woolly Worm Festival.

Admission: Adults $6.00 Cash/$7.00 Credit Card; Children (Ages 6-12) $4.00 Cash/$5.00 Credit Card; Children Ages (0-5) Free. No pets, please (except for woolly worms, of course). For more information, visit www.woollyworm.com or call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-5605.