Robbinsville – Plans are starting to come together for a mid-August celebration of Graham County’s 150th anniversary.
Marshall McClung – a Forest Service retiree, with expertise in search and rescue – has been named grand marshal for the celebration. McClung is a Graham County historian who has authored several books about local history, and writes a bi-weekly history column for The Graham Star.
Graham County Travel & Tourism has hired event organizer Tonya Snider of Sylva-based tenBiz, Inc., to organize event planning. Graham County Travel & Tourism will be covering that expense on behalf of the sesquicentennial celebration.
Events will be divided over two weekends – Aug. 12 in Fontana Village, Aug. 13 in Stecoah, and Aug. 19-20 in Robbinsville.
The Snowbird Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community, Town of Lake Santeetlah and Tapoco Lodge are also expected participants.
Events will blend with previously-scheduled activities, including a concert by Nu-Blu as part of An Appalachian Evening at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center on Aug. 13, a Stecoah School reunion on Aug. 13, Concert on the Square in Robbinsville on Aug. 19, and a Cancer Society fundraiser event called “Graham County’s Got Talent” in Robbinsville on Aug. 20.
Events on Friday, Aug. 12 at Fontana Village Resort include tours of the Gunter Cabin, self-guided hikes around the resort, Movie on the Ballfield – of the history of Fontana Dam – at 8:30 p.m., and boat tours (reservations required, cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under).
More planning meetings are expected to work out details.