Two-day event starts Friday evening in Robbinsville
Robbinsville – Graham County turned 150 in January, and the county kicked off celebrations with observance events in Fontana Village and Stecoah last weekend, with the main event — a two-day celebration in Robbinsville — kicking off Friday evening and continues throughout the day on Saturday.
The Graham County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation during a meeting on Aug. 9.
It says in part:
“On January 30, 1872, the County of Graham was established and the area to be known as Graham County was separated from Cherokee County. This year marks 150 years since Graham County was established.
“Let it be known that the Board of Commissioners for Graham County, North Carolina have designated the period of August 12, 2022, though August 20, 2022, as the official celebration of the Sesquicentennial of the establishment of Graham County, North Carolina.
“Graham County has a rich history over the past 150 years. We encourage all citizens to come and join in the celebrations and to see the history of our beloved county.”
Here’s what’s on tap for this weekend:
Friday, Aug. 19: Downtown Robbinsville, Main Street
* 7 p.m.: Celebration in Honor of the Late Billy Ed Queen, with Larry Queen.
* 7:30 p.m.: J Creek Cloggers Performance.
* 8 p.m.: Dancing on the Square with Live Music.
Saturday, Aug. 20: Downtown Robbinsville, Main Street
* 10:30 a.m.: 150th Kickoff: Welcome, Prayer, Bemis Lumber Company Whistle Blowing and Ribbon Cutting at Town Hall.
* 10:45 a.m.: Commemorative Courthouse Photos and singing of the National Anthem at Courthouse.
* 11:30 a.m.: History Walk Guided Tour (leaves from Courthouse and visits the 12 historic sites)
* Noon: Marci Spencer Presentation on the Nantahala National Forest and Cheoah Ranger District (Courthouse)
* 12:15 p.m.: Fish Game with Shorty Kirkland (grassy field)
* 1 p.m.: Marshall McClung Presentation on the History of Graham County (Courthouse)
* 1:30 p.m.: “The History of Graham County” Essay Contest Readings and Prizes (Main Stage)
* 2 p.m.: Graham County Sports Trivia Game with Todd Odom, featuring Zoie Shuler and Cuttler Adams (Courthouse)
* 2:30 p.m.: History Walk Guided Tour (leaves from Courthouse and visits the 12 historic sites)
* 3 p.m.: Apron Contest Modeling, Jelly and Jam Contest Winners Announced (Courthouse)
* 4 p.m.: Wrap-up
All-day events
* Self-Guided History Walk;
* Demonstrations honoring our heritage including Blacksmithing, Soap Making, Wooden Shingle Making, Quilting, Basket Weaving, Wool Spinning, Wheel Thrown Pottery;
* Local craft vendors honoring our heritage including wood carving, pottery, photography, walking sticks and more. There will also be vendors featuring custom-made Graham County Sesquicentennial Quilts, as well as 150th custom-designed merchandise;
* Food options will be available serving special traditional foods, in addition to regular menu options.