Graham County’s 150th anniversary celebration events kick off this weekend in Fontana Dam and Stecoah, with two days of celebration in Robbinsville the following weekend.
Here’s what’s on tap:
Friday, Aug. 12: Fontana Village Resort, Town of Fontana Dam, N.C.
* All Day: Enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic Gunter Cabin, home of Jesse and Catherine Gunter from 1875-84 and still standing today in the heart of Fontana Village Resort.
* All Day: Enjoy hiking trails around the resort. There are 12 nature trails around Fontana Village, with over 20 miles of natural beauty.
* 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Fontana Lake Historic Boat Tour. Tour of Fontana Lake with Captain Karl on the tourboat Miss Hazel.
Contact the Marina for reservations and information.
Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Reservations required; call (828) 498-2017.
* 8:30-11 p.m.: Movies on the Ballfield. Bring a chair or blanket. 8:30 p.m. showing of “The History of the Dam,” followed by a family-friendly movie.
Saturday, Aug. 13: Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 121 School House Road, Stecoah
* 10 a.m.-noon: Stecoah School Reunion
* 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Schoolhouse Tours and the Story of the Cherokee
* 1 p.m.: Cake Walk and Cake Auction
* 1:30 p.m.: Alumni Recognitions
* 7:30 p.m.: An Appalachian Evening Concert with Nu Blu.
Friday, Aug. 19: Downtown Robbinsville
* 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
Time-specific events
* 10:30 a.m.: 150th Kickoff: Welcome, Prayer, 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)
* 3 p.m.: Apron Contest Modeling, Jelly and Jam Contest Winners Announced (Courthouse)
All-day events
* Self-Guided History Walk
* Demonstrations honoring our heritage including blacksmithing, soap making, wooden shingle making, quilting, basket weaving, wool spinning and 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.