Sesquicentennial celebration encompasses two weekends in Robbinsville, Stecoah and Fontana Dam
Robbinsville – A homespun 150th anniversary celebration of one of North Carolina’s most unspoiled and remote counties is taking form.
Graham County’s sesquicentennial celebration events will be spread out over two weekends this month, with one weekend divided by events in Stecoah and Fontana Village Resort, and the the following weekend devoted to events in Robbinsville, the county seat.
Planning for the celebration started two years ago, but were stalled by COVID-19. Planning in earnest began earlier this year.
Although there is some last-minute planning taking place, here are the plans as of Monday afternoon:
Friday, Aug. 12: Fontana Village Resort
* 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
* 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 from Steve Jordan Band.
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 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 and Winners Announced; Jelly and Jam Contest Winners Announced (Courthouse);
* 4 p.m.: Wrap-up.
Saturday, Aug. 20: Downtown Robbinsville 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.