Robbinsville – Over 2,500 attendees passed through the annual Graham County Heritage Festival, which was held Friday-Saturday.
Dodging a torrential downpour just before opening Friday – as well as heavy winds Saturday morning – the festival was deemed a huge success. Food vendors joined forces with artisans to create a one-stop destination for both county residents and visitors from across the United States; while the festival also provided nearly-continuous entertainment.
The festival opened with an introductory speech and prayer from Gary Crisp. Moments after American Legion Post 192, Robbinsville presented the colors of our nation, Jernie Greene sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Current Appalachian State University student Aiden Holder performed "God Bless America" and "Goodness of God" on the saxophone, and Helen Ward divided Holder's deliveries with a stirring rendition of "God Bless the U.S.A."
"Uncle Sam" (Jackie Crisp) closed out the opening ceremony with a short performance.
A special military display was held inside the Graham County Veterans Building on both days, with visitors able to sit down and enjoy a 30-minute tribute video to local veterans who have served in the military.
Friday also included the yearly pie- and cobbler-baking contest. Lona Kell's strawberry pie won the competition, with Judy Lofty's buttermilk pie finishing second and Donna Radford's apple pie claiming third.
Kell also won the cobbler event – once again utilizing strawberries – while Katie McCracken's pineapple cobbler placed second.
In a special basketball contest Friday, Mekah Dominguez; Lakelyn Radford; Xander Wachacha and Dale Hill were each named the winners.
A special kids wheel parade rolled through the evening Friday, splitting up a performance by Gage Hill and the final act – Rhymers Ferry. The latter ended its set earlier than anticipated, when word began to spread about Robbinsville's fireworks display beginning 40 minutes earlier than advertised. Lingering weather in the area was cited as the reason for the change.
Brenda Shope won Saturday's biscuit contest, while a car show was held in the parking lot of Tri-County Community College. Will Crisp won the Old Truck category and Jordan Price received the New Car prize. Best Jeep was presented to Bryan VanBuskirk ("Gunny") – who also had a military display at the Graham County Rescue Squad building during the festival – while Robert Anderson was named the People's Choice award winner. The Motorcycle category was won by Nello Polermo.
Saturday's opening ceremony greatly mirrored Friday's – with the addition of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley delivering the opening remarks; members of the Snowbird N.E.S.T. (Native Education Snowbird Traditions) leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance; a special presentation of commemorative coins to veterans in attendance; and the family of the late Doyle Brock receiving a plaque to honor Brock being named the festival's Grand Marshal. Harold Phillips also brought his son Adam onto the stage to present a coin in appreciation of the new flag that flies over the Tallulah valley.
A horseshoe tournament was held Saturday, as well as the 4-H Horse Dung Derby. Alex Crisp was the winner of the derby.
The ever-popular Little Miss, Little Mister and Miss Teen Firecracker contest took place under a scorching Saturday sun. Wrenley Ensley and Layne Wyatt Orr won the respective Little Miss and Little Mister competition, ages 0-2; Lydia Browning and Remington Burchfield were named the winners of the 3-5 age group; Aubree Hyde was triumphant in the 6-8 division; Zebediah Lucksavage won the title of Mister Firecracker, 9-11; and Bella Carver was named Miss Teen Firecracker.
A stickball game commenced on Bob Colvin Field inside Modeal Walsh Memorial Stadium at the same time as watermelon and pie-eating contests were held in front of the main stage. Later in the day was a pool competition; a Greased Pig Contest; and a Lumberjack event.
The Wagon Train rolled through the festival as the sun began to set, before the inaugural Men's Prettiest Legs competition left the crowd in stitches.
Music was provided Saturday by Kyle Jenkins; the Stecoah J.A.M. (Junior Appalachian Musicians) Band; Julie Nelms and Sonny Reighard; and the Prime Country Band.
Free throughout the 17-hour festival was a wide array of youth activities. Zippy Safari provided electric animals for children to ride; the Graham County Pool opened for swimmers; bouncy houses sprouted up behind the Graham County Public Library; a special "ice" skating rink was set up inside the Robbinsville Elementary School gymnasium; and kids lined up for face painting.
Bluey, Bingo, Peppa Pig, Spiderman, and Anna and Elisa were also in attendance for photos on both days; Smokey the Bear also made a guest appearance Saturday.