Stecoah festival ushers in new season
Stecoah – Visitors did not let the rain spoil their plans to attend this year’s Smoky Mountain SpringFest, which was held Saturday at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.
Under mostly-cloudy skies, musicians played traditional songs and gospel numbers to a crowd of locals and visitors alike. The students from the JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program began the music portion of the day from the stage of the Lynn L. Shields Auditorium, which is inside the former school.
Other groups – including Larry and Bronson, the Chastain Twins, and Julie and Sonny – provided music throughout the day, sharing songs of southern Appalachian culture and history that has made events such as SpringFest a success.
The event began at 11 a.m., with an opening ceremony. There were presentations throughout the day from the Western North Carolina Nature Center and nature walks, to observe native birds and plants. Other activities such as a cross-cut saw challenge and solar observation were also part of the day.
Whether spectators were interested in learning more about fur, feather and scales; taking a guided tour of the building; hiking nearby trails; or looking for a little exercise at the pickleball and basketball courts, there was something for everyone. The smallest visitors could get their face painted, enjoy the bubble station or visit the kids area and make memories that would have them begging parents to return to the valley.
There was also Indian tacos and frybread and hot cinnamon rolls, as well as other food choices to make it hard to decide on just one – with over 45 vendors offering food, plants, crafts and information.
“Being able to bring together our community to celebrate Graham County, 'Our Natural Destination,' is what it is all about," shared Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Executive Director Jennifer West. "Our goal is to show off what we have to offer in the great outdoors and today has been a good day.
For more details about events at the center, visit stecoahvalleycenter.com; or call 828-479-3364.