StecoahValleyCulturalArtsCenter

Attendees at Saturday's Stecoah 100th Anniversary Celebration gather to re-create the Dedication Day photo that was captured when the former school opened a century ago. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Attendees at Saturday's Stecoah 100th Anniversary Celebration gather to re-create the Dedication Day photo that was captured when the former school opened a century ago. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Stecoah celebrates 100-year anniversary

Kevin Hensley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Stecoah – Nostalgia filled the air both inside and outdoors Saturday, as friends, family and former school employees gathered to celebrate a century of community.
The campus of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center will be bustling with activity Saturday, as the former Stecoah School celebrates its 100th year in existence. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The campus of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center will be bustling with activity Saturday, as the former Stecoah School celebrates its 100th year in existence. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Centennial celebration

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Stecoah – As over 200 members of the surrounding area stood with their eyes focused on the single object in front of them, a photograph that has stood the test of time was captured.
Members of the Stecoah JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program kept attendees entertained at Saturday's SpringFest. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Members of the Stecoah JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) program kept attendees entertained at Saturday's SpringFest. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Spring has sprung

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, May 8, 2025
N.C. Forest Service Ranger Frank Cline and Smokey the Bear were on-hand for Saturday's SpringFest. 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.
Children and adults alike gather to decorate cookies Saturday at Stecoah’s Christmas in the Mountains. Photos by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Children and adults alike gather to decorate cookies Saturday at Stecoah’s Christmas in the Mountains. Photos by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Breakfast, crafts, Santa, vendors – oh my!

Latresa Phillips
Monday, December 16, 2024
Mr. and Mrs. Claus greeted everyone on the stage inside the Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.
Hugh Ellis Bennett entertains the masses at Saturday’s Stecoah Harvest Festival. Photo by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Hugh Ellis Bennett entertains the masses at Saturday’s Stecoah Harvest Festival. Photo by Royce Worbington/The Graham Star

Harvest festival attracts over 2,000 people

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Stecoah – Fall is the perfect time to celebrate the changing of leaves, pumpkins, hayrides and the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center’s annual harvest festival.
Larry Paige, Billy Cable and Dwight Bradshaw (from left) look at the 1926 dedication photo of Stecoah School inside the auditorium at Saturday’s annual reunion. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Larry Paige, Billy Cable and Dwight Bradshaw (from left) look at the 1926 dedication photo of Stecoah School inside the auditorium at Saturday’s annual reunion. Photos by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

'If you only knew’

Latresa Phillips
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Stecoah – For years, the graduates and former students of the Stecoah community have been gathering in the hallowed halls of their alma mater to share memories, catch up with friends and remember classmates who have passed away.
The 24th Annual Stecoah Harvest Festival was busy from the word “go,” with an estimated 2,500 visitors passing through the 1-½ day event. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

The 24th Annual Stecoah Harvest Festival was busy from the word “go,” with an estimated 2,500 visitors passing through the 1-½ day event. Photos by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com

Festival beckons a simpler time

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Stecoah – Anywhere you looked, you could find reminders of a bygone era. The 24th Annual Stecoah Harvest Festival was enjoyed by an estimated 2,500 visitors, who had plenty of options to choose from once they entered the grounds at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.
The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is hosting the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow.

The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is hosting the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow.

Stecoah hosting Smoky Mountain Spring Fest tomorrow

News Staff
Friday, April 14, 2023
Stecoah – Ready to come out of hibernation, enjoy the great outdoors and listen to some mountain music? Then the inaugural Smoky Mountain Spring Fest at Stecoah is the place for you! This event is focused on outdoor activities and recreation with a selection of quality arts and craft vendors.
The monthly Stecoah Community Jam has established itself as a fun event for musicians of all ages.

The monthly Stecoah Community Jam has established itself as a fun event for musicians of all ages.

Pickin’ and grinnin’

Kevin Hensley
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Stecoah – The music of Appalachia is as deeply rooted in the mountains of North Carolina as cornbread and pinto beans. Traditions of the old-time string band music date back to the 1700s.
Visitors get a look at some of the many quilts on display Saturday at the Stecoah Harvest Festival. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Visitors get a look at some of the many quilts on display Saturday at the Stecoah Harvest Festival. Photos by Randy Foster/news@grahamstar.com

Glimpse into yesteryear

Randy Foster
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Stecoah – An estimated 2,140 people attended the 2022 Stecoah Harvest Festival on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15. The event opened on Friday with a campfire and marshmallow roast, as John Toineeta of Cherokee played his lyrical flute and told about Cherokee history and folklore from 6-8 p.m.