Sylva is ready for another spring festival. Photo by Jarrett Frazier (2011)
Downtown Sylva is making preparations for the 16th Annual Greening Up the Mountain’s Festival on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival, which began as a celebration of Earth Day, has now evolved into an event that focuses on sustainability, the local economy, and traditional heritage crafts.
“We are trying to strengthen our commitment to keep the festival as local as possible,” said Katy Elders, event coordinator.
Greening Up the Mountain’s Festival gets its name for the way that spring slowly creeps over the mountains and makes everything green. This festival prides itself on being one of the largest annual events in Jackson County and draws more than 10,000 visitors each year.
This year, the festival will offer more than 130 art, craft and food vendors, as well as demonstrators and live music. Food vendors will have festival favorites, including fry bread, kettle corn and ice cream, with new vendors selling wood fired pizzas and fried pies.
Three stages, located throughout downtown Sylva will feature local musicians and bands providing music during the day.
Porch 40, a popular local band that plays a mix of southern rock, funk and blues, will be the feature band on the Soul Infusion Stage in the Bridge Park in Downtown. Porch 40 will take the stage at 3 p.m. The Freight Hoppers will be the feature band at 3 p.m., on The Suntrust Stage, located on Main Street. This local band specializes in old-time fiddle music from the south.
The Annual Greening Up the Mountain’s 5K run, sponsored by the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, will kick off the day’s events, starting at 9 a.m. The course will begin at Mark Watson Park and take runners through a scenic tour around Montieth Park in Dillsboro. For more information about the race and registration, visit http://www.imathlete.com/events/GreeningUptheMountains5k
“This event is aimed at giving back to the community and I am proud to be a part of it,” said Elders. “This year is shaping up to be a great event and we hope to see everyone on the 27th.”
