Smell of funnel cake and sounds of bluegrass mixed with jazz and fiddle filled up downtown Sylva, Saturday, April 26, to celebrate the Greening up the Mountains Festival .
“It started out as an Earth Day festival, and this is the 17th one. It’s always the fourth Saturday in April,” said Paige Roberson, Sylva town manager, about the history of the Greening up the Mountains Festival.
Check out the video story from WCJ editor Randy Conn.
The festival had live music on multiple stages throughout the day. There were 14 bands between the Bridge Park Stage and the Signature Brew Stage. Some of the bands that played were Mangas Colorado, Porch 40, and The Buchanan Boys, local bands in Sylva. Then they had Triple Threat Children’s stage to have some talents for the younger performers. Between bands there were acts from the community, like a kung fu routine.
Visitors to the 17th Greening up the mountain festival in Sylva enjoyed many vendors. Photo by Hunter Bryn.
There were vendors up and down Main Street in Sylva. From the police station handing out free snow cones to the local roller derby team selling merchandise and seeking donations.
“We get to know the community, get to know the people and give them free stuff. This is my first year, but I love it,” said Nancy Brindley, Smoothie King Vendor, about why she decided to come out to Greening up the Mountains.
Visitors also enjoyed the hospitality, good music, food and drinks offered.
“I had a great time. There are some really nice people, great stores from the local community and especially amazing local music talent here in Sylva that is being represented at the festival. The town of Sylva really knows how to make you feel welcome,” said Kendall Hoyt, Western Carolina University student.
This festival has something for everyone. Be sure not to miss it next year. Remember, Greening up the Mountains festival is always the fourth Saturday in April.
See more photos from the festival.
