Spring was quite a busy season for the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area! Did you catch us on tour? Staff went into the field to attend events and visit many places, including galleries, artists, Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Development Associations, and representatives in Raleigh.
Becky Anderson (BRNHA board member) and Ann Miller Woodford at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. Ms. Woodford presented the amazing Liberty Baptist Church Choir from Sylva, NC. The group sang beautiful gospel music and shared the history of African American music and traditions in Appalachia.
Angie Chandler (Executive Director) and Bridget Herbig (Communications Manager) spent a day visiting the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center for the Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team meeting.
Donna Ray Norton (Blue Ridge Music Trails Coordinator), Roger Howell (fiddle player), and Brandon Johnson (recent Program Manager) caught up with one another at the I-26 West NC Welcome Center for National Tourism Week.
Elaine Mann, Yancey County Chamber Executive Director, spent an afternoon with Angie and Bridget in downtown Burnsville. They visited Toe River Arts’ temporary gallery, Carriage House Sundries, and the visitor center.
We also visited the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority to say hi to Omi Salavea (Marketing/Communications Manager) and Shannon Odom (Executive Director). They shared so much with us about the artists and events in the county. The next trip will be fantastic!
Finally, in early June, Angie Chandler headed to Raleigh and ran into Representative Jake Johnson, who represents District 113 and serves Henderson, McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford Counties.
Who wants to hang out next? We’re ready for a Summer Session!
Reach out to our team. We’d love to see you!
