week of 4/23/03
 
 
 
  Greening Up kicks off WNC festival season
SMN
Music coming from both ends of the street creates a stereo effect. And in the middle of it all is downtown Sylva, a place where one spring day is set aside to allow festival-goers to sample street-fair food, cheer on competitors in a variety of categories, and experience a unique day of shopping.

The sixth annual Greening Up the Mountains, an event produced by Sylva Partners in Renewal and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, will be held Saturday, April 26, in and around the town’s three Main Street blocks. As in years past, the festival will officially get under way at 10 a.m. with the Parade of Many Colors. Children will be prominate in the parade, marching down the street vying to win the prize of “Best Costume” and “Most Colorful,” while the King and Queen of the Festival follow with their court all about them.

Just prior to the parade’s beginning, early risers can gather at the steps of the old county courthouse at 9 a.m. for the start of the 5K road race, which will end at Mark Watson Park. Race winners will be announced later in the day on the WestCare Main Stage, where musical entertainment will continue throughout the day. Music on both stages (see page 9) will feature traditional mountain music, song and dance as well the untraditional, including Cajun, Latin and that of the Grateful Dead.

Visitors to Sylva April 26 can expect to find a variety of vendors — area artisans, delicious food selections and local non-profit agencies eager to share their message. The heritage of the mountains will be showcased with a traditional Heritage Walk, where demonstrators will weave, spin, carve, quilt and share crafts handed down for generations. A display of traditional mountain heritage prize winners will top off the Heritage Walk. Downtown Sylva’s many merchants also plan to make their presence known with sidewalk sales, extended hours, demonstrations and storytelling.

Just for kids, the Jackson County Arts Council plans to once again staff an area designed to let a child’s imagination run wild. Street chalk will be available, as well as face painting, free to all festival-goers. A Catch the Spirit of Appalachia children’s talent contest will shape two hours of special entertainment on the Founder’s Stage at the east end of Main Street; and then provide a time in the afternoon for their talents to be showcased. For the kids who like wild animals, Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalist will once again bring his collection of creatures — including possums, groundhog, flying squirrels and more — to the festival.

Much more than a one-day highlight of downtown Sylva,Greening Up the Mountains this year will hold special significancefor SPIR, said organization President Russ Seagle. Recently awarded a Department of Transportation TEA-21 grant, SPIR members will be available during the day to discuss details of the Mill Street revitalization project.

For more information call 828.586.1577.