The eighth annual Greening up the Mountains festival in Sylva will take place Saturday, April 30. This free festival features music on two stages, a parade, 5K road race, samplings of local artisans, an array of food vendors, and a children’s area with face-painting, street chalk and a climbing wall.

The festival is produced by Sylva Partners in Renewal. Activities begin at 9 a.m. with the start of the 5K road race on the steps of the historic county courthouse. The Parade of Colors officially kicks off the festival at 10 a.m. on Main Street, followed by live music, events and other competitions throughout the day.

“This event grows in popularity each year and is great for families,” said Julie Spiro, tourism director for Jackson County. “It unites the community and brings visitors to Sylva and Jackson County as the mountains turn green once again.”

Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists will showcase his eclectic collection of creatures including groundhogs, flying squirrels and more. Pony rides also will be available, and a local Cub Scout troop will conduct soapbox derby races. Downtown Sylva merchants add to the festivities with sidewalk sales, extended hours and storytelling.

The public is encouraged to join in the celebration by entering one of the many contests associated with Greening up the Mountains including those for the parade, youth talent contest and traditional handcrafts.

The theme for the parade is “The Dance of Spring.“ Cash prizes will be given to the most original, most colorful and to the school children who have written the best essays in the “Catch the Spirit of Appalachia” essay contest. The winners of the essay contest will be announced on April 21 at the “Catch the Spirit” Festival Day at the Hub (Jackson County’s School of Alternatives). Once again, a special prize will be awarded to the school or facility that brings the most participants to the parade. For all questions regarding the parade contact Doreyl Ammons Cain at 828.293.2239.

The Youth Talent Contest will be held at the Greening up the Mountains festival from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Children up to 18 years old can enter in the categories of vocals, dance, instrumental, and prose, poetry and storytelling. Cash prizes are offered. Applications for the talent contest are available at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. All contestants must register by calling Amanda Dills at 828.293.3751. In order to have an application mailed call 828.631.4587.

In the traditional handicrafts contest cash prizes will be awarded for first and second place in all categories: preserving — canned and dried vegetables, meat & fruits; pickles and relishes; jams and jellies; baked goods; quilting; handstitchery (i.e. embroidery, cross stitch, appliqué, quilted, patchwork) and miscellaneous handicrafts.

To enter, all unlabeled canned goods and handicraft entries must be brought to Gallery One on Main Street in Sylva on the mornings of April 28 and 29. Call 828.586.2375 to make an appointment. Judging will be held April 29 at 2 p.m.

All baking contestants should complete an entry form and mail it to Catch the Spirit at 29 Regal Avenue, Sylva, N.C., 28779, or bring it with their entry. Baked goods should be brought for judging to the CSA baked goods table located on the driveway of Karen’s Restaurant between the hours of 8 and 9 a.m. on the morning of the festival. All traditional heritage items and baked goods will be prominently displayed during the festival in Karen’s Restaurant driveway.

Local traditional crafters interested in sharing their talent and knowledge with the public are encouraged to take part in the festival as well. Heritage demonstrations will be in the Karen’s Restaurant area. The crafters will be set up on the sidewalk, on the porch, on the patio and down the driveway. Demonstrators may sell their products. Applications to exhibit are available at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce on West Main Street in Sylva. Completed application may be mailed to CSA’s Traditional Heritage Walk, 29 Regal Avenue, Sylva, NC 28779.