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Festival promises to be biggest and best ever
Time and again through the years, Sylva and Jackson County have come together as a community in the truest sense of the word. The latest example will come Saturday at the third annual Greening up the Mountains festival.

If you've never been to the festival before, come expecting to have a good time. If you'll be a return visitor, come expecting to have a better time than before.

That's because organizers promised this year's event will be the biggest and best yet. A primary reason is community support.

In the weeks leading up to the festival, 84 companies, organizations and governmental units have come together as sponsors in the form of cash donations, products and services totaling an impressive $38,533. As of last count, 138 vendors, food providers, entertainers, event areas, demonstrators and crafters were expected for the festival.

Here at the Herald we've already seen evidence of the renewed interest in the festival as our photo contest drew 68 entries. That's double what we've had the past two years.

Main Street will be the primary site of the festival with the bulk of activities from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. However, for early risers action will get under way at 7 a.m. with a bird walk. For those who wish to stay late, a post festival heritage concert is planned from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Lifeway Community Church.

Simply put, there's something for everyone, young and old alike. Maybe the Ice Cream Run commuter bike ride will be your favorite. Or maybe you would like to go to the Hooper House and join the Jackson County Genealogical Society for their "Just Talkin' " program.

In many ways, the festival is a throwback to how things use to be when folks from throughout Jackson County came to Sylva on Saturday to shop, conduct business and meet with friends. Therefore it's fitting that one of Saturday's activities will be the renovation dedication of the Hooper House - one of downtown's grand structures.

Main Street will be closed to vehicles, but don't worry. If you can't find a parking place in a nearby lot, shuttle service will be provided from Mark Watson Park, the Justice Center and Crossroads.

All that's left to make Saturday a smashing success is for you, your family and friends to come downtown and enjoy yourselves. We know you'll have a great time.


Editorial policy

The opinions expressed on this page are those of the Sylva Herald Editorial Committee. Opinions are derived independently and owe no allegiance to any group, organization or political party. We welcome opposing views.

Back to Archive: 04/20/00.