For more information, contact:

Leesa Brandon
Executive Director and NC Coordinator
Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc.
828.271.4779, x 224

Gathering at the location where construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began September 11, 1935, the governors of North Carolina and Virginia, as well as congressional leaders from both states and representatives from the National Park Service will officially mark the occasion with a formal ceremony event at Cumberland Knob, NC, Friday, September 10, 2010, beginning at 11 a.m.

Around 500 attendees are expected at the event, including the Honorable Bob McDonnell, governor of Virginia, and the Honorable Beverly Perdue, governor of North Carolina. In addition, Virginia Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Rick Boucher will speak as will North Carolina Congressman Heath Shuler and North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan. Special invitations were also sent to state legislators in North Carolina and Virginia, former landowners, individuals who helped construct the road, and Parkway neighbors and partners. 

Other dignitaries on the platform will include National Park Service Regional Director David Vela; Michell Hicks, Principal Chief, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; former Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendents Gary Everhardt and Dan Brown; Ken Richardson, chair of the Board of Alleghany County Commissioners; historian, author, and former CCC Parkway worker Dr. Harley Jolley; a representative of the Federal Highway Administration; and current Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis.

The National Ranger Honor Guard will present the nation’s colors and Kelley Breiding will sing national anthem. The Mount Airy, NC, musical group Backstep, of which Breiding is a member, will perform prior to the beginning of the event.

Speakers will address the history, design and construction of the Parkway as well as the importance of the recreational and scenic assets of the road, the significance of the byway’s biodiversity, and the role of the Parkway in preserving Appalachian culture and history, as well as in providing an economic engine to the surrounding communities. An emphasis will be placed upon the critical need for stewardship of future generations of Parkway advocates and enthusiasts.

On Saturday, September 11, 2010, a special Remembrance Ceremony honoring those lives lost in the attacks on September 11, 2001, will be held at 10 a.m. at the Blue Ridge Music Center Stage. The Reverend Dan Mathews, who was at Trinity Episcopal Church in the shadow of the World Trade Center in Manhattan when the attacks occurred, will offer remembrances and remarks. Members of the Fort Jackson, SC, Army Band will perform.

Reverend Mathews will be joined by Charles Maynard, whose most recent book is The Blue Ridge, Ancient and Majestic: A Celebration of the World’s Oldest Mountains. A renowned storyteller, author, and Methodist minister, Maynard is also a staunch supporter of national parks and the preservation of American historic sites. He was a founding director of Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has authored several books on the Smokies, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton national parks, and serves on the National Parks Overflight Advisory Committee. He has written a total of 27 books, including two popular children’s books, Waterfalls of the Smokies and Churches of the Smokies.

On Thursday, September 9, 2010, prior to the official launch of the weekend, National Park Service and Blue Ridge Parkway employee alumni will gather for an annual picnic, made more special during this Anniversary weekend.

The events will kick off a weekend of music, art, performance, family activities, antique campers, craft and dance – all free and open to the public.

Parking is at the Blue Ridge Music Center and two auxiliary lots located near the intersection of the Parkway and Highway 89, near Milepost 217. Complimentary shuttle service between the Blue Ridge Music Center, Cumberland Knob Recreation Area, and all parking areas will be available during festival hours. Please be sure to dress for the weather. Blankets and picnics are allowed. Alcohol and pets, except service animals, are prohibited.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc. is the non-profit organization designated by the National Park Service to lead the Parkway’s 75th Anniversary celebration. With representation from all of the Parkway’s partner groups, the states of North Carolina and Virginia, and community leaders along the 469-mile scenic route, Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc.’s mission is to engage local communities and all visitors in an anniversary that focuses attention on a sustainable and healthy Parkway for future generations. For more information, visit blueridgeparkway75.org.