FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

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

ASHEVILLE, NC and ROANOKE, VA (July 28, 2009) – The Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most beloved scenic treasures, will celebrate its 75th anniversary with months of special events along its corridor and throughout its bordering communities. The events calendar is updated monthly at blueridgeparkway75.org, but some of the highlights are listed below:

• P. Buckley Moss Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Print Unveiling, Galax, VA – September 11, 2009
• Opening event and benefit concert featuring Nanci Griffith, Blue Ridge Bluegrass All-Stars, Warriors of AniKituwah dancers, and David Holt – Cherokee and Asheville, NC, November 12-14, 2009
• Enchanted Eve, Roanoke, VA – December 31, 2009
• Winterfest, Blowing Rock, NC – January 28-31, 2010
• Blue Ridge Kite Festival, Roanoke County, VA – April 17, 2010
             
• Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival, Spruce Pine, NC – April 24, 2010
• 55th Annual Vinton Dogwood Festival, Vinton, VA – April 21-24, 2010
• 7th Annual Montford Music and Arts Fest, Asheville, NC – May 22, 2010
• Naturalist Weekend, Grandfather Mountain, NC – May 15-16, 2010
• Fries Spring Festival, Fries, VA – May 1, 2010
• Memorial Day Celebration, Bedford, VA – May 21, 2010
• 13th Annual Memorial Day Festival, Shenandoah, VA – May 21-22, 2010
• Patchwork Fabric Festival, Cullowhee, NC – June 5, 2010
• 86th Annual Singing on the Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, NC – June 27, 2010
• Arts and Culture Week, Brevard, NC – June 25-July 4, 2010
• 55th Annual Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain, NC – July 8-11, 2010
• Toe River Storytelling Festival, Spruce Pine, NC – July 17, 2010
• Geneva Hall Square Dancers, Little Switzerland, NC – Saturday nights in July and August 2010
• Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair, Burnsville, NC – August 6-7, 2010
• Fries Fiddlers Convention, Fries, VA – August 13-14, 2010
• Virginia State Peach Festival, Patrick County, VA – August 5-7, 2010
• Fries Festival by the River, Fries, VA – September 18, 2010
• Green Hill Medieval Faire, Roanoke County, VA – September 25-26, 2010
• 7th Annual Grandfather Mountain Kidfest, Grandfather Mountain, NC – September 11, 2010
• Heritage Crafts Weekend, Asheville, NC – September 25, 2010
• Shockley’s Old Timey Day, Hillsville, VA – September 25-26, 2010
• 43rd Annual Lunsford Festival, Mars Hill, NC – October 2, 2010
• 11th Poor Mountain Hill Climb, Roanoke County, VA – October 3, 2010
• Mountain Day, Buena Vista, VA – October 9, 2010
• Vesuvius Heritage Day, Vesuvius, VA – October 9, 2010
• Old Fort Oktoberfest, Old Fort, NC – October 1-3, 2010
• Mineral City Heritage Festival, Spruce Pine, NC – October 16, 2010

Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Phil Francis emphasizes the role of the Parkway as a gateway to its neighboring communities. “Traveling the parkway is a beautiful pastime,” says Francis, “but to gain the full experience, it’s important to venture off and on the road and explore the wonderful towns and communities along the way.”

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.