WCU Stories      September 10, 2024

By Julia Duvall

It is beginning to feel like fall on the campus of Western Carolina University, which means the start of a new school year, a campus bustling with student life and Mountain Heritage Day, a festival held at WCU that celebrates Southern Appalachian heritage.

This year is especially significant as it marks Mountain Heritage Day’s 50th anniversary, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no fee for entry or entertainment.

“Mountain Heritage Day is a gift from WCU to the community and everyone from everywhere is welcome to attend,” said WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown. “The festival, which began 50 years ago in 1974, has continued its legacy of highlighting traditional folk arts and skills, Cherokee crafts and heritage demonstrations, clogging, storytelling and shape-note singing. This year will be jam-packed with a robust schedule of music and interactive events for children and families on our beautiful campus.”

The festival headliner will be bluegrass group Sister Sadie, performing at 1 p.m. on the Ingles Blue Ridge Stage. A separate evening concert will feature renowned Americana string band Old Crow Medicine Show and Lindsay Lou. The concert, which will take place at Ramsey Regional Activity Center, will be the first time Mountain Heritage Day will offer an evening music option. Doors will open at 5 p.m.

The evening concert is free, but tickets are required.

Other musical performances will also be held throughout the day, with music from bluegrass, acoustic, old-time, roots, country, mountain swing and gospel, including regional favorite, Balsam Range.

More than 125 vendors will be offering demonstrations, crafts and food, along with a classic car show, chainsaw competition, a 5K walk/run, traditional Cherokee stickball and much more.

For more information about the festival and to reserve tickets for the evening concert, visit mhd.wcu.edu.