Welcoming Back The Woolly Worm: The Festivities Begin

Story by Kris Golden

The official woolly worm mascot starts last year’s Woad Wace off with a bang. Photo submitted

The nip of cool mountain air reminds many that the annual Woolly Worm Festival is just around the corner. Marking its 32nd year in 2009, the festival will draw more than 20,000 spectators and wacers to Banner Elk on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18. But woolly worm-themed festivities begin much sooner, so take a look below and start planning your woolly worm-themed October now.

For more information on the entire festival, including ancillary events, click to www.woollyworm.com.

It’s Woolly Worm Time—Lets Have A Ball!

Woolly Worm Festival Ball at Buckeye Recreation Center October 10

The first order of business this fall in preparation for the Woolly Worm Festival is the Woolly Worm Festival Ball, scheduled for Saturday, October 10. The Ball will start at 6:30 p.m. and last until approximately 10:30 p.m.

As the official kickoff to the Woolly Worm Festival, the ball takes place at the Buckeye Recreational Center, located at 206 Grassy Gap Creek Road on Beech Mountain. Admission is $50 per couple and $30 per individual. As stated, this is a ball, so attendees should wear their dancing shoes, grab a partner and compete for the title of King and Queen of the Ball.

That’s right, a King and Queen will be chosen to rule over Avery County. The winners of the dance contest being performed to “The Woolly Bully” will assume the crown and glory.

Susan Freeman, director of Avery County Chamber of Commerce, said, “There will be live music performed by some of the most phenomenal artist during the Ball for the participants’ dancing pleasure.” Freeman added that Whip Daddies will provide live music, and a special performance by John ”Elvis” Greene can be expected.

Heavy hors d’ oeuvres will be prepared by Alpen Restaurant and Bar, and one free drink for each ticket holder is offered.

A silent auction will take place that features items such as fine jewelry, local area ski lift tickets and personal services (i.e. caterings, personal chef services).

All proceeds raised from the silent auction will be donated to the Buckeye Recreational Kids playground expansion.
For more information call 828-898-5605 or 828-387-3003.

Wace for the Worm

Woolly Worm Woad Wace Begins at Lees-McRae College Track October 17

On Saturday, October 17, the annual Woolly Worm Woad Wace will begin at the Lees-McRae College track. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. The foot race is five miles and will start at 10:00 a.m.

This five-mile race takes a cross-country journey through the back roads and unique landscape of Avery County. This is a challenging and fun race because of the terrain. “There will also be a One Mile Fun Run for those that want to participate, but not run the larger five-mile Woad Wace. The one mile fun run will wind around the college’s campus,” said Freeman. Cost for the One Mile Fun Run will be $10. Registration takes place at the Lees-McRae College Track Field.

To pre-register, call the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 828-898-5605 or click to www.averycounty.com.

“Last year, close to 100 participants showed up to race, and we hope this year to see that number increase,” said Freeman.

Proceeds from the race will help Lees-McRae’s track and field team purchase uniforms and help with expenses during the year while traveling to out-of-town events.

Mail entry forms with a check to: Woolly Worm Woad Wace c/o Avery County Chamber of Commerce, 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Suite 2, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Interested parties can also register in person on race day at Lees-McRae College at 9:00 a.m. The entry fee is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the race. All pre-registered runners will receive a commemorative race t-shirt.

For more information call 828-898-5605.

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