Join us for the Dillsboro Makers Market on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Front Street! This outdoor event celebrates the unique artistry and craftsmanship of Western North Carolina, featuring an impressive range of handmade arts and crafts that showcase some of the best creative skills our region has to offer. With free admission and parking, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore local talent, find one-of-a-kind pieces and get a head start on holiday shopping. Discover everything from pottery and woodwork to textiles and jewelry—all crafted by local artisans dedicated to their craft. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply enjoy supporting local makers, the Dillsboro Makers Market is a community event you won’t want to miss. Bring your family and friends, and enjoy a day celebrating creativity in the heart of Dillsboro!

Discover unique, high-quality, handmade gifts crafted by the talented students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Western Carolina University! The **Handmade Holiday Sale** at the WCU Fine Art Museum in Bardo Arts Center offers a wide range of handcrafted items, including artwork, candles, ceramics, wearable accessories, woodwork, and more. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting local artists. Enjoy complimentary cookies, hot cider, and coffee from 12–7 PM to add some festive cheer! From 5–7 PM, don’t miss the **At the Table** exhibition reception at the WCU Fine Art Museum—a new exhibit that explores the intersection of art and community. Hosted in the Bardo Arts Center lobby and Star Atrium, entry is free. Artists appreciate cash or check for purchases, though some accept cards.

Cashiers Festival of Trees is a two-day, family-friendly event taking place on November 29th and 30th at Summit Charter School in Cashiers, N.C. The Festival features beautifully decorated trees, gift baskets, and wreaths, along with free children's crafts, raffle prizes, scavenger hunts, and a holiday shopping Gift Zone. Enjoy football viewings in the Gameday Lounge, and don’t miss the Pop-up Teddy Bear Workshop hosted by O.P. Taylor's and Design South Builders. The Jackson County Green Energy Park will be onsite, showcasing glassblowing and blacksmith demonstrations, with products available for sale. Tickets are $5 for adults, while entry is free for those aged 18 and younger. Proceeds from the festive event benefit the Summit Charter School Foundation and participating area nonprofits. Ticket Link: https://bit.ly/cashiersfestival Photo credit Andrew Renfro and Abby Powell

Join us for a milestone year at the Cashiers Christmas Parade, as we mark 50 Years of Christmas Cheer with family, friends, and festive floats. The parade kicks off in the heart of Cashiers with new surprises, a fresh parade route, and the long-awaited return of Santa and Mrs. Claus on the final fire truck! Special Guest: We're honored to have Nicole Smith Russell as our Grand Marshal, celebrating the legacy of her mother, Sandie Smith, who started the beloved Peppermint Stick Parade in 1974. Don't Miss Out on the Fun: Get creative with your parade entries for a chance to win one of our festive awards! This year’s winners will receive special recognition for their holiday spirit, community support, and joyful themes.

Celebrate the season at Sylva’s Annual Yule Market! Join us on December 20th from 9 am to 5 pm in beautiful downtown Sylva for an evening of holiday shopping, festive vibes, and community cheer. Hosted by the Main Street Sylva Association’s Promotions Committee, Jackson County Farmers Market, and Sylva Yoga, this special market is the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts while enjoying the warmth of the season.

Sylva, NC’s extreme trail race How does running a seven-mile trail race with 2,770 feet of elevation gain sound? Trail runners who compete in the Assault on BlackRock trail race will summit BlackRock at 5,810 feet - and that’s just the halfway point of the race. The course weaves through the spruce forests along the spine of the Plott Balsam Mountains on challenging rocky/dirt roads and single track. The final climb to the summit ridge comprises 650 feet of elevation gain in 1/3 of a mile on steep single track. T-shirts are guaranteed to runners registered prior to 3/1/2024. Awards will be given to the overall top 3 female and male finishers and the top individual female and male "Masters" finishers (50+). For those looking for an additional challenge, runners who complete the BlackRock 101 Challenge will receive a belt buckle. All proceeds from this race will go to Hands on Jackson. Hands on Jackson is a community based effort in Jackson County, North Carolina that focuses on providing assistance to neighbors in need by mobilizing community volunteer teams of all skill levels. Jobs performed range from installing energy efficiency measures, building ramps, cleaning yards/gutters an so on. BlackRock 101 Challenge Runners who complete the course in 101 minutes or less (1 hour 41 minutes) will earn a belt buckle. Can anyone break the 1 hour mark? The first participant to complete the course on race day in under 1 hour will receive a $200 cash award!

Friends night out is a fun event where patrons are encouraged to shop all day at any chamber member establishment, bring back any receipt over $20 to the chamber, and be present for a drawing at the chamber at 6:30 p.m. for gift card collection totaling over $300 to local chamber member establishments. There will be a pre-drawing party at the chamber from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Bring your Easter Bonnet to wear in the Easter Hat Parade! Meet the Easter Bunny and helpers who will be handing out Easter candies, and enjoy kid's activities. Egg Hunt at 11:00 am at Monteith Park with 4,000 eggs to find! Registration for the parade begins at Noon, and the parade starts from Dillsboro Town Hall at 2:00 pm. Calling all ladies, gentlemen, children and dogs. Grab your hat and join in the fun during Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious annual Easter Hat Parade! Plenty of prizes are announced after the Parade. Ribbons are given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual categories. There is even a ribbon awarded to the Best Animal in Show!

The Greening Up the Mountains Festival is a heritage arts festival that celebrates the arrival of Spring through both traditional and contemporary forms of Appalachian art, music, food, and beverage which honor our community and local artisans.