Mountain Heritage Days 2025

Join CCESL at MHD! Volunteers at the entry gates will welcome guests, handout SH inserts, answer questions, requires standing, familiar with festival map, count guests with clicker Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Bardo Afternoon Concert Volunteers will assist the Bardo Fine Arts Center during the final event of the weeklong series. These volunteers will greet guests, handout programs, and serve as usher. This position requires standing, walking, and customer service. This position will include on-site training before the concert. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Festival runners will assist the MHD event by assisting vendors by putting up tents, moving drink merchandise for the drink booths, and providing break coverage for the vendors. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the vendor rows will assist the vendors in unloading and loading as needing and rotating for vendor breaks. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for this activity will assist as needed with the annual Chainsaw Competition! Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Join CCESL and the Hospitality & Tourism Dept. in assisting with information booth volunteering for Mountain Heritage Days. You will greet visitors, answer questions about event schedules, locations, and activities. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the pickin' circle will Assist performers as needed, monitor sound system, restock water, and shift haybales as needed. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the Balsam Tent will assist performers as needed, monitor sound system, restock water, and shift haybales as needed. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the car show will assist with registrations, greeting visitors, and passing out ballots. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the Children's Heritage Activity Area will assist with arts and crafts activities, decorate/unload, stock water, load supplies, and tear down at the end. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for Shape Note will welcome guests, give out ice water, handout & take up lyric books, invite guests to sign guestbook. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the evening Appalachian Topic Public Lecture will assist with ushering and greeting for the event. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers will assist with loading, unloading, and as needed for the evening MHDs concert in Sylva. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers will load, unload, assist as needed with demonstration activity. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for Rooted in the Mountains will assist with the talks during lunch and book signings and help with Cherokee vendors area. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!

Volunteers for the evening Appalachian Class Topic and Activity will assist with ushering and greeting attendees and activity as needed. This event will take place during Mountain Heritage Days week, prior to the Saturday festival. Western Carolina University has proudly hosted the Mountain Heritage Day festival on the last Saturday in September for 50 years! This cherished tradition has been the university’s gift to the community, preserving Appalachian culture and traditions through education. Starting this year, the festival is getting an exciting, fresh, new look! The festival will now span an entire week, featuring newly added programming such as evening faculty-led lectures with hands-on involvement, heritage demonstrators on the plaza, and a Friday night concert at Bridge Park in Sylva. As such, the event will now be called Mountain Heritage Days. We will continue to offer an array of family-friendly activities on Saturday from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, including cultural demonstrations, music, clogging, mule and tractor rides, traditional arts and crafts vendors, festival food, and much more! The shift to a week-long model provides additional opportunities for patrons to participate and enhances the visitor experience. We are confident that the new format will allow everyone to become immersed in Appalachian culture and history, keeping the tradition alive for another 50 years. The university remains committed to its mission of educating our campus and community about these beloved traditions. For the most up-to-date information on the week of activities, check back in closer to the event and follow us on Facebook!