Hickory Furniture Mart does have an eye for beautiful things. Nothing in North Carolina could be more naturally beautiful than Blue Ridge Parkway, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this past September 11 with a formal ceremony on September 10 at the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area (Milepost 217, near the North Carolina-Virginia border). The event was attended by congressional leaders and the governors of both North Carolina and Virginia to commemorate the park’s founding on September 11, 1935.
After the formal ceremony, other weekend-long festivities included live entertainment, arts and crafts demonstrations, and exhibits, among many others. These all take place at the Cumberland Knob and Blue Ridge Music Center on Milepost 213. Park Ranger Tim Francis and his band The Great Big Howdy took the stage Friday afternoon while the popular bluegrass music of Sierra Hull and Highway 111. Meanwhile, the Cumberland Knob stage featured storytellers Charles Maynard and Faye Wooden.
Following the formal opening ceremony, the weekend’s entertainment – family activities, exhibitions and demonstrations, crafters, and performers – will begin at 1:30 p.m. at Cumberland Knob and at the Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213), near Galax, VA. Friday afternoon’s performances include music from Park Ranger Tim Francis and Great Big Howdy; recognition of artists Teresa Pennington and P. Buckley Moss, who created commemorative art in honor of the Parkway; and bluegrass music from Sierra Hull & Highway 111, with special guest Ron Block, at the Music Center. The Cumberland Knob stage will feature popular storytellers Charles Maynard and Faye Wooden.
Of course, the birthday of the park happens to coincide with the tragic anniversary of September 11. It wasn’t lost in the midst of their own celebration. A poignant Remembrance Ceremony was held in the morning at the Blue Ridge Music Center on September 11 with guest speaker Reverend Dan Mathews, who was at Trinity Episcopal Church in the shadow of the World Trade Center in Manhattan when the attacks occurred. He shared remembrances and other touching remarks along with a memorable performance by members of the Fort Jackson, SC, Army Band.
All events were free and open to the public!