The Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk is a popular annual event that takes place in the small mountain town of Banner Elk, North Carolina. Held on the third weekend of October, the festival celebrates the unique and curious creature known as the woolly worm, and it has been a beloved tradition for over 40 years.
The woolly worm, also known as the woolly bear caterpillar, is a furry caterpillar that can be found in the mountains of North America. According to folklore, the width of the brown band on the woolly worm's body can be used to predict the severity of the upcoming winter. The wider the brown band, the milder the winter will be. The woolly worm has become an important cultural symbol in Banner Elk and the surrounding area, and the festival is a celebration of this fascinating creature.
The festival is a family-friendly event that offers a variety of activities and attractions. Visitors can enjoy live music, craft vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden. The main event, however, is the woolly worm races. These races are held on a specially designed track, where woolly worms race to see which one is the fastest. The winning worm is said to predict the weather for the upcoming winter.
The festival also features a woolly worm costume contest, where participants can dress up as the woolly worm and compete for prizes. There is also a woolly worm petting zoo, where visitors can get up close and personal with these furry creatures.
In addition to the festivities, the Woolly Worm Festival has a charitable mission. The event raises funds for local non-profit organizations, including the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Avery County Humane Society. Over the years, the festival has raised thousands of dollars for these worthy causes.
If you're planning a visit to Banner Elk in the fall, the Woolly Worm Festival is a must-see event. With its unique blend of culture, nature, and fun, this festival is a true gem of the North Carolina mountains. So come on out, enjoy the races, and see what the woolly worms have to say about the winter ahead.
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