Those interested in mourning and reminiscing about Hurricane Helene (downgraded to a tropical storm after slowing down over land) in community have a number of options available to gather at memorial events this weekend.
Hurricane Helene struck Mitchell County and the rest of Western North Carolina one year ago on Sept. 27, destroying homes, lives, and livelihoods in flooding, landsides and high winds.
On Friday, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital is hosting a Hurricane Helene Remembrance Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Special guests at the event will include former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory.
In Spruce Pine, there will be memorial events held on Lower Street (Locust Avenue), one of the areas that received the most flood damage, on Saturday. There will be a prayer vigil in the Pocket Park at 8 a.m., followed by the Run for the Hills 5K, organized by the Bridge Church WNC.
Registration to compete in the 5K ends today (Wednesday). Registration information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/SprucePine/RunTheHills5k.
Also on Saturday, Bakersville will hold a Day of Remembrance from 3 to 5 p.m. at United Community Bank Bakersville. There will be a free hotdog meal and performances by local musicians, as well as a time of community gathering and reflection.
Those who attend are encouraged to bring chairs to enjoy the concert. The event is sponsored by the Bakersville Community Foundation, the Bakersville Area Merchants’ Association and the Bakersville Beautification Association.
Some of Mitchell County’s volunteer fire departments will hold events under the collective title “Remembering Helene.”
In Yancey County, there will be a dedication ceremony for a Helene Memorial on Saturday in the Burnsville Town Square at 10 a.m.