Macie Greene
Mg8797@mhslive.net
The 77th annual Rhododendron Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday in Bakersville.
This festival has been a significant part of Mitchell County history, popular with both locals and tourists.
The North Carolina Rhododendron Festival will offer a two-night street dance, vendors and music on the Bakersville Creekwalk, a two-night pageant, and a hike on Roan Mountain.
While for some people in Mitchell County, the Rhododendron Festival is just a fun event every year, for Brooke Brewer, a volunteer, it means more than that.
“This festival is important to me because my grandpa was the director for many years,” Brewer said. “He hosted people at his house and it has become a big part of my life.”
The festival is a way for Brooke and her mom Beth Brewer to spend time together, doing something that has been in their family for generations.
“My mom is the pageant director and I help because we get to spend time together,” said Brooke Brewer. “I do it because many different people come to visit and bring money to our local businesses.”
Many community members volunteer their time to put on the pageant, street dance, and so many other activities that come with the festival.
Beth Brewer has been helping with the pageant for many years.
“The pageant is a great way for girls to build their self-confidence, and earn scholarship money to further their education,” said Beth Brewer.
Not only does Beth get to watch girls further their education by winning, she also gets to help with one of her favorite events of the year.
“I love this festival because I get to meet so many new people,” Beth Brewer said.
Clayton Roberts is another contributor to the Rhododendron Festival. He has committed many hours to getting everything ready for the music on the creek walk and for the pageant. “The festival has so much to offer for everyone — the car show, the crafts fair with live music, festival pageant, and street dance,” Roberts said. “You can’t forget the 600 acres of beautiful Catawba Rhododendron on top of Roan Mountain. I personally have been a part of every aspect of the festival in some way.”
For Roberts and his family it is much more than just a festival.
“I have vested interest because my daughter is the 2020-2021 Junior Queen. She is the only Junior Queen to have reigned for two consecutive years,” said Roberts. “I would personally recommend any that have never been a part of the Rhododendron Festival, to take the time and try to be a part of as many activities as possible. Whether you’re interest be in the arts or the history of the festival, every part is special in its own way. You really need to get the full experience!”