Married musical duo Crystal & Judge entertain Rhododendron Festival attendees Friday, June 18 on the Bakersville Creek Walk. Crystal & Judge were joined by several other bands who performed live music at the festival, which also had a pageant, car show, dancing and more. (MNJ photo/Laz Aguayo)
The annual North Carolina Rhododendron Festival returned to Bakersville after being postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The festival, which celebrated its 74th anniversary, started on Friday, June 18 and ran through Saturday, June 19.
The Rhododendron Arts and Crafts Fair on the Bakersville Creek Walk featured free admission and dozens of vendors, selling a variety of goods ranging from food and drinks to handmade crafts and jewelry. Several Mitchell County organizations, including the Mitchell County Department of Social Services, Mitchell County Historical Society and the Mitchell County Republicans and Democrats, also set up booths and passed out information.
The festival also featured the annual North Carolina Rhododendron Pageant, street dancing, the 10K run and a classic car show. Street dance music was provided by the Bandana Rhythm with concessions sold by Bakersville Ruritan.
The classic car show featured more than 100 cars of all makes and models and was held at the Quality Plus parking lot across from the fire department. The show was presented by the Mountaineer Shrine Club and benefited the Shriners Hospital for Children.
“It’s so cool to see so many classic cars in one place,” said Casey Loftis, who visited the show from Marion.
The 10K run showcased special cash prizes and awards for first-place finishers in both the male and female divisions. Wade Campbell handed out 10K T-shirts to commemorate the 43rd race.
“We are just happy that everything is getting back to normal for everyone,” he said. “People were really disappointed last year.”
Jan Silver of the Mitchell County Republican Party said she enjoyed watching her grandson participate in the 10K run and said she was happy that the festival was back up and running.
Howard Larsen with the Mitchell County Democratic Party said he enjoyed being out at the festival.
“My favorite thing about the festival is that it is a great way to meet people,” Larsen said.