Greening Up The Mountains Festival, North Carolina April 23, 2011

Celebrate Spring with Greening Up the Mountains Festival on April 23

SYLVA, N.C. - The 14th annual Greening Up the Mountains festival takes place Saturday, April 23, in downtown Sylva.

This free festival celebrates the arrival of spring in the mountains, when the greening leaves work their way up the Great Smokies. It also celebrates the greening of the environment, with information about sustainable living and presentations by environmental groups.

Festival attendees enjoy a full day of activities, including: a parade, live music on two stages, 5K road race, displays from local artisans, a variety of food vendors, plus a children's area with face-painting, giant inflatable slide and other activities.

New this year is a "market square" providing open-air space for farms, CSAs, nurseries, beekeepers and others to showcase traditional agricultural practices.

The music lineup features a trio of headliners: The Freight Hoppers, Vertigo Jazz Project and Big House Radio, along with local favorites: Marshall Ballew, Dan River
Drifters, John-Luke Carter, Total War and the Buchanan Boys.

The popular youth talent show returns, and there will be performances by the Cullowhee Valley Cloggers and students from Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy.

The fun begins with a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more info, visit www.downtownsylva.org or call the Downtown Sylva Association at (828) 586-1577. Lodging information is available by calling (800) 962-1911. Follow @VisitNC on Twitter!

Warmly, Carolina Mama