News

LOCAL BRIEFS: Capitol Christmas tree, Halloween, Sleepout, pet rescue day

By Lightning Reports, Published: October 17, 2022

Public invited to celebrate Capitol Christmas tree

FLETCHER — The public is invited to celebrate the sendoff of Ruby, one very special red spruce, on her grand adventure from the mountains to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Forest Service is hosting the harvest celebration for the 2022 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Expo Building at the WNC Agricultural Center.

The forest service will invite people to sign the banners on her truck to send good wishes to all the communities hosting Ruby along the way. Visitors can also take a “walk” through an interactive display of the four national forests in North Carolina and learn about each forest’s ecosystem and employees. More than 25 partner organizations will offer fun family-friendly games and U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise. The event is free and open to the public.

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree — also known as “The People’s Tree,” reflecting the nickname for the U.S. House of Representatives as the People’s House —is raised on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The tree is selected each year from a different national forest. The honor of being the People’s Tree this year was given to the 78-foot-tall red spruce affectionately named “Ruby” (short for the scientific name, Picea rubens).

The tree will be harvested on the Pisgah National Forest in early November in advance of a nearly 1,000-mile expedition. The journey will include a series of community celebrations before Ruby arrives on Nov. 18 to the Capitol, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments and tree skirts created by North Carolinians.

Fletcher Halloween Carnival features fun costume contest

FLETCHER — Children 11 and under are invited to Bill Moore Community Park for free Halloween fun during Fletcher’s Halloween Carnival from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, featuring carnival games, face painting, candy and more.
Children and families interested in participating in the costume contest must be registered by 1:45 pm. Here’s the schedule:
• Noon-3:00 p.m. carnival games, face painting
• 1:45 p.m. deadline to register for costume contest
• 2 p.m. ages 4 and under contest
• 2:20 p.m. ages 5-7 contest
• 2:40 p.m. ages 8-11 contest
• 3 p.m. family contest
The event is free and open to the public thanks to sponsors Blue Ridge Orthodontics, Prescott Auto Reserve, Hunter Subaru and State Farm insurance agent Tabatha Hamlin. For the safety of pets and guests, the town asks people to leave pets at home.

Only Hope WNC announces Sleepout

Only Hope WNC, the local non-profit that raises awareness and funds to combat youth homelessness in Henderson County, will host its 11th annual Sleepout on Nov. 4. That night a group of board members and concerned citizens will be sleeping out at the Historic Courthouse for the cause.
Sleepout 2022 kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, with an opening rally and information about Only Hope. The Sleepout officially takes place from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday.
To take part, donate online or support in any way, visit onlyhopewnc.org or call Michael Absher or Kim Fletcher at 828-693-5499.

Mills River hosts  movie night Oct. 21

MILLS RIVER — The Town of Mills River is hosting its first outdoor movie night at Mills River Park on Friday, Oct. 21.
The event is free to attend and no pre-registration is required. The film “Hocus Pocus” (1993) is scheduled to begin at dark (approximately 7 p.m.). There will be lawn games, a photo booth and other activities available starting at 6:30 p.m. Cash only concessions will be available. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Please leave all pets at home for this event. Free parking is available in the park and carpooling is encouraged.
This first-of-its kind event for Mills River is made possible as a result of the Town Council’s decision to expand Parks and Recreation services for the residents of Mills River by increasing staff support and earmarking funding for programs and events. This investment by the Council was supported by the Town’s Parks, Trails, and Recreation Advisory committee and the recently adopted Parks and Recreation masterplan.
Mills River Park is located at 124 Town Center Drive, Mills Rive. The event will take place on the multi-purpose fields. For more information visit www.millsriver.org/events, email recreation@millsriver.org or call 828-890-2901.

Subaru Loves Pets, ASPCA campaign supports rescues

Blue Ridge Humane Society is participating in the Subaru Loves Pets Campaign this month. Sponsored by Subaru and the ASPCA, the campaign enables Blue Ridge Humane Society to receive a $100 grant up to the amount of $3,500 for each cat and dog adopted during this campaign.

Blue Ridge Humane Society will be participating in the WLOS Pet Project at Hunter Subaru in Fletcher from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. During the major adoption event, the agency will have adoptable dogs onsite and will also be offering discounted adoption fees. To see all of Blue Ridge Humane Society’s adoptable animals visit www.blueridgehumane.org/adopt.