Aerial video along the Swannanoa River reveals the wrath of Tropical Storm Helene
Aerial video along the Swannanoa River between Black Mountain and Asheville reveals the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene.
Find art exhibits, documentary screenings, radio specials and other events commemorating the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, which tore through Western North Carolina Sept. 27, 2024, causing widespread devastation and more than 100 deaths. Have an event not listed here? Email it to news@citizentimes.com.
From Helene and Back: Nature’s Wakeup Call
Sept. 16, 9-10 p.m. Every Tuesday night for three weeks starting on Sept. 16, WNCW 88.7 will broadcast three documentaries. First is a radio adaption of David Weintraub’s film “Flood,” which chronicles the great Appalachian flood of 1916. On Sept. 23 is an adaption of Weintraub’s documentary, “From Helene and Back.” The radio station is partnering with EducationNC Sept. 30 to broadcast an adaption of “Running Towards Disaster,” focusing on the people who helped in Helene’s aftermath. Listen or stream online.
Town of Woodfin Community Gathering
Sept. 18, 4-6 p.m. The Town of Woodfin plans to hold a community gathering in recognition of Helene. Details have not yet been released.
Mountain Strong Mini Classic
Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Salt Face Mule, 450 Weaverville Hwy, Woodfin. First-ever Mountain Strong Mini Classic: mini golf, local flavor, and meaningful impact. Hosted by Mountain Strong: Yancey & Mitchell Relief Team to support long-term recovery and community rebuilding efforts in Yancey and Mitchell counties. All proceeds go directly to the cause.
Swannanoa Community Altar
Sept. 20-29 all day at the Swannanoa Fire Department, 103 South Ave., Swannanoa. Community members are invited to bring any items they wish to contribute and place them around the flagpole.
Film Screening: “Swannanoa Silt”
Sept. 20, 3-4 p.m. at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St., Asheville. Buncombe County Special Collections hosts a screenings: “The Swannanoa River” by Drew Erin Adams and “Swannanoan Silt” by Isaac King and Tristan Turner. Presented as part of the Carolina Record Shop and the community memory project Come Hell or High Water, documenting the historic impact of Helene. https://buncombe.librarycalendar.com/swannanoan-silt-screening
From Helene and Back – Nature’s Wakeup Call
Sept. 23, 9 p.m. WNCW 88.7. The Center for Cultural Preservation, WNC’s cultural history and documentary film center will air a radio documentary commemorating Helene’s impact on WNC. “From Helene And Back – Nature’s Wakeup Call” will focus on how the community came together to help each other and what we’ve learned about historic storms to help us be better prepared in the future.
Helene Milestone Day of Service
Explore Asheville will partner with community groups to present events as a part of a Helene Milestone Day of Service on Sept. 23. For more volunteer opportunities with Hands on Buncombe-Asheville’s volunteer board or visit exploreasheville.com.
Sept. 23. Volunteer with Food Connection. Three time slots available: 10:45 a.m.–12 p.m.; 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.; and 12:45–2 p.m. St. George’s Episcopal Church, 1 School Road, Asheville. Assist Food Connection with daily food rescue operations, including food pickup from donor partners, meal packing and prepping pans to collect more food. Tour the home base and the food truck. Staff will guide volunteers with operations and distributions. Register at signupgenius.com or visit food-connection.org.
Sept. 23. Volunteer with RiverLink, 1-3 p.m. at Karen Cragnolin Park, 190 Amboy Road. Support the park’s resilience by caring for the native pollinator meadow, in partnership with Patchwork Meadows, enhancing the riparian area, and creating an educational, climate-resilient public park. Expect light to moderate weeding, mulching, watering. Parking at Amboy River Park and Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road. Register: riverlink.salsalabs.org/kcpexploreasheville/index.html.
UNC Asheville post-Helene Symposium: Remembering, Rebuilding and Reimagining
Sept. 24-26. UNC Asheville’s faculty-led Post-Helene Symposium will draw upon university resources, faculty expertise, community participation, and partnerships to facilitate reflections on the impacts of the storm on Asheville and the surrounding areas. Scientific and humanistic panels and lectures, art exhibitions, musical performances, film screenings, shared storytelling, and other interactive events will bring the community together over three days on the campus of UNCA. Free. Register at www.posthelenesymposium.com/.
Grandfather Presents: Nature’s Song of Renewal: Ecological Resiliency After Helene
Sept. 25, 3:30-7 p.m., hosted by Grandfather Mountain at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway in Linville. A panel discussion that will explore nature’s resilience after Hurricane Helene. Meteorologist Brad Panovich will set the stage of the storm’s path and record-breaking impacts on our region. Panovich, wildlife biologist Marquette Crockett and geologist Philip Prince will speak on a panel to provide insights into key questions such as how the natural world changed because of Helene, what has been learned from the storm and what findings may still be to come. Moderated by Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation President and CEO Jesse Pope. Tickets are $50 for adults. https://grandfather.com/event/grandfather-presents-renewal-helene/.
Heroes of Helene: Honoring Recovery & Resilience Together
Sept. 25, 4-7 p.m. at Highland Brewing Co., The Meadow, at 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Suite 200. Hosted by the Asheville Chamber, Explore Asheville and Highland Brewing in partnership with the city of Asheville and Buncombe County. An evening of remembrance and recognition with music, local food, tributes and community connection. Free. Register at web.ashevillechamber.org/events/Heroes-of-Helene-Honoring-Recovery-Resilience-Together-9069/details. Contact Tommy Dennison at 828-258-6116 or tdennison@ashevilllechamber.org.
Partnership provides access to nutritional food and addresses food insecurity
Sept. 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher, NC 28732, Food Lion Feeds, MANNA FoodBank and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina will distribute fresh produce and non-perishable items to community members to mark the one-year anniversary of Helene.
Strength Beyond the Storm: A Community Welcome Day
Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hot Springs Resort and Spa, 315 Bridge St., Hot Springs. Join us in commemorating the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with a day of community, gratitude, and hope. While this is a solemn milestone, Strength Beyond the Storm is a celebration of the resilience, determination, and unity that define Hot Springs. Will feature a community welcome and tours, live music and drinks, nonprofit and volunteer showcase/honoring our volunteers segment and hourly raffles. Enter raffles by making a purchase from any Hot Springs business on Friday, Sept. 26 or Saturday, Sept. 27 and you’ll receive a raffle ticket.
Helene Remembrance Eucharist
Sept. 27, 10 a.m. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina will host a Helene Remembrance Eucharist at Lake Logan Conference Center led by the Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop of WNC, alongside the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. The Eucharist will honor the lives and communities affected by Helene, offering prayers for healing and renewal. Open to the public. Register at diocesewnc.org/helene.
Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Commemoration Ceremony
Sept. 27, 11 a.m. Morse Park gazebo, 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure. The journey of rebuilding following Helene is ongoing. We want to set aside some time to acknowledge our losses, reflect on what we experienced together, rejoice in the progress that has been made in the past year, and celebrate our community’s resilience.
Town of Black Mountain community tree giveaway
Sept. 27, 10 a.m. Black Mountain will host a tree giveaway in front of Town Hall at 160 Midland Ave. to “honor the community’s resilience, commemorate the progress made in recovery and take tangible steps to restore the tree canopy lost during the storm.” At least 200 trees will be distibuted with planting nad care instructions. A community reflection corner where residents can share stories will be available. Remarks fom the mayor, town council and town staff will be made.
River Blessings & Art Shows
Sept. 26-28 at Glen Bridge River Park, 77 Pinner Road, Arden. Anyone is welcome to offer a blessing and toss flowers into the French Broad River at the time that is most convenient while supplies last. Flowers and example blessings will be provided at the river access point.
Primal Scream Club
Sept. 26, 9-9:30 a.m. at Craven Street Bridge, 192 Riverside Drive, Asheville. The West Asheville Library team invites community members to gather and let it all out. The meeting will consist of three of the loudest screams you can muster before you go about your day. Information available at buncombe.librarycalendar.com/event/primal-scream-club-13857
Still Strong – Fairview United
Sept. 27, 9:27 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fairview Community Center, 1357 Charlotte Highway, Fairview. Join FairviewStrong.org and The Garren Creek Foundation for the Walk to Remember, a day of remembrance and creative resilience and a vibrant market celebrating local businesses. Find more information at garrencreek.org.
Swannanoa Gatherings & River Blessing
Sept. 27, beginning 10 a.m. at the Swannanoa Fire Department main station, Beacon Village. The community will walk to the Whitson Avenue Bridge for a river blessing and song. Blunt Pretzels at 120 Alexander Pl., Swannanoa will host a free community meal and music from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Short Sleeves Coffee at 222 Whitson Avenue, Swannanoa will offer a free kids’ art program at 1 p.m. in coordination with Asheville Creative Arts.
Reunion Concert
Sept. 27, 6 p.m. at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville. Swannanoa-based nonprofit The Blessing Project will host an evening of music, reflection and hope. Find tickets and more information at theblessingproject.org/reunionconcert.
Community Remembrance & Resilience Day
Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville. The library will host a series of remembrance and resilience-focused events throughout the day. Find the full schedule at buncombenc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=370.
Celebrate Resiliency in Weaverville
Sept. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Lake Louise Park, 122 Lakeshore Drive, Weaverville. A celebration of resiliency, rebirth and gratitude with remarks from Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons, Buncombe County Commission Chair Amanda Edwards and historian Judy Craggs.
Climate Change & Social Justice Forum
Sept. 27, 3 p.m. at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, 117 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. A free forum on climate change, its role in intensifying storms and its impacts. Speakers include Rev. Dr. Patricia Tull and Rev. Rebecca Barnes; moderated by Dr. Mallory McDuff of Warren Wilson College. Register by email at earthcare@bmpcnc.org, at the Church office at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain, by calling the church at 828-669-2725, or at the Black Mountain Saturday Tailgate Market or through the church’s website, bmpcnc.org.
Biltmore Forest Commemoration
Sept. 27, 4-6 p.m. at Biltmore Forest Town Hall, 355 Vanderbilt Road, Asheville. Town residents are invited to commemorate Helene’s anniversary with neighbors and staff. The event will feature a photo slideshow and story collection. You can submit photos, short video clips and stories via email to FOBF@biltmoreforest.org. RSVP at biltmoreforest.org/event/hurricane-helene-commemoration?delta=0.
Bee Tree Candlelight Vigil
Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Bee Tree Fire Station, 510 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa. The Swannanoa Fire Department will host a candlelight vigil to remember the 43 lives lost in Buncombe County and honor community resilience.
Anniversary Concert
Sept. 27, 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St., Asheville. The First Baptist Adult Choir, Asheville Symphony and All Souls Cathedral Choir present a free community concert featuring Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen and Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest. A free barbecue meal will be served at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary parking lot.
Historic Preservation in the Wake of Helene
Sept. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road, Asheville. Hosted by the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe and Friends of East Asheville Library, this talk features Jessie Landl and Josi Ward.
Stronger Than the Storm Celebration
Oct. 2, 5:30 p.m. at Asheville Yards, 75 Coxe Ave., Asheville. MountainTrue’s annual member gathering, volunteer appreciation and community celebration combined into one event. Includes live music, food, door prizes, resources and more. Free for MountainTrue supporters; $10 general public. Purchase tickets and RSVP at tixr.com/groups/avlyards/events/stronger-than-the-storm-a-mountain-true-gathering-153554.
Trainings, Remembrance, and Listening Sessions
Sept. 23-26 at various locations. Resources for Resilience will host virtual and in-person events throughout the week leading up to the one-year anniversary. The events, including virtual listening circles, reconnection trainings and more, are intended to support the community through connection, practical tools, simple strategies and research-backed resources. See the full schedule at resourcesforresilience.org.
Madison County Reflection and Rebuilding Tribute
Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Madison County Fairgrounds, located at 330 Caroline Lane in Marshall. The “One Year Post-Helene” event is meant to honor the strength and resilience of the Madison County community.
This story will be updated.
