As we're in the first few days of a new year, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect on the moments that made 2024 so memorable in Elkin. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Yadkin Valley, Elkin is a town where community bonds are strong and every event seems to bring us closer to gether. From heartwarming celebrations to exciting new projects, this year has been filled with moments that truly captured the spirit of our town. In this blog, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite highlights of 2024- moments that will continue to resonate as we move into the new year. Whether it was the return of a beloved festival or the opening of a new community space, 2024 proved that in Elkin, there's always something to celebrate!
Big Elkin BrrrFest
February welcomes Brrrfest, our annual Winter festival that brings craft beer, live music, and community together to celebrate the season. Held each February, the event also features The Great American Soup Off- where friends can serve up their favorite homemade soup recipe in a fun and delicious competition. The competition heats up each year, with creative and flavorful entries that make it hard to pick just one favorite. Between the beer, music, and hearty bowls of soup- this festival is always one of our favorites! We're already counting down the days til BrrrFest 2025! (32 days from this blogs date of publication, we're just a little excited)
The Unveiling of the Klondike Dam Mural
March brought with it a burst of color and creativity with the unveiling of the Klondike Dam Mural at Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery. This stunning piece of public art, created by renowned artist Eva Crawford, pays tribute to Elkin's history, landscape, and culture. This cherished landmark, positioned adjacent to Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery, perfectly harmonizes with the Forest Bathing Trail. The mural, spanning the length of the 100 year old dam, is not only a beautiful work of art but also a testament to our town's commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich heritage. The Klondike Lake Dam Mural Event was filled with excitement as residents gathered to admire the mural, chat with the artist, and reflect on the history of the area. It's a piece that will continue to inspire for years to come.
The Opening of The Stages Downtown
This summer, we witnessed the launch of The Stages - Elkin's newest cultural venue located in the heart of downtown next to the Heritage Center. A dream come true for music lovers and creatives alike, The Stages is a multi-functional performance space designed to host concerts, theater productions, and community events. Its grand opening was met with entusiastic crowds and a lineup of performances that showcased the diverse talents of local musicians and performers. The Stages has already become a hub for creativity and connection in Elkin, and we can't wait to see how it continues to shape the town's cultural landscape in 2025.
Earth to Elkin
Along with April comes Earth to Elkin, a celebration of our town's connection to the natural world, our town's natural beauty and our commitment to sustainability. This event created a space for attendees to immerse themselves in hands-on activities that fostered community engagement and environmental stewardship. From helping build community gardens to learning practical tips for leading a more sustainable lifestyle, there was something for everyone to get involved in. Friends, neighbors and fellow nature enthusiasts came together to honor our planet and take meaningful steps towards a greener, more sustainable future for Elkin.
NC Trail Days
One of the standout moments of 2024 in Elkin was Trail Days, a celebration that brought together hikers, locals, and outdoor lovers for a weekend of fun and community. Held every spring, Trail Days has grown into a beloved tradition that showcases the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and the breathtaking beauty of the Yadkin Valley. This year’s Trail Days also marked a milestone for Elkin itself. The town and EVTA had been working tirelessly to improve the trail experience for hikers, including enhancements to local trailheads, better signage, and new amenities along the Yadkin River. As a result, many hikers expressed their gratitude and admiration for the town’s efforts, reinforcing the idea that Elkin isn’t just a stopping point, but a place that truly cares about its outdoor community. We can't wait for Trail Days this year!
The Last Reevestock at the Hidden Amphitheater
October marked the final chapter in the storied history of Reevestock at Elkin's Hidden Amphitheater. For years, this annual music festival has brought together Elkin's residents and visitors for a weeekend of incredible live performances, good food, and great company. This last event was a bittersweet celebration of the festival's legacy matched with a sense of gratitude for the memories created over the years. While this might have been the last year of Reevestock as we know it - change is good! We are so excited for whats to come.
The Haunted Elkin Trail and Halloween Downtown
Spooky season came alive in Elkin with the return of the Haunted Elkin Trail and Halloween on Main/Downtown. The Haunted Elkin Trail, a thrilling walk through Elkin's historic downtown, took participants on a unique journey through eerie tales and ghostly local legends. The weekly downtown walk throughs were a massive hit, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the town's spooky side. Halloween on Main transformed our downtown and Main Street into a family-friendly celebration with costume contests, incredible decorations, and trick-or-treating. Elkin truly embraced the Halloween spirit this year!
Friendsgiving Soup Off at the Railyard
November brought the return of one of our favorite new traditions- Friendsgiving and the Soup Cook Off at the Railyard! This was the second annual Railyard Friendsgiving where we got to band together to give back to the community by supporting the Children's Center of Northwest North Carolina. This annual event saw local chefs, community members, and friends compete for the title of "Best Soup in Elkin," all while raising funds for a local charity. The community turned out in full force to support and the event was a heartwarming reminder of the generosity and spirit that defines our town. We're already looking forward to next year's Friendsgiving and Soup Off!
Reevesgiving
A new tradition took hold in Elkin this November with the inaugural Reevesgiving, a Thanksgiving celebration unlike any other. Hosted at the Reeves Theater and sponsored by Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery, the event featured a free community concert while accepting donations for some of our favorite charities including: The Ark, Tri-C, Foothills Arts Council, Reeves Downtown School of Music, and Grace Clinic. What started as a small gathering quickly turned into a beloved event, where people of all ages came together to celebrate the season of giving and community. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and great music, making it a memorable and meaningful way to kick off the holiday season.
Light Up Night in Elkin
To cap off the year, Elkin was transformed into a winter wonderland with the annual Light Up Night celebration. The downtown area was illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights and christmas decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that derw families, friends, and visitors. The event included a parade, visits from Santa Claus, Elsa and Anna, and festive music, making it the perfect way to welcome the holiday season in December. The sense of community was palpable as everyone gathered to celebrate together, with many locals sharing stories, enjoying hot cocoa, and basking in the glow of the holiday lights.
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