As we get closer to that anniversary date, our area isn't just looking back at the damage. We're coming together, in all sorts of ways, to remember what we went through, thank the folks who helped us, and celebrate the fact that we made it through together.
As the anniversary approaches, our area is not just looking back at the devastation but is marking the human story of the storm. From small, quiet acts of remembrance to large public ceremonies, our community is coming together to honor those we lost, thank those who helped, and celebrate the incredible resilience that carried us through.
Art, Music & Film: The Canvas of Our Recovery
Local artists are playing a pivotal role in the community's healing and remembrance of Hurricane Helene. Across the region, people are turning to creative expression to process their grief and resilience.
UNC Asheville Post-Helene Symposium (September 24-26): This three-day, campus-wide event is a major hub for artistic expression related to the storm. Events include the "Looking Back to Move Forward" Art Exhibition, a Music Faculty Showcase Concert featuring original storm-inspired compositions, and Film Screenings of local documentaries like "Small Mountain Strong."
River Arts District (RAD) Resilience (September 27): The artists and businesses of the River Arts District, which was severely impacted by the flooding, are holding a district-wide open studio event, showcasing their rebuilt studios and new pieces created in direct response to the storm.
Buncombe County Library Projects: The county library system is sponsoring hands-on art projects for the community. The "Turning the Page on Helene" project invites community members to use altered books to capture their personal stories of the hurricane.
Community Gatherings & Acts of Service
Heroes of Helene Ceremony (September 25) at Highland Brewing Company in Asheville: This public ceremony is dedicated to honoring the first responders, healthcare workers, and line workers who were vital to the recovery efforts.
"Reunion Benefit Concert" (September 27) at Harrah's Cherokee Center in Asheville: This event will unite the community through music to honor those who were lost and to continue to support ongoing recovery efforts.
"Hope After Helene: Community Storm Anniversary" (September 27) in Boone: This community welcome day is designed to show gratitude and hope, with a community quilting project, a resource fair, and a keynote address and concert by singer-songwriter David LaMotte.
"Strength Beyond the Storm" Community Day (September 27) in Hot Springs, Madison County: A celebratory event featuring live music, tours of restored areas, and a showcase of local nonprofits and volunteers.
Haywood County Community Lunch and Reflection (September 28) in Waynesville: A free community lunch to celebrate community togetherness and resilience.
Commemorative Ceremony (September 27) in Lake Lure & Chimney Rock: This event will include a ceremony at Morse Park and a "Resilience Hike" at Chimney Rock State Park, offering a powerful moment of reflection.
An At-a-Glance Guide to Events by County
Buncombe County / Asheville:
UNC Asheville Post-Helene Symposium (Sept. 24-26)
Heroes of Helene Ceremony (Sept. 25)
RAD Resilience Open Studios (Sept. 27)
Buncombe County Library Projects (ongoing throughout the month)
"Reunion Benefit Concert" (Sept. 27)
Yancey County:
Helene Memorial Dedication Ceremony (Sept. 27) in Burnsville
Haywood County:
Hurricane Helene Oral History Project (Sept. 27)
Flood Memorial Art Piece Groundbreaking (Sept. 27) in Waynesville
Community Lunch and Reflection (Sept. 28) in Waynesville
Madison County:
"Strength Beyond the Storm" Community Day (Sept. 27) in Hot Springs
Rutherford County:
"Celebration of Resilience" & Commemorative Ceremony (Sept. 27) in Lake Lure & Chimney Rock
WNCTimes
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