Highland Brewing founder Oscar Wong has long been known as the “Godfather of Asheville Craft Beer.” Now, Mr. Wong can add another feather to his cap: The Order of The Long Leaf Pine award.
The award is the highest civilian honor a Tar Heel resident can receive and is reserved for individuals who have shown extraordinary service to the state. Past recipients include former mayor Lou Bissette and other NC legends like Maya Angelou, Michael Jordan, and basketball coach Dean Smith.
In addition to founding Highland, Wong has been credited with shaping the region’s thriving craft beer industry, which has grown into a nearly $1 billion sector over the last few decades.
There will be a public ceremony at the Asheville Art Museum on Tuesday, May 16 at 4 p.m., featuring the unveiling of a new plaque and speeches from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Buncombe County, and the City of Asheville. We’ll certainly cheers to that.