Some say it’s a face “only a biologist can love.” | Photo via NCWRC
Snot otters. Devil dogs. Mudpuppies. With their big ol’ rounded snouts, Eastern Hellbenders are a slimy symbol of Appalachia.
Even before Helene brought its wreckage to our river ecosystems, the Eastern Hellbender was already being considered for endangered species status. Luckily, an upcoming event is here to put its protection in the spotlight.
On Saturday, Aug. 30, the inaugural NC Hellbender Festival is coming to downtown Spruce Pine, just about an hour from Asheville. Like any good festival, there will be plenty of live music (from River Whyless, The Local Honeys, Sammy Osmond and the No-Hellers, and Billy Jonas), food trucks, and local art vendors. But the real impetus of this gathering is a conservation conversation.
The celebration of the ancient salamander is meant to encourage environmental stewardship and represent a collective effort to protect the waterways of Appalachia. To show your support for the snot otters, stop by the free festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
River Arts District Farmers Market | 3-6 p.m. | New Belgium Brewing | Free | Shop for the same delicious produce, meats, and baked goods you know and love in the weekly market’s new location.
Jodi John EP Release Show + Asheville Songwriters Showcase | 6 p.m. | The Grey Eagle | $14 | Celebrate the release of Jodi John’s debut EP, “Sybelia,” and hear the sweet songs of local songwriters involved in the making of the project.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Reconnecting Through Hard Times Webinar | 12-1 p.m. | Zoom | Free | Resources for Resilience continues to offer the virtual sessions promoting community healing after the storm.
Golden Hour at New Morning Gallery | 4-6 p.m. | New Morning Gallery | Free | Connect with featured artists Amy Noack and Bud Gray, who bring light, color, and creativity to the gallery.
“Dear God” | Thursday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 24 | Times vary | Tina McGuire Theatre | $23 | Aliens descend from space and disrupt Rev. Vonnie Braxton’s life, shaking her faith, marriage, and mission — now, she must choose between comfort and her commitment to justice.
IPA day at Wicked Weed Brewing | 5-8 p.m. | Wicked Weed Brewing | Free | Wicked Weed is celebrating all things IPA with deals including $4 pints, new beer releases + live music with Andy Ferrel, plus they’ll be announcing the winner of the You Deserve an Upgrade contest.*
Friday, Aug. 8
Yo Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band | 9 p.m. | Third Room | $25 | The beloved local band will bring the funk, playing early tunes and new music — Atlanta’s Ain’t Sisters will open the night.
Saturday, Aug. 9
RAD Sip & Stroll | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | River Arts District | Free | Enjoy sips, bites, and stunning masterpieces from more than 350 working artists at this all-day art event.
Beginner Mushroom Identification Class | 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Fifth Season Gardening | $50 | Certified wild foragers will give you an intro course in finding out which fungi you can spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Sunday Afternoon Club | 5:30 p.m. | The Orange Peel | Free | Enjoy some fresh air, a drink, and music from Big Fur during the venue’s new open-air music series.
AdventHealth is set to enhance the region’s healthcare service | Photo provided by AdventHealth
More access to healthcare is coming to WNC — and it’s closer than you might think.AdventHealth is expanding in Weaverville to better meet the needs of a growing community.
With plans to add 129 additional hospital beds to the approved hospital, this expansion means locals will have more support, more specialties, and more peace of mind — right in our backyard.
What to expect:
• 129 additional hospital beds
• More access to whole-person care
• Expanded services and specialties
Highland Brewing has “tasty things on the way.” The brewery appears to be teasing some new food options based on its recent social media post. All we know is that the pizza pic and emoji are making us excited (and hungry).
Real Estate
Property tax bills will be arriving in the mailboxes of Buncombe County homeowners soon. Find more info about important resources + deadlines. Plus, check your eligibility for Buncombe County’s Homeowner Grant Program.
Award
A-B Tech’s Hot Food Team brought home the gold from the American Culinary Federation’s national finals in Las Vegas — again. The returning champs earned the title with a sweet tea-brined pork chop with peach blackberry compote, okra and corn succotash, and plenty more delicious accoutrements. (Asheville Citizen-Times)
Environment
The Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy has purchased 130 acres at Starnes Cove in West Asheville, protecting what staff said is “one of the few large, undeveloped tracts of land just outside the Asheville City limits.” With six headwater streams originating on the property, protection will help safeguard water quality.
Pets
Tonight, Aug. 6, is the Asheville Tourists’ second Doggies at the Diamond night of the summer, presented by Patton Avenue Pet Co. Bring your fur babies to McCormick Field to cheer on the team and score plenty of treats.
Edu
A WNC graduate is one of 32 students across the US to earn the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship from the University of Oxford. Brevard High School and Davidson College grad and fiddle player Madeline Dierauf will attend to earn her Master’s degree in English and American Studies. (WLOS)
Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team + apply today.
Try This
Love checklists and analytics? We’re hiring an Advertising Coordinator to help us shine a spotlight on our partners. We offer an amazing benefits package, including competitive 401K matching and more. Apply now and help us make mornings smarter (and snappier).
CarGurus can help you determine if you’re overpaying for your next car. Fact or fiction?Find out by browsing their real-time prices + deal ratings on over three million vehicles.*
Post of the Day
At its grand reopening this weekend, Retro Coffee is giving away the ultimate gift — free coffee for a year. Head to the South Asheville shop to sip on a menu full of fall beverages and pick up a $5 raffle ticket for your chance to win the big prize.
A plumping and hydrating eye cream with 20,000+ five-star reviews. It features a caffeine-infused peptide complex that depuffs, brightens, and helps prevent wrinkles. Psst — Add the natural brand’s charcoal face scrub or gentle retinol to your routine for even more benefits.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Bluebird Bubble Tea may soon serve up the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up... right to your doorstep. The mobile boba tea biz just took to IG to ask if anyone would be interested in a weekly boba delivery. Of course I am, but you can also add your excitement in the comments.
^This content was created by our Client Success Team. Let’s work together — explore affordable advertising options at advertise.6amcity.com.
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