Banner Elk Archives

Avery County Woman Will Use $466,415 Win to Help People Affected by Helene

March 13, 2025 Tracy Bell of Banner Elk wants to give back to her community after she won a $466,415 jackpot playing a digital instant game. “Everyone around here has been through a lot lately,” she said. “I want to help some friends who lost a lot in the storm.” Bell played a $10 ticket on Sunday and won the top level ‘Epic jackpot’ in the Wheel of Bonuses game, a digital instant game featuring a progressive jackpot that can be won at any time. The odds of that win are 1 in 3.1 million. “It was pretty amazing,” she said.

Elk River Helping Hands Concert Series to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina

February 28, 2025 The people of North Carolina most affected by Hurricane Helene will receive a much-needed financial boost from a series of summer benefit concerts presented by the Elk River Helping Hands organization located in Banner Elk, NC. Former music attorney, artist manager, and television producer Bill Carter created the non-profit along with members of the Elk River Club. The organization serves as a financial resource for residents of western North Carolina impacted by illness, loss, or unforeseen hardship. The current efforts of Elk River Helping Hands are focused on relief efforts in Watauga and Avery counties following Hurricane Helene. “We had no idea how timely our efforts would turn out to be,” Carter said. “The hurricane may have done its initial damage in September, but the need is still staggering.”

January 14, 2025. Mountainfilm on Tour, a collection of top-of-the-line outdoor adventure films from the annual Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado, is returning to Lees-McRae this winter as part of the college’s High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series. Mountainfilm’s mission is to use the power of the film medium to inspire audiences to create a better world. To achieve this, they collect the most inspiring, culturally rich, and adventurous documentary short films each year to share with a national audience. Mountainfilm on Tour will come to Lees-McRae on Saturday, Feb. 8, and the films will be screened in Hayes Auditorium. The screening will begin at 6 p.m.

December 6, 2024 Thanks to the amazing work of countless volunteers, local and out-of-town contractors, many local businesses and non-profits, along with the superior planning and relief response of our town administration, it looks like the entire town of Banner Elk will be back up and running at full speed in record time. So, thanks to all those people and businesses, Ensemble Stage WILL be presenting its 2024 Holiday Musical Variety Show.

November 18, 2024 On Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 3 PM, join a joyous sing-along of familiar Christmas carols in the sanctuary of the historic Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. The fourth annual Community Carol Sing is a 45-minute casual service that includes a dozen favorite songs, ranging from “White Christmas” to “Joy to the World”, for all ages to enjoy. To allow the audience to rest their voices occasionally, the Lees-McRae Highlanders, church choir and soloists will sing beloved classics including O Holy Night, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and a jazzy Deck the Halls.

November 8, 2024 Fans of romcoms, classical musical theatre, and Bob Fosse choreography will not want to miss the first production of the season from Lees-McRae Theatre Arts, “Sweet Charity.” While it was initially delayed due to Hurricane Helene, the show will make it to the stage Thursday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 24. The dance-forward musical tells the story of Charity, a taxi dancer in 1960s New York City who is looking for love in all the wrong places. “The tagline from the beginning of the show has been, ‘The adventures of a girl who wanted to be loved,’” junior Musical Theatre major LillyRuth Beck, who plays the titular role, said.

November 8, 2024 The Western North Carolina town of Banner Elk, a popular tourist destination closed since late September because of Hurricane Helene, reopens to visitors Thanksgiving week. Although the holiday season is always a special time in this mountain community, there’s an extra sense of gratitude in 2024. After weeks without power and more than a month without water and other services, the town cherishes a return to normalcy with a deep appreciation for all the help it has received. “Banner Elk is ready to welcome back visitors for the holidays,” says Mayor Brenda Lyerly. “The resilience in our special town has been amazing and Thanksgiving in Banner Elk should be on everyone’s calendar. Then, come enjoy our ‘Small Town Christmas’ celebration the first weekend in December with three exciting days of holiday activities.”

October 14, 2024 Sorry it has taken so long for you to hear from us. For the first week after the storm we were without power, water, internet, or cell service. Since we were also unable to get to the theatre during that time, we decided to wait until we could provide you with as much accurate information as we could before sending this update. There’s some specific local hurricane information at the bottom of this email. First things first. If you, your friends and/or loved ones, live in any of the areas affected by Helene or Milton, we hope you made it through without any major issues. The building Ensemble Stage is in (the Historic Banner Elk School) did not appear to receive any structural damage, and is currently being used as the primary disaster relief station for the Banner Elk area.

Wednesday Update from the Town of Banner Elk

October 10, 2024 Avery County and the Town of Banner Elk remain under a State of Emergency due to the extensive flooding and wind damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Messages received here may not be responded to. If your matter is urgent, please call Banner Elk Town Hall.

October 7, 2024 On Sunday afternoon the Banner Elk donation center was a hotbed of activity. Situated in the old Historic Banner Elk School, the Resource Center has been the place where local volunteers have been receiving donations. Volunteers were busy receiving, sorting and organizing donations of everything from toilet paper, to paper towels, to diapers, to canned soup, even MREs that have arrived from across the region. Nancy Owen of Banner Elk who directs the town’s Tourism Development Authority was on hand helping to coordinate the process Through purely exhausted eyes but with the vibrancy of the energizer bunny she remarked that, while overwhelmingly grateful for all of these donations, what the residents of Banner Elk and surrounding communities really need now was cash assistance. “We need cash. We are able to fill peoples basic needs of food and drinking water which they need in order to survive, but these folks are going to need money to move beyond this tragedy.” By Dolores Smith

September 24, 2024 120 Summit Park Drive, a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel perched within the prestigious gates of Elk River, has entered the market. Offered for $14,000,000, this exceptional estate is the most expensive home ever offered in Banner Elk and is truly a statement piece on grand luxury living. The property is marketed exclusively by Marilyn Wright of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty’s Asheville office. The listing details may be viewed here. Spanning 7.64 private, meticulously landscaped acres, this extraordinary mountain retreat showcases unrivaled craftsmanship and a design that harmonizes rustic charm with contemporary luxury.

Local Ballot Includes Five County, Four Judicial, One State Senate, One State House Seats and Two Referendums

September 17, 2024 The 2024 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5. Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. According to the State Board of Elections, any voter in line at a polling place to vote after 7:30 p.m. may still vote.In addition to National and North Carolina statewide elections, Avery County voters can cast ballots in three county elections, including for three County Commission seats, Register of Deeds, and Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor, as well as in six district elections, including for four Judicial seats, one State Senate seat, one State House seat, and one Town of Newland Referendum, the latter of which only registered voters who live within the town’s limits may vote. By Tim Gardner

September 10, 2024 WNC Communities held the 32nd annual Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the WNC Agricultural Center – Davis Event Center in Fletcher. Watauga County alpaca farmer Lee Rankin, a tireless advocate for agritourism in the Western North Carolina, was inducted at this year’s luncheon. Each year, this event serves as a testament to the hard work, innovation, and commitment of those who have shaped our agricultural heritage and future. It recognizes those responsible for agricultural advancement and aims to encourage, improve, and promote agriculture and agribusiness in the region. Lee Rankin, the visionary behind Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk, North Carolina, has been a transformative force in agritourism and agriculture for over two decades.

Avery County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest Involving Internet Crimes Against Children

September 10, 2024 On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, the Avery County Sheriff’s Office along with Sugar Mountain Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant on the residence of Maxcim Kori, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Kori was identified by authorities in Florida pursuant to an Internet Crimes Against Children CyberTipline Report showing his potential involvement with child sexual abuse material. Based on the investigation in Florida, warrants were issued against Kori for Possession, Control, or Intentionally Viewing Sexual Performances by a Child. During the investigation in Florida, officers learned that Kori had moved to North Carolina and was living in Banner Elk.

September 4, 2024 Lees-McRae College will host the annual Homecoming celebrations this year Friday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 6. The weekend is scheduled full of athletics events, family fun, and Bobcat cheer for all ages, and this year, Lees-McRae extends an invitation to the community to join in on the celebration. Local organizations and businesses will have booths to promote their products and services, and all-ages events will be held throughout the day on Saturday. Community events throughout the weekend are as follows:

August 29, 2024 Mountain Heritage High School, located in Yancey County, North Carolina, has become the newest high school to establish a partnership with Lees-McRae. The partnership was formalized on Monday, Aug. 23 by Yancey County Schools Superintendent Kathy Amos and Lees-McRae Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips. Lees-McRae Director of Admissions Trenton Burleson and Mountain Heritage High School Principal Daron Williams were also in attendance. Burleson also spoke that night at the Yancey County Schools Board of Education meeting to announce the partnership.

August 21, 2024 Who says it can’t snow in Banner Elk during August? It happens for a solid hour and a half during every performance of our current production, “Distant Music.” There’s only four more performances until it all melts away, so get your tickets now. This play is so much more than just a “witty drama.”. It’s profound, insightful, endearing, and at times very funny. So much so, that a description of the play could very easily start like a joke, “A law professor, a religious woman, and an Irish immigrant walk into a bar…” Each of the characters are at a crossroad in their respective lives and have their own demons that have long needed exorcising.

August 1, 2024 Another “concert with a cause” is coming to Banner Elk Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 25, at 3 p.m. The Flood Brothers, written and performed by local talents John Thomas Oaks and Rev. Dr. Tommy Oaks, is a humorous musical revue about the Biblical story of Noah. In the show, Noah’s sons Shem and Japheth sing about their dad’s mission from God—building the Ark. The audience will enjoy the journey with laughter, original blues music and new insights. Admission is free, and donations will be collected for student scholarships at a Guatemalan church aptly named for the Ark.

July 25, 2024 The celebration of one of the top milestones in the 125-year history of Lees-McRae College—the rededication of its Historic Commons buildings following the recent completion of their renovations and extensive physical upgrades–was held with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18. A large and highly enthusiastic gathering of approximately 225 attended the celebration ceremony held at the North Carolina Building on campus, including school officials, employees, alumni, Town of Banner Elk and County of Avery officials, regional and state dignitaries, and other special guests and visitors. By Tim Gardner

June 13, 2024 Newcomers Megan Hasse and Kyleigh Hogan join Ensemble Stage Audience favorites, Scott Douglas Wilson and Mark Woodard in this charmingly sweet, funny play. Don’t let the title fool you. This show has nothing to do with a brewery or drinking, but it’s sure to put a smile on your face all the same. The show is approx. 1 hour and 50 minutes in length including intermission. Performed in the Hahn Auditorium at the Historic Banner Elk School.

June 12, 2024 Its All About the Art Gallery, Banner Elk’s premier fine art gallery presents “Collision: The Works of Ricardo Lowenberg” in its’ Limited North Carolina Presentation June 1st through August 30th 2024. For information and a full catalog of works contact the gallery at 828.783.9233. There will be a special event on Thursday, June 14thto showcase the extraordinary art & sculpture. Link to Event Information. The Artist is a celebrated Mexican Painter & Sculptor; called to the artistic process by an innate drive to express the emotions and essence of the human condition. Leaping between mediums, Lowenberg paints both abstract and figurative works, and sculpts voluminous forms that explore the trajectory of emotions beginning with their interiority and culminating with their visual expression. The works are…in a word….magnificent.

May 30, 2024 The annual FORUM summer music series at Lees-McRae College will kick off with its 45th season on Monday, June 17. Each Monday throughout the summer season, the series hosts a musical artist, group, or band in Hayes Auditorium on the college’s North Campus for two consecutive performances at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The 2024 season features eight exciting new acts each Monday from June 17 to August 5. Single-show and season tickets are available for purchase now, so get yours today.

May 23, 2024. Experience 19th-century life in Banner Elk and the High Country in the home of Samuel Henry Banner, one of Banner Elk’s early settlers and his his wife, Jane Hyder Banner, and their seven children. The circa 1870 house has been furnished with period heirlooms donated and loaned by area residents to tell the story of Banner Elk life from the 1870’s to the 1900’s. Additionally, an Exhibition Room highlights local history from the nineteenth and twentieth century. The museum opens for summer visitors on June 8, 2024. Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. General admission is $5 per person and includes a house tour.

May 20, 2024 Broadway comes to life in Banner Elk with a fun afternoon of beloved songs from popular musicals. The “Best of Broadway” concert fundraiser on Sunday, June 9, at 3 PM will be performed inside the historic sanctuary of Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. Admission is free, and donations will be collected for their Preschool. Familiar faces from Lees-McRae Summer Theatre and the Banner Elk Presbyterian Choir sing songs from Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun, Mame, Shrek, The Secret Garden, Fiddler on the Roof, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Pippin, Little Shop of Horrors and others. The cast of extraordinary local talents include Nina Allbert, Jarrett Koski, Kristin Lutzeier, Rob Toler, Janet Speer, Laura Russell, Rob Dingman and Pat Anderson. Accompanist will be Dr. Michael Hannah.

April 4, 2024 Not sure if it came in like a lion and went out like a lamb, but March marched in and has now marched out. March saw 150 closed single family sales in the High Country Association on REALTORS Multiple Listing Service. Of those 150 sales, 128 were in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties, the area we look at most closely when analyzing High Country Real Estate. Of those 128, 32 were condos or townhomes and 96 were single family detached. By Linda Cramblit , REALTOR

+ More Articles

Avery County Woman Will Use $466,415 Win to Help People Affected by Helene

Elk River Helping Hands Concert Series to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina

Mountainfilm on Tour Returns to Lees-McRae College on Feb. 8 as Part of the High Country Film and Speaker Series

Ensemble Stage 2024 Holiday Show is Back On Track with First of Seven Shows Starting Tonight

Festive Community Carol Sing Returns to Banner Elk Dec. 7 at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church

Lees-McRae Theatre Arts Season to Return with 1960s Musical “Sweet Charity” November 21

Giving Thanks: Banner Elk to Reopen for the Holidays; Ready to Welcome Back Visitors

Ensemble Stage Theatre Condition and Status of Upcoming Scheduled Shows Following Hurricane Helene

Wednesday Update from the Town of Banner Elk

Banner Elk Volunteers Ask for Cash Donations to Help Victims Get Back Up on Their Feet While Still Providing Basic Necessities

Luxury Castle in the Clouds is the Most Expensive Home in Banner Elk for $14 Million

Local Ballot Includes Five County, Four Judicial, One State Senate, One State House Seats and Two Referendums

Lee Rankin of Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk Inducted Into the WNC Ag Hall of Fame

Avery County Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrest Involving Internet Crimes Against Children

Lees-McRae College to Host Homecoming 2024 Celebrations for Campus and Local Community Beginning October 4th

Lees-McRae College Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Mountain Heritage High School Located in Yancey County

Ensemble Stage Makes It Snow in Banner Elk During Their Current Performance thru Aug. 25th

The Flood Brothers Musical Revue Coming to Banner Elk Presbyterian Church on August 25

Newly-Renovated Lees-McRae College Historic Commons Buildings Rededicated and Celebrated with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Ensemble Stage Professional Summer Season Opens this Friday with “Moon Over the Brewery”

Renowned Mexican Artist & Master Sculptor Ricardo Lowenberg’s Works To Premiere in Banner Elk; Artist Showcase on June 14

Lees-McRae College Presents Its 45th Season of the FORUM Summer Music Series

The Banner House Museum Announces Summer 2024 Hours, Tours, and Tickets

“Best of Broadway” Concert Coming to Banner Elk Presbyterian Church Sunday, June 9

High Country Real Estate: March Stats