High Country Crank-Up: Explore Local Farming Heritage with Carolina Fly-Wheelers July 28-30

By Jessica Lyons

The Carolina Fly-Wheelers will close out the month of July with the 37th annual High Country Crank Up, where vendors will boast antique farm vehicles and tools to promote our area’s rich farming heritage.

The event will span from Thursday to Saturday, July 28-30 beginning at 9 a.m. each day. Participants can choose to visit daily to attend events or camp out on site. Tickets will be on sale at the gate only for $5 a day, $6 for two days and $8 for all three days. Children under 12 can attend each day for free.

“The weekend will be used to keep the heritage of farming alive and keep the interest in farming going,” Rodney Miller, president of the Carolina Fly-Wheelers, said. “People can learn how things are made and see equipment that hasn’t been made in years.”

The event will take place across from Laurel Springs Baptist Church between Boone and Deep Gap. Large signs will be on the road leading directly to the event site closer to the church. Campers are encouraged to get to the site early with their own generators, if needed, and keep the campgrounds clean for the weekend of use.
“We want to keep this going. Old members have been keeping this event alive for years because of what people can learn about heritage and farming and even try some things out for themselves” Miller said.

Exhibits on the grounds will be free after admissions and participants will have the option to buy food and merchandise from attending vendors. The historical event will cover years of equipment and teach attendees about their uses and backgrounds.

“The big thing is the antique engines and tractors that will be there, those always draw a lot of people,” Miller said. “We would like to see more young people come out to the event and learn about the history that older members care about so much and keep this event going for years.”

Guests will travel back in time on a journey to explore and learn about the farming history of the High Country and the evolution of the area over the decades. Additional questions can be directed to the Carolina Fly-Wheelers by email at flywheelernc@yahoo.com.