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Must-See Signature Autumn Events In North Carolina

Aug 10, 2009

Escape to small town jewels across North Carolina for the supreme fall color experience

Autumn’s signature events include local color on a national and regional scale - everything from woolly worm races to hot air balloon ascents to NASCAR racing and world famous barbecue. Whether the foliage is at peak or just getting started, this list offers a quick look at the fun cranking up across the state.


North Carolina Apple Festival Sept. 4 – 7, 2009, Hendersonville

Capture the spirit of a hometown celebration on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville, NC. Events include entertainment, arts and crafts, apple products, children’s and youth activities, special exhibits, food and the King Apple Parade. North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina. www.ncapplefestival.org    
Benson Mule Days Sept. 24 – 27, 2009, Benson

A southern tradition for more than 50 years, this four-day event is packed with mule events, rodeos, barbecue cook-offs, arts and crafts, street dances and a concert. www.bensonmuledays.com          
Cycle North Carolina Sept. 26 – October 3, 2009, North Carolina

Cycle North Carolina is the state’s weeklong mountains to the coast bicycle ride. Cycle NC is designed to promote physical fitness and health, provide economic impact and publicity to rural communities across the state, while showcasing the state’s beauty scenic attractions and cultural diversity. The 2009 route will begin in Blowing Rock and end in Surf City with overnight locations in Lenoir, Statesville, Thomasville, Sanford, Dunn and Kenansville. www.ncsports.org               
23rd Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival Oct. 2 – 4, 2009, Morehead City

Get ready to walk down the waterfront with the sun shining on your face, and try a North Carolina Shrimp Burger. Enjoy an array of exhibits and the sound of music from jazz to the hand clappin’ rhythms of Down East. Stuff yourself with shrimp, crab and oysters, regional stews, salads and seafood sandwiches. www.ncseafoodfestival.org               
24th Annual Music in the Mountains Folk Festival Oct. 3, 2009, Burnsville

Enjoy mountain music and culture with music from all over the Blue Ridge mountain region, including bluegrass and traditional mountain music, ballad singers, storytellers and cloggers. www.toeriverarts.org/mim.shtml               
2009 North Carolina State Fair Oct. 12 – 25, 2009, Raleigh 

The fair showcases the value and importance of agriculture to North Carolina’s economy through food, fun, rides, competitions, entertainment, while also providing a venue to showcase all the products made and grown in North Carolina. The Fair also includes a Folk Festival, a crowd favorite that showcases North Carolina dance and music traditions. www.ncstatefair.org           
Bank of America 500 Oct. 17, 2009, Concord

Round five of the 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the Bank of America 500 is sure to play a pivotal role in deciding the series championship. This 500-mile classic will once again run under the lights on Saturday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. www.lowesmotorspeedway.com               
28th Annual Woolly Worm Festival Oct.17 - 18, 2009, Banner Elk 

Named one of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in North America by the Society of American Travel Writers, this family event offers the chance for “your” woolly worm to win $1,000! More than 20,000 attendees flock to the festival, looking for a good laugh. The fuzzy patterns on the woolly worms will forecast the winter weather to come. http://averycounty.com            
26th Annual Barbecue Festival Oct. 24, 2009, Lexington

Visit Uptown Lexington, where more than 100,000 people enjoy the exhibits, exciting entertainment and 11,000 pounds of barbecue. www.barbecuefestival.com              
North Carolina Festival by the Sea Oct. 24 – 25, Holden Beach

The largest festival in the South Brunswick Islands starts with a parade on the causeway and kicks off the events under the bridge on Holden Beach. Hundreds of food vendors, crafts and visitors attend this annual festival. The festival includes a 5K and 10K race, horseshoes, sandcastle contest, live entertainment and more. www.hbmerchants.com               
18th Annual Hog Happnin' Nov 6, 2009, Shelby

Don't miss the 17th Annual Tar Heel BBQ Championship, car and cycle show, arts and crafts and lawnmower racing. Thousands attend this annual event and compete from Illinois, Pennsylvania and more. The cook-off is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) www.hoghappnin.com               


Natural scenic beauty, adventure and relaxation, a dining experience for every taste, rich history and warm Southern hospitality come together in North Carolina. Visit www.uk.visitnc.com for more information.

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For further press information contact:                           
Kevin Gibson / Lauren McNally              
Tel:      020 7367 0916 / 0918        
Email: kevingibson / laurenmcnally @hillsbalfoursynergy.com

 

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