Family Fun Fest Provided Entertainment at the Square

Games, prizes, live entertainment, Pet Parade, free popcorn and delicious food were enjoyed by several hundred people who attended the Family Fun Fest coordinated by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association on Saturday August 8. The Square was alive with 56 enthusiastic pets and their owners who performed for the public at the Pet Parade hosted by Carolyn Molder, owner of HeadStart Obedience School.


Many budding artists enjoyed creating their own works of art at the art pavilion.



Hula hoop jump rope and limbo contests were a hit.



Local youths provided entertainment

Children and adults went home smiling after winning prizes at the free games, which included Ring the Prize, Hit the Bottle, Moon Pie Walk, Lucky Duck, Fish, Balloon Stomp, Ladder Golf, and Bucket Toss. Competition was keen during the Hoola Hoop, Jump Rope, Limbo and Water Balloon Toss contests. The children enjoyed having their faces painted and creating their own works of art at the Art Pavilion. The public was entertained by local youth including Kyle Moss, Tiny Tarts, Sweet Tarts, Brett Walker, Singing Starts for a Better World, and In Motion.

CCCRA thanks the following sponsors who made this event possible: Computer Connections and Bank of Hiawassee. Sponsors of the games, activities and services included United Community Bank, All Tucked In, Katie Bugs, Proflame, Hendrix & Hendrix, Bowar & Associates, Inc., Parker Law Firm, Molly & Me, Tri-County Office Supply, Ingles, Hayesville Printing, Take A Break Portables, Blue Ridge Mountain EMC, Cinquapins, The Rustic Rose, Signs Fast, The Market, Cinquapins, Hayesville Elementary School, Art Works, McDonalds, Nantahala Bank, Fun World and Clay County Progress.

Look forward to another Family Fun Fest next August where more games, prizes and fun-filled activities will be on tap for all ages.

Photos from the Car-B-Que

The annual Car-B-Que held on the Hayesville Town Square is a popular event in Clay County. It was held this year on June 13.

We hope you enjoy the pictures in this little gallery.


Joanna Atkisson, CCCRA board member




Tighe White and his grandson

Construction of the Cherokee Winter House Begins

On May 20, construction of a Cherokee Winter House began at the Nelson Heritage Park adjacent to downtown Hayesville. Tighe White of Tighe White Construction provided earth moving equipment and grading. Jane Eastman, associate professor of anthropology and sociology and director of Cherokee studies at Western Carolina University, provided advice on design and construction. A group of students from Professor Eastman's partical archeology course assisted in construction. Rob Tiger of CCCRA participated. A first step was to burn the bark off of the bases of the locust poles that provide the vertical supports of the winter house. CCCRA played a major role in securing grants to fund construction.

Digging holes for vertical supports

Organizing the locust poles

Professor Eastman and a colleague observe construction

Burning bark off the locust poles

Students from Western Carolina University

Preparing the locust poles

Tighe White Construction truck

The mural that provides a backdrop to the Cherokee exhibits

Gnarly Fingers Band Plays on the Square in Hayesville

On Saturday afternoon, May 16, the Gnarly Fingers Band performed a concert on the square in downtown historic Hayesville. Concert goers enjoyed barbeque while they listened to music and chatted with friends. CCCRA was a sponsor of the concert, the first in a series of musical events that will be held on the square this summer.

Hayesville High Art Club Students Prepare for Exciting Summer Music Events

Come to the square May 16th to eat $5 barbeque and enjoy a favorite local band, the Gnarly Fingers. This event will be the first of the Music on the Square series, free concerts on the square each month all summer. Hayesville High art club students have been working hard to publicize these events. Under the direction of art teacher, Ashley Snowden, art club members Isaac Hogsed, Berek Westfall, Keegan Wingate, Keri Griffin, Rockelle Reagan, and Emily Teems prepared 20 publicity posters now on view at local businesses and other locations. The May 16th concert will run from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to serve barbeque. Please contact Candy at 828 389 9601 to volunteer.

From left to right are Isaac Hogsed, Berek Westfall, Ashley Snowden (art teacher), Keegan Wingate, Keri Griffin, Rockelle Reagan, Emily Teems.

Car-B-Que Comes to Hayesville Again

Do you like barbeque? Do you like antique cars? You will be able to enjoy both on June 13, 2009, and participate in a blood drive at the ninth annual Clay County Car-B-Que. This event, which runs from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm on the Hayesville Town Square, is sponsored by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association. Chuck Krauz is the event coordinator; he also serves as master of ceremonies. Money raised by the Car-B-Que is used to support various local development activities funded by CCCRA.

As in prior years, this year’s event will feature:

§ A Red Cross blood drive.

§ Antique cars parked around the square.

§ Chicken barbeque and hotdogs on the lawn of the historic Clay County Courthouse.

§ 50s and 60s music, with “Cousin Tom” and “Be Bop Brittany” providing the music.

The whole family will be able to play games at no cost. Here are some of them:

§ “Do You Remember” a guessing game of items of yesteryear. Players will be able to win by naming antique items correctly. Molly and Me, a consignment shop on the Square in Hayesville, will supply the antiques.

§ Triva.

§ Musical Trivia. Players who guess songs correctly will be eligible to win prizes.

§ “Coin Toss,” a game for children aged 12 and under. Coins of different amounts will be thrown in the grass. Children can scramble to get them. They can keep the money they find.

§ “Millionaire Trivia,” a trivia game with a large prize. This game features a lifeline from which any player can receive help one time. Players who have used the lifeline once and do not know answers are out of the game.

§ Scavenger Hunt. Chuck will be looking for items that the crowd might have.

As part of the event, the Red Cross will conduct a blood drive. Red Cross representatives will come from Asheville to run it. The blood drive will run from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Blood donors will receive a complementary Red Cross T-shirt.

Antique car owners who wish to enter their vehicles in this event need to have cars made no later than 1974. Registration costs $15 per vehicle. Pre-registration is open until June 6, 2009. Those who pre-register by that date will be able to receive a free T-shirt and barbeque dinner. Those who pre-register and donate blood will also receive a 1950s CD.

To pre-register, send a check to Chuck Krauz, 233 Forest Cove Trail, Hayesville, NC 28904.

Registered vehicle owners will be eligible to win awards. Some awards will be specially designed plaques featuring antique cars. Awards will carry such names as “People’s Choice,” “Mayor’s Choice,” “Top 20,” “Ladies’ Choice,” and “CCCRA ‘s Choice.”

Local businesses are invited to sponsor various activities and awards. Several businesses have already agreed to do so. The Cottage Deli has agreed to sponsor Millionaire Trivia and will provide free meals to the winners. Molly and Me and Chinquapins will sponsor plaques. Other business sponsors are needed.

An event as large as this one needs the help of many people. Volunteer workers are needed to help cook the goodies and help with registration. To help and/or to get further information, call Chuck Krauz at 828 389 2906 or contact him by email at chuckkrauz@verizon.net.

It’s going to be a big day again…Don’t be square - Be there.

Nelson Heritage Park Moves Closer to Reality: Construction of the Cherokee Exhibits to Start Soon

Over the last several weeks, the site of the Cherokee exhibits at the Nelson Heritage Park has been graded and hydro-seeded, and money had become available to finance construction of Cherokee summer and winter houses. Work on them will start soon.

Construction is possible because the Nelson Heritage Park has received several grants through the work of the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and the Clay County Historical and Arts Council (CCHAC).

The most recent grant, received in the last several days, is for $9,500 from the Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF). This grant will fund the construction of the Cherokee summer house. The park had previously received a $12,500 grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area for the construction of a Cherokee winter house. A grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center under the NC Small Towns Economic Prosperity Demonstration Program (STEP) is funding the creation of a mural on the retaining wall at the edge of the park.

Dr. Jane Eastman, associate professor of anthropology and sociology and director of Cherokee studies at Western Carolina University, hopes to make available some of her students to help with the construction of the Cherokee exhibits.

CCCRA's 2008 Accomplishments; 2009 Plans

Thanks to local governmental agencies, community organizations and individuals, 2008 was a most productive year. Over 150 volunteers were involved in helping with CCCRA projects. Approximately $30,000 was raised through events and donations to help with our three major projects: Jackrabbit Hiking/Biking Trails, Nelson Heritage Park and Courthouse restoration. In addition we received grants from the Rural Economic Development Center, Towns County Board of Tourism, and Clay County Board of Travel and Tourism. The Hinton Center provided housing for the Heritage Park Design Corps architect Ella Scheuer and Don Meyer donated office space at Tom Day Mall.

Early in 2008, North Carolina State University faculty and graduate students from the College of Design and community members came together for the Design Charrette. After receiving input from residents, who focused on enhancing our town’s economic viability while preserving local culture, the team developed designs for our by-passes, entry way signage, Nelson Heritage Park, Peacock Playhouse, Courthouse, library and town square. Truett Baptist Church provided work space, Copper Door and Master Gardener volunteers assisted with meals. As a result of the Charrette and with assistance from the Town of Hayesville, two entry way signs were installed on Hwy 64 and another is nearing completion. Recommendations from the team will continue to guide our planning for future projects.

Partnering with the Southern Appalachian Biking Association resulted in the completion of the trails at Jackrabbit during 2008. A covered bridge has been completed. Work on the parking lot is underway with Scotty Fain’s employees providing time and equipment. The Forest Service completed an official trail map and provided grass seed for areas near the parking lot. Approximately 830 volunteer hours were provided during the year for this project. With adequate funding and consistent work by volunteers, the project should be completed during 2009.

The Nelson Heritage Park project made progress with collaboration of County government, Historical and Arts Council, Master Gardener volunteers, CCCRA, Tighe White and other individuals from the community. During 2008 the site was expanded due to a donation made by the Auberry family. The Cherokee Nation provided approval of the designs for the Cherokee portion of the Park. The retention wall was built and painted. The property was surveyed, site preparation begun, sewer lines replaced, a site plan and model were developed and grants written to obtain funding. During 2009, site prep work will continue, plants will be relocated, the retention wall mural completed, and the Cherokee summer house and winter house built. A volunteer project manager will be needed to oversee progress on the project.

County Commissioner Harry Jarrett formed a committee to focus on the Courthouse restoration. Clay County’s architect has been developing plans and funding will need to be obtained in order to proceed with the project. CCCRA will provide assistance with writing grants.

The CCCRA Appearance Committee conducted trash pick-ups throughout the county and cleaned up the square on several occasions. The Car B Que, Concert in the Park and Family Fun Fest brought visitors into our community and residents to the down town. Local businesses, schools and corporate sponsors made these events possible.

Our goals for the coming year are to focus on economic prosperity, cultural preservation and protection of the environment. Our three main projects will continue to be the Jackrabbit Trails, Nelson Heritage Park and restoration of the Courthouse. Our Car B Que is scheduled for June 13 and the Family Fun Fest will be August 8. Working with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, and Clay County Historical and Arts Council, Concerts in the Park are scheduled for May 16, June 27, July 3, August 1 and September 4.

We invite you to participate with CCCRA and other organizations in our community …To stimulate, to promote and to serve…” Clay County.

CCCRA Board Members Meet to Plan Future

January 11 2009 Here are photos of the members of the CCCRA board who gathered to plan the future of the organization. Faye Hobbs facilitated the planning meeting.


Steve Kagan, Ron Guggisberg , George Schaaf, Louise Lorentzen, Wayne Smith, Rob Tiger


Ron Guggisberg, Louise Lorentzen, George Schaaf


Wayne Smith, Rob Tiger


Steve Kagan, Wayne Smith, Margie Weathers, Rob Tiger, Sandy Nicolette, Louise Lorentzen


Sandy Nicolette, Margie Weathers, Wayne Smith, Lou Lanwermeyer


George Schaaf, Joanna Atkisson, Faye Hobbs

Faye Hobbs, John Bayne, Gail Criss, Dorothy Ethridge

Ron Guggisberg, George Schaaf, Wayne Smith, Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen

Joanna Atkisson, Ron Guggisberg, Rob Tiger, George Schaaf, Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith


Joanna Atkisson, John Bayne, Gail Criss, Dorothy Ethridge


Faye Hobbs, John Bayne


Margie Weathers, Sandy Nicolette, Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen


Steve Kagan, Sandy Nicolette, and Lou Lanwermeyer


Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen, Wayne Smith, Margie Weathers, Steve Kaagan

Sandy Nicolette, Rob Tiger, Louise Lorentzen

Steve Kagan , Louise Lorentzen, Ron Guggisberg

Dorothy Ethridge, Gail Criss