The 20th annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival is Saturday, April 22, 2017 on Main Street in historic downtown Sylva. Fusions Spa is proud to be a sponsor for this annual springtime event, happening right outside our front door. The celebration includes fine arts and handmade craft demonstrations, a 5K run, two music stages which featured Bluegrass, Country and Mountain entertainers, along with a children's talent show. There are more kids’ activities, food, and fun for everyone! A project of the Town of Sylva, this is the year’s largest annual event, and brings 10-12,000 residents, visitors, and families to our beautiful downtown. Strengthened by its early roots as an Earth Day celebration, the festival includes a focus on environmental protection, sustainability, and promotion of local businesses and civic groups.
In 2016, Greening Up the Mountains festival in Sylva drew more than 10,000 to the downtown area in what organizers say may be the largest turnout in the event’s history. Under sunny blue skies, locals and tourists experienced arts & crafts demonstrations, listened to live music on two different stages and sampled great eats. With over 200 vendors, there was something for everyone, festival coordinator Amy Garza said. Vendors reported that this year’s event was very profitable, she said, remarking that some sold out of all the goods they brought. "Greening Up the Mountains has grown into a regional event, drawing people from Georgia, South Carolina, across North Carolina and farther who are interested in discovering more about Jackson County’s rich arts and crafts heritage," Jackson County Tourism Director Nick Breedlove said. He termed the festival a "great success, and added, “It was the perfect weekend to showcase the area!”