Last Updated on July 5, 2018 2:36 pm
Raleigh, N.C. – N.C. House Bill 425, State Woolly Worm Festival, was signed into law on Monday, June 25, 2018. The bill to designate Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival as North Carolina’s Official State Woolly Worm Festival was championed by N.C. Senator Deanna Ballard and N.C. Representative Josh Dobson, and was passed unanimously by the House and Senate earlier this month.
“I've been lucky to attend and participate in this Festival for many years – as a kid and in recent years in my service as a State Senator,” said Senator Deanna Ballard. “I'm excited to see Banner Elk will be home to NC's only Woolly Worm Festival and trust this investment and local support will continue for many years to come.”
Representative Josh Dobson said, “Proud to work on this resolution with Senator Ballard and the Town of Banner Elk. Goes without saying, the Woolly Worm Festival is a special part of not only Banner Elk but all of Avery County.”
For the past 40 years, Banner Elk’s Woolly Worm Festival has been held every third weekend of October, welcoming thousands of visitors to the community and raising funds for local schools and non-profits throughout Avery County. This bill had the support of the Town of Banner Elk, the Avery County Commissioners, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, and the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club.
The Woolly Worm Festival will celebrate its 41st anniversary, and 1st as the Official State Woolly Worm Festival of North Carolina, from October 20-21, 2018.
