National Travel and Tourism Week takes place May 1–7. During this time, all nine welcome centers in the state will hold events to commemorate this important industry. On Friday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the I-26 West North Carolina Welcome Center will host the 13th annual Tourism Day as a thank-you to travelers and locals alike. “This is the one time of year we set up a festival type atmosphere on the grounds, to say thanks for traveling into the fine state of North Carolina,” says Jennifer Hott, Certified Travel Counselor with the NC Department of Commerce. The event will feature booths of information from representatives of local accommodations, attractions, tourism agencies, and Chambers of Commerce. Learn about the work of the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, the WNC Farmers Market, and more, including Nina Veteto, of Monarch Rescue, who will discuss the importance of milkweed for monarch butterflies. And the NC Wildlife Commission will offer casting demonstrations. Fiddler and Madison County native Roger Howell will perform with friends, and fiddler Joel Shimburg will also play. Mars Hill University’s national champions, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers, will perform and include the Mars Hill Elementary second grade class. There will also be free goodies and guests are invited to bring a picnic or use one of the on-site grills.
For more information, visit nccommerce.com.