“The Mountain State Fair has become such a special tradition for so many families, and that was evident by the smiles you could see on people’s faces and the laughter you would hear walking around,” said fair manager Jeff Barham. “Being able to provide an opportunity for families and friends to come together, learn about agriculture, share delicious fair food and enjoy some of the music and entertainment on the grounds is one of the greatest rewards of putting on the fair each year.”

Mission Health’s Mountain Area Medical Airlift (MAMA) celebrated four decades of providing critical air medical care across Western North Carolina and surrounding areas. Since the program began in 1986, MAMA crews transported over 31,000 patients, bringing high-quality healthcare across the region. 

Asheville Botanical Garden, a free-entry public garden, will remain rooted at UNC Asheville for decades to come under a new 50-year ground lease. 

Rutherford County tourism revenue remains below last year’s pace, but officials are pointing to stronger late spring lodging collections and continued investment in Chimney Rock recovery, outdoor recreation and destination marketing.