The 16th annual “Handmade Holiday Sale” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

This event is presented by the WCU Fine Art Museum and is located throughout the Bardo Arts Center lobby and Star Atrium.

On Sept. 23, Mountain Synagogue welcomed a new year — and a new rabbi.  

The Franklin-based congregation gathered for morning Rosh Hashanah services at the old St. Cyprian’s chapel. One of the most important Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah literally translates to “head of the year” and, in 2025, marked the start of 5,786 on the Hebrew calendar.

Since their formation in 2018, The Brothers Gillespie have become one of the must-see rock acts emerging from Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia. A sonic blend of Americana, indie and folk stylings, the quintet remains steadfast, inspired and, more importantly, hungry for what’s just beyond the horizon of their intent. 

“The Polar Express” train ride will roll down the tracks on select dates from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City.

Climb aboard one of the powerful locomotives and historic train cars as it departs the Bryson City Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself.

To the Editor:

I appreciate Scott McLeod’s sage advice to relax for the upcoming Christmas day and following New Years. One of the problems with the way our society celebrates this time is it depends too much on “the one big day.” 

The 41st annual “Lights & Luminaries” will return from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 13-14 in the streets of downtown Dillsboro.

Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. Over 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. 

The North Carolina State Extension Master Gardeners are hosting a wreath-making workshop Dec. 7. The extension will provide a selection of fresh greenery, natural embellishments and knowledgeable volunteers to show people the ropes.

Nothing says summer more than the Fourth of July with friends and family.

And in Western North Carolina, we celebrate Independence Day with gusto. Between majestic fireworks, sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy, games, live music and craft demonstrations, there’s a little bit of everything for any and all. 

An estimated 38 million motorists are expected to travel by roadways this Memorial Day weekend and the State Highway Patrol is working to ensure residents and visitors to our state reach their destinations safely. 

At 7:12 a.m. Friday, the sun broke the horizon atop the Atlantic Ocean, its undulating waves crashing upon Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.