The Highlands Chamber of Commerce kicked off a big week of events on Tuesday evening with its annual Spring Fling, which serves as an unofficial opening of the always popular “Business After Hours” series. The members-only event was hosted by The Bascom Center for Visual Arts and featured music, food and beverages. Several arts-focused organizations had booths set up to educate Chamber members regarding their work in the community.
“We had a great turnout and we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful venue than The Bascom,” Chamber Executive Director Kaye McHan said. “These type of events are great ways for our members to network and connect with other business owners in Highlands.”
The Spring Fling served as a warmup for the “Meander in May,” which will be held Saturday across Highlands’ business district.
The annual event includes painting, woodworking and ceramics demonstrations along with performances by a myriad of bands and musicians. The immersive arts experience begins at 11 a.m.
“The musicians and artists are situated throughout downtown so our residents and visitors may watch, listen and engage, as well as indulge in other offerings such as dining and shopping along the way,” McHan said. “The event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Western North Carolina’s robust arts culture.”
The Meander in May will lead directly into the first Saturdays on Pine concert at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The Boomers will entertain the crowd with a mix of classic rock hits and radio favorites. The free public concert will begin at 6 p.m.
On the business side of the Chamber’s activities, leaders from area non-profits gathered at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Welcome Center to receive sponsorship monies from McHan.
The following sponsorship were awarded for the second quarter of 2023:
Highlands Motoring Festival ($15,000)
Mountain Theatre Company ($15,000)
Highlands Chamber Music Festival ($12,000)
Highlands Rotary Club – Annual Golf Tournament ($1,000)
Each year Visit Highlands, NC supports our local nonprofits through our Tourism Grant program and Sponsorships which are funded by occupancy tax paid by guests staying in Highlands’ accommodations. For more information about applying for a Tourism Grant or Sponsorship email Grants@highlandschamber.org.