Two totally rad weekends are on tap for all of those folks who remember, appreciate, and enjoy the decade of decadence – the 1980s.
What has become one of the biggest events in Western North Carolina will begin on Saturday night when 80s vibes fill the air of both Highlands and Franklin. In Highlands, the band “The Breakfast Club” will take the stage for a “Saturdays on Pine” concert featuring music from the decade’s biggest chart toppers. The concert, which is sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, is free and open to the public.
Just a short drive away in Franklin, Lazy Hiker Brewing is hosting a “Miss 1980s” pageant in association with 80s Flashback Weekend. The event features female contestants in their finest 80s attire displaying their knowledge of the decade and associated talents.
The fun continues on Aug. 2-3 with a series of themed events in Franklin, with all proceeds benefiting the Greenville Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. On Friday, Aug. 2, “Carbon Harry” will kick off a concert featuring headliners “Cougar Town: A tribute to John Mellencamp” at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street.
Saturday, Aug. 3 will begin with the annual 80s 5K run on the greenway in Franklin. Runners in day-glo, pop culture costumes, and props, battle it out over 3.1 miles. At 6 p.m. the annual 1980s parade will make its way down Main Street followed by a concert by “80s Nation” at 7 p.m.
Over the past decade “80s Flashback Weekend” has grown into a whole week of events and the proceeds have led to more than $100,000 in donations to the children’s hospital.
For anyone looking to follow up their 80s 5K race on Aug. 3 with another charity run, Highlands will serve up an opportunity to showcase your speed when the annual Rotary Club “Twilight 5K” takes to the streets at 6 p.m. on Aug. 17. Registration for the race is ongoing and all proceeds benefit The Literacy and Learning Center. Runners can register at www.runsignup.com.