Celebrating Tradition

Written By: Kim Daughtery | Issue: May 2024

As we begin another beautiful summer on the stunning Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, the Highlands Historical Society wants to kick off the 2024 season with an open house at our beautiful Historical Village.

On May 25 there will be music, docent tours, food and history as we open our village for a busy season.

Come and tour our museum that features exhibits on mountain music, Joe Webb and much more. Let a docent guide you through the Prince House, built in 1887, the oldest remaining house in Highlands; and enjoy some food and live down-home music. The Historical Village is open from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; from May 25 through November 1. There is no charge to visit. Did you know you can take the Highlands Greenway trail system and wind through town visiting the Historical Village, The Bascom and other local treasures?

Two other dates you want to put on your calendars are October 12, when “Walk in the Park” will take place. Colorful people who made history in Highlands will be brought to life by actors. Imagine listening to Samuel Kelsey or Mary Lapham – they still have plenty to say in 2024! Check HHS website for specific times and cost info.

Another very special day is October 26, Heritage Day, when we honor and celebrate the families that are the backbone of Highlands.

This will be the third year that an entire day is dedicated to the families that came here when life was very different. Just getting to the Highlands Plateau was a difficult journey, and settling here was not for the faint of heart. We have connected with over 70 families that trace their roots for more than 75 years in Highlands. It’s an honor to recognize these families and their commitment and contributions to make Highlands the wonderful place it is today. They have history and stories about Highlands that must be shared and preserved.

Then there is the 14th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, which has several events and includes the entire town. This year we are celebrating “Flower Power” which will kick off with a patrons’ party on Tuesday, August 27, at the beautiful campus of Highlands Smokehouse and High Country Wine & Provisions, the mountain home of Davis Family Wines. We are leaning into a 60’s theme with 60’s music and a bit of a Woodstock in Highlands theme.

On Thursday, September 5, we will celebrate this year’s Poster Contest winner at The Bascom with a poster party, as we kick off dahlia weekend. The poster winner will receive $500 and will be the featured poster this year.

Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7, the Single Bloom Dahlia Show will grace The Bascom patio with its unmatched display of stunning dahlias. Last year we had over 400 dahlia blooms entered. Many ribbons were awarded but there was only one Best of Show for Amateur Growers, which went to Mary Dotson for her perfect Formal Decorative. Mary is a legend at the Single Bloom, having won Best of Show before, and consistently winning many ribbons.

There was also a professional division which was won by Tim Wheatley with his Formal Decorative, MD’s Salamander, which he hybridized himself in Whittier North Carolina.

Everyone can enter dahlia blooms – there is even a children’s division. It’s not too late to grow your own dahlias for this season, and you too can be a winner.

On Saturday, September 7, Highlands will again be draped in incredible dahlia creations as talented designers, businesses, and nonprofits show us what “Flower Power” looks like to them. Last year, there were over 40 entries with ribbons awarded by judges and also by popular vote, through the People’s Choice.

One beauty won Best of Show, Church of the Incarnation took home the judges’-award Best of Show, and a $500 check.

So start planning your dahlia/native floral vignette now, there is no fee to enter!

The weekend finishes with the concert in he park, where the most generous Dahliabolicals will fund Steel Toe Stiletto, a fantastic and fun dance band. All festival winners will be recognized and the dancing will be memorable. All Dahlia Events are free to the public, except the Patrons’ Party on August 27.

Highlands Historical Society will be busy adding to the history of our special place, and we want you to join us for this journey. Specific information on all the events and more is available at highlandshistory.com.