A white squirrel? Yes! Brevard is home not only to gray squirrels and boomers, but also a white variety. Approximately 25% of Brevard's squirrels are white squirrels, according to an annual survey conducted by the White Squirrel Institute. Clearly, this fact alone, stands for reason to hold the annual White Squirrel Festival in downtown Brevard. This year, I got to see what the fuss is all about! What I found is that people come from all around to partake in the Memorial Day fun... we all went nuts!
The festival had an entire block sectioned off for just food vendors; everything from funnel cakes, lemonade slushies, hot dogs, pretzels, candy... you name it. Right after the food, there was a huge stage where live music was almost constantly playing. They had great music playing from the speakers if there wasn't a live band, too. One of the headliners this year was Edwin McCain!! From what I understand, Edwin is from the mountains of NC and this was surely an homage to his roots. How wonderful!
There were about 4 full blocks of vendors that had tents and booths set up, lining the both sides of Main Street and South Broad Street. Vendors ranged from eclectic jewelry, antiques, handmade birdhouses, fantastic local art and photography, to fundraisers and charities raising money through contests and activities. At one point, I felt like my senses were on overload with all the wonderful sights to be seen, aromas to be smelled, and sounds to be heard.
In addition to all of the booths, most of the stores that are on those streets were open too! Needless to say, I didn't walk away empty handed. I found an incredible sling messenger bag that was created from pieces of Latin American tribal clothing - how cool! What's even better, part of the proceeds went to funding education projects in Guatemala. I also got some great jewelry made by local artists; stuff you won't find anywhere else.
Just when you think you can't pack any more personality and fun into 3 square blocks, we stumbled upon the the second running of the hugely poplular Squirrel Box Derby... a go-cart race down jailhouse hill in downtown Brevard. There were heats for both kids and adults - truly entertaining!!
If you haven't made your way to the festival, definitely schedule a trip to come see it in 2009 - you just can't miss out! See you there next year!
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