Fontana Village's Hiyak: Another Dam Festival

[Max Power]

Before I moved from Florida to Fontana I wanted to see Fontana become better for hikers by way of supplies, service and a festival. I can't get them all done myself, but can try...
So the second Hiyak Festival is approaching. April 18 - 20. If you are near, by please stop by. Are sponsors are ATC, Alcoa, National Park Conservation Association, and Bardin and Marsee Publishing. Here's what planned:

Friday, April 18
7:00 p.m. “75 on the 75th” Planning Meeting
Learn about Fontana Hiking Clubs 2009 hike of all the trails in the Smokies.
8:00 p.m. Music by Miles From Pangaea.

Saturday, April 19
All Day Cheoah River Release
9:00 a.m. BMT Trail Work
1:00 p.m. Geo Cache Event
4:00 p.m. Land Trust for the Little T.
5:00 p.m. Appalachian Trail Conservancy
6:00 p.m. Backpacker Magazine's Get Out More Team
7:00 p.m. Music from the Galen Kipar Project

Sunday, April 20
All Day Cheoah River Release
10:00 a.m. Outdoor Service/Hike with creators of the Outdoor Bible
1:00 p.m. Geo Cache Event
6:00 p.m. Get Out More Team
7:00 p.m. Music from George K.

Plenty of fun to be had! All of this is free of charge.

Oh yeah there will be a raffle Saturday night for a party at Traildays. The winner will recieve a cooler of beer and food and snack delivered to them at Traildays.

[Max Power]

The lack of response to this post and last years make me wonder if I am wasting my time with Hiyak.
As mentioned previously... Before I came to Fontana I thought this would be great for the area and thought Whiteblaze would be interested in it. When in Florida and I wasn't on the trail I was on Whiteblaze and really thought the community would like this.

Should I just not bother with this festival/gathering?

[Sly]

Looks like a great Fest, although you may have to give it a couple years to catch on. If I wasn't headed West that week I'd attend. I like Fontana Village.

Best of luck...

PS. You may want to have a mod move this to Get-Togethers and have them sticky it

[chili36]

I am hiking the North Shore/Hazel Creek trails that weekend. When I get off the trail Sunday, I will make a visit over before I come back across the mountains.

[Lilred]

There are just so many get togethers, another one at this time of year may be a bit much. Starting in Feb there is the Southern Ruck and the Penn. Ruck, then Ron has his bash on or around April 1st, Hot Springs has their Trailfest I believe in April, then there is of course, Trail Days in May. Am I leaving any out?

All of these events started out relatively small, until word of mouth got around. Give this event some time for that to happen as well. Something like this at Fontana could snowball, be careful what you wish for ;)

[gungho]

I will be in the area and will try and stop by.

[jzakhar]

I was here for the festival, it was a great time. Certainly worth stopping by for if you are close enough to spend a day or two here.

A guy from the ATC and a couple from Backpacker Magazine spent some time talking and giving away prizes. Quite a few of us plan to stay for the final day today as well.

-Blackberry