SYLVA, N.C. – Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Greening Up the Mountains festival on Saturday, April 24, in downtown Sylva.

This 13th annual festival provides a full day of activities with no charge for admission. Festival attendees enjoy live music on two stages, a parade, 5K road race, displays from local artisans and a variety of food vendors, plus a children’s area with face-painting, giant inflatable slide and other activities.

Live music takes place simultaneously at the Bridge Park Pavilion and on Main Street.

Performers slated for the Bridge Park stage include: Home Remedy, Rafe Hollister, Hurricane Creek, Big House Radio and the Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy dance troupe. Bands on the Main Street stage are: Whimzik, Keith Shuler, and Thea & the Greenman.

Once again, there will be a youth talent show hosted by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia.

“Greening Up the Mountains is a fun day of crafts, music, food and activities,” said Claire Collins, event coordinator. “It’s enjoyable for the whole family and it’s a great opportunity to bring in people from out of the area and out of state. It’s a beautiful time in downtown Sylva.”

The center block of the festival is devoted to environmental education and other “green” initiatives, featuring demonstrations and information from community groups such as the Jackson County Greenways Project and the Jackson County Green Energy Park. Officials will be giving away seedlings of white cedar trees throughout the festival.

A special section of heritage craft demonstrations, called the Traditional Heritage Walk, features 12 crafters demonstrating skills passed down through the generations. This includes: caning chairs, quilting, wood carving, sewing, pottery, cross-stitching and doll making.

The free festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and complimentary shuttle service is available from the Jackson County Justice and Administration Center.

For more info, visit www.downtownsylva.org or call the Downtown Sylva Association at (828) 586-1577. Lodging information is available by calling (800) 962-1911.