White Squirrel Lovers

White Squirrel Festival Is Upon Us!

2008-05-09T10:01:00.005-04:00

Little 'ole Brevard, NC is waking up from its winter hibernation and everything is now in full bloom. You can feel the excitement building for the 5th Annual White Squirrel Festival, as it's now become the county's biggest annual festival/event. It's a great way to kick off what is considered "season" here. Memorial Day weekend used to be somewhat slow here, as many schools were still in session, and things didn't get busy until mid June. But with the advent of the White Squirrel Festival, it now "goes nuts" and the summer starts out with a bang!

This year, as always, is bigger and better than ever. We have 16 bands booked for the outdoor covered stage on Main Street. There's nothing like it... you can stroll the streets, shop vendors, buy really cool odds and ends, listen to music, all while viewing the Blue Ridge Mountain range in the backdrop of the city.

Edwin McCain is the big act this year, and he will be performing Sunday night, May 25th. Both two days of music are free, thanks to our many sponsors, such as the Steve Owen & Associates Realtors, Asheville Regional Airport and United Community Bank. These folks help foot the bill for event so everyone can have a great time free of charge. So if gas prices are high, here is the perfect three day vacation that will offset the gas hike. This is probably about a $80 ticket if you were to hear these acts over two days at most venues. And the WSF was voted the Best Spring Music Festival by the readers of the Asheville Citizen Times.

And of course, for the locals, we have the 2nd Annual running of the Squirrel Box Derby. Last year was the inaugural event with almost 20 downhill racing carts and it provided quite the excitement with all the thrills and spills of racing nearly 40 mph down Jailhouse Hill by the courthouse. We expect even more racers this year, and we've divided the race over both days, with the kids racing Saturday the 24th, and the adults and businesses racing Sunday, the 25th. The Lagati team has been working all winter on their cart, so expect to see them in the hunt for first place this year. Close in pursuit will be John Taylor, of OP Taylor toy store fame. Last year's race was closer than a democratic primary!

The Rotary will also be doing a first ever White Squirrel 5K and 10K race. So throw the kids in the back of the wagon and come join us. We will have a small beer garden this year with local brews so you can relax and listen to the music without having to leave the stage area. And we have all sorts of kid's activities, white squirrel tours, a theater show, local mountain arts & crafts, and lots of other "goodies."

That's it for now from the mountain top. I'll do my best to keep you posted!

Squirrel Box Derby builder's forum

2008-03-26T19:36:00.003-04:00

Just to let you die hard Squirrel Box derby fans know... there is now a squirrel box racing cart forum at http://WhiteSquirrels.com where you can discuss your design with other racers. We're expecting 40 or more racers this year compared to last year's 17. The race has also been expanded to two days... Saturday, May 24th for the kids, and Sunday, May 25th for the adults and businesses. I've heard of a couple of teams that have already been hard at work on their designs. If it's even close to last year, this will be a great event. The streets were packed with onlookers and there were some very close races (one had to be decided by viewing the tape)

There's also been some rule changes, such as the requirement for a seat belt. The biggest problem with most carts is that they over steer. So be sure to make a safe design that is wide, low to the ground, and has good steering and brakes. You can view the Squirrel Box racing rules here.

'08 White Squirrel Festival Music Line Up!

2008-03-25T16:15:00.002-04:00

5th Annual White Squirrel Festival Music Headliner:

Edwin McCain

performing Sunday, May 25th at 8:30pm

Our musical line-up is one of the region’s best, and no where else can you hear 18 spectacular concerts for free. John Felty (of Looking Glass Entertainment and of Jupiter Coyote fame) continues to bring in some up and coming, as well as some established, performers who know how to get their audience smiling, dancing, and clapping.

For information concerning any of our musical performers or getting involved with the 5th Annual White Squirrel Festival May 24-25, 2008.

Please contact John Felty or call 828-243-3496

Keep checking back as we update our performance schedule for the 5th Annual White Squirrel Festival.

Saturday May 24, 2008		Sunday May 25, 2008
Performance	Time	Performance	Time
Barnacle	2:00pm	Brio	2:00pm
Bobby Powell & Tim Jones featuring Roy Chapman	3:00pm	Moon Shine Babies	3:00pm
Julie Lee	4:00pm	Odd Meters	4:00pm
Ethos	5:00pm	Balsam Range	5:00pm
Shannon Whitworth	6:00pm	Nikki Talley	6:00pm
The Jeff Sipe trio w/ Jeff Coffin	7:00pm	Beth Wood & Chris Rosser	7:00pm
Patrick Smith	9:00pm	Edwin McCain	8:30pm

All new White Squirrels web site launches

2007-11-25T15:57:00.000-05:00

Attention White Squirrel fans worldwide, there's now a site filled with White Squirrel history, trivia, photos and links. It's WhiteSquirrels.com and it not only provides information on Brevard, NC's famous little critters, but also info about the town itself. (For example, OP Taylor's Toy Store and the White Squirrel Shoppe) It also has the current weather as well as business, entertainment and lodging information.

We hope to have our forums and blog working there shortly as well. So bookmark that site and check back often as we prepare for next year's 5th Annual White Squirrel Festival next Memorial Day weekend.

Squirrel Box Derby Results!

2007-06-08T18:08:00.000-04:00

Well for those of you who didn't attend, the 1st Annual Squirrel Box Derby was a bit at the White Squirrel Festival. We had 26 vehicle entries and 30 racers (some people used the same cart in two different divisions) We also had a number of incredible spills, but fortunately no one was seriously injured. The most amazing crash came in the adult/business semi-finals with the Team Lagati car against the infamous John Taylor's OP Taylor scream machine. It was neck and neck the whole way down the hill until the Lagati cart began to wobble. Right at the finish line, in a dead heat, the team Lagati cart began to spin out of control and flip. Check it out the stills on this run! The Lagati driver was scraped up and shaken, but okay. OP Taylor's car went on to face the Freedom Flyer (Just to the left of the checkered flag) in the finals, only to lose by a few feet.

I entered this "Squirrels of the Carribbean" car, and my step nephew drove it to third place in the 12 to 17 year old category. The competition was just too fierce in the adult division and I was happy to get third and take home People's Choice as well as well as winning "Squirrliest." It's all about knowing the categories and the competition. Team Lagati is already said to be at work on next year's cart as well as numerous others.

If you plan to build a cart for next year's race, there will be some modifications to the rules, so be sure to check the WhiteSquirrelFestival.com contest link in the coming weeks. John Taylor vows to hold on to his overall "Golden Nut" trophy, now proudly displayed in his store front window. That's the cumulative prize for having the fastest, squirrliest, nuttiest and people's choice points. Actual winners in each category will be posted soon.

White Squirrel Festival activities

2007-05-19T11:40:00.000-04:00

We're down to the last week before the 4th Annual White Squirrel Festival! Here are some of the top events...

Saturday, May 26th, 2007

Squirrel Box Derby (Jailhouse Hill) 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wee White Critters (Tinsley Museum) 12 noon, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm
White Squirrel Guided Tours 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm (Brevard College Campus)
White Squirrel Exhibit (Tinsley Museum) 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Polaroid Photos with Woody the White Squirrel 12 noon - 5:00 pm
Pepsi Concession Stand (Times Arcade Alley) 12:00 noon - 10:00 pm
Squirrel Photo Contest (2 E Main Street) Judging at 4 pm
Live Music 11:30 am - 10 pm (9 great bands! See previous posts for schedule)

Street Festival 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Children's Village (West Main & Jordan Street)
Food Court (East Main, between Gaston/Johnson)
Street Vendors (Gazebo block, South Broad)
WSQL Live at the Gazebo
Jennifer Burgin, Wildlife Rehabilitator
"Line of Fire", "Best Buy" Gaming (West Main Street)
Boy Scout Haymaze (Jordon Street)
Sing Up the Moon: Front Porch Singing' & Tellin' 7 pm Library Amphitheater

Sunday, May 27th, 2007

Squirrel Box Derby Finals -- Jailhouse Hill (if required) 1 pm - 2 pm
"We White Critters" (Tinsley Museum) 2 pm and 4 pm
White Squirrel Guided Tours (Brevard College) 2 pm and 5 pm
White Squirrel Exhibit (Tinsley Museum) 12 pm - 5 pm
Polaroid Photos with Woody the White Squirrel 1 pm - 5 pm
Pepsi Concession Stand (Times Arcade Alley) 12:30 - 10:00 pm
Squirrel Feeder Contest (2 East Main Street)
(Ballots at Heart of Brevard booth; winner announced at 5 pm)
Squirrel Photo Contest (2 East Main)
Live Music 12 noon - 10 pm (9 great bands! See previous posts)

Street Festival 1 pm - 6 pm

Children's Village (West Main and Jordan Streets)
Food Court (East Main, between Gaston/Johnson)
Street Vendors (Gazebo block, South Broad)
WSQL Live at the Gazebo
Jennifer Burgin, Wildlife Rehabilitator
"Line of Fire", "Best Buy", Gaming (West Main Street)

Many, many thanks to our great White Squirrel Sponsors!

French Broad Place (great new condos right in downtown Brevard)
Steve Owen & Associates (let them help you find a new home in Brevard)
City of Brevard
Asheville Regional Airport
United Community Bank
Boyd Automotive
Vulcan Materials
Platt Architecture (They designed last year's HGTV Dream Home!)
White Squirrel Shoppe
Walmart
Wachovia

Wee Little Critters at the White Squirrel Festival

2007-05-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

Grab your tails and hold on tight! We have a full blown theatrical production this year at the White Squirrel Festival. Wee Little Critters is being staged by the Brevard Little Theater in cooperation with The Jim Bob Tinsley Museum and the Transylvania Heritage Center. The cast includes...

Lynsy Folckomer (Barbara Mull, at age 9)
Chantel Dalton (Barbara Mull, at age 13)
Sonia Arnold (Ann Mull)
David Borden (Uncle Harry Mull)
Maxwell Bernson (Grandpa William Mull)
Liz Peryam (Professor Bushy)
Tony Morrow (Narrator)

The Director is Gene O'Hare and Producers are Tony Morrow and Joe Narsavage. Be sure to include this as a "must see" event at this year's WSF. In short, the "must sees" now include...

• The White Squirrel Guided Tours with Professor Bob Glesener
• The Squirrel Box Derby Races down Jailhouse Hill
• The Wee Little Critters

The shows run Saturday, May 26th, 2007 at noon, 2pm and 4pm. And again Sunday at 2pm and 4pm.

Music Line Up All Set for White Squirrel Festival

2007-04-26T16:07:00.000-04:00

The music is finally set for the White Squirrel Festival with the likes of Firecracker Jazz Band, Hobex, Patrick Smith Band, Sol Driven Train and The Mad Tea Party. Be sure to check the web site for any last minute changes. The photo here is of The Mad Tea Party, which I've heard good things about.

John Felty is the music organizer for this event and he also does The Mountain Song Festival. So he's good at what he does. (It helps that he's also the lead singer for Jupiter Coyote, so he has connections.) This event will be Saturday and Sunday, (Memorial Day weekend) May 26th and 27th, 2007 in downtown Brevard, NC. Be sure to book your hotel now since it gets crowded fast. There's a list of accomodations at the White Squirrel Festival web site as well.

Also, the first ever Squirrel Box Derby is shaping up nicely. We have several businesses in town who are quite sure they have built the fast go cart to go down jailhouse hill. For complete rules and to download an application go to the Squirrel Box Derby racing page. This race includes prizes for the Nuttiest, the Squirrliest, the Fastest Critter, People's Choice, Road Kill and the granddaddy of them all... The Golend Nut (best overall racer) John Taylor from OP Taylors has the advantage of having raced for ten years in a gravity racing event (The old Chimney Rock Gravity Race) He's supposedly builing two different models just to hedge his bets.

I would like to express my thanks to the good people at French Broad Place for donating the money to make this happen. They did it on the condition that all kids 8 to 17 years of age would be able to race for FREE! That's right... they get a t-shirt and get to race their cart free of charge. How cool is that?

So the event is set to go one month from today. I have already begun building my race machine and the details are being carefully guarded.

That's it for now from the White Squirrel Captial of the World... Brevard, NC.

Great Go Kart Info the Squirrel Box Derby

2007-03-12T16:57:00.000-04:00

While researching for go kart plans, I came across this site on how to build a go kart. This might prove useful for those who don't know much about them (like myself) The most important things will be steering and braking since the race will be down a pretty good sized hill. So make those two items a priority as you build.

Best of luck and "Go Nuts!"

Squirrel Box Derby workshop!

2007-02-28T17:06:00.000-05:00

1st Annual Squirrel Box Derby
Gravity Race Down Jailhouse Hill

Start building now!

Come to the 2nd free Workshop
Saturday, March 31, 10:00 – 12 noon
O.P. Taylor’s Toy Store

Adding the Body to the Framing
with John Taylor
Winner of Chimney Rock Gravity Race:
Judges and Peoples Choice Awards 10 Years in a Row!

Derby takes place during White Squirrel Festival
May 26-27, 2007
Downtown Brevard

Ages 8-17 years: Free Entry
Businesses: Compete for the Golden Nut Trophy

Sponsored by:
French Broad Place, LLC
Heart of Brevard
828-884-3278 or www.brevardnc.org

More Squirrel Box Derby Updates!

2007-02-26T10:43:00.000-05:00

The first squirrel box derby workshop was well attended by nearly 30 eager participants. John Taylor from OP Taylor's Toy Store, showed the frame he was working on for a potential squirrel box derby car and how the steering and brakes would work.

A follow up workshop is scheduled for March 31st at the same locations, OP Taylor's Toy Store on Main Street in downtown Brevard, NC.

A few changes to the race schedule have also been announced to allow for some practice runs before the big race.

Saturday, May 26th

9:00am Registration and inspection by Brevard Rescue Squad
10:00am Display and pre-judging of creativity awards
11:00am Practice Runs down Jailhouse Hill
1:00pm Races down Jailhouse Hill begin

Stay tuned for more announcements and be sure to sign up for the newsletter at the White Squirrel Festival web site.

Music Times and Groups Announced

2007-02-21T09:49:00.000-05:00

The times they are announced! Here's the tentative schedule for Saturday and Sunday, May 26th and 27th at the White Squirrel Festival in Brevard, North Carolina. Also scroll down to see a complete description of each band and act that will play.

Saturday May 26th, 2007

Davidson River Taiko 11:30 -12:15
Othello Jazz Quintet 12:30 - 1:15
Galan Kipar 1:30 - 2:15
Mariachi Mexico 2:30 - 3:15
Rising Appalachia 3:30 - 4:15
High Windy 4:30 - 5:30
Mark Yaxley 5:45 - 6:45
Hobex 7:00 - 8:10
Patrick Smith Band 8:30 - 10:00

Sunday May 27th, 2007

Cletus Baltimore 12:00-12:45
Moonshine Babies 1:00-1:45
Roy Chapman 2:00-2:45
Lyndsay Wojcik 3:00-3:45
Meridian 4:00-4:45
The Mad Hatter Tea Party 5:00-6:00
Shannon Whitworth 6:15-7:15
Sol Driven Train 7:30-8:30
Firecracker Jazz Band 8:45-10:15

Dates and times are subject to last minute change. Be sure to come back and visit often.

Also, John Felty of Jupiter Coyote fame, put together this awesome lineup and supplied this little write up of each group....Saturday May 26, 2007

Saturday May 26, 2007

Davidson River Taiko
Davidson River Taiko (DRT) is a Japanese drumming ensemble -- a performing group unlike any other in the Southern Appalachian region. Headed by musician and educator Bobby Fish and born of a vision to create an "alternative" music program for students at Davidson River School, DRT is an elective course and performance ensemble that offers students the opportunity to become more invested in school while growing mentally, physically, socially, and artistically.

The Othello Jazz Quintet
The group consists of Tenor saxophonist Ryan Cameron, alto saxophonist Marc Jayne, Adam Flynn on Baritone Sax, Pianist and guitarist Daniel Tompkins and Isaac Small on drums. Ryan Cameron, the top senior high tenor sax in the Western District was recently named the #1 senior high tenor saxophonist in the State of North Carolina for 2006 and is now a music student at Western Carolina Univ. Cameron’s playing ability has gained him membership in the prestigious North Carolina All State Honors Band for the last 3 years. They are great young local talent!

Galan Kipar Project
The Galen Kipar Project began as the efforts of one young Galen, former Brevard College graduate, inspired by the music of Paul Simon, Dylan, Cat Stevens, and Joni Mitchell. Through these influences he gained the ambition to teach himself how to sing, play guitar and harmonica simultaneously allowing him to begin the exploration of composition and the art of creating music. The music of the Galen Kipar Project was born out of a passion for the exploration of sound and composition. The roots of classical, jazz, blues, soul folk, and world beat are echoed within the overall chemistry of the Project's music. www.myspace.com/galenkiparproject

Mariachi Mexico
Long time favorites in Brevard, seen regularly one of our favorite local Mexican restaurants, this group of musicians brings to the Appalachians the sounds of Mariachi. While there is much controversy on the origins of Mariachi and the truth may never be discovered with absolute certainty - the word today has one meaning that is crystal clear: Mariachi means one of the most exciting and enchanting musical ensembles found anywhere in the world.

Rising Appalachia
Having grown up hearing and playing old-time Appalachian folk music, Leah and Chloe Smith have put together an album of favorite songs that sound like they’ve had a lifetime to work out in their heads and hands. Featuring twin banjo or banjo/fiddle instrumentation and sometimes trumpet, jaw harp and djembe, there are small elements of fusion in the songs but such a deep connection to musical roots that they can’t be faulted for wanting to expand the sound of old-time music which they do with the influences of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and other world music. Leah & Chloe have put together a unique sound that deserves them the recognition for their vision of old-time music in the 21st century. www.risingappalachia.com

High Windy
North Carolina State Bluegrass Champions, High Windy draws from a combination of contemporary and traditional bluegrass styles while adding old-time themes and an original approach. The band is lead by Ty Gilpin on
mandolin, who has spent much time presiding over NCMAMA (North Carolina Mountain Acoustic Music Association and Brevard's own Tim
Gardner on fiddle. www.highwindyband.com

Mark Yaxley Trio
Brevard’s own guitarist Mark Yaxley, plays a wide variety of styles ranging from Classical to Contemporary Jazz. Mark is a well respected performer, teacher and ambassador for music and has enriched all who have heard him play. He is joined by various musicians and it’s always a treat to see who will be joining him. Check out his CD recorded live here in Brevard at the Porter Center on the Campus of Brevard College. Mark is currently on faculty at UNC-Asheville.

Hobex
Mixing spicy soul-funk-jazz combined with Rock and roll that'll put taste buds on your eardrums. What they've laid down here is an hour of untainted music-from-the-heart that owes as much to improvisation and intuition as it does to technique and calculation, which is to say it has soul. The North Carolina-based group has a timeless sound, which serves as the perfect contrast to those marathon instrumental jams that typically inhabit the improvisational world. Although HOBEX is comprised of stellar musicians, the band understands the concept of dynamics, rotating cast of additional players and extended improvisation, the group's most recent album, "U Ready, Man?" boasts catchy, concise arrangements inspire by the likes of Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Prince and Stevie Wonder.

Patrick Smith Band
Patrick Smith’s music is heavy with tradition, beautifully well crafted, and performed. His music is full of place, bringing all that the Mississippi River melting pot has to offer with it. He deftly fuses various influences that rolled in on that mighty river to his hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, weaving into his songs delta blues, barrelhouse rocking piano riffs, wailing jazz, underbelly soul, heart-wrenching gospel, and the funkiness of a New Orleans brass band. Patrick’s throaty, warm voice ties his sound tightly together. It easy to see why many great artists like the North Mississippi Allstars, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and Jimbo Mathis have all utilized his talent. Patrick will be joined by some great musicians who reside in the area like Noel Felty on Drums, Mike Barnes on guitar and Mark McDaniel on bass. www.patricksmithband.com

Sunday May 28, 2006

Moon Shine Babies
Former Brevard resident singer/ songwriter Suzanne Schmitt is joined by brothers Jerry and Jim Trapp. Now based in Nashville, TN the group draws on life experiences for there lyrics and music. They are back in the area to bring there thoughtful songs to Brevard.

Roy Chapman & True Bluegrass
Transylvania County native Roy Chapman has been playing music all his life writing over 1000 original songs. At age 17 he was an original member of the Carolina Mountain Boys. He later joined with Charlie Moore where he had the opportunity to play with Ralph and Carter Stanley, Jim and Jesse McReynolds and the Lewis family. He is homegrown 1st generation bluegrass.

Lyndsay Wojcik
Singer/Songwriter and Brevard College graduate Lyndsay Wojcik decided to stay in the area after a venture to Nashville, TN to pursue her career in music. She combines a musical mixture of roots, folk, and soul. Using her savvy lyrical sense, she paints her interpretation of life. Having been raised in Atlanta, GA, she was introduced to a wide array of styles and influences anywhere from hip-hop, to folk music, bluegrass, and reggae. Lyndsay seems naturally in tune with her own soulful rhythm, allowing an intimate look into her own perception of the surrounding world. www.myspace.com/lyndsaywojcikband

Cletus Baltimore
Randy Hope-Guitar and Vocals, Shane Parreco-Drums, David Griswold-Bass This local group formed while attending Brevard College. This trio of aspiring young musicians is exploring multiple directions in rock and roll. Look for jam-improvisation, high energy and some well crafted songs.

Meridian
Meridian, the band, has been touring the United States since their inception in 2000, playing a mixture of progressive bluegrass, old-time, blues and folk based out of Johnson City, TN. Music lovers are drawn in by Megan Gregory's deep and powerful vocals leading the innovative and melodic instrumentalism of Will Parsons on banjo and finger-style guitar. They've got it all, great singing, playing and songwriting. www.meridianband.com

Sol Driven Train
A blend of fiery world-beat, funk and melodic rock.
Some of the band’s extensive original repertoire is featured on three studio recordings (pictured below). The self-titled debut album was released in 2001 followed by Churning Burlward in 2003. Tajar Tracks, a children’s album recorded with pianist Debbie Debord at Camp Gwynn Valley in Brevard, NC, was released in December 2005. Feel free to dance. www.soldriventrain.com

Mad Tea Party
This Asheville based trio has a unique blend of influences. Mad Tea Party often finds themselves between genres. They incorporate old-time jazz and early stringband styles, as well as psychedelia and vintage rock 'n' roll. The All Music Guide calls it “Americana for the modern generation. Shreds of ragtime, tatters of R&B, touches of blues, bursts of rockabilly, slivers of C&W, tinges of hillbilly hoe-downs, lashes of pop, snippets of rock, a feathering of folk, and even…the hurdy-gurdy sound of the circus.” www.themadteaparty.com

Shannon Whitworth
Shannon Whitworth currently lives in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she has spent the last ten years focusing on mountain and country-western music. Her talent as a singer and songwriter enabled her to spend the last 4 years touring the United States with a band she co-founded, The Biscuit Burners. Shannon’s compositions contributed unmistakable depth to the bands material and have helped her gain respect as a truly talented songwriter. Her songs, “Off to the sea”, “Come on Darlin’ and “Hot August Night” helped to define her style and enabled her to receive success with national radio airplay. “Shannon Whitworth has an incredible feel for bluegrass and country music. The modern-traditional songs she writes and sings are an unmistakably beautiful blend of Carolina soul, contemporary lyricism, and Appalachian roots.” Chicago tribune

Firecracker Jazz Band
For more than a year the six-piece ensemble has been shaking down venues with its ambitiously studious interpretation of early New Orleans jazz and Dixieland. While the band’s increasingly large crowds boogie the night away, they may not realize that they are also getting quite a history lesson. The origin of the music comes from Louisiana’s early years as a French colony, when armies charged down the streets of New Orleans, introducing The French military with drums and horns.
With the later introduction of African rhythms, the music of the Crescent City then evolved into the romping piano-led Dixieland of the Storyville district. Firecracker stays true to this, as well as the 1930s period pop made famous by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton.
“We stick to the early 20th century repertoire and we’re always trying to add to what we play,” says Widenhouse. “It’s just so rewarding studying the existing body of work. There’s a lot of music that Louis Armstrong and Django Reinhardt did that’s excellent material to work with, and nobody ever hears this obscure stuff.” www.firecrackerjazz.com

2007 White Squirrel Festival Music!

2007-02-16T20:36:00.000-05:00

The 4th Annual
White Squirrel Festival Music Schedule

(updated 02/16/07)

Downtown Brevard, NC 2007
Get ready to "Go Nuts!" with a great musical line up!

Saturday May 26th, 2007

Davidson River Taiko
Othello Jazz Quintet
Galan Kipar
Mariachi Mexico
Rising Appalachia
High Windy
Mark Yaxley
Hobex
Patrick Smith Band

Sunday May 27th, 2007

Lyndsay Wojcik
Roy Chapman & True Bluegrass
Moonshine Babies
Cletus Baltimore
Meridian
The Mad Tea Party
Shannon Whitworth
Sol Driven Train
Firecracker Jazz Band

Dates and times are subject to last minute change. Be sure to come back and visit often!

Squirrel Box Derby update!

2007-02-09T12:52:00.000-05:00

The official rules and regs have been posted on the first ever White Squirrel Festival "Squirrel Box Derby" Just click here to go to the page that explains it all.

White Squirrel Derby News

2007-02-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

Okay... it's official. The first White Squirrel "Squirrel Box Derby" is going to be held on May 26th and May 27th in downtown Brevard, North Carolina. It's also called gravity racing and it's going to be a blast! There will be age categories from 8-11, 12-17, 18+ and then a business/corporate division.

There's NO entry fee for anyone 8 - 17 years old. For adults and businesses, there's a $100 sponsorship fee. Rules will be posted soon at the White Squirrel Festival web site.

John Taylor, from OP Taylor's Toy Store on the corner of Main Street and Broad, will be conducting a workshop on how to build a downhill gravity race car. It will be on Saturday, February 24th. John won 10 gravity race events using a bath tub when he used to race down Chimney Rock (they don't do it anymore, but John was the King for 10 years straight) So he knows a thing or two about building a good cart.

The prize categories will be for

The Village People Award (People's Choice)
The Nuttiest (Weird, wacky & nutty)
The Squirrelest (in keeping with the White Squirrel theme)
The Fastest Critter (for the speediest human rodent)
The Road Kill Award (most deserving to be squashed)
The GOLDEN NUT (the grandaddy of them all - most overall points)

Registration and vehicle inspection will begin at 9:00am on Saturday, May 26th by the Courthouse downtown. There will also be a "Big Wheel" race for kids ages 5 to 8.

So start building your Squirrely Racing Machines! And for all the building specifications check the White Squirrel Festival web site. I'll try to come back here and link to that page once it's added.

Go Nuts!

Latest White Squirrel Festival News!

2007-01-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

Well the head nuts have met and the official dates announced... Saturday and Sunday, May 26th -27th, 2007 are the official dates for the 4th Annual White Squirrel Festival! And this year promises to be even bigger and better than ever.

There are two big additions to this year's festival. First will be the inaugural Squirrel Box Derby! This will be a race down courthouse hill using only homemade, gravity type go carts. There will be a division for kids 8 to 11 (which is free!) and a division for kids 12 - 17 and than a wide open competition for adults, companies and kids at heart. The committee is drafting the rules right now, but the objective is to have homemade go karts that are steerable and have brakes. There will be prizes not only for speed, but more importantly for "Nuttiest!" So start thinking about your Squirrel Box derby cart right now and get to planning. The 18 plus category is intended for people and businesses that are sponsored. There will be a fee of approximately $100 to enter the adult category and that will go to benefit the Brevard Resuce Squad as they have agreed to volunteer their time for this event.

But wait! There's more! We are also announcing the first ever White Squirrel Pageant! Contest rules are being drawn up now so look for future announcement. There will be a competition and judging, and the new Ms. White Squirrel will be given a number of honorary duties to perform throughout the year, so this will be quite the title to own.

I will be updating the WhiteSquirrelFestival.com site with all this information once it becomes finalized. But be putting on your thinking caps and coming up with nutty ideas for your Squirrel Box go kart.

And remember... "Go Nuts!"

White Squirrel On A Statue

2006-10-20T01:30:00.000-04:00

This just in from Don Weiser, the photographer of all things White Squirrel. He has the distinct advantage of having a pair in his yard that pose for him for... well... peanuts! I called the child welfare board and according to them, peanuts is considered good pay for a working white squirrel. Anyway, here's the photo and if you want to order Don's White Squirrel book, just click here.

As things get colder here in Brevard, NC the white squirrels have been out in force. Between the wife and I, we've seen a half dozen or so in just the past three or four days. I believe they are actively storing up nuts. Even more significant, a white squirrel has moved into our neighborhood up here in Pisgah Forest, (Knob Creek area just off Wilson) So their ranks are growing. We'll have to wait and see how Professor Bob Glesener's annual White Squirrel counts turns out, to see if there is any noticeable increase in population.

Announcing the 10th Annual White Squirrel Count!

2006-10-04T16:24:00.000-04:00

Volunteers are needed to help conduct the 10th Annual Brevard Squirrel Count. Begun in 1997 by Brevard College students and faculty, the Squirrel Count, now under the supervision of the Heart of Brevard, is a community effort to monitor the abundance and distribution of our unique white variant of the Eastern Gray Squirrel.
Although white squirrels can be spotted from Cashiers to Hendersonville and from Enka/Candler to the South Carolina state line, the official study area consists of a three square mile site centered on the Transylvania County Courthouse (roughly following the original city limits). This study area has been sub-divided into 35 sectors, approximately 20 acres each. It is hoped that volunteers or organizations will adopt one of these sectors and complete three counts at their convenience between October and December. Each count takes about one hour and consists of walking at a leisurely pace along sidewalks and greenways through the assigned sector and recording all squirrels, white and gray, observed. Maps, datasheets, and detailed instructions will be provided.
If you are interested in participating in this year’s count, please contact Madrid Zimmerman of the Heart of Brevard at 884-3278. Results of previous counts and other information about Brevard’s white squirrel can be found at www.whitesquirrelinstitute.com. Last year’s count estimated that approximately 23.8% of Brevard’s squirrels were white, not far from the nine-year average of 24.4%.

More White Squirrel sightings

2006-09-21T16:49:00.001-04:00

Since I've undertaken this web site, I thought it might be helpful to scout the local hotspots for white squirrel picture taking. The best place by far for me has been the southeast corner of the Brevard College campus, just off French Broad. Today I saw four of them playing there, but alas, when I was leaving I noticed one of them had been hit by a driver:( Traffic is the number one killer of these squirrels. But for the ones that remain, I left plenty of peanuts. Here's a photo of one I took today. He/she seems pretty content.

Announcing the all new WhiteSquirrels.com

2006-09-15T22:39:00.000-04:00

Attention White Squirrel Lovers! Announcing the mother of all White Squirrel sites WhiteSquirrels.com! This site is being developed for both the White Squirrels fans from all over the world, and also for the residents of Brevard, North Carolina, the White Squirrel capital of the world. So here you will find two types of information. First and foremost, information and links about our famous squirrels. This includes links to the White Squirrel Festival, the White Squirrel Institute and to photographer Don Weiser's White Squirrel Art web sites. It will also provide information about the history of the little critters and the best places to spot them. If you check out the "Forums" link, you can post the best places to see White Squirrels, and devulge your favorite spots to see them. In the future, I hope to have a map of the downtown with the best areas for squirrel spotting highlighted for easy reference. For now we will just have to post the locations by name and/or street address.

There's also a link to our new football team, the Brevard Tornados (a.k.a. The Fighting White Squirrels) They even have a White Squirrel as the team mascot. If there's anything you would like to see added to this site, please let me know. I'll try my best to keep everyone posted on all things White Squirrel and all things Brevard, North Carolina.

White Squirrel Institute is back up!

2006-07-20T16:47:00.001-04:00

For all you squirrel lovers out there, you'll be glad to know Professor Bob Glesener is back at it again with a new and improved web site -- soley dedicated to the science of WhiteSquirrelology (yes... that's a new and emerging field of science) So be sure to stop by the site and check out some of the amazing work Bob and his students have done over the years.

You may also be interested to know that Bob conducts a white squirrel count each fall in Brevard. If you would like to volunteer, or for more information, be sure to visit his site.

Oh yes... White Squirrel Institute

Kids Will "Go Nuts" at New White Squirrel Village

2006-05-16T16:59:00.000-04:00

A children's village, based on old fashioned carnival games and prizes, will be the centerpiece of this year's White Squirrel activities. The games will include a duck pond, basketball shoot, ring toss, bean bag toss, fishing booth, bowling game, and penny toss to name a few. The object will be to win as many tickets as possible to earn prizes from a fully stocked toy booth. The prizes range from realistic insect rings and kid's miniature binoculars to brightly colored boomerangs and stuffed white squirrels. The location is set for the drive through lanes at the downtown Wachovia bank building on Main Street.

"We really worked to make this a kid-centric event this year," said Phil Davis, volunteer event coordinator. "We want to see lots of smiling faces going away with pockets full of treasured little prizes. "These are often the best memories that kids have," agreed Madrid Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Heart of Brevard. "It's not the big expensive things we do for our kids, but the fun, one-on-one type activities, that they will recall for years to come."

The White Squirrel Village will be staffed by volunteers from the Brevard Band Parent's Association. Tickets will be 25 cents each to play a game, contest or activity. "We want this to be both fun and affordable for the families coming here, and this is one way that lets the kids have fun, while the parents can shop, dine, and have a little fun time of their own," Davis continued. And he should know, having four volunteering offspring of his own on hand to help. "It's truly a family affair and we'd have it no other way."

Things are getting "nuttier" by the minute!

2006-05-13T22:46:00.000-04:00

Well we're down to the final two weeks before the biggest and best White Squirrel Festival ever! We've had an amazing response from local sponsors that really help to bring this all together.

I want to put in a special plug for Misty, owner of Squirrel Store. This is her second year coming up for the festival and she will have all things squirrel. If you don't believe me just visit her online shop. And she's got a couple of friends that are also rehabbers coming up from Greenville, SC. So there will be all kinds of Squirrel "Nuts" here this year. We will also have our own resident rehabber here and our own biologist who has studied the squirrels and conducted a count of them each year!

More news to come shortly...

New Activities for this year's Festival!

2006-05-03T22:50:00.000-04:00

This is a press release that will be going out this week...

This year's 3rd Annual White Squirrel Festival, slated for Memorial Day weekend, has grown considerably bigger and better thanks to new activities, merchants, music, vendors and sponsors. The latest addition to the schedule is a Planetarium show 11:00am to 8pm Saturday, May 27th, entitled "Immersive Tours of the Universe." According to the show's producers, audience members will be able to "fly anywhere in the Universe, from the surface of the Earth to farthest galaxies." The portable digital dome theater allows participants to become immersed in moving imagery, that provides an awe-inspiring journey through NASA's astronomical data. The producers promise a show viewers will never forget. A major portion of the cost of the show is being underwritten by Steve Owen & Associates, a major sponsor of this year's White Squirrel Festival. The inflatable dome will be housed in the old upstairs gymnasium on the same floor as the downtown Steve Owen & Associates offices. The 26 foot ceiling space allows ample room for the dome to be inflated, as well as seating space for those waiting in line.

In addition Animalogic will be on hand with a variety of exotic animals. Animalogic is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating children and informing the community regarding exotic and native animal conservation, biology, ecology, environmental and other animal sciences. Their goal is to utilize live "animal ambassadors" as educators. In addition to public appearances such as The White Squirrel Festival, these animal ambassadors also travel to special needs children and retirement homes for touch therapy.

A third new element is the White Squirrel Kid's Village, which will be staffed by volunteers from the Brevard High School Band Parent's Association. The Village will have carnival type games to play where children of all ages will be able to win tickets in exchange for prizes. While the Animalogic display is free, there will be a nominal charge both the Planetarium and the White Squirrel Village to help defray costs.

"Our goal is to provide a low cost, interactive, family-friendly venue this year that will be a real treat for for residents and visitors from age 3 to 93," states Madrid Zimmerman, Executive Director of the Heart of Brevard, the nonprofit downtown development organization backing the event. "We're thrilled to have these new venues, which will only add to the two days of non-stop live music, from nationally recognized bands."

The event is estimated to attract between 12,000 to 15,000 visitors, or almost twice the population of the town itself. "We're already getting reports from vendors that they can't find hotel space anywhere in Transylvania County," reports Phil Davis, one of the event coordinators. "I think some of the folks in town may just want to plan on staying this Memorial Day weekend," Davis continues, "since the two days of music alone would be a $50 ticket anywhere else." Most of the funding for the event comes from the festival's major sponsors which include Steve Owen & Associates, Asheville Regional Airport, Transylvania Community Hospital, Wachovia, Wal-mart, State Farm, Yellow Book, United Community Bank, The White Squirrel Shoppe, Al Platt, The City of Brevard, and the Transylvania Tourist Development Association.

Those interested in obtaining the latest information on the festival, including the most recent updates to the music and activities schedules, are asked to visit http://WhiteSquirrelFestival.com.

We have a planetarium! (And not just any planetaruim!)

2006-04-28T10:28:00.000-04:00

This just in... we've been able to secure an inflatable planetarium for this year's White Squirrel Festival. And it promises to be a truly unique experience. Here's what the company says about it...

Immersive Tours of the Universe:
20 Billion Light Years in 20 Minutes!

Imagine being able to fly anywhere in the Universe, from the surface of the Earth to farthest galaxies.
With the Immersive Universe Simulator, you can! Come step inside of a portable digital dome theater to become immersed in moving imagery all around you.

This awe-inspiring journey through NASA's astronomical data will be an experience that you'll never forget.

Cool eh? How does this tie into the White Squirrel Festival you ask? Well, what could be "nuttier" than flying 20 Billion light years in 20 minutes? Plus the kids will get to learn a lot of cool stuff and not even realize they are being "educated". Our great sponsor, Steve Owen and Associates, is going to host this in their huge, gynmasium size second floor. So it will be open rain or shine.

So while you're at the White Squirrel Festival, drop by and visit the Universe!!

Nutty Bed Races!

2006-04-24T19:31:00.000-04:00

Looks like the White Squirrel Festival just got nuttier! Somewhere around noon on Saturday, May 29th, there will be the first "Nutty" bed race down Main Street. The details are quickly forming, but it looks like there will be four to eight person teams and someone has to be on the bed. There will be prizes for first to cross the finish line and for "Nuttiest" look.

If you have an old bed with wheels, now's the time to deck it out, fine tune it and get it ready for the wackiest races this side of the Blue Ridges.

Hard Luck Story set to play at White Squirrel Festival

2006-04-23T09:41:00.000-04:00

The great music just keeps piling in! Now we have Hard Luck Story playing at the festival. Remember... this is all FREE!

Hard Luck Story is a Chicago-style Blues Band featuring musicians from all over the country -- all who have excelled in their respective fields. The first two members are Scott Cowan on drums and Rivers Smith on bass, (Both have musical backgrounds and are co-owners of The Carolina Band Supply Company in Brevard. Rivers also sings...) THen there's Neil Wauchope, (who plays the Hammond and piano and hails from Atlanta via Sand Diego where he excelled as a professional musician for over twenty years.) Craig Woody is the Harmonica player. Woody also plays bass and hails from the Brevard area. Woody has played in numerous bands throughout this career. Rounding out the fivesome is "Chicago Al", born and raised on the south side of the windy city, where he played guitar and sand for forty plus years, starting in the 7th grade, and continuing until his recent relocation to Brevard.

This unique combination of individuals makes for a good old fashioned blues sound likened to the great blues artists of yesteryear, working juke joints around the country. Make sure to be there to hear some authentic Chicago styles blues!

New White Squirrel Hotel Search Engine!

2006-04-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

Hey WSF lovers... A nice bunch of hotel booking people did us a cool favor and created a WSF Hotel Search Engine just for us! Talk about feeling special! It even tells how many miles you are from downtown Brevard... so you can book yourself close to town and your relative way far away. See how that works?

Let me know if any of you book through this service and your feedback on it.

Thanks...

WSF Hotel Finder Click Here

White Squirrel in the News!

2006-03-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

Hey WSF Fans!

Jonathan Rich from the Hendersonville Times gave our little squirrely friends some great coverage yesterday. Check out the White Squirrel story, complete with the musical lineup.

Updated Music Schedule

2006-03-24T22:40:00.000-05:00

Hey White Squirrel and music fans...

Here's the latest schedule line up for the music! Be sure to pass this along to a friend or two. It's going to be the best festival yet... lots of new activities, two full days of FREE music, and lots to do in the area (i.e. mountain biking, hiking, waterfall tours, etc.) Make sure to get reservations early. Check the White Squirrel Festival site for links to reservations, including the Davidson River Campground.

Saturday, May 27th

2:00 - 3:00 pm Brevard High School Jazz Band
3:15 - 4:15 pm Tom Fisch
4:30 - 5:30 pm Beth Wood
5:45 - 6:45 pm Marc Yaxley
7:00 - 8:15 pm The Biscuit Burners
8:30 - 10:00 pm The Steep Canyon Rangers

Sunday, May 28th

12:30 - 1:15 pm Davidson River Taiko (17 student performing)
1:30 - 2:15 pm Hard Luck Story
2:30 - 3:15 pm Blue Mountain Myst
3:30 - 4:15 pm Wanda Lou Paxson
4:30 - 5:15 pm High Windy
5:30 - 6:30 pm Sol Driven Train
7:00 - 8:00 pm Fifth House
8:20 - 10:00 pm Bonepony

White Squirrel Tennis Tournament

2006-03-08T01:15:00.000-05:00

The Brevard Athletic Club has announced they will be hosting a White Squirrel Tennis Tournament the same weekend as the White Squirrel Festival. So if you're coming, bring a tennis raquet! Seriously though, there is going to be a tournament and I'll keep you posted on the who, what, where, when and how. I left a message at the Club and should hear back tomorrow.

The Heart of Brevard is going to try to close down an extra street this year to make more room for activities and vendors. And the Brevard Band Parent's Association has agreed to staff the kid's White Squirrel Village. So things are moving along.

Last year we filled up all the vendor space, but this year we are looking for vendors with special gifts, talents, abilities. If you have something unique, handcrafted, mountain/nature oriented, go to the White Squirrel Festival web site and download an application.

White Squirrel Adventure Race in the works

2006-03-06T20:36:00.000-05:00

This just in... A White Squirrel Adventure Race is being planned as part of the White Squirrel Festival. Another group is involved and I believe it's to benefit the Boy's and Girl's Club of Brevard. The race will involve mountain biking through beautiful DuPont Forest, kayaking the French Broad River, and racing into downtown Brevard. I saw the brochure today (not printed yet) and it looks like a really cool event. They are also planning a two hour family version of the race at the Brevard College Campus. I will let you know more about this as it becomes available.

Activities have also been tentatively scheduled. They include...

• A White Squirrel Photo Contest
• A White Squirrel Window Display Contest
• A White Squirrel Drink/Entree Contest at all participating restaurants
• Storytelling at the brand spanking new Transylvania County Library
• A scavenger hunt for all the white squirrels "hidden" in downtown Brevard
• A squirrel feeder building competition for the best/most unique squirrel feeder
• The Bob Tinsley Museum has been asked to put on another set of plays
• T-Shirt painting for the kids
• A White Squirrel Village full of kid activities so you parents can shop til you drop
• A White Squirrel sale throughout all the participating merchant stores downtown

Plus guided tours, walking tours, photo with the White Squirrel mascot, a coloring contest and a kid's inflatable of ome sort to bounce around in until they're exhausted.

So that's quite a lot over last year. Of course there's the huge music festival part of it, in addition to all this (see previous posts)

And of course if you aren't a "squirrel hugger" you can always join the oppostion at Scary Squirrel but be warned that squirrels are destined to take over some day. "Better squirrely than dead" as they say.

That's it from the White Squirrel headquarters.

Rumors of a White Squirrel Wedding...

2006-03-02T18:23:00.000-05:00

I've been hearing reports that we have our first White Squirrel wedding in the making. Has anyone else heard about this? It's been floating around town but I don't have a confirmed report. Someone told me that 30 people had already reserved hotel rooms for the event. If you know something about this, let me know and perhaps we can do a story on it. We have a great Gazebo with a White Squirrel weather vane on top that would be great. It's right out in front of the courthouse.

Sponsorships for the festival are coming in. If anyone knows someone who would like to be a sponsor, they will get a lot of good PR out of this event. We have package from $500 to $5,000 and they come with web links and signage and ad in the paper and all kinds of good stuff. It would be great to have Purina or some pet food manufacturer take a sponsorship.

Got word from Misty at SquirrelStore.com that she would be making a repeat visit. She has all kinds of cool squirrel stuff so visit her online store and then come see her at the festival.

Saw our first White Squirrel up on Knob Creek (five minutes from town) just a couple blocks from our house. So they are working their way up the mountain!

There should be story on the festival this week in the Transylvania Times. I'll keep you all posted.

Calling all White Squirrel Lovers!

2006-03-01T20:35:00.000-05:00

Well the 3rd Annual White Squirrel Festival is on! It's again set for Memorial Day weekend, May 27th and 28th in downtown Brevard, North Carolina. This year promises two days of awesome music that's absolutely FREE!

The bands booked so far are Steep Canyon Rangers , Bone Pony , The Biscuit Burners , Beth Wood , Marc Yaxley, Fifth House... just to name a few.

Last year we had between 10,000 and 15,000 in the little town of Brevard, NC (normal population around 8,000) so it got quite busy here. And yes Virginia, there really are White Squirrels! There's even a retired college professor here, Bob Gleasner, that keeps track of them each year. By last estimate they made up 25% of Brevard's squirrel population.

So book your reservation early. The Hampton Inn and the Holiday Inn Express are the two "big" hotels in town. There's also the Davidson River Campground for those who like to go the natural route.

More on the WSF as it develops...