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BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. — The highest town in Eastern America will be celebrating a milestone for all of 2021. In 1981, Beech Mountain was formed as a municipality making this year the town's 40th birthday. To celebrate, Beech Mountain will be commemorating their fabulous 40th with special events and activities for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

While the official birthday party will be held on May 1 at the Buckeye Recreation Center, the entire year will include opportunities to observe the milestone. A complete list of activities can be found at beechmtn.com/40th.

Each month the town plans to gift the community with improvements and upgrades with “Presents of the Month.”  In January, Beech unveiled a new overflow sledding hill to help visitors continue to enjoy one of Beech Mountain's most popular activities with plenty of room to socially distance, along with portable restroom facilities and a temporary warming station at the Visitors Center. February brought a new tourism asset to the area with the newly revitalized Avery County Barn Quilt Trail. Visitors can now explore the rich heritage and customs of the Appalachian region, with 20 squares located within the town of Beech Mountain. Future presents include a new online booking tool, museum exhibits, trail enhancements, and a Hi-Lo Adventure trail that showcases the new economic corridor created between Beech Mountain and the surrounding areas.  

June’s present extends Family Fun Month into 40 Days of Family Fun. A wide variety of programs and activities have been designed for all ages to enjoy from mountain bike lessons and guided hikes to concerts and special area retailer deals. A highlight includes a new program, the 24-hour Beech Mountain BioBlitz, which helps nature-lovers identify flora and fauna with expert guidance from the Buckeye Recreation Center.  

Additional commemorative fun includes 40 wooden numbers placed in public areas for an enjoyable driving activity, a virtual time capsule request for memories and old photographs, a list of 40 spots to take beautiful photos, and a “40 Little-Known Facts” quiz created by the Beech Mountain Historical Society. 

 A sample quiz question: What famous movie (based on the book by Frank L. Baum) inspired an attraction on Beech Mountain which has been responsible for drawing thousands of visitors to the mountain each year? 

Those who happen to also be celebrating their 40th birthday this year are in for a treat. The Beech Mountain Visitors center will be offering a special VIP birthday lanyard and tag. Speaking of treats, area restaurants have created celebratory specials and guests can sing “Happy Birthday” to Beech Mountain with party hats.

Former visitors can help celebrate the milestone by sharing favorite Beech Mountain memories and photos. Please send stories and throwback pics to kharris@pineapple-pr.com.

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CONTACT:

Jennifer Nowicki
404-384-1106
jnowicki@pineapple-pr.com