Community News

September 17

What: Blood Drive

When: Sept. 17; 10am-3pm

Where: Isothermal Community College Student Center, Gym; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: To make an appointment or to learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.

September 18-19-20

Greek Festival

When: Sept. 18 & 19; 11am-9pm, Sept. 20; 11am-6pm

Where: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church; 697 Asheville Hwy, Spartanburg

More Info: Greek food & pastries, live Greek band, dance performances, vendors. Indoor & outdoor dining. Limited onsite parking; free parking & shuttle at Gibbs Stadium, Wofford College. SpartanburgGreekFestival.com

September 21 through October 7, 2026

Operation Carolina

When: September 21 through October 7

More Info: Operation Carolina is a 700-mile solo run across North Carolina, Murphy to the Outer Banks. It is roughly 40 miles a day for 17 straight days. Jonathan Milkovich, an Army veteran and the Executive Director of Operation WarriorFit, a 501(c)(3) in Fletcher is running it alone. The route comes through Rutherford County on Day 5, Friday, September 25. That day crosses over from Polk County into Rutherford County and runs through Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City, then through Ellenboro. Day 6 picks up in Rutherford County the next morning, September 26, heading toward Cleveland County. Operation WarriorFit places donated race entries with vetted veterans, service members, and first responders for a flat $9.95 commitment fee. Anyone can come out and run, ruck, or walk a stretch of the route alongside Jonathan as he passes through the community. For more information email Contact.Us@Operationwarriorfit.org.

September 19

Tri-City Mall Fall Festival

When: September 19; 9am-3pm

Where: Tri-City Mall; 2270 College Ave., Forest City

More Info: Free admission! Vendors, food & fun! Rain Date: September 26.

Greenway Gauntlet Adventure Race

When: September 19; check-in begins at 9am

Where: Broad River Greenway Ranger Station; 126 Broad River Dr., Shelby

More Info: Choose between the Full Gauntlet (combines paddling & land navigation), and a Land Navigation Challenge. There is no marked course, instead, participants will receive a map and coordinates and will use own navigation skills to determine the best route between checkpoints. Compete solo or as a team. Solo competitors must be at least 18. Younger racers may participate on a team beginning at age 12, and must be partnered with an adult 18 or older. The Full Gauntlet adds a paddling component to the adventure. Participants may bring a canoe or kayak. A limited number of canoes are available on a 1st-come, 1st-served basis. Racers who need a canoe should complete registration and payment and email kduren@broadrivergreenway.com to reserve one while supplies last. $35 for solo competitors, $45 for teams.

September 20

Village Chili Cookoff Fundraiser

When: Sept. 20; 5-7:30pm

Where: Chimney Rock Fire House; 109 Terrace Dr., Chimney Rock

More Info: Hosted by Chimney Rock Village Community Development Association. No registration is required. Contest entries must be delivered at the fire house by 4:30pm Sept. 20. Judging begins at 5pm. Dinner opens at 5:30pm with Bingo at 6pm. $1 per card. Fundraiser supports the Chimney Rock Village CDA. $15 adults $10 kids, 10 and under.

September 22-26

Colfax Free Fair and Ellenboro School Carnival

When: September 22-26; Wed. & Thurs. 6pm, Fri. 5pm, Sat. 1pm

Where: Old Ellenboro School Grounds

More Info: Free Admission! Rides, Games, Food, Fun, Exhibit Hall. Old engines, tractors and farm machinery will be on display. Free live music Saturday from 5-6:30pm. Exhibit hall open Mon., Sept. 21; 10am-6pm to enter for competition. A car show will be held at the Old Ellenboro Ball Field, 171 Cherry Mtn., Ellenboro. No entry fee.

September 26

11th annual End of Summer Bash, hosted by Rutherford County Veterans Services

When: September 26; noon-2pm

Where: Rutherford County Library; 145 College Ave., Rutherfordton

More Info: The event will include food, drawings, prizes and all veterans will receive a T-shirt. The Veterans Services staff is hosting the event to thank Rutherford County veterans and 2025-2026 donation partners.

Plaza Barber Shop Hot Dog Plate Fundraiser

When: September 26; 2-5pm

Where: Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church; 250 Hudlow Rd., Forest City.

More Info: Proceeds support Plaza Barber Shop that was affected by the August 31 main street Forest City fire. $10 per plate.

Car Show

When: September 26; 8am: sign-in, show 9am-3pm

Where: Cedar Grove Fellowship Church; 160 Toney Rd., Bostic

More Info: $30 per entry. Each entry gets a free t-shirt. 26 Trophies. Vendors wanted-$25- bring your own table. Also selling BBQ plates & Hot Dog plates, crafts, Christmas, fall, etc. Benefits the building fund.

September 27

Chimney Rock Village Pubic Art Unveiling & Community Gathering

When: September 27; 2pm

Where: Chimney Rock Village Riverwalk; Behind Riverwatch Grill & Bubba O'Leary's General Store

More Info: September marks two years since Hurricane Helene changed Chimney Rock Village forever. Mayor O'Leary and the Chimney Rock Village team invite you to an informal community gathering and the unveiling of a new public art installation created in partnership with students from UNC Charlotte's Ravin School of Architecture. The artwork reflects both the impact of Hurricane Helene and the strength that carried Chimney Rock forward. Hear brief reflections from Village and UNC Charlotte representatives, and recognize how far this community has come while looking ahead with optimism to the work still underway.

September 28

What: Sister Chicks for Christ Hosts 24th Annual Ladies Night Out

When: Sept. 28; 6-8pm

Where: The Foundation at ICC; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: Women of all ages invited to this free event. Worship led by members of the 2nd Baptist worship team, followed by a message from Angela Donadio, a seasoned ministry leader, trusted Bible teacher and published author. Individual donations will be accepted at the event. Sisterchicks4christ@gmail.com

September 29

What: Blood Drive

When: Sept. 29; 8am-2pm

Where: East Rutherford High School Gym; 331 E High Rd., Bostic

More Info: To make an appointment or to learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.

September 30

Celebrating 100 Years of the Lake Lure Dam

When: September 30; 11am

Where: Lake Lure Gazebo at Morse Park

More Info: Join the Town of Lake Lure as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the completion of the Lake Lure Dam- a remarkable engineering achievement that has stood strong for a century, including its resilience through Hurricane Helene.

What: Blood Drive

When: Sept. 30; 12-6pm

Where: Rutherford Regional Medical Center, Norris-Biggs Conference Room; 288 South Ridgecrest Ave., Rutherfordton

More Info: To make an appointment or to learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-733-2767.

September 30-October 3

Celebration of the Arts

When: September 30-October 3

Where: The Guild; 160 North Main St., Ruthefordton

More Info: Includes: People's Choice Voting, Artists Reception (Oct. 2, 5-7pm), Awards (Oct. 3, 4-5pm). info@rcartguild.com

October 1

Free screening of Homegrown History

When: October 1; 6-8pm

Where: Mooneyham Library; 382 West Main St., Forest City

More Info: This documentary series celebrates America's 250th anniversary, built from community submissions across North Carolina, telling the history of the American Revolution and how it shapes who we are today. The event is free, seating is limited. Reserve your seat: Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../pbs-north-carolinas... Questions about the event? Email Karen: events@pbsnc.org.

Chase High School Class of 1962 Reunion

When: October 1; 5:30pm

Where: Big Daves Restaurant; 123 Commercial Dr.,

Forest City

More Info: Suzanne Gibson 828-287-9277

October 3

Chase Corner Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration

When: October 3; 11am-5pm

Where: Chase Corner Ministries; 1604 Chase High Rd., Forest City

More Info: Singing, bouncy houses, food trucks, games and give away prizes. Bring a lawn chair. All of the community is invited to help celebrate!

October 3

Concert: Celebrating Queen, the Ultimate Queen Tribute

When: October 3; 7pm

Where: Pavilion on Park Square (POPS); 153 Park Square, Forest City

More Info: Gates open at 6pm. Tickets purchased at the gate. www.forestcitypops.com

2026 Fall Hilltop Festival

When: October 3; 10am-5pm

Where: Historic Downtown Rutherfordton

More Info: Music, food & craft vendors, pumpkin painting, lawn games, dog costume contest, magic show & more!

October 9 & 10

5th Annual Bill's Creek Music Festival

When: October 9; 6pm, October 10; 12-5pm

Where: Bill's Creek Community Center; 198 Club House Rd., Lake Lure

More Info: Free! Food and drinks available with donation. Featuring Andrew Wakefield, John Friday, Ron Sphere and Chris Wayne.

October 6

Harris High Alumni and friends will meet

When: October 6; 8:30am

Where: Denny's; Spindale

More Info: Join to us renew old friendships or create new ones! RSVP by Oct. 3 to Joan 828-245-2658 or gerjoj@aol.com

October 10

Pink Platoon 5K for breast cancer awareness

When: Oct. 10; 9am

Where: Charles George VA Medical Center; 1100 Tunnel Rd., Asheville

More Info: Hosted by the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System. Family-friendly, community-focused free of cost, all ages welcome. In addition to the 5K, a resource fair will offer VA and community resources supporting wellness, education and awareness. https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Asheville/PinkPlatoon5k or Runsignup.com.

October 15

Mosaic Hope's 2nd Annual Blue Jean Ball

When: October 15; 5:30-8:30pm

Where: Second Baptist Church; 191 Green St, Rutherfordton

More Info: An evening dedicated to supporting children, caregivers, and helping professionals impacted by foster care in Rutherford County. Featuring dinner, stories of impact, a silent auction, opportunities to learn more about how Mosaic Hope is equipping & mobilizing our community to wrap around vulnerable children and families. Tickets available at https://givebutter.com/2026-blue-jean-ball. www.mosaichope.org

October 17

She Build

When: October 17; 9am-2:30pm

Where: Isothermal Community College; Isothermal Community College; 286 ICC Loop Rd., Spindale

More Info: a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll learn practical home improvement skills, build confidence, and connect with other amazing women in our community. https://www.cognitoforms.com/RutherfordCountyHabitatForHumanity/SheBuildRegistration

October 17

Rutherford Housing Partnership's 2nd Annual A Night to Restore: Spookeasy

When: October 17; 6pm

Where: Slim's Bar & Grill; 184 E. Main St., Forest City

More Info: Dress in your best 20s attire! Silent auction, music, costume contest. https://www.rutherfordhousingpartnership.org/anighttorestore.

November 10

The Wall That Heals Motorcycle Escort

When: November 10; Motorcycle riders are asked to meet at High Voltage Harley; 365 Sha Ln., Spartanburg at 11:30am to escort the wall to Isothermal Community College Soccer Fields in Spindale

More Info: The Wall That Heals is a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bringing remembrance, education and healing to communities across America. If you would like to support this mission as a sponsor, volunteer, or community partner, or if you have questions about how to get involved, call or text 828-351-4955. https://thewallthathealsspindalenc2026.org/

November 12-15

The Wall That Heals on Display

When: November 12-15' open 24 hours

Where: Isothermal Community College Soccer Fields, Spindale

More Info: The Wall That Heals is a 3/4 scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., bringing remembrance, education and healing to communities across America. Free and open to the public. https://thewallthathealsspindalenc2026.org/