Discover Statesville

What makes the holiday season in Statesville, NC, truly magical? Our special guest, Liz Petree, the Community Engagement Manager for Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, joins us to share all the details. From the chance to win $100 in "downtown dollars" on Small Business Saturday to the horse-drawn carriage rides, Liz reveals the vibrant atmosphere and experiences awaiting visitors. We dive into the details of t...

Get ready to experience the November events Statesville, NC has to offer this month. From haunted trails to community gatherings, this episode brings a comprehensive guide to an event-filled month. We embark on a journey through the Midway Wicked Woods and the theatrical production of "The Cemetery Club," all happening in the first week of November. As the Statesville Pumpkin Fest celebrates its 21st year with pumpkin-the...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to have a hot air balloon land in your backyard and how that could change your life forever? Join us as we chat with Sam Parks, the new executive director of the Carolina BalloonFest, who experienced just that in 1986. Sam shares his incredible journey from that unexpected moment to becoming a seasoned balloon pilot and a key figure in the ballooning community. Learn about the fascinating ...

Get ready for an unforgettable October in Statesville, NC! This episode of the Discover Statesville podcast promises just that! Join us as we guide you through a thrilling array of events that will keep your calendar packed all month long. From the Midway Wicked Woods trail and the "Making Our Voices Heard" Civil Rights exhibit at the Iredell Museums, to the "Fields and Foothills" art show by Wes Waugh, there&ap...

Get ready for an exciting journey as we welcome Roxanne Newman from CycleNC! Over 900 cyclists will arrive in Statesville on October 7th for the 25th anniversary of the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast ride. Statesville is their third stop on their 450-mile ride across the state. 

Roxanne shares insights into the event’s focus on tourism and community engagement, along with Statesville's special preparations like tethere...

Unlock the secrets of Statesville's past with Dr. Steve Hill and Stamey Holland as we explore the evolution of the Statesville Historical Collection! From its humble beginnings to becoming a treasure trove of local history, you'll learn how community support and passionate individuals like Mayor Costi Kutteh, Bill Stiles, the Gordon family, and Jim Wilson played pivotal roles. Discover the Holland Building's remarkab...

Let's explore the vibrant biking culture of Statesville, NC, with our special guest Wes Davidson, owner of First Flight Bicycles and the organizer of the Love Valley Roubaix event happening September 20-22, 2024. Wes takes us through the wide range of local biking options, from thrilling mountain adventures to serene gravel rides. Discover how First Flight Bicycles isn't just a shop but a community cornerstone, complete w...

What if one weekend could transform a small-town festival into an international celebration of cinema? Join us as we sit down with Sydney Koppelmeyer, the marketing chair behind the Full Bloom Film Festival, to get an inside look at the ninth year of this incredible event in Statesville, North Carolina. This year's festival promises an eclectic mix of 41 films from around the world, including a special guest from China. We&apo...

What if your September could be filled with unforgettable experiences and unique events right in Statesville, North Carolina? Let this episode be your guide to the season's top happenings. From muscadine and scuppernong picking at local farms to the week-long Iredell County Agricultural Fair, there's plenty to do for families and friends. This month also brings the 9th Annual Full Bloom Film Festival, featuring a lineup o...

Curious about life within a sprawling 2,000-acre state park? Join us as we explore Lake Norman State Park through the eyes of Frances Cassarino, the lead education ranger who brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for nature. After transitioning from Myrtle Beach State Park, Frances has found a new home in North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, where she channels her love for the outdoors into environmental education and st...

Can you imagine the profound impact a local farmer's market can have on a community over 25 years? Join us as we celebrate the incredible journey of the Evening Farmer's Market at Pecan Park in Statesville, North Carolina. In our conversation with Madge and Byron, we explore the market's origins, tracing its growth from a small gathering in 1999 under Edward Marshall's vision to a bustling hub with a variety of ...

Bringing vibrancy to downtown - Tori, owner of Mercantile on Broad, saw an opportunity for an event and spearheaded the 2nd Saturday Downtown Statesville events. Downtown businesses and vendors come together for a community event bringing in locals and out-of-town visitors to explore Statesville and shop/dine at our downtown Statesville businesses. These monthly gatherings not only boost economic activity but also cultivate a vibra...

Welcome to Discover Statesville! In this episode, we are joined by John and Dylan, our summer interns from UNC Charlotte, as they share insights from their capstone project. John discusses the need for better transportation options, like Uber and Lyft, to boost tourism and support local businesses. Dylan highlights how Statesville's prime location at the crossroads of I-77 and I-40 can attract more visitors.

Get ready for a pac...

Get ready to fill your July calendar with an array of vibrant events happening in Statesville, North Carolina! Ever wondered where you can catch some thrilling baseball action this summer? We've got you covered with all the details on the Statesville Owls' home games at West Iredell High School. With five opportunities to cheer for the Owls on July 1st, 2nd, 10th, 11th, and 12th, it’s a perfect outing for the whole family...

What if a small community event could grow into a cornerstone of town unity and cultural celebration? Join us as we uncover the history of Juneteenth in Statesville, North Carolina, with special guests Seifullahaj El-Amin and Tevin Carr. From the early 1990s beginnings sparked by the local Muslim community under the guidance of WD Muhammad, to the thriving festivities now hosted on West Broad Street, this episode delves into how a ...

Step into the world of refined craftsmanship and spirited adventure with our esteemed guest, Pete Barger of Southern Distilling Company. As we unravel Pete's journey, you'll be captivated by the tales of how his award-winning bourbons and ryes have earned high praise from the most discerning of palates, securing top honors in competitions that set the gold standard in the industry. Discover the commitment to quality that ...

Step into the heart of Statesville this June and immerse yourself in a variety of events celebrating everything from history to music to the great outdoors! We'll whisk you away on a journey through time with a Juneteenth story walk and craft event at Lake Norman State Park—perfect for families. Feel the boom of musket fire at Fort Dobbs, and lace up your hiking boots for a ranger-led adventure on National Trails Day. Art afic...

Celebrate 100 years of music in the Grove this Memorial Day weekend at the Carolina Hills Fiddle Fest. Step into the rhythm with Chase and Bethany Prevette as we look into the evolution of this storied musical landmark. Join us as Bethany tells us how the Blake family is breathing new life into the historic Fiddler's Grove, transforming it into a modern retreat that's still deeply connected to its roots. Discover how this...