The morning mist over the stunning Blue Ridge mountains was a backdrop for the FloatLife Fest, attracting around 400 Onewheel racing enthusiasts to Old Fort, NC. The festival is not only a celebration of the thrilling electric boards but also a significant economic boost for a town still healing from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Travelers like Jess Jones, a marine biologist from Edinburgh, found camaraderie and warmth in the local community, echoing the hopes of many for a restored vibrancy in Old Fort. The dynamic event has helped to swell the town's regular population by 50%, injecting much-needed revenue into local businesses.
Despite signs of progress post-Hurricane Helene, the town wears scars from last year's storms, with some homes still unlivable and businesses working hard to recover. Chad Schoenauer, owner of Old Fort Bike Shop, spoke of the disheartening realization that many outsiders still see the area as desolate. People often say, 'Oh, I didn’t know that you were open,' he lamented.
Old Fort's journey towards becoming a popular outdoor destination was interrupted by the hurricane. Local leaders had begun plans to leverage the area's natural beauty for economic diversification after significant layoffs from a local manufacturing plant. The vision included creating mountain biking trails and outdoor activities to draw tourism—a plan set back severely by the storm's devastation.
The storm that struck on September 27, 2024, left downtown submerged, damaging businesses and important biking infrastructure. Schoenauer faced about $150,000 in damages to his shop alone, while the Foothills Watershed area lost vital components to its operations and potential revenue.
Across McDowell County, tourism suffered as visitor spending declined significantly, exacerbated by closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway—an essential route for tourists. Efforts to rebuild trails and attract visitors have been made, but the challenge remains; with only a fraction of the trails back in operation, communities like Old Fort continue to adjust and adapt.
As FloatLife Fest continues to attract visitors, locals remain hopeful. Events like these symbolize resilience, community spirit, and the potential for recovery in the face of natural disasters.
Travelers like Jess Jones, a marine biologist from Edinburgh, found camaraderie and warmth in the local community, echoing the hopes of many for a restored vibrancy in Old Fort. The dynamic event has helped to swell the town's regular population by 50%, injecting much-needed revenue into local businesses.
Despite signs of progress post-Hurricane Helene, the town wears scars from last year's storms, with some homes still unlivable and businesses working hard to recover. Chad Schoenauer, owner of Old Fort Bike Shop, spoke of the disheartening realization that many outsiders still see the area as desolate. People often say, 'Oh, I didn’t know that you were open,' he lamented.
Old Fort's journey towards becoming a popular outdoor destination was interrupted by the hurricane. Local leaders had begun plans to leverage the area's natural beauty for economic diversification after significant layoffs from a local manufacturing plant. The vision included creating mountain biking trails and outdoor activities to draw tourism—a plan set back severely by the storm's devastation.
The storm that struck on September 27, 2024, left downtown submerged, damaging businesses and important biking infrastructure. Schoenauer faced about $150,000 in damages to his shop alone, while the Foothills Watershed area lost vital components to its operations and potential revenue.
Across McDowell County, tourism suffered as visitor spending declined significantly, exacerbated by closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway—an essential route for tourists. Efforts to rebuild trails and attract visitors have been made, but the challenge remains; with only a fraction of the trails back in operation, communities like Old Fort continue to adjust and adapt.
As FloatLife Fest continues to attract visitors, locals remain hopeful. Events like these symbolize resilience, community spirit, and the potential for recovery in the face of natural disasters.
