Woolly Worm Festival

The weather prognostication skills of the woolly bear caterpillar are honored at this 46th annual festival. A series of woolly worm races determines which one earns $1,000 and gets to predict the winter weather in the NC High Country. According to legend, the 13 bands of fur on the woolly worm represent the 13 weeks of winter. The darker the band, the colder and snowier that week will be. Because color patterns vary from worm to worm, the races determine the worm that makes the official forecast. Festivities also include crafts, food vendors, live music, kids games and more.