Special to IFN
The Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation and the local hot air balloon pilot community are working to raise funds for Spruce Pine Main Street.
When the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride stops in Statesville on Monday, October 7, the community is invited to participate in this unique event, with all proceeds benefiting the recovery of Spruce Pine after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene.
Spruce Pine was originally slated to be the host city and the starting point of the Cycle NC ride. The town received 24.12 inches of rain, causing the North Toe River to flood. Spencer Bost, executive director of Downtown Spruce Pine, shared that flood water reached up to 10 feet in some areas, destroying the town’s lower street and severely damaging local businesses. This disaster has left the community in dire need of help, and this fundraiser will help support their rebuilding process.
To support these efforts, local balloon pilots will offer tethered rides from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church (315 W. Broad Street) and the Statesville Housing Authority (110 West Allison Street). Weather permitting, rides will be available for a minimum donation of $10 per person, with all proceeds going to Spruce Pine’s recovery. To streamline the fundraising process, tickets can be purchased on-site by credit card only, and rides will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
In addition, there will be a static balloon from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a glow at dark on the front lawn of Mitchell Community College, offering a dazzling visual experience. This static balloon is for glow only and will not include tethered rides.
Attendees can also enjoy a hot air balloon selfie station located in front of the Holland Building (117 S Center Street), which will soon be home to the Statesville Historical Collection. Thanks to our friends at Firefly Balloons, a specially made hot air balloon basket will be set up for easy access and photo opportunities against a scenic backdrop, providing a fun way for everyone to capture their own ballooning moment during the event.
“Spruce Pine is a treasured part of our state, and we are committed to supporting their recovery after such a devastating event,” said Cindy Sutton, executive director of the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This partnership allows us to host a memorable event for the Cycle NC riders while helping to lift up a community that needs our help.”
Statesville will host nearly 1,000 cyclists as part of the Cycle NC Mountains to Coast Ride. Downtown businesses are encouraged to remain open from 1 to 8 p.m. to welcome the participants, who will be staying overnight in area hotels and camping at Purple Heart Homes. Cyclists and community members alike are invited to enjoy the ballooning festivities and contribute to the cause.
For more information on the event or how to support Spruce Pine, contact the Statesville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 704-682-7756 or by emailing cindy@statesvillenc.com.