In brief
As old scars from Hurricane Helene linger, Old Fort, NC, welcomes the FloatLife Fest, doubling its population with around 400 attendees. The festival highlights the town's resilience and natural beauty, providing much-needed economic support as it rebuilds from past devastation. Local businesses, poised for recovery, continue to attract visitors, showcasing a commitment to rejuvenating this outdoor destination despite remaining challenges.
OLD FORT, N.C. (AP) — Morning mist drifts away from the mountains, revealing groups of helmeted riders using motorized Onewheel boards in Old Fort's charming streets. This gathering, FloatLife Fest, attracts around 400 participants in mid-September, significantly boosting the town's economy still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Jess Jones, a marine biologist from Edinburgh, Scotland, expressed her gratitude for the town's warm welcome, stating, 'We should definitely come back again.' The festival symbolizes resilience as the local businesses attempt to recover from the destruction brought by last year’s storm.Despite evident scars, most of Old Fort’s shops are open, and the community works diligently to restore what was lost. Bike shop owner Chad Schoenauer is optimistic about the upcoming fall tourism, motivated by the area’s stunning landscapes. However, he often faces disbelief as potential customers remain unaware of the town's recovery. Old Fort is striving to become a premier outdoor destination, which was in progress before the hurricane derailed those efforts. Local leaders collaborated to utilize their natural assets for economic diversification after the significant layoffs from Ethan Allen’s factory closure. Plans for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities were set in motion, and trails began to flourish. With renewed hope and community effort, Old Fort is on the path to recovery, inviting visitors to experience its charm and adventure once more.
