STAFF REPORT
Woolly Worm Festival
BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER FOR 2025
BANNER ELK – The Woolly Worm Festival returns to downtown Banner Elk on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 19, 2025, celebrating 48 years of tradition and community support.
After a one-year cancellation due to Hurricane Helene, the festival is back and stronger than ever, with exciting new features designed to enhance the visitor experience.
For nearly half a century, more than 20,000 festivalgoers have gathered in Banner Elk each October to cheer on woolly worms racing up strings for a chance to become the official predictor of the High Country’s winter forecast. The winning worm’s 13 stripes are carefully examined, each representing one week of the winter season. Black signals snow and cold, brown means mild weather, and flecks suggest light frost or flurries. With folklore claiming an accuracy rate of up to 85 percent, the festival’s races are both playful and steeped in Appalachian tradition.
What makes the Woolly Worm Festival especially meaningful is its mission. Proceeds from the event are reinvested directly into the community through scholarships that support local students in arts and athletics, ensuring young people in Avery County have opportunities to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
In honor of the late Roy Krege, affectionately known as “Mr. Woolly Worm,” the festival will be pursuing the establishment of a foundation in his name. The arts and athletics scholarships will be housed within this foundation and given directly from the festival as a tribute to Roy’s servant heart and his passion for helping youth chase their dreams. In addition, the Banner Elk Kiwanis Woolly Worm Festival Grant Program continues to fund initiatives that serve children, families and local nonprofits, multiplying the festival’s positive impact far beyond the two-day celebration.
This year’s festival features new updates designed to improve the
guest experience. For the first time, remote parking with shuttle service will be available from Lees-McRae College, making it easier for visitors to access downtown Banner Elk. A new partnership with C. Gardner Media & Promotions brings an expanded lineup of live entertainment to the stage, featuring Appalachian talent and regional performers who will add fresh energy to the weekend.
In addition to racing excitement, guests can explore more than 100 vendor booths filled with handmade crafts, regional foods and Appalachian goods. Families will enjoy games, children’s activities and the festival’s beloved mascots, Merriweather and Mistiweather, all set against the backdrop of vibrant fall foliage and sweeping views of the NC High Country.
“The Woolly Worm Festival is pure mountain magic,” said Victoria Bowman, Festival Chairwoman and Executive Director of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. “Where else can you
watch worms race on strings, cheer alongside thousands of new friends, shop from incredible local vendors, and know that every dollar spent is helping kids in our community chase their dreams? This year is going to be a very special return, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Banner Elk.”
To pre-purchase festival tickets, visit www.woollyworm.com.
The Woolly Worm Festival is a nonprofit event co-hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. More than a fun fall tradition, the festival serves as a vital fundraiser for the community. All proceeds are given back to Avery County to enhance local schools, support children’s programs, provide scholarships, and promote business and tourism throughout the region. What began in 1978 as a smalltown gathering has grown into one of North Carolina’s most celebrated fall festivals, welcoming more than 20,000 visitors each year while staying true to its mission of giving back.
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Thousands gather in downtown Banner Elk for the Woolly Worm Festival, set against a stunning backdrop of autumn foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Excitement builds on the Woolly Worm Festival stage as worms race to the top for a chance to predict the High Country’s winter forecast.
2025 WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL
By the Numbers
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
Every fall, Banner Elk comes alive with the quirky, colorful tradition of the Woolly Worm Festival. Families, visitors and locals alike gather downtown for two days of food, music, racing worms and Appalachian folklore. But beyond the laughter and competition, the festival is also one of the High Country’s largest community events, bringing tens of thousands of people together supporting local businesses and raising funds for civic projects. To offer a sense of the scale of the festival, the following are some of the key numbers that define the 48th Annual Woolly Worm Festival.
• 0 – Free admission for children 5 and younger.
• 1 – The single worm chosen as the community’s official winter forecasting worm each year.
• 2 – The number of days the festival is held (Saturday and Sunday).
• 5 – Admission is $5 for kids (ages 6–12) and $8 for adults.
• 9 - The numbered lane of string that the winning worm from 2023 raced on.
• 13 – The number of body segments on a woolly worm, each corresponding to a week in winter.
• 25 – The number of worms entered per heat race.
• 48 – The number of years the Woolly Worm Festival has been held in Banner Elk (since 1978).
• 150 – The approximate number of craft and food vendors on hand.
• $500 – The prize money awarded for Sunday’s winning worm.
• 1,000 – The average number of worms entered in races annually.
• $1,000 – The grand prize awarded to Saturday’s winning worm, with the honor of providing the bands for forecasting the High Country winter weather.
• 20,000 – The estimated number of attendees over the course of the festival weekend.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
“Jeffrey,” the winning worm from the 2023 Woolly Worm Festival.
BY GIADA EHRESMAN
No Wiggle Room THE RULES OF WOOLLY WORM RACING
In order for all worms to have a fair chance of winning the title of this year’s champion worm—and the honor of official winter weather predictor—everyone must follow the very important wules and wegulations that keep our wiggly friends safe and happy! Following these rules ensures a smooth, fun, and fair race for all participants, both two-legged and sixlegged!
When registering your woolly worm for racing, it’s best to arrive early! Racing will kick off on Sat. at 10 AM, with each heat having twenty-five worms. The number of heats will depend on how many racers register, so make sure to get there on
time! Worms will be racing all day, building up to the grand final at 4 PM, where only the fastest worms will compete for the championship title!
Saturday’s champion worm will be the official winter weather forecaster and their trainer will receive a $1,000 cash prize! Sunday’s races are focused on prestige and fun, with smaller prizes and a $500 cash award for the winning worm! No matter the day, every worm deserves cheers and applause!
This is an extremely exciting weekend for many, so keep in mind that no one worm is more likely to win than any other—so everyone is encouraged to enter into the races and cheer on all of
our wovely, wormy racers!
Every woolly worm needs a name! Creativity is key—and as your worm’s esteemed trainer, you should give your worm a name that best suits their unique personality, style, or racing prowess. Trainers are encouraged to have fun, but always remain respectful of your worm and other festivalgoers.
Racing is exciting! But remember, you cannot touch the board, string, or racing worms. It is your worm’s moment to shine, so let them show off their wicked wacing skills! Cheering is encouraged—as all worms love encouragement! The first worm to reach the top of their string wins the heat!
Only genuine woolly worms are allowed to complete—as only real woolly worms
can predict the incoming winter weather. Don’t have a woolly worm? Don’t worry! Racers can be purchased at the festival so everyone has the chance to participate.
With the festival just around the corner, keep training your woolly worm! Be a goodsport, train with your worm, and make sure they’re racing ready with properly misted hydration and a full belly of native greens! And above all—have fun! Whether you’re racing for the glorious championship title or just coming to enjoy and cheer on these wiggly athletes, the Woolly Worm Festival is a celebration for everyone.
Get ready to cheer, wiggle, and maybe even predict winter weather—becasue this year’s races are going to be wormderful!
BY DR. RAY WILLIAMS
Enjoy the show BUT BE CAREFUL WITH WOOLLY WORMS
It’s the time of year in the High Country when the march of the Woolly Worms begins. This familiar and fascinating insect, sometimes referred to as the Woolly Bear, and known to science as Pyrrharctia isabella, the Isabella Tiger Moth, will soon be seen wandering across many roadways.
One of the things that makes the fuzzy, multicolor Woolly Worm caterpillar so interesting is that dating back to Colonial times it has been proposed that the length of the brown and black bands on the caterpillar can predict the severity of winter. Though experts disagree on this, it is a fascinating part of mountain folklore and results in a lot of attention to the bands! Also (and excitingly, especially for children!), since the caterpillar likes to be on the move, this makes them a great choice for insect races.
The Woolly Worm is very widely distributed throughout the US and Canada, and festivals held to celebrate its appearance in the fall may be found in many towns. In our area, of course, the Woolly Worm Festival every October in Banner Elk is looked forward to by children and adults alike. Kids from across our region bring their favorite caterpillar(s) to race and see which is the fastest (and thus predict the winter), while local artists and food vendors provide a very festive atmosphere.
This festival is one of the highlights of our fall season, so making sure it continues is important. One aspect of this is ensuring that the main insect attraction continues to thrive in nature so that it can be the star of the show for years to come. This article provides information about the biology of the Woolly Worm to aid in understanding a few things to keep in mind to make sure one of our most familiar High Country insects continues to thrive.
A member of the Tiger Moth Family of insects, the caterpillar form of the woolly worm is much more familiar and seen more than the adult. A relatively small yet handsome orange with black dots, the adult moth is found in our area primarily in the spring, and unless you really look hard for it at night it’s not easily found. After hatching from eggs laid by the female moth caterpillars eat a variety of plants and grow into the familiar Woolly Worm caterpillar with brown and black “fuzzy” bands. When reaching their largest size, the caterpillars are seen moving across our roadways beginning in September and lasting into the fall. This type of behavior, called “wandering” by insect biologists, is not uncommon for many insects and is necessary for their survival. Its purpose is for a caterpillar to locate a suitable place to hibernate over the winter before resuming an activity like eating in the spring before forming the pupa from which the adult will emerge. A secluded place of the caterpillar’s choosing under a structure or piles of leaves affords them protection. Interestingly, to survive a potentially cold winter the caterpillar actually makes its own anti-freeze.
Using what we know about their biology, here are a few things to keep in mind if you collect caterpillars for races at the local festival (or perhaps just to observe them). Carefully considering these will go a long way to making sure the woolly worm remains a natural wonder of the High Country.
First, avoid collecting too many Woolly Worms. Even though observing our roadways it appears there are lots of caterpillars in our area, it’s hard to know the actual number. There is currently great concern about insect numbers declining for reasons that are poorly understood, and no one wants this to happen to one of the favorite insects in the High Country. If attending the Woolly
Worm Festival with your race favorite, or just spending some time watching these fascinating insects at your home, limiting your collection to one caterpillar or a very small number will help maintain a healthy local population of woolly worms.
Second, you really want to keep any woolly worm caterpillars out of their natural environment for as little time as possible. It’s hard to know exactly what conditions they need to survive, so even if you place a caterpillar in a nice box with leaves to provide them shelter, this may not be what the caterpillar really needs. Keep in mind that the wandering caterpillars are no longer interested in eating and trying to feed them does not affect their survival.
The festival races aside, woolly worms do not make good pets and you should not try to keep one over the winter (even if you put your box outside) to watch them develop into an adult moth next spring. Natural conditions for them to survive are very hard to
copy and it’s very possible that your caterpillar will not survive over winter in a setting you create.
Finally, keep track of where you collected your caterpillar(s) and return it to this same place (though not to the road surface). Even though the woolly worm caterpillars wander seemingly far and wide, the distance they cover does not have to be that great. Compared to us, insects are small, so what seems a short distance to you can be substantial for them. The place you find your woolly worm is what it considers home, and its survival will be increased by staying in that area.
It’s hard not to be fascinated by woolly worms, and whether you believe they can forecast the winter, or be the champion at the Woolly Worm Festival, doing what is needed to make sure we can look forward to them each fall seems something everyone wants. A few simple considerations will help assure this so please be mindful of them as you enjoy our fuzzy friends.
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A Woolly Worm is found crawling through the autumn leaves.
Racing through the years A HISTORY OF THE WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL
BY GIADA EHRESMAN
This October marks the 48th Annual Woolly Worm Festival. The celebration of the woolly worm goes back to the first festival, created in 1978, but its origins can be traced to 1973. According to the festival’s official history, it was that year when founder Jim Morton first learned about the stories of the woolly worm’s weather-forcasting ability. He was curious—how could anyone know which worm to trust when predicting the winter?
Morton first suggested during a merchant’s association meeting that Banner Elk host an annual event to bring publicity to the town, much like the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain. Thus, the idea of making the woolly worm a mascot came to life.
The iconic method of racing worms up a string was imagined by Morton when he was hesitant to touch one, fearing it might sting him. He discovered, however, that the worm would climb a blade of grass—and later learned that a worm’s willingness to race depended on its moody nature! Every worm has a different personality, after all!
The Woolly Worm Association was formed, and the first festival was held at Banner Elk Elementary School on a rather cold day—which revealed that woolly worms were not too fond of racing in chilly, windy weather. That year, the crowd and vendors were sparse, with only three
vendors and sixty-three racing worms.
Still, the first festival was featured in the national news, and that media attention drew a bigger crowd the following year. From then on, the event snowballed in popularity! Today, the festival is organized with the help of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club, welcoming around 20,000 attendees, more than 165 vendors, and over 1,000 racing worms!
So come and celebrate the 48th Annual Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk! Cheer on our wiggly friends who have been here for us through thick and thin, and explore all the festival has to offer—handcrafted goods, delicious foods, and one-of-a-kind festival finds!
More than just a race, the festival has become a tradition that connects past and present, honoring the folklore that inspired its beginning while bringing joy to new generations. Whether you’re
here to test your woolly worm’s racing skills, shop the craft booths, or simply soak in the crisp mountain air, you’ll be part of a celebration that’s as unique and enduring as the woolly worm itself.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
An aerial view of the Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk.
Woolly Worm Festival Map
185 AZALEA CIRCLE • BANNER ELK HISTORIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
WOOD & WOODWORKING
• 4 Pelicans Woodworking - Row 5 (B)
• Bev’s Wood Crafts - Row 10 (C) - Wood craft and home decor
• Bill Lyons - Row 7 (A) - Wood walking sticks
• Bear Creek Carvings - Row 8 (D, E) - Chainsaw carvings
• Dick Crowder Artworks Unlimited - Row 17 (C, D, E) - Wood artworks
• Dogwood Creek Studio - Row 24 (B, C) - Wood decor & signs
• East Bend Woodworks - Row 16 (B)
• G.R. Woodworking - Row 22 (B) - Wood home decor
• Lasting Treasures - Row 25 (C, D)
• Lazer Edge - Row 19 (E, F)
• Mark and Amy Woodturning - Row 1 ©
• Michaels Woodcrafts - Row 6 (H)
• Nana B’s Southern Crafts - Row 21 (D, E)
• Nicholson Ridge - Row 12 (A) - Wood burn bowls
• Sokol Creations, LLC - Row 1 (F) - Wood/epoxy
• Sticks and Stitches - Row 25 (G, H)
• The Custom Creation Lab - Row 2 (A)
• The Quirk Shop Co - Row 5 (G)
• The Reclaimed Artist - Row 3 (D)
• Wood Therapy NC - Row 12 (E) - Wood reclaimed
• So Loved / So Love - Row 7 (E) - Wood jewelry
JEWELRY
• Argent Sun Designs - Row 10 (E)
• Bobby Carpenter - Row 14 (D)
• Clemco Coin Creations - Row 6 (F, G) - Jewelry and crafts
• Coop and Deuce - Row 4 (C, D)
• Ear To The Ground - Row 24 (E)
• Henry Farms Broken China Jewelry - Row 3 (E) - Jewelry & china
• Jeri’s Jewels - Row 3 (B)
• Just for Me-Mi Jewelry - Row 20 (A, B, C)
• Keepsakes and Flowers - Row 8 (I)
• NoodleCakes - Row 2 (D) - Jewelry/glass stained glass
• Pflora Metal Arts - Row 11 ©
• Pink Moon - Row 7 ©
• Stoned Beautiful - Row 22 (D) - Jewelry/leather
• Sweet Dandelion - Row 15 (E)
• Turtle Old Man Jewelry - Row 5 (C, D, E)
• Whitson and Company - Row 21 (B) - Jewelry/fishing
POTTERY
• Boone Pottery Co LLC - Row 2 (E)
• In the Potters Hands - Row 14 (A, B, C)
• Lonon Pottery - Row 12 (D)
• McNeill’s Pottery - Row 23 (B, C)
• Mountain Breeze Pottery - Row 20, 21 (F, F)
• Potting For Fun - Row 19 (D)
CANDLES
• Daralyn’s Designs - Row 24 (D)
• Highland Croft Candle Company - Row 22 (E) - Candles & crafts
• J C Wicks LLC - Row 18 (E)
• Little Elk Candle Company - Row 15 (B)
• Modern Forestry - Row 11 (B)
• Old Morris Farm LLC - Row 9 (I, J) - Soaps, bath & body, hand crafted home decor, candles
SOAPS & BATH PRODUCTS
• From Atop Tater Hill - Row 8 (A)
• Misty Creek Farm - Row 25 (A, B)
• Mountain Lore Naturals - Row 5 (F)
• Old Morris Farm LLC - Row 9 (I, J) - Soaps, bath & body, hand crafted home decor, candles
• Seeded Hearts Farm - Row 19 (A)
• Star Mountain Soap Co. - Row 6 (D, E)
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
• Addy’s Tie Dye Creations - Row 21 (C) - Clothes tie dye
• Air Artsy Accessories, LLC - Row 7 (B) - Clothes/outdoor decor
• Constanza Diaz - Row 19 (B, C)
• Holston Mountain Hat Project - Row 11 (A) - Hats
• Just Genna Designs - Row 9 (D, E) - Clothes upcycled clothes
• Nomadic Graphics - Row 16 (D)
• Rosehip Lane - Row 24 (F) - Clothes hats and scarfs
• To His Glory Alpaca Farm - Row 12 (C) - Clothes hats/scarfs
SEWING & TEXTILE CRAFTS
• Art Glass @ Felt - Row 6 (C) - Sewing & weaving
• Mountain Life Crafts - Row 2 (C) - Sewing rope bowls and coasters
• Mountain Quilt Treasures - Row 25 (F) - Sewing quilts
• No Name Crochet - Row 1 (A)
• Pillow Sak - Row 13 (D) - Sewing pillow sak
• Sew Cute and Comfy - Row 7 (F) - Toys crochet
• Such -n- Sew Studio LLC - Row 23 (D)
• Sweet Girls Crafts - Row 15 (A) - Crochet
• Tarpestry - Row 21 (A) - Blankets
• Cindy’s Creative Sewing & Wood - Row 16 (C) - Household items
EDIBLES - FOOD PRODUCTS
• Carolina Bee Farm - Row 24 (G, H) - Bee products
• Datil Sensation - Row 8 (F) - Hot sauce/salsa
• G W Watts Sauce - Row 13 (A)
• Joy Fudge Company - Row 3 (A) - Fudge
• Michael’s Exotic Peppers - Row 11 (D) - Spicy/hot sauces
• Mountain Bee Market - Row 4 (E)
• Mountain Momma Organics - Row 22 (A), Row 23 (A) - Organic pantry food
• Old Sarges Jerky - Row 25 (E) - Beef jerky
• Pixie Produce - Row 3 (F, G) - Apples
• Roan Mountain Honey - Row 7 (D) - Bee products
• Stanley’s Produce and Bakery - Row 8 (G, H) - Produce/baked goods
• The Nut House - Row 10 (B) - Nuts
• Trip and Peggy’s Cajun Seasoning - Row 15 (D) - Spices Cajun seasoning
• Veronica’s Doggie Delights - Row 18 (F) - Dog treats
• CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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TEA & BEVERAGES
• Appalachian Divinitea - Row 2 (B) - Edibles tea teawares
• Honest Elderberry Company - Row 16 (E) - Elderberry products
METAL ARTS
• C Lamb Creations - Row 7 (G, H)
• Iron Tortuga Forge - Row 18 (C, D) - Metal iron
• The Iron Hutch - Row 15 ©
• T H Metal - Row 11 (E) - Metal Christmas trees
GLASS ART
• Asset Art - Row 22 (F) - Glass/canvas
• Beautifully Broken - Row 13 (C) - Glass mosaic art
• Mamas Files - Row 12 (B) - Glass files
• Mon Petit Chou Art - Row 3 (C) - Glass pressed flowers
• NoodleCakes - Row 2 (D) - Jewelry/glass stained glass
• The Arts of Joy - Row 22 (C)
PHOTOGRAPHY
• Laurel Rumph Photography - Row 1 (D)
• Michael Kaal Photography - Row 24 (A)
• Reflections of Nature - Row 10 (A)
LEATHER
• John Diaz Leather - Row 5 (A)
• Leather Link - Randall Davis - Row 20 (D, E)
• Stoned Beautiful - Row 22 (D) - Jewelry/leather
PAINTINGS & WALL ART
• Creative Escape Art & Design - Row 16 (A) - Oil paintings
• Firefly Cove Creations - Row 10 (D) - Art quilt wall hanging and gifts
• Labrottie Creations - Row 14 (E) - Paint pet artwork
CHRISTMAS & SEASONAL
• Adaughables - Row 9 (F, G, H) - Christmas ornaments
• Santa’s Bag WW - Row 9 (A, B) - Christmas gourds
• T H Metal - Row 11 (E) - Metal Christmas trees
MISCELLANEOUS CRAFTS
• Avery Knifeworks - Row 4 (A, B) - Knives
• Boone Barn Dog - Row 6 (B) - Coloring books, cards & stickers
• Bull City Treasures - Row 8 (B, C) - Decor
• C J C Designs - Row 1 (B) - Household items
• Gingermountainrustics - Row 13 (B) - Handmade variety of crafts
• Hector’s Creek - Row 9 (C) - Handmade crafts
• Holly’s Wreaths and More - Row 23 (E) - Wreaths and more
• Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk-C - Row 6 (A) - Woolly worm sales
• Sketchy Pirate - Row 23 (F) - Decor nautical
• The African Hut - Row 1 (E) - Baskets
• The Sassy Olive - Row 10 (B) - Headbands
• Two 14 Designs - Row 13 (E)
• Woolly Worms and Stuff - Row 18 (A, B) - WW stuff
FOOD VENDORS
• A Third Eye Coffee - Row B
• Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria - Row C
• Stonewalls Restaurant - Row D
• Sip Soda Shop LLC - Row E
• Paris Festival WW - Row F
• Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine - Row H
• Lakeo Steakhouse of Japan - Row J
• That’s A Wrap - Row L
• Big Mikes Creekside RV Resort - Row M
• Ben & Jerry’s Boone - Row N
• Asia Fusion Elite - Row O
• High Country Concessions - Row P
• Steak Boy’s Inc. - Row Q
• Diggy Donuts - Row R
• Alf’s Kettle Korn - Row I
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
• Linville-Central Rescue Squad - Booth 1
• Banner Elk Elementary School - NP
• Crossnore Elementary - NP
• Freedom Trail Elementary - NP
• Newland Elementary School - NP
• Riverside Elementary School - NP
• Food Lion - NP F, G
• Home Health Education Service - NP H
• High Country Caregivers - NP I
• Williams Academy - NP J
• Lees-McRae College - Booth 24 I
• OASIS, Inc. - Booth 17 A
• Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation - Booth 17 B
• Boy Scouts of America - Troop 5807 & 4807
GAMES - PARK
• Appalachian Knockerball LLC - Booth A (by police), Booth 2
• Jumpin Around - Booth A
• Paint Savvy - Booth B
• Putt Putt - Booth C
• T & T Trading Company - Booth D
• Turner Concessions - Booth E
Anatomy of a Woolly Worm
AND FUN FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW
BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
Undoubtedly the woolly worm is an awesome sight to see, especially lined up at the starting gate on race day. But these furry little “forecasters” are more than just adorable racers. They’re built for survival and packed with fascinating features that make them a true mountain marvel.
Woolly worms, also called woolly bears, are the larval stage of the Isabella Tiger Moth. They can only be found in North America, scattered across the U.S. and Canada, and are easily recognized by their fuzzy coats of brown and black bands. Folklore tells us those bands predict the severity of the coming winter, more black means harsher conditions, while more brown means a milder season. Whether you believe the forecast or not, there’s no denying the worm’s charm.
During the winter, these worms hunker down and actually freeze solid, but don’t worry, it’s all part of the plan. Woolly worms produce a natural antifreeze, called cryoprotectant, that protects their cells until spring. Once thawed, they finish their life cycle, forming a chrysalis before transforming into the Isabella Tiger Moth. Talk about a “cool” survival skill. The moth that
emerges isn’t flashy, light brown to orange wings with subtle spots, proving the worm is definitely the “celebrity” stage.
Each worm has 13 body segments, one for every week of winter, and is covered in stiff bristly hairs called setae. Those hairs aren’t for fashion, they help deter predators, acting like a built-in “Do Not Touch” sign. While they’re generally feeders happy to munch on a variety of plants and weeds, they don’t rely much on sharp eyesight; instead, they mostly feel their way around. Though their fuzz may look cozy, it’s actually designed to irritate or discourage birds and other critters who might think of them as a snack.
If you think that’s impressive, woolly worms can survive temperatures as low as –90°F thanks to their cryoprotectant, making them the ultimate “chill bugs.” Like all moths, they’re not without threats, their eggs are often targeted by parasitic wasps, and the caterpillars are vulnerable to predators ranging from spiders to bats. Still, they’ve been fascinating humans for centuries, with their first formal documentation dating all the way back to 1797 by James Edward Smith.
So the next time you see one inching across the track in Banner Elk,
remember, you’re not just watching a racing bug. You’re looking at a winter survivor, a forecasting legend and a mountain mascot all rolled into one fuzzy package. And whether their prediction is right or wrong, one thing is certain: The woolly worm always wins our hearts.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER
The woolly worm is a resilient creature that can both survive harsh High Country winters and naturally deter predators.
IN MEMORIAM
ROY KREGE, Festival foundation and friend
BY JAMIE SHELL
BANNER ELK — A champion advocate of the Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival since he helped conceive the event in the late 1970s, Roy Krege was ubiquitous in his visibility and promotion of the annual event for the better part of four decades, traveling to countless schools and making numerous media and other appearances to share about the worm that predicts the weather of the High Country region.
On June 16, 2025, the community mourned the passing of Krege, whose attire, fuzzy hat, bushy beard and countless woolly worm patches served as a walking billboard while he worked to raise awareness, attention and funds for a festival which began as a small gathering and evolved into a fall phenomenon each October in downtown Banner Elk.
Named to the Avery County Hall of Legends in 2015, Krege was already a legend in the minds of many people of Avery County long before and after he was inducted into that exclusive fraternity. For more than four decades, if you ever saw a man with a scruffy beard dressed up in a pink and yellow outfit covered in woolly worms, you have probably seen “Mr. Woolly Worm” himself, the beloved Krege.
Krege and his family moved to Banner Elk in 1968, where he served in various positions at Lees-McRae College: assistant to the president, director of maintenance, director of summer programs, director of alumni affairs, director for financial aid, vice president for business affairs, vice president for institutional development, vice president for college planning and community relations, and director of alumni and community relations. In 1995, he joined the Grandfather Home for Children as associate director and principal of the Grandfather Academy charter school.
During his tenure at Lees-McRae, Krege was instrumental in the genesis of the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre program that presents multiple dramatic performances, plays and musicals during the busy tourist summer season.
“Today, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre lost not only our biggest fan, but our greatest servant,” LMC Summer Theatre released in a statement on social media on June 16. “Instrumental in the founding of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre forty years ago, Roy Krege tirelessly supported and advocated for the arts in Banner Elk. Chairing our advisory committee, overseeing parking and concessions, organizing company meals, and selling hundreds of playbill ads each season were just the start of all Roy did as he worked alongside his loving wife, Marion, for the last four decades. We present our 2025 season in loving memory of Roy Krege.”
In 2022, Lees-McRae College hosted a celebration of Krege’s 80th birthday, and President Dr. Lee King praised Krege’s selfless spirit and dedication to service.
“Honoring a man like Roy Krege is no easy task because there is truly so much to honor. You cannot define this man in any simple terms,” King said. “In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul tells his young charge Timothy to ‘set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.’ For those of us who are blessed to know him, Roy Krege has taught us a master class in example setting. You continue to be THE example for serving God, loving and caring for your beautiful family and loving and promoting Banner Elk and Avery County. While you don’t preach from a pulpit, you are a minister in the highest regard and every one of us have been impacted by your service and dedication. You exude the love of Christ. Others follow your lead, and you’ve trained many new disciples who will carry on. Your smile and laugh fill a
room, and you’re the only guy I know who can rock a pair of pink pants, an orange shirt, a yellow tie and a yellow blazer covered with woolly worms and somehow make it all look good! Thank you, for the example you set, and for being the model for how we all should live in dedication to others.”
Over his lifetime, Krege celebrated many significant accomplishments and was recipient of many awards, including Avery County Man of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year, Who’s Who in the South, Outstanding Educators of America, National FFA Award of Appreciation, co-founder of Avery County Volunteer Chaplaincy Program, Volunteer Hospital Chaplain, and many more.
Perhaps his most recognizable claim to fame, however, is as “Mr. Woolly Worm.” Krege was easily the most familiar face of the Woolly Worm Festival, held in Banner Elk each year in October. From the festival’s inception and for the next four and a half decades, Krege was the master of ceremonies at each annual event, announcing the woolly worm races, traveling across the region in his patented woolly wardrobe to promote the festival at other local events and giving out good will wherever he goes.
“Roy Krege came to Banner Elk to serve Lees-McRae College in 1968. Between his years at Lees-McRae and Grandfather Home For Children, Roy immersed himself in our community. He served on numerous boards and service groups. He actively led the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club for 57 years. He was very well known as Mr. Woolly Worm,” recalled Banner Elk Mayor Brenda Lyerly. “I remember waking up early on the Fourth of July to Roy’s voice touting the parade and urging people to buy duck race tickets. Then he would announce the parade as each group passed in the parade. He was a fabulous auctioneer, too. He was everywhere doing everything, always
with a huge smile. That smile was there until the very end of his life. Banner Elk has truly lost a fine man with a servant’s heart.”
“Roy Krege dedicated over 40 years to the Woolly Worm Festival—he loved giving back to the community, supporting children, and was especially proud that his son became a teacher,” added Banner Elk Kiwanis President Ann Wolf.
Krege in a 2015 interview stated that he didn’t remember just when people started calling him “Mr. Woolly Worm.”
“I have been helping with the festival from the start. Actually Marion and I made funnel cakes the first year with our electric frying pan,” Krege recalled.
AJT FILE PHOTO
Roy Krege, in full woolly worm regalia, was emcee of the famous festival from his co-founding of the festival in the 1970s through 2016.
In 2016, Krege decided the time was right to step away as the full-time emcee of the festival. For several prior years, Krege was flanked by Adam Binder, often referred to as “Mr. Woolly Worm In Training” as he worked alongside Krege to learn and understand the nuances of a position that was uniquely created by Krege himself.
“Roy Krege was larger than life. He taught me the true meaning of giving back to your community,” Binder said of his mentor. “He loved absolutely everyone, with God first, his family a close second and Banner Elk and Avery County a close third! He was Mr. Woolly Worm, and I have been so honored to have been Mr. Woolly Worm ‘In Training’ for so many years by his side and under his wing.”
In later years, Krege continued to serve members of the community through baking brownies or other delectable desserts to distribute to those confined to their homes, perhaps a handbell choir at a church, a church Christmas event, a hungry cast of actors at a Summer Theatre rehearsal, or a person who is suffering an illness and needed a visit, delivering to approximately 60 locations annually, an act affectionately known as being
“Roy-ed.”
Krege credited much of his accolades and success to Marion and his family for their support over the years.
“After all, how would you like to go out with a grown man in pink pants, an outfit with worms all over it and a crazy hat?” Krege joked. “That kind of behavior is a lot to tolerate!”
In a 2023 Avery Journal-Times article, Krege’s children shared his love for the kitchen and heart for giving.
“Dad’s love language is GIVING (servanthood),” daughter Kim Krege Florio said. “He has always given selflessly of his time, talents and his baked goods to the Banner Elk community. He is the true example of being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
“One day I watched my dad, for one whole hour, take great care in making a pan of brownies,” daughter Michelle Krege Burnop echoed. “He truly did each step with 100% attentiveness, delight and thoughtfulness about what he was doing. For example, nuts aren’t just thrown in the brownie mix and stirred up. Instead, each nut is strategically placed on top of the brownie mix, the same distance apart from each other, so that every bite of brownie tastes the same. He truly
models, ‘Do all that you do unto the Lord!’” (Colossians 3:23-23).”
“Roy Krege is my hero! I could not ask for a better mentor or example of what Christ-like, hard-working servanthood looks like,” son Dewayne Krege enthusiastically shared. “I will NEVER live up to the standards my Daddy set, but because of the determination and mindset he instilled in me, I’ll never quit trying. Words cannot describe how I feel each time we are gathered, and as we depart, Daddy always leaves me with, ‘I’m proud of you!’ I have never, even once, heard him say a negative word about another human. To God be the glory for my amazing Daddy and best friend ever!”
Avery County residents marveled at Krege’s energy. “Ubiquitous” and “versatile” are among the words that Krege personified in that he was often in the middle of any good cause, and he would often be found helping the community, whether it be a school function, a service organization such as his beloved Banner Elk Kiwanis Club, or his many travels promoting his hometown festival.“Usually, when I get involved with something, I go at it full force. I think my announcing the races was the start of my role as ‘Mr. Woolly Worm.’ Then I started wearing different outfits that finally evolved into the one I wear today to promote the festival,” Krege said in 2015.
Krege often would wear his familiar costume to parades, square dances, auctions he called, speeches he gave and other events where he was always seeking opportunity to put in a plug for his favorite festival.
According to Krege, the Woolly Worm Festival had a tremendous impact on the entire region by bringing business to motels, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, filling stations and many other retail establishments. But what mattered most to area residents is that they saw Krege’s familiar face and heard his booming voice (which he admitted he often had no voice left when the festival ended each year) calling the woolly worm races. Without Mr. Woolly Worm, the Woolly Worm Festival and Avery County just wouldn’t
be the same.
Roy Krege was born July 28, 1942, to the late Clarence and Catherine Krege in Kenmore, NY. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his sister Nancy McCray. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marion Krege, three children, Kimberly Florio, Dewayne Krege (Kelley), and Michelle Burnop (Michael), six grandchildren: Blake, Jacob, Cameron, Preston, Jackson and Kesleigh, brothers Bob and John (Trudy), and nieces and nephews.
Krege graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1960. He received degrees from Carson-Newman University and Tennessee Tech University. Krege served in many capacities at Lees-McRae College beginning in 1968 and was member of management for Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. He served on many boards and committees in the High Country and received many awards from various organizations. He was a member of Banner Elk Kiwanis for 57 years. Roy was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Banner Elk for 57 years and served as Sunday School teacher, deacon, youth leader and on various committees.
PHOTO COURTESY AVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Krege often toted his companion woolly worm wagon on the festival grounds and when promoting the festival at local schools for children to enjoy.
AJT FILE PHOTO
Roy Krege tirelessly traveled across the region promoting and giving interviews about the Woolly Worm Festival each year in downtown Banner Elk.
Weady, Set, Wace
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO TRAINING YOUR WOOLLY WORM
BY GIADA EHRESMAN
It’s that time of year again in Banner Elk—the leaves are beginning to change and the woolly worms are training hard for their big weekend. On October 18 and 19, the Woolly Worm Festival commences, where only the speediest worms will race for the title of 2025 champion and official winter weather predictor.
Not every worm is cut out for the challenge, and even the natural-born racers need to practice. Training can be extremely stressful for your woolly friends, so it’s your job to make the best of it. Here are some top-notch athletic tips to get your wiggly wunners into tip-top wacing shape.
A good racer needs an even better training ground. Set up your woolly worm’s racing enclosure with sticks and leaves to create a course
where they can really stretch their legs—all six of them. This helps build strength and stamina for the big race ahead. Plus, the leaves provide optimal shade for quick power naps and the proper rest they’ll need between workouts.
Strong racers are healthy racers. Since woolly worms are small, it is best to keep your racers hydrated with periodic misting. Keeping their enclosures misted allows them to drink from the tiny droplets. Remember, while woolly worms make excellent runners, they aren’t fond of swimming. Training takes a lot of energy— so fuel them with tasty greens like dandelions, clovers, asters, and goldenrod. The right food and water will help them build muscles and stay energized for the festival.
The most important part of training is encouragement. Tell
your woolly worm how proud you are of their efforts—on good days and bad days. Support nervous racers, too; stage fright is normal for all racers. It’s not all about winning. Teaching your worm to be a good sport is just as important as speed. Remind your racer it’s doing great, because every worm deserves praise for giving it their all.
Training in silence can get boring, so create a woolly worm workout playlist. Think about what songs get you pumped up—your racer will probably enjoy them, too. Music can also help them stay focused, especially since the festival stage can be loud and unfamiliar for first-time racers. Experiment. Some worms groove to jazz, others prefer rock ‘n’ roll or country or pop. The right tunes will be sure to get them in the zone for winning.
One last tip for training your woolly worm: Have fun. The Woolly Worm Festival is all about enjoying and celebrating fall, the community and, of course, the woolly worm, so remember to enjoy spending time with your little athlete. When the races are over and your training is done—win or lose—it’s all about having fun. Remember to kindly release your woolly worm back into the same environment or a similar one to where you found it. That way, they can pass along their racing wisdom and help inspire next year’s champions.
Train hard, cheer loud, and have fun—it’s all part of the exciting wiggly wace.
AJT FILE PHOTO
A woolly worm with mostly brown bands.
Philanthropy of the Woolly Worm Festival
BY RILEY GLEASON
Each fall, thousands gather in Banner Elk for the lighthearted fun of the Woolly Worm Festival, cheering on fuzzy caterpillars as they race up strings to predict the winter forecast. But behind the playful competition lies a serious purpose: philanthropy. The festival has become one of Avery County’s most impactful fundraisers, channeling proceeds into scholarships and youth programs that strengthen the community year after year.
The Woolly Worm Festival is jointly managed by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk, with both organizations committed to ensuring that festival revenues directly benefit local students. Scholarships are awarded across every age group from elementary to college, providing opportunities for learning and growth that might not otherwise be possible.
In recent years, the festival has expanded its reach even further. A new scholarship was established for students affected by Hurricane Helene, reflecting the community’s determination to support young people facing unexpected challenges. At the same time, the Kiwanis Foundation continues its quarterly grant program, funding projects such as classroom enrichment tools, school gardens, STEM activities and youth wellness initiatives. Whether it’s books for a class library, supplies for a leadership conference, or resources for food security, the philosophy remains the same: small investments can spark big change.
Organizers are also exploring a new philanthropic chapter by creating a foundation in honor of Roy Krege, affectionately known as “Mr. Woolly Worm.” Krege was instrumental in founding the festival and promoting the weekend event, building the festival into the signature event it is today, and a foundation in his name will ensure his legacy of service lives on.
While visitors may come for the races, food and festivities, the true victory of the Woolly Worm Festival is measured in the opportunities it creates for Avery County youth. Thanks to the partnership between the Avery Chamber, the Kiwanis Club and the broader community, the festival has transformed from a unique mountain tradition into a philanthropic powerhouse, proving that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Lees-McRae College teams, including Women’s Soccer, Men’s Volleyball, Cheerleading, and Dance teams, serve at the annual Woolly Worm Festival and benefit from the event’s philanthropic efforts.
EVEN THE WOOLLY WORM CATCHES
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