In brief
The annual FloatLife Fest in Old Fort, North Carolina, is a gathering of Onewheel enthusiasts and serves as a beacon of hope for the town still healing from Hurricane Helene. Despite visible damage and challenges faced by local businesses, the festival boosts tourism and community spirit. Local entrepreneurs and community leaders share their hopes for recovery and affordable visitor experiences.
OLD FORT, N.C. — Early morning light reveals the vibrance of FloatLife Fest as 400 riders flock to this picturesque Blue Ridge foothill town, enhancing its usual population by 50%. Dedicated to motorized Onewheel boards, this mid-September festival is not just a celebration but a crucial financial boost for Old Fort, which is still recovering from Hurricane Helene's devastating impacts last year.Old Fort, lying about 24 miles east of Asheville, once grappled with widespread devastation brought by Helene, which flooded streets, businesses, and homes. Local resident Jess Jones, a marine biologist from Scotland, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received, stating, 'The vibe and the welcome that we got there was really nice.' The town is gradually bouncing back; many shops have reopened, but signs of the disaster linger. Chad Schoenauer, owner of Old Fort Bike Shop, noted that customers often commented about not realizing the town was open for business, highlighting the misconceptions that persist.As the community seeks to reinvent itself as a premier outdoor destination—catering to hiking and biking enthusiasts—the fallout from the hurricane appears ever-present. Old Fort had aspirations of transforming, especially after the Ethan Allen factory's closure, but the storm reset many of those developments.'We have a red clay that makes some of the best trails in the country,' commented FloatLife founder Justyn Thompson, showcasing the region's natural landscape, which is pivotal for tourism.Tragically, Helene not only damaged businesses but severely impacted tourism overall. With many attractions closed and recovery efforts underway, foot traffic has plummeted, and local leaders are counting on events like FloatLife Fest to rekindle interest and investment in the community.Continuing to innovate amidst obstacles, Schoenauer mentioned the shift in business focus to repairs as locals attempt to maintain their biking adventures. The sustainable recovery efforts, alongside festivals like FloatLife, are crucial to reinvigorating Old Fort’s economy and spirit.
