đď¸ The Holler Podcast launches June 8
One of the biggest additions to The Haywood Holler is a new podcast built around local stories and local voices.
Starting June 8, The Holler Podcast will release two episodes each month featuring conversations with local leaders, business owners, artists, pastors, educators, volunteers, and everyday people helping shape Haywood County.
The goal is not controversy or hot takes.
Itâs connection.
There are incredible people all around Haywood County doing meaningful work, building small businesses, creating art, serving neighbors, preserving traditions, and making this place better in quiet ways.
The podcast is one more way to help us hear those stories.
Know someone we should interview?
Send us their name and why you think theyâd make a great guest, even if it's you!
đď¸ This Weekend in the Holler
Weâre also building a better local weekend guide.
Every week, weâll be looking for the events, fundraisers, markets, concerts, family activities, church gatherings, arts events, and community opportunities worth having on your radar.
The goal is to make The Holler one simple place to answer the question:
âWhatâs happening around Haywood County this weekend?â
Have an event coming up?
Let us know by submitting it here: https://bit.ly/hollersubmissions
â¤ď¸ Good in the Holler
Weâll continue spotlighting the good stuff:
Local wins.
Neighborly kindness.
Student achievements.
Volunteer efforts.
Small businesses doing creative things.
People making Haywood County better.
If you know someone who deserves a little recognition, send it our way.
https://bit.ly/hollersubmissions
Seen Around the Holler đ
Sometimes the best snapshot of a community is still a crowded coffee shop bulletin board.
This week, we found ourselves staring at one in Waynesville â and honestly, it felt like Haywood County in miniature.
Art classes.
Dog grooming.
Foster needs.
Local music.
Wellness offerings.
Storage units.
Poetry groups.
Fundraisers.
Handmade flyers.
QR codes everywhere.
Thatâs the kind of local texture we love.
Here are a few things that caught our eye.
đ¨ Artistic Verve brings bright local art to Church Street
One flyer immediately stood out: Artistic Verve Art Studio & Gallery at Church Street Studios in Waynesville.
It has local art, handmade gifts, prints, original artwork, and the kind of colorful, whimsical flyer that makes you want to walk upstairs just to see whatâs going on.
You can find them at:
225 Church Street, Room 204
Waynesville, NC
If youâre looking for a small way to support local artists, this feels like an easy place to start.
đď¸ Quick Draw returns with fine art, food, and philanthropy
Quick Draw of WNC is celebrating 25 years with a live art hour and auction on:
Saturday, June 20
4:30â8:30 PM
Laurel Ridge Country Club, Waynesville
The event blends fine art, food, and philanthropy, with proceeds helping provide art supplies for Haywood County classrooms.
Artists create against the clock, guests get to watch the process unfold, and the evening continues with food, music, and an art auction.
Thatâs a pretty strong Haywood County combination: creativity, generosity, and a good meal.
đž Haywood County Animal Services is looking for foster homes
Another flyer on the board was a reminder that local shelters and animal services rely heavily on community support.
Haywood County Animal Services is looking for people interested in becoming foster parents for animals who need temporary care.
For the right household, fostering can be a meaningful way to help without making a permanent adoption commitment.
If youâve ever thought, âIâd love to help, but Iâm not sure where to start,â this may be worth looking into.
5 Things Worth Knowing This Week
1. Local bulletin boards are still undefeated
In a world of apps, algorithms, and social media noise, the old-school community board is still doing real work.
Coffee shops, libraries, studios, and community spaces often know whatâs happening before the internet does.
Weâll be paying more attention.
2. Haywood Countyâs art scene is busier than you think
Between Artistic Verve, Quick Draw, HART, local galleries, and handmade vendor spaces, thereâs a lot of creative life tucked into this county.
The Holler will be highlighting more of it.
3. We want your best local recommendations
Best cheap lunch.
Best rainy-day activity.
Best coffee shop corner.
Best place to take out-of-town guests.
Best local hidden gem.
Send us what you love, and we may feature it in a future issue.
4. The podcast guest list is forming now
The first episode releases June 8, and weâre building the first round of local conversations now.
Weâre especially looking for people with stories connected to:
- small business
- education
- arts and music
- local history
- faith and service
- nonprofits
- community leadership
- unique Haywood County experiences
https://bit.ly/hollersubmissions
5. Local businesses can partner with The Holler
The Haywood Holler is free for readers and supported by local businesses.
If your business wants to reach Haywood County readers in a positive, community-centered way, weâd love to talk.
Weâre opening a limited number of relaunch sponsor spots for businesses that want to be part of this next chapter.
Partner Info:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yCoGGZ4s-JVdZjz-He0PolVL2rblKY0J/view?usp=sharing
Featured This Week
Quick Draw of WNC: Art in the Making
Thereâs something special about watching art happen in real time.
Quick Draw of WNC gives guests the chance to see artists create under pressure, meet local and regional creatives, enjoy food and music, and support art education in Haywood County schools.
The event is celebrating its 25th year, and proceeds help provide art supplies for classrooms across the county.
Saturday, June 20
4:30â8:30 PM
Laurel Ridge Country Club
Waynesville, NC
Whether youâre an art collector, a teacher, a parent, or just someone who likes seeing creative people do creative things, this is one to keep on your calendar.
