Asheville's Resilience and Autumn's Delights: A Community's Spirit Shines On

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Sunday, September 28, 2025. We start off today with a look back, as Asheville marks one year since Hurricane Helene put the city’s community spirit and emergency response to the test. Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Knighton reflected this weekend on the lessons learned, describing how city crews made more than 250 rescues as stormwaters surged through familiar neighborhoods. Thanks to determined first responders and years of planning, Asheville kept its essential services running despite flooded streets and washed-out roads. Calling it a true test of human endurance and city readiness, Knighton credits not just the strategy and equipment but the everyday grit of neighbors who looked out for each other. Meanwhile, Governor Josh Stein visited Asheville’s River Arts District to discuss continued federal funding efforts, FEMA reform, and the road ahead for Western North Carolina’s recovery and future preparedness. There’s a real sense here that resilience is built not just in city halls but in the hearts of everyone who calls Asheville home. Turning now to what’s happening around town today, it’s the perfect fall Sunday for getting out and exploring. At 3 p.m., head downtown to the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts for a special concert celebrating Asheville’s musical spirit and strength. The volunteer musicians of the Blue Ridge Orchestra will fill the Diana Wortham Theatre with music in honor of WNC’s inspiring and resilient culture. All ages are welcome and kids under six get in free, making this a family-friendly way to celebrate the arts and our community’s comeback. Families might also want to stop by the Eliada Corn Maze and Fall Festival, which opens at 3 this afternoon and brings classic autumn fun right to the Asheville area. Enjoy a stroll through the corn maze, play festival games, pick pumpkins, and snack on local treats while supporting Eliada’s vital work with local children and families. If you’re looking for live music with a great meal, check out All Day Darling in Montford, where the patio transforms into a mini music venue every Friday and Saturday night. Grab a spot for dinner and soak up the sounds of Asheville’s best local musicians completely free—no reservations required. Try their Thunderbird fried chicken sandwich or the hearty, seasonal bowls as you enjoy the neighborhood’s lively vibe. And as cooler weather signals Halloween’s approach, mark your calendars for the Adventure Center’s annual Haunted Trail, starting up again next week. Kids and adults alike will love the outdoor theatrics, the illuminated aerial glow trails, and new this year, a giant pirate ship escape room. Every ticket purchased sends support to MANNA Foodbank, so it’s fun that gives back. Asheville stays busy even on Mondays, with the Clouds of Delusion band taking over Third Room on Wall Street for Grateful Dead night, ensuring the music and dancing never stop. There’s always something goi This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.