Lake Lure’s tree lighting signals strong comeback

Lake Lure ushered in the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3, a festive celebration that stood in sharp contrast to last year’s scaled-down event following Hurricane Helene. Town leaders say the brighter gathering reflects a community firmly on the rebound — with the lake expected to return to full pond and reopen by May.

“It’s even more memorable and important to us this year,” Mayor Carol Pritchett said. “We’re in such a different place than we were a year ago.”

The progress is visible across the lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed debris and sediment cleanup on Nov. 20, as WCAB News previously reported. The work cleared the way for the next phase. Repairs to the dam’s tainter gates are underway and projected to finish in early February, allowing the lake refill to begin soon after.

“That gives our business owners and residents a sense of security,” Pritchett said. “There is hope on the horizon, and their businesses will be able to be open this spring.”

Pritchett urged visitors to return now, noting that restaurants, lodging, shops, and mountain attractions are open.

“There are a lot of fun things to do here even if you can’t be in the water,” she said. “We really encourage people to come and enjoy Lake Lure.”

Holiday events and public meetings continue throughout the month, including:

• Sounds of the Season Community Concert — Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., Fairfield Mountains Chapel, 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd.

• Town Council Meeting — Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Temporary Town Hall at The Landings, 920 Buffalo Creek Rd.

• Comprehensive Planning Round Table — Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. at The Landings.

• Joy to the Gorge — Dec. 5–Jan. 4 across Hickory Nut Gorge.

  
  

Open outdoor amenities include Morse Park, Dittmer-Watts Nature Trails, Lake Lure Green Space and Pool Creek Picnic Park. Restoration work continues at Buffalo Creek Park and Weed Patch Mountain with support from state partners and nonprofit organizations.

Collegiate rowing races — a long-standing Lake Lure tradition — are slated to return in March.

Travelers should note that U.S. 64/74A between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village and N.C. 9 north from Black Mountain remain open to "local traffic only" from storm impacts, though major routes from I-26, Rutherfordton, and Polk County remain open.

The community is also rallying behind seasonal giving efforts. Bring “Joy to the Gorge” this holiday season is raising money for The Foundation for Lake Lure and

Chimney Rock Area Businesses, as they work to rise, rebuild, and thrive after Hurricane Helene.

“Lake Lure is open and welcoming,” Pritchett said. “And by May, we’ll have the lake back too.”