The effects of Tropical Storm Helene continues to deeply affect people and businesses in Mitchell County. The ongoing struggle to get life back to normal has brought one set of good neighbors even closer. Holly Walker and Anthony Wilson, owners of Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing, and Toecane craft artists, Judson and Sally Morgan Guérard, compared notes about their many business complications back in the winter. Extensive damage to the Loafers Glory business, and the ongoing reconstruction of the railroad below Toecane Road, make it impossible for either business to operate normally. In order to overcome some of their challenges, they decided to join together for the upcoming Toe River Arts Studio Tour June 6, 7 and 8, providing a sales location for the artists, and letting the public know the rafting and tubing business is remaining open. Six artists: Dorothy Ansell, jewelry; Charley and Sue Dellinger, brooms; Judson Guérard, glass; Sally Morgan Guérard, brooms; and Bridget VanRemortel, baskets, who are normally located in studios on Toecane Road during the tour, will be showing their work at Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing. Loafers Glory Rafting and Tubing, where Walker and Wilson lived and operated their business, experienced catastrophic flooding on September 27, 2024. They lost everything in their home and most of the facility used to operate their business. Their property was nearly unrecognizable as cars, tools and equipment were ruined by flood waters or completely swept away. Eight months later, although much work has been done to clear and begin restoration of the Continued on following page… property, Holly Walker has regretfully informed customers the tubing and kayaking portion of the business will remain closed for the 2025 season. Walker explains, “While debris is being removed from the water, access to the river is impacted by road damage and active construction zones. With heavy equipment, dump trucks, and building materials moving through the area daily, conditions are simply not suitable for the river experience our guests have come to know and expect. We also believe our community needs a little more time to rebuild and heal.” Guérard Studios was fortunate during the storm to have had only some undermining of the foundation of their 98-year-old store, which houses the glass shop and gallery. The artists and other community members realize the importance of reconstructing the railroad and understand the enormous effort, resources, and time required to get the job done. They are grateful the work began almost immediately following the storm. However, the ongoing work, located only 200 yards from the studio, has made conducting business next to impossible. Judson Guérard relates, “The glass and my studio, my wife’s broom shop, and our neighbor, Dorothy Ansell’s jewelry studio, are coated with dirt inside and out.” Up to 300 dump trucks daily, have traveled Toecane Road, dumping loads of rock and gravel, then returning along the same narrow road. Parking areas are inaccessible due to cement blocks placed to prevent the trucks from damaging buildings and property. Although the truck traffic has decreased on some days, it is still unpredictable when there will be truck traffic, along with unsettling clouds of dust and noise. “When we began planning our participation in this year’s Toe River Arts Studio Tour, which we have done for 30 years, we weren’t sure what to do. It just didn’t feel safe to invite visitors to Toecane at this time.” Guérard states, “We were so fortunate Anthony and Holly offered their store, so close to home. Now we’re excited and looking forward to working together.” The artists, and the rafting and tubing business, are expecting to have a festive weekend welcoming visitors. The broom makers will be demonstrating. Fine jewelry, glass, and baskets will be available. The tasty snacks Guérard Studios has a reputation for presenting will be in good supply. And famous Bonnie & Clyde’s Drive-In is just across the road. Loafer’s Glory Rafting and tubing will be on hand, whether you need a T-shirt, guidance, or just want to check in with them. They will have information about other community events planned for Loafer’s Glory throughout the summer. The Toe River Arts Studio Tour is June 6, 7 & 8, a self-guided tour, open10 am to 5 pm each day. There is an artist’s reception June 6, 5:30 – 7:30 pm at Toe River Arts, 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC., 828-765-0520.
