The Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced the cancellation of the 2025 NC Mineral and Gem Festival due to ongoing repairs to structural damage caused by Hurricane Helene at the festival’s planned venue, the Three Peaks Enrichment Center.
The Three Peaks Enrichment Center management has been continually working on repairs and renovations at the venue with hopes of completion prior to set up for the Mineral and Gem Festival. Following the latest inspection, local building officials communicated that the venue cannot be issued a certificate of occupancy, as all required repairs are unable to be completed by contractors in time for the event scheduled to be held July 31-August 3.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors have explored every available alternative. However, no other venue of sufficient size and capacity was available to host the festival.
“We deeply regret having to cancel this beloved event,” said Nikki Presnell, President of the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Following Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on our community, it was our sincere desire to move forward with the festival as a way to support recovery and economic revitalization. However, circumstances beyond our control have made that impossible.”
Board of Directors Vice President, Jamie McMahan added, “The Mineral and Gem Festival is a cherished tradition in Mitchell County, and this outcome was incredibly difficult. We are grateful to all our vendors, visitors, and community partners who have supported the festival over the years. We are thankful to Mayland Community College for their generous offer to hold the event at the Three Peaks Center this year and their efforts to have the venue ready. We look forward to the time when we can safely bring it back bigger and better.”
While the indoor portion of the festival is canceled, the Chamber is excited to announce that the popular Mine Tours sponsored by the Quartz Corp., will still take place as planned on Thursday and Friday evenings and a new Saturday morning tour is in the planning stage. These one-of-a-kind tours offer the rare opportunity to visit an active mine and dig for your own treasures. Reservations are required and can be made at www.ncgemfest.com. The Chamber will also hold the Top to Toe 5K on July 26th to kickoff Mineral and Gem Week in Mitchell County. Participants will run from the top of a Quartz Corp mine to Downtown Spruce Pine where everyone is invited to support local businesses. Everyone is invited to participate and more information is available at https://www.thequartzcorp.com/top-to-toe-5k.
The Chamber Board of Directors encourages locals and visitors to support the Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show, sponsored by Parkway Fire and Rescue. The outdoor show will take place July 27-August 3rd above Skyview Circle on Hwy 226 South.
For updates and additional information, visit www.ncgemfest.com or contact the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce at (828) 765-9033. Media Contact:
Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce/ info@mitchellcountychamber.org / (828) 765-9033
