Christmas in Chimney Rock: Beloved NC town reopens after Helene devastation
The beloved vacation town was open for one day to allow visitors to support small businesses recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Over two months after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, the beloved vacation town of Chimney Rock opened back up for one day only to celebrate Christmas.
The town of Chimney Rock announced it would open for business Saturday, Dec. 14, to allow visitors to support the town and see the progress that’s been made since Helene caused catastrophic damage throughout the region. The special event offered a day of joy and community engagement that highlights the enduring spirit of the beloved town as it recovers from Helene.
“With Christmas approaching, we would like to invite everyone to join us on a day of celebration, showing the world what a few short months can do when we join together,” the town’s announcement says. “Come show your support and share the joy as we refresh the hope for a town so dearly loved.”
CityServe’s senior vice president Todd Lamphere summed up Saturday’s event in one sentence: “Today, this is about life.”
Christmas in Chimney Rock ran from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. along Main Street. Activities included pictures and toys with Santa, free Christmas goodies from renovated shops, Christmas music and free food. CityServe encouraged guests to “adopt a business” by donating to the cause. Every dollar donated will go directly to small businesses in Chimney Rock.
Kim Cason is the property manager for the Esmeralda Inn. She said being able to see people come in for the day gave her a much-needed boost.
“I am having the time of my life just being able to talk to people,” she said. “It’s exciting to just be mingling with people, telling our story and telling them there’s hope.”
April Schick owns April’s Boutique in town. She shared how customers supported her.
“We’re making a couple of dollars on sweatshirts, which will all go into rebuilding the store,” she said. “We’re just grateful to be vertical.”
Schick said it wouldn’t be possible without the neighbors and visitors stepping up to help.
“That’s the kind of place this is,” she said. “You see somebody in need, you sit down with them and you have tea together — that’s the kind of place this is and I don’t want for it to ever change.”
Many areas around Chimney Rock and Lake Lure were unrecognizable after Helene, with floodwaters washing away businesses and homes throughout the region. The Broad River, which runs parallel to the town’s main road, overflowed its banks and pushed several buildings into a massive pile of debris.