Building stronger communities through economic development and civic engagement is a core focus for Burke River Trail Association (BRTA). To support this, the nonprofit has launched a Trail Town Tour series, which will spotlight the nine local governments along the trail corridor. Each month, a different town will be featured in a lunch meeting with the town’s mayor and manager, offering insights into the town’s history, offerings and plans, all while enjoying lunch from a local establishment.
The first event of the year focused on the Town of Rutherford College. Mayor Yates Jensen welcomed the twenty attendees from Connelly Springs, Lenior, Granite Falls, Valdese and Rutherford College. Many listeners were surprised to hear that Mayor Jensen’s great-great-grandfather, RL Abernathy, was the operator of the town’s first school, Owl Hollow School in 1850. That school closed during the Civil War and Mr. Abernathy reopened it as Rutherford Seminary in 1868. The small community around the school started as Excelsior, but three years later it became Rutherford College. The town has a Historical Society working to preserve the town’s rich history.
Town Manager Jessica Bargsley provided details of the town such as the $0.12 tax rate paid by approximately 1300 citizens and that the town maintains 13 miles of road, 25 miles of water distribution lines and 12 miles of sewer lines. She talked about annual events like the Summer Founder’s Day Festival and the Christmas Parade with Fireworks. Some events are more about community outreach, the most popular being Storytime in the Park for kids. They also have a monthly group for Seniors. Check the town website for a full list of activities.
Beth Heile, executive director of Burke River Trail Association, shared details on how Burke River Trail would come into Rutherford College through the future Valdese Bluffs housing development to Malcolm Boulevard to Greenway Park. She noted that Town of Rutherford College has been extremely supportive of the trail through town.
Though lunch is the main event, with the Rutherford College food coming from JDs, optional activities were offered. A group walk on the RC Greenway and an afternoon touring and tasting at South Mountains Distillery were on the schedule depending on the interest of the guests.
In addition to brining people to town, BRTA created a “Day in Rutherford College” itinerary for the town to use and circulate on social media. The activity of creating an itinerary helps a town see all the interesting things there are for residents and visitors to do; as well as see where they may have gaps in types of businesses or amenities. As BRTA works with town staff and residents creating the Trail Town itinerary, they often realize there is a lot more to do than they thought.
As a follow up to the luncheon, BRTA will be hosting a Trail Town Trash Pickup in Rutherford College on Sunday, March 2 at 3pm. Vest, grabbers and trash bags will be provided. Participants will meet at Castle Bridge Boat Ramp.
If you are interested in learning more about Burke County towns, join in an upcoming tour. Twenty slots are available to the first people who RSVP to burketrails@gmail.com
Upcoming Schedule
- Feb 27 – Town of Hildebran
- April 3 – Town of Drexel
- April 24 – Town of Rhodhiss
Each of the Burke County’s unique downtowns holds its own distinct charm and character, and the Burke River Trail will offer them a platform to showcase their individual highlights. From rich history to local attractions, from vibrant cultural scenes to hidden gems, the trail will serve as a conduit for communities to proudly present what makes them truly special. As BRTA continues to get trail on the ground, assisting towns in showcasing their assets is happening now.
