Six Hours on the Ridge is back for its 8th year!  Are you up for the challenge?  This annual race features the 6 mile JFA trail with just over 800 feet of elevation gain and fast rolling single track making it the perfect setting for this endurance event. Riders will ride as many laps as they are able within the 6 hour time window.

This race has sold out the past two years so don’t delay sign up today!

THERE WILL BE NO DAY OF REGISTRATION.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC) & Upstate International (UI)

We’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with EACC, bringing you even more engaging speakers and exciting networking opportunities. About four times a year, we’ll host informal after-work gatherings at Old Europe Coffee at Bridge Way Station in Mauldin. These relaxed events will feature experts discussing current topics, all while you enjoy a coffee or wine.

The goal is to bring together the expat community—who often live in separate environments—and locals, fostering connections between international and American attendees. Whether you’re looking to learn a new language, find new friends or clients, or just have fun, there’s something for everyone.

These events are open to all, providing a fantastic chance to meet new people and exchange ideas. As a member, you can bring up to two guests at the member price. And if you bring two new faces, your entry and a glass of wine are on us!

*Membership Price: $10 (Please Email Tracie Frese (Tracie@upstateinternational.org), UI’s Executive Director, for UI’s Member Discount Code)

Non-Member Price: $20

We’re also inviting members to become speakers at future “Global Connections” events. First up, Ogletree will discuss the important and timely topic of the visa environment for both employers and employees. If you’re interested in speaking at a future event, feel free to share your ideas with us!

We look forward to seeing you there!

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

As people all over the country start to grow their own gardens, plant prices continue to rise. These price increases quickly add up when growing your own garden. Starting your own seeds is a much more economical way to grow a large number of plants. Believe it or not many plants also do better when you grow them from a seed. Starting seeds can seem like a very scary task but it doesn’t have to be. Join our education coordinator, Isaac Wyatt, for a course all about starting your own seeds. From what you need to get started to how to get your seedlings in the garden.

*We will also have a selection of seeds to trade. Please feel free to bring any seeds you may be interested in trading!

March 4th, 2025, 1:00-3:00 pm. Fee: $20.00.

Maintaining the Biodiversity of the Mountains – planting native, removing invasives, restoring habitat and using environmentally friendly landscape management practices.

Western North Carolina is one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. Unfortunately, development and increasing population are threatening the delicate ecosystems of the area. Many of the landscape methods that we utilize have negative environmental repercussions. We can do better.

Join Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast to learn how we can do things better! In this series of classes Steve will discuss how to manage your landscape in the most environmentally friendly way possible using sustainable gardening practices. Also learn about tree health care and maintenance.

By making simple changes, such as choosing native over exotic plants and removing invasive plants, we can begin to restore habitat at home, at our businesses and throughout the region.

By cultivating and protecting healthy diverse habitats for pollinators, for wildlife, for healthy flora and fauna, we benefit the individuals who live in and enjoy these spaces and for our community, as a whole. By creating natural areas in your yard and leaving the leaves each fall you can benefit many kinds of insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals which depend on the native plants and their fallen leaves and seeds for shelter, food and habitat.

March 6, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

Ben Greer is an author, poet, and educator who was born and raised in Glenn Springs. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and Hollins University. He published his first novel, Slammer, at 26 to rave reviews and went on to publish 4 others. His first book of poetry was published at 59. His latest book of poetry is called Naked Prince: New & Selected Poems.

Ben has also written three plays, including Little Tin Gods, produced by Theatre South in 2008. Having taught at the University of South Carolina for 33 years, he is retired and lives in Columbia.

Join us at the Old Stone Church on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:00pm to hear Ben’s stories and memories of growing up in Glenn Springs. This event is free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

On exhibit Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 4 p.m., Rocky Cove Railroad is a G-Scale (garden scale) model train that demonstrates the coming of trains to western North Carolina at the turn of the 20th century. The exhibit is located below the Grand Promenade. Please note, Rocky Cove Railroad will not operate in rainy or wet conditions.

Meadows don’t have to be massive to contribute to the biodiversity and beauty of a landscape. Many gardeners are learning how to incorporate meadow style plantings in their home or small business landscapes. Join us for our engaging workshop on creating a meadow style landscape feature. Learn from Crissy Dzielak, Vice President and co-owner of Landmark Landscapes about the plants, installation techniques, and maintenance practices that bring these vibrant, naturalistic landscapes to life.

Topics covered include:

Plant Selection: Understand which grasses, wildflowers, and perennials are ideal for meadow-style plantings, focusing on native and drought-tolerant species that thrive in our region.

Installation Techniques: Learn step-by-step methods for preparing your site, sowing seeds, and planting plugs to establish a thriving meadow.

Maintenance Practices: Gain insights into sustainable practices for managing weeds, supporting plant diversity, and maintaining the health and beauty of your meadow over time.

This talk is perfect for gardeners and landscape enthusiasts looking to create low-maintenance, ecologically beneficial, and visually stunning meadow landscapes. Join us to explore meadow style plantings and how they can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife and a feast for the eyes.

March 12, 2025, 1:00-3:00pm.

South Carolina ETV invites you to Be My Neighbor Day 2025!

This FREE event celebrates early learning and the importance of being a caring neighbor.

When: Saturday, March 15, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: South Carolina Children’s Theatre, 153 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Cost: FREE and open to the public

Meet Beloved Characters
Get ready to meet Daniel Tiger, the star of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and SCETV’s very own Smart Cat.

Hands-On Crafts and Activities
Kids and families can enjoy engaging hands-on activities that spark creativity and bring smiles to everyone.
* Materials may be limited, and activities are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Storytime, Performances, and Music

Enjoy interactive performances and story times from:
Tell Me A Story Theatre with South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Scales & Tales with Roper Mountain Science Center Science on Wheels
Story Time with Greenville County Library
Water Safety Storytime with Goldfish Swim School
Family Drum Circle with Jeff Holland

Acts of Kindness
Participate in special activities focused on kindness and giving back. Learn how small actions can make a big difference in your community.

Meet Your Local Helpers
Discover the organizations and individuals who help make your neighborhood special. From first responders to community groups, connect with the people who make your world a better place.

Bring your family and friends for a grr-ific day of fun, learning, and connection.

We can’t wait to see you there!