On Saturday, August 20, Lees-McRae will kick off a new cultural and continuing education series for Lees-McRae, the town of Banner Elk, and the wider community. The High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series will bring renowned speakers and award-winning outdoor-related films to Banner Elk and Beech Mountain throughout the 2022–23 academic year.  

“Everywhere you look on campus, there’s something that speaks to our love for the outdoors,” Katie Wall, series organizer and program coordinator for Outdoor Recreation Management and Wilderness Medicine and Rescue, said. “I think the more films and speakers we can bring in to give us different perspectives on all the things that make the outdoors and living in the High Country so special and valuable, will really bring meaning to not just the Lees-McRae community, but the Avery County and Banner Elk communities as well.”  

In addition to being a fun and enriching event for the community, ticket sales for each event in the series will raise funds for academic and extracurricular resources at Lees-McRae. This will be a great opportunity for community members to get outdoors, learn more about the world around them, and support the college all at the same time.  

The first film, which will be shown in Banner Elk Town Park at 7 p.m. that Saturday, is the Teton Gravity Research Mountain Biking Film . In the spirit of the film, ticket sales for this event will help fund the creation of new beginner and easy-access trails at South Campus and the college’s Wilderness Medicine and Rescue academic program.  

“It's great entertainment. The films and speakers are really wonderful and engaging and are definitely inspiring. Not only is it going to be really fun, but it's nice to be able to support the college and support the fundraisers that we're facilitating with each of these events,” Wall said. “Every single one of these events has something that makes it really special and meaningful.”  

While this series will be hosted by the college in collaboration with the speakers and filmmaking teams, Wall said these events would not be possible without the generous donations by its sponsors. This series is supported by local businesses Beech Mountain Resort, High Country Guide Service, Wittman Sports Group, Foscoe Fishing Company, Sotheby’s International Realty, Sustainable Lawn and Landscape, Headquarters Bike and Outdoor, Mountain Alliance, West Fork Anglers, and River Girl Fishing Company.  

Tickets for each event will be sold separately, and will be $15 for adult community members and $5 for children and Lees-McRae students, faculty, staff, and alumni.  

Buy tickets and learn more about each event that will be part of the High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series