Local chamber invites you to sit a spell in downtown Black Mountain

‘Little town that rocks’ fundraiser brings fresh assortment of rocking chairs to town

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
July 12, 2023

A row of red rocking chairs line a shaded sidewalk on Cherry Street, as the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce launches its annual “Little Town That Rocks” fundraiser. The chairs, which can be sponsored by local businesses, organizations or individuals, will remain available for public use through the fall. Photo by Fred McCormick

Finding a shady spot to rest on the bustling sidewalks of downtown Black Mountain will be a little easier this summer, with the return of the annual “Little Town That Rocks” fundraising campaign, supporting the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce.

The initiative, which is celebrating the nonprofit chamber’s 100th anniversary by displaying approximately two dozen red rocking chairs throughout the district, features artwork created by children in the local afterschool program, Art In the Afternoon.

Downtown Black Mountain is “The Little Town That Rocks,” as the chamber of commerce unveiled around two dozen red rocking chairs featuring painting by local children in the Art In the Afternoon program. Photo by Fred McCormick

The artists, ranging in ages 6 to 11, unveiled their paintings during a presentation at the Carver Community Center in April, while local businesses, organizations and residents were invited to sponsor individual chairs. The rockers were placed around the central business district in late June.

The Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 100th year, as the local nonprofit organization unveils its annual “Little Town That Rocks” fundraiser. The campaign allows local businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor a rocking chair featuring pieces created by local children. Photo by Fred McCormick

The colorful creations will remain in town through the fall, and sponsorship opportunities are still available through the chamber.

For more information, contact the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce at 828-669-2300, or email director@blackmountainchamber.com.