BANNER ELK, N.C. — The Woolly Worm Festival is returning to downtown Banner Elk after last year's cancellation due to Hurricane Helene on Oct. 18-19.

Each day, attendees can expect to watch a riveting series of woolly worm races to forecast the winter.

According to legend, the color, pattern and number of bands on woolly worms, or woolly bear caterpillars, can predict how snowy, cold and long the winter season will be. Since worms can have different patterns, the winner of the Saturday race will serve as the official forecasting worm.

Attendees can also expect over 100 vendors, family games and activities, live entertainment from local artists and a view of the fall foliage.

“The Woolly Worm Festival is pure mountain magic,” Victoria Bowman, Festival Chairwoman and Executive Director o

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