This feature mines our archives for what was going on this week in local history.
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During the week of Oct. 13, 2002, thousands of people packed the streets of downtown Marion for the Mountain Glory festival. The annual fest, which features music, food, crafts and more, happened on an unusually warm October day and drew a big crowd. The McDowell News snapped this photo from the window of the Crooked Door Coffee House and captured some of the bubbles that floated from the coffee house onto the street below.
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Twenty-four years ago this week, the annual Octoberfest celebration was held at the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. In this photo, Donna Rhoades of Montford Cove worked on a two-harness hand loom. She was making a rug while working on the porch of the Morgan Cabin.
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Both young and old could enjoy rides on an old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon. Old Fort Elementary School held its annual fall festival, and people attending Octoberfest could enjoy the school’s event as well.
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James Arnold Bright and his wife, Lettie, celebrated 72 years of marriage. The couple lived at Mountain View Care Center.
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Marion Mayor Everette Clark and other city officials burned the note for the City Hall building on North Main Street. The note-burning ceremony was held to celebrate the retirement of the debt for the purchase of the building. Councilman Billy Martin, former Councilman Angus Stronach, former City Manager Earl Daniels and Mayor Pro Tem Steve Little stood behind Clark during the note burning.
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Shirley Daniels (left) got input on her wreath from Lillian Presnell at a craft workshop. Volunteer Sandra Brown led the workshop for the Marion Christian Women’s Club at the First Baptist Church of Marion. The club was scheduled to hold a luncheon and silent auction on Oct. 21, 2002.
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McDowell High’s Erin May (left) soared for a spike during a volleyball game. The Lady Titans defeated South Caldwell to earn at least a share of the first NW4A Conference title in school history.
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The Rotary Club of Marion was preparing for its annual auction fundraiser for later in the month.
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Country singers David Wise (left) and his son Blake were the headliners of the musical portion of the Mountain Glory festival in Marion. Other performers included Clear Creek, Blue Element, the Addie’s Chapel Gospel Choir, The Conley Family and more.
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Sheree Bright, McDowell County Relay for Life ambassador for the American Cancer Society, holds a banner from West Marion Elementary in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The banner, which was signed by students from the school, began its journey in April 2002, when the bus made a stop at West Marion Elementary. It served as a “rolling petition” that traveled through all 50 states, recording the names of residents and their concerns regarding the fight against cancer.

