Town of Old Fort

08/27/2026

TRASH COLLECTION UPDATE

The Town of Old Fort maintenance crew has been working on a water leak this morning, which has delayed today’s trash collection.

🗑️ Trash will be picked up tomorrow, Friday, August 28.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while our crew takes care of the water leak. Thank you!

08/24/2026

🚧 I-40 RAMP UPDATE – TONIGHT 8/24

The westbound I-40 on-ramp at Exit 72 is expected to close at approximately 10:00 PM tonight while crews finish paving work at Exit 72.

Please plan accordingly and use an alternate route during the closure.

08/21/2026

🚧 I-40 RAMP CLOSURE UPDATE – SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 🚧

We have received advance notice from NCDOT regarding upcoming ramp closures associated with the paving work on I-40 at Old Fort Mountain.

Beginning at approximately 6:30 PM on Sunday, August 23, the contractor will be paving and striping eastbound Exits 72 and 73.

➡️ Work will begin at Exit 72 and then move to Exit 73 as the evening progresses.

➡️ Only one ramp will be closed at a time while paving and striping are completed.

We know there have been several recent ramp closures that the Town was unfortunately unable to provide advance notice about. We apologize for not being able to keep everyone informed about those closures; in those instances, the Town did not have advance notice ourselves that the ramps would be closed.

We have been in communication with NCDOT this week and are working to establish better lines of communication so that the Town receives advance information about future ramp closures. Our goal is to be able to pass that information along to our residents, businesses and visitors as soon as we receive it.

We are also communicating with NCDOT regarding advance signage for motorists on I-40 when an exit ramp will be closed, as this has been another concern during the ongoing paving work.

Thank you for your patience as the work on Old Fort Mountain continues. We will continue sharing closure information as it becomes available to us.

📅 Sunday, August 23
⏰ Beginning approximately 6:30 PM
📍 I-40 EB Exits 72 & 73 – one ramp at a time

08/10/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT – I-40 ON-RAMP CLOSURE TONIGHT 🚧

Please be aware that tonight, Sunday, August 9, the I-40 on-ramp from Highway 70 in Old Fort will be CLOSED to allow crews to complete paving of the right-hand lane on Old Fort Mountain.

Motorists should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use an alternate route while the ramp is closed.

Please use caution around the work zone and watch for crews and changing traffic patterns.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as this work continues on Old Fort Mountain.

07/10/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of Old Fort Purchases Former Westmoreland Funeral Home to Serve as Future Town Hall

OLD FORT, N.C. – The Town of Old Fort is pleased to announce the purchase of the former Westmoreland Funeral Home property, which will become the future home of Old Fort Town Hall.

This purchase represents an important step in the Town's continued recovery and long-term investment in serving the citizens of Old Fort. The centrally located facility provides the space needed to house municipal offices, improve accessibility for residents, and create a more efficient and functional environment for delivering essential Town services. The building was identified as a cost-effective opportunity to establish a permanent municipal facility while making responsible use of FEMA Public Assistance funding available to help communities recover and rebuild following Hurricane Helene.

The Town also wants to clarify that this purchase was made using FEMA Public Assistance funding made available through the Town's recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. No local property tax dollars or revenues generated from the recent property tax increase or water and sewer rate adjustments were used to purchase this building.

The recent property tax and utility rate adjustments were necessary to address the Town's ongoing operational needs, maintain critical infrastructure, and ensure the long-term sustainability of essential public services. Those decisions are entirely separate from this acquisition.

By utilizing FEMA Public Assistance funding for this project, the Town is able to invest in permanent municipal infrastructure while preserving local tax dollars for the services residents depend on every day.

"This is about making a responsible investment in Old Fort's future," said Mayor Pro Tem Iretha Hancock. "Following Hurricane Helene, our community was presented with opportunities to rebuild stronger. Using FEMA Public Assistance funding to establish a permanent Town Hall allows us to improve the services we provide to our citizens without placing the financial burden of this purchase on our taxpayers. We believe this investment will serve our community for generations to come."

The former Westmoreland Funeral Home offers a solid foundation for a modern municipal facility that can better accommodate Town staff, improve customer service, and provide meeting and office space that supports the Town's continued growth and recovery.

As planning and renovations move forward, the Town will continue to provide updates to the public regarding the project timeline and future opportunities for community engagement.

The Town of Old Fort remains committed to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and making thoughtful investments that strengthen our community while honoring the trust placed in us by our residents.

For more information, please contact:

Town of Old Fort
38 Catawba Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
Phone: (828) 668-4244

07/07/2026

📣 Help Shape the Future of Recreation in Old Fort! 🌳🚲

The Town of Old Fort is inviting residents, business owners, trail users, and community members to join us for a Public Input Work Session focused on the future of the Davidson Fort site and surrounding recreation areas and trails.

Recent structural assessments have identified significant safety and structural issues with the existing replica fort. This meeting is an opportunity for our community to come together, learn more about the site assessment, share ideas, and help envision how this area can better serve Old Fort residents and visitors for years to come.

📅 Wednesday, July 22, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Old Fort Train Depot
(Corner of Catawba Avenue & Main Street)

Join us to:
✅ Learn about the project and site assessment findings
✅ Share what you value most about this area and its possibilities
✅ Explore ideas for improving recreation, trail connectivity, and community gathering spaces

🍽️ Food will be provided, but please register so we can plan accordingly.

Your voice matters — we hope you’ll be part of this important conversation about Old Fort’s future!

Register with this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsWDWS21Vm6qfT3ck0vS8tHQm2NgJNAJsJ5sbhSZFK3b-ldQ/viewform

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Thank You, Old Fort! 🇺🇸

What an incredible Fourth of July celebration!

A sincere THANK YOU to everyone who came out to enjoy today’s Independence Day Parade. We know the heat was intense, and we truly appreciate everyone who braved the high temperatures to celebrate with us. Thank you as well for your patience and understanding as we followed an alternate parade route due to ongoing construction.

We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to this year’s Grand Marshal, Cathy Moore. Cathy has devoted countless hours to preserving and sharing the rich history of our town. Her dedication was instrumental in helping make Old Fort’s 150th Anniversary celebration such a success, and she continues to play an important role in our community as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. We are grateful for her passion, leadership, and love for Old Fort, and we were honored to recognize her today.

We’re excited to share a few photos from the parade lineup before everyone stepped off. It was wonderful to see so many decorated vehicles, smiling faces, and neighbors coming together to celebrate our nation and our community.

From all of us at the Town of Old Fort, we wish everyone a safe, happy, and memorable Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

06/30/2026

🇺🇸 **Celebrate Independence Day Weekend in Old Fort!** 🇺🇸

Join us in Old Fort this **Friday, July 3** and **Saturday, July 4** for a weekend full of history, family fun, community pride, and celebration as we commemorate our nation's independence and Old Fort's **250th Anniversary**!

🎆 Friday, July 3

🏛️ **Pioneer Day**
📍 Mountain Gateway Museum Grounds – 24 Water St.
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Enjoy a day of:
• Traditional crafts
• Live music
• Food trucks
• Kids' games
• Farm demonstrations

🎉 **America 250 McDowell County**
While you're visiting Pioneer Day, stop by the **Mountain Gateway Museum** or **Destination McDowell** to pick up a **FREE America 250 commemorative button or sticker** *(while supplies last!)*

🤠 **New Classic Pro Rodeo**
📍 189 Catawba River Rd.
🚪 Gates Open: 5:30 PM
🐂 Rodeo Begins: 7:30 PM

🎟️ Tickets are **$20 at the gate** *(cash only).*

---

🎇 Saturday, July 4

🍉 **Pre-Parade Refreshments & Museum Exhibit**
📍 Mountain Gateway Museum's Current Office – 78C Catawba Ave.
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Stop by before the parade for **cold drinks and watermelon (while supplies last)** and explore the museum's newest exhibit, **"Forging a Nation."**

🎉 **Old Fort Independence Day Parade**

🕒 Parade Line-Up: **3:00 PM**
🎊 Parade Begins: **4:00 PM**

🚧 **Please Note:** Due to ongoing construction, this year's parade will follow a **different route** to avoid the work along Catawba Avenue. Please review the updated parade route map posted on our page before heading downtown.

🇺🇸 **America 250 McDowell County** will also have a booth at the parade! Stop by between **3:30 PM and 4:00 PM** to pick up a **FREE commemorative button or sticker** *(while supplies last).*

🤠 **New Classic Pro Rodeo**
📍 189 Catawba River Rd.
🚪 Gates Open: 5:30 PM
🐂 Rodeo Begins: 7:30 PM

🎆 **Fireworks will immediately follow the rodeo on Saturday night!**

We hope you'll spend the weekend with us celebrating everything that makes Old Fort such a special place. Whether you're enjoying our history, cheering on the parade, experiencing the rodeo, or watching the fireworks, there's something for everyone.

Have a safe and Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

06/25/2026

06/17/2026

We are 17 days away from July 4th! 🎆 As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, make sure you stay in the loop about upcoming events!!

🔹June 26th-July 4th: Gather your friends and family to take a commemorative photo at the America 250 Community Selfie Stations located at the city stage in Marion or the gazebo in Old Fort. Tag your pictures with
🔹Friday, July 3rd: Visit the Mountain Gateway Museum or Destination McDowell during Pioneer Day and get your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last)! 10 am till 4 pm!
🔹Saturday, July 4th: Visit the Old Fort Independence Day Parade and find the America 250 booth! Snag your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last) from 3:30 pm till 4:00 pm!
🔹Saturday, July 4th: Visit Marion's Independence Day Celebration! Find the America 250 booth to pick up your free commemorative button or sticker (while supplies last)! We'll be in Marion from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm!