0299-GCG-FoothillsConservancy ESG24-FINALb (1) - Flipbook - Page 39
2024 Impact Report
Sweet Lucy’s Affair
A Sweet History
By Ann Costello
FCNC Board of Directors and
Event Lead for Sweet Lucy’s Affair
It all started in 2013, with eight neighborhood families on
Lake James and Richard Turner’s smoker, “Sweet Lucy.”
Years earlier, local activists, led by Paul Braun,
had united with Foothills Conservancy of North
Carolina (FCNC) and the Lake James Environmental
Association to 昀椀ght a proposed 2,000-home
development at what is now Lake James State Park
at Paddy’s Creek. Their efforts led to Burke County’s
conservation rezoning, which protected the lake’s
Sweet Lucy’s Affair
forest buffers and watershed while reserving land for
the expanded park.
Since the 昀椀rst Sweet Lucy’s Affair, the Leadership
2024, this dream was realized when Flavors was held
under a tent at Oak Hill Community Park and Forest,
a 652-acre free public park owned and operated by
FCNC. Since opening in fall of 2023, Oak Hill Park has
become a popular destination for hikers, bikers,
and nature lovers.
On May 11, 2024, the weather cooperated, the tents
and tables gracing a green 昀椀eld. Chef Daniel Wheeler
gathered 12 chefs who delighted attendees with
Circle has grown from 8 to 89 families, with guests
this year from 14 communities on or near the lake. This
volunteer-run event not only raises awareness and
support for conservation but has become a central
fundraiser for FCNC.
Sweet Lucy’s Affair has transformed from a small
gathering into a powerful force for community and
conservation, securing a lasting legacy for Lake James
and the surrounding landscape.
creative small plates. Homegrown musician Joe Hasty
and his trio played familiar tunes to keep the toes
tapping. Local restaurant Treat curated the wine for
the evening, and Fonta Flora Brewery provided their
locally sourced beer. Delightful and fragrant 昀氀owers
and plants originally grown at Oak Hill Park were
donated by Chia xa Vue Flower Farm. Other native
plants were donated by Flower Moon Nursery. We’re
grateful for the sponsors and attendees who made
this year’s event one for the books.
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