By Lorrie Ross
Staff Writer
When Clay County Communities Revitalization Association incorporated in 1998, the folks who started it probably had no idea the variety of ways CCCRA would impact Clay County’s citizens. As our series on local non-profits continues, CCCRA is this week’s focus.
According to the group’s website, “the Mission of CCCRA is to stimulate economic growth, promote the assets and preserve the heritage of Clay County.”
CCCRA received non-profit status in 2000 and has moved full-speed ahead on projects to carry out that mission since then. Current CCCRA president Amanda Wagoner said the group has four key areas of focus:
• The Historic Clay County Courthouse, which was rededicated in July 2018 as The Beal Center. It was carefully restored and updated by CCCRA with the support of community donations, grants and a generous contribution by a locally born benefactor.
See CCCRA A3
The Beal Center is operated as a community and event venue. An additional article will focus on this, but CCCRA oversees the rental of the Beal Center, as well as its grounds.
• Cherokee Culture. Key to preserving the heritage of Clay County is preserving the Cherokee history. CCCRA developed and maintains key Cherokee heritage sites: The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, the Quanassee Path, Spikebuck Mound and the Cherokee Botanical Sanctuary. CCCRA hosts the annual Cherokee Festival and provides education programs and workshops for children of all ages.
• The CCCRA Trails and Greenways program has been developing and promoting a shared use biking and hiking trail system for several years. The 21-mile Jackrabbit Trail System was created in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association, known as SABA. Not only do the trails and the new Jack Rabbit picnic shelter encourage tourism, but they are a favorite place for many families and avid bikers and hikers alike to enjoy nature. A lot of local children have learned to ride their bicycles on the easier parts of the Jackrabbit Trail, and it is also frequently used by the local cross country running teams.
• Community Outreach is important to CCCRA. The group sponsors many events for the local community, including the Friday Night Summer Concert Series with free musical performances on the Historic Hayesville Square. CCCRA collaboratively works with other Clay County organizations to find opportunities in an effort to grow Clay County's economy and improve the quality of life. In 2017, CCCRA hosted a Solar Fest to celebrate Hayesville’s being on 100 percent totality centerline of the Total Eclipse.
• Totally run by volunteers, CCCRA has a lot planned for 2025 and beyond. Wagoner said CCCRA has entered into a contract to renovate the building at 12 Herbert Street in downtown Hayesville. This building was purchased in November 2024 and the plans are to complete it in Spring of 2026.
In addition, CCCRA gives scholarships to Hayesville High School graduates each year. Plus, they partnered with SABA to get a $20,000 grant for bicycles for the Hayesville Schools Discovery Program. CCCRA also provided six benches for the Hayesville extension of the Quanassee Path, helped fund bathroom renovations at the Peacock Performing Arts Center and completed an authentic Native American display at the Moss Memorial Library.
“We have recently purchased art hangers for The Beal Center and are planning to work with local artists or the school to display in some manner,” Wagoner explained about another CCCRA project. “Those details are still in the early stages.”
Starting in the fall, CCCRA provided more than $12,000 in hurricane relief to three organizations. Some of CCCRA’s ongoing projects continue in 2025.
While the annual Festival of Trees is held at The Beal Center and has volunteer support from CCCRA, it is not an official CCCRA project. A later article will focus on the Festival of Trees, which has become a local favorite.
Wagoner said new members and volunteers are always welcome. “With the various committees underneath CCCRA, we always have something going on, so volunteers are welcome and needed,” Wagoner added. CCCRA has about 20 to 30 regular volunteers but with events being the strongest in the spring and summer months, it can stretch our regular volunteer base and board, she said. The group’s website shares information about volunteering or getting involved in other capacities. It also gives information about becoming a member of CCCRA. Individual group educational talks may be planned for any of the CCCRA projects, by emailing: claycountycommrevitalization@gmail.com.
To find out about volunteering or more about CCCRA, visit: www.cccra-nc.org. Volunteer interest forms are on the website or may be requested through the above email.
CCCRA is a registered non-profit and all donations are considered tax-deductible. Donations may be online or sent to:
CCCRA
P.O. Box 1533
Hayesville, N.C. 28904