12/31/2023
The small town of Marion, which is about 35 milles east of Asheville, is the home of the NC Gold Foundation and host of the annual New Year’s Eve tradition with a twist: a giant 80-pound lighted gold nugget sculpture descends into a pot of gold at midnight. Dress up for the costume contest hosted by downtown shop All Things Geeky, then enjoy carnival games, inflatables, a scavenger hunt, carriage rides, ghost walks, live music, and much more. » Downtown, 50 South Main St.; Sunday, 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; free; (828) 652-3551; www.marionnc.org