Grist and BPR Climate Resilience Fairs
By Eddie Garcia
October 12, 2026 at 5:16 PM EDT
Across Western North Carolina, people are preparing for climate impacts — and making community connections while doing it. Blue Ridge Public Radio and Grist are excited to highlight some of this amazing work with two FREE community events.
Come out to Buladean Community Center in Bakersville on October 17, from 12-2 p.m., to meet your neighbors, get free food, and learn about two-way radio, solar power and more.
The learning and connecting continues in Asheville on October 19, from 6-8 p.m., at the Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center where folks can meet BPR reporters, share stories and get resources for hurricane recovery and climate resilience.
October 17
Buladean Community Resource Center
12190 NC-226 Bakersville, NC
12-2 p.m. Main event
2-6 p.m. Free emergency radio communication workshop rsvp here
Join us to learn about HAM and GMRS radio during a workshop with Vicki Carnes, president of the STEM Amateur Radio Club, who has led many trainings in WNC since Hurricane Helene in 2024. Participants will receive a free radio (if you have one, please bring your own!). Children are welcome to attend and participate as well.
October 19
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
121 Shiloh Road, Asheville, NC 28803
6-8 p.m.
Join us for a disaster resilience hub fair with free information about programs, and resources, stories from BPR, free food and prizes. Expertise, skills, and information will be shared about disaster resilience hubs in the Asheville area.
Come out to Buladean Community Center in Bakersville on October 17, from 12-2 p.m., to meet your neighbors, get free food, and learn about two-way radio, solar power and more.
The learning and connecting continues in Asheville on October 19, from 6-8 p.m., at the Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center where folks can meet BPR reporters, share stories and get resources for hurricane recovery and climate resilience.
October 17
Buladean Community Resource Center
12190 NC-226 Bakersville, NC
12-2 p.m. Main event
2-6 p.m. Free emergency radio communication workshop rsvp here
Join us to learn about HAM and GMRS radio during a workshop with Vicki Carnes, president of the STEM Amateur Radio Club, who has led many trainings in WNC since Hurricane Helene in 2024. Participants will receive a free radio (if you have one, please bring your own!). Children are welcome to attend and participate as well.
October 19
Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center
121 Shiloh Road, Asheville, NC 28803
6-8 p.m.
Join us for a disaster resilience hub fair with free information about programs, and resources, stories from BPR, free food and prizes. Expertise, skills, and information will be shared about disaster resilience hubs in the Asheville area.