Downtown Bryson City & NOC Host Bryson City Homecoming for Olympic Bronze Medalist Evy Leibfarth
BRYSON CITY, N.C., Aug. 13, 2024 — Join the Bryson City community in celebrating the homecoming of Evy Leibfarth, the 20-year-old athlete who recently competed in three events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning a bronze medal in the women’s kayak slalom—a historic achievement for both her and the Bryson City area, including the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), where she trained.
The Olympic homecoming celebration will include a paddle with Evy at NOC from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., followed by a parade/processional through downtown Bryson City and a ceremony featuring remarks from local dignitaries, including city officials, former NOC Olympians and local community members. The event will also feature a special Q&A session with Evy Leibfarth and recognition of other Olympians and notable attendees.
Leibfarth’s Olympic journey underscores the world-class training and outdoor sports leadership provided by NOC, where she honed the foundations of her paddling skills as a child. Her journey began in Bryson City, where she started competing at the age of 12. Located where the Appalachian Trail meets the Nantahala River, NOC spans 500 acres and has been a cornerstone of outdoor adventure in the region for over 50 years. The center is renowned not only for nurturing Olympic talent like Evy but also as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and more.
WHAT: Olympic Homecoming Celebration for Evy Leibfarth
UPDATED TIMELINE:
Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024
- 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Paddle with Evy at NOC (1p.m. – 2p.m. reserved for interviews with EVY/NOC)
- 5 p.m.: Street Closures
- 6 p.m.: Parade/Processional Start
- 6:45 p.m.: Homecoming Ceremony
- 7:30 p.m. Autographs and Meet & Greet
WHERE:
- Paddle with Evy: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) – 13077 Hwy. 19 W., Bryson City, NC 28713
- Parade/Ceremony: Downtown Bryson City – Everett Street to Main Street Intersection
WHO:
- Downtown Bryson City
- Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
- Evy Leibfarth, 2024 Olympian
- Local Dignitaries & City Officials
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
- Capture footage of the processional and community celebration.
- Interviews with Evy Leibfarth, local dignitaries and representatives from NOC.
- Document the celebratory atmosphere as Bryson City welcomes back its Olympic bronze medalist.