12/31/2025
A Year of Growth, Connection, and Community Pride
Bryson City–Swain County Chamber of Commerce: 2025 Year in Review
As we reflect on 2025, the Bryson City–Swain County Chamber of Commerce is incredibly proud of the momentum we’ve built and the relationships we’ve strengthened across Swain County. This year was marked by growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to supporting and celebrating our local business community. Together, we continue to get bigger, better, and more impactful.
Growing a Stronger Business Community
Our Chamber continued to expand in meaningful ways, welcoming 22 new members to our organization. These new members represent the wonderful diversity of Swain County, ranging from cozy cottages and fishing guide services to a nationwide recruiting company and more. Each new member strengthens our network and reinforces our mission to support businesses of all sizes and stages.
In 2025, the Chamber hosted five annual events, each designed to celebrate our community, support local businesses, and create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Annual Banquet – April 24, 2025
Our Annual Banquet welcomed 85 attendees for an evening of celebration, connection, and recognition. Guests enjoyed live music by One Leg Up, fantastic food, networking opportunities, and a fun photo booth sponsored by Foggy Moon Photography.
We were honored to present the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award to Sonya and Neil Blankenship, recognizing their outstanding service to our community, and the Dennis White Business Award to Gianna Carson of La Dolce Vita, celebrating her entrepreneurial excellence and dedication.
Freedom Fest – July 4, 2025
Freedom Fest was bigger and better than ever, featuring 62 vendors, including 10 food vendors. This year, we doubled the kids’ areas, expanded entertainment to an all-day schedule, had amazing artists, crafters, and small business vendors, food trucks and snacks for everyone. The goal was to provide all day fun and entertainment! The day was capped off with the biggest and best fireworks in Western North Carolina!
Scarecrow Festival – New in 2025
We were thrilled to introduce the Scarecrow Festival as a brand-new Chamber event. Running from September through October, the festival featured 15 participants, including 12 businesses, 1 individual, and 2 nonprofits. The community selected the Fryemont Garden Goddess as the winner on October 30th, showcasing the creativity and local pride that make Swain County so special.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat – October 30, 2025
Our Downtown Trick-or-Treat event drew an incredible 1,000+ attendees, turning Everett Street into a lively and festive celebration. In addition to local businesses, 14 outside vendors joined in to help make the evening safe, fun, and memorable for families throughout the county.
Annual Christmas Parade – December 6, 2025
The year concluded with a truly magical Christmas Parade, themed Candy Cane Lane. We had 65 registered organizations and over 80 floats and vehicles, filling downtown with holiday spirit and bringing the community together to celebrate the season. It was truly a magical day in beautiful downtown Bryson City!
Looking Ahead
As we move into the future, the Bryson City, Swain County Chamber of Commerce remains proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about what’s ahead. Our growth in membership, the success of our events, and the strength of our partnerships affirm that we are on the right path. We are committed to continue to expanding our reach, enhancing our programming, and supporting the businesses that make Swain County thrive.
Thank you to our members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners for making 2025 such a successful year. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Swain County and the best is yet to come.
