May 21, 2026
Sammy the White Squirrel Weekend Squirrel strikes a pose in front of the Transylvania County Courthouse on May 21, 2026 in advance of the three-day street festival in downtown Brevard. All photos are by Jonathan Rich/Brevard Beagle
A lot of ink has dried covering more than two decades of celebrations centered around the unique animal oddities known as the white squirrels of Brevard and Transylvania County in North Carolina, but as the newest media platform in this ZIP code BrevardBeagle almost went nuts when given the chance to interview the titular mascot of the annual Memorial Day festivities.
The staff of BrevardBeagle.com does speak a few languages (badly), but squirrel is not in the repertoire. Representatives from the Heart of Brevard business district volunteered to act as an intermediary and shepherd the questions and answers below in advance of the May 22-24 hometown takeover of downtown Brevard.
What you are about to read is an unedited transcript of that conversation. No AI or much intelligence was used on the part of BrevardBeagle.com to share the truth as we see it with you in advance of this unpaid act of journalism.
The Times are a-changin, but we attempted to sniff out the latest in the Land of the White Squirrel when it comes to what Sammy had to say.
Feel free to share this on social media in a positive way.
“Take this to mean what you want, it probably does.”
How long have you been the mascot for White Squirrel Weekend, and what are your thoughts on the previous iterations known as the White Squirrel Festival? What is the difference?
I’ve been scampering around White Squirrel Weekend for as long as I can remember, although squirrels are notoriously bad at keeping calendars. Let’s just say I’ve seen a lot of acorns, a lot of festival T-shirts, and more selfies than any woodland creature could reasonably expect.
As Brevard’s beloved white squirrel and most recognizable furry ambassador, I’ve had the honor of appearing on event posters, T-shirts, collectible pins, and this year’s customizable festival hats. Around town, I’m kind of a big deal.
This festival is a cherished Brevard tradition that has been delighting locals and visitors for more than two decades and has helped put our one-of-a-kind white squirrels on the map. White Squirrel Weekend builds on that legacy while bringing a fresh approach led by Heart of Brevard.
Today, the event has grown into three days of free live music featuring everyone from local favorites to nationally touring acts, along with more than 100 artisan vendors, delicious food, local breweries, family fun, and one very photogenic white squirrel wandering through downtown.
It’s still rooted in everything people love: great music, arts and crafts, local food, and family fun, but with an even stronger focus on community, downtown vitality, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome and connected. Best of all, it remains completely free and open to the public.
Heart of Brevard believes downtown should be more than a shopping district. It should be a gathering place where neighbors and visitors alike feel like they belong. As Brevard’s most recognizable furry ambassador, I take that mission very seriously.
How do you describe White Squirrel Weekend to someone from out of town who has never attended it?
Start with the charm of downtown Brevard, where independently owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and galleries serve as the hosts for one of the most beloved weekends of the year.
Then imagine three days of free live music in the heart of downtown, featuring nationally touring headliners Mountain Grass Unit, Big Richard, and Travis Book & Friends, along with talented local and regional musicians performing throughout Memorial Day weekend.
Add more than 100 artisan vendors, delicious food, local breweries, family activities, a pirate-themed escape room, dancing in the streets, and thousands of smiling people filling the sidewalks and streets.
Then add an adorable white squirrel.
That’s White Squirrel Weekend.
Or, as I like to say: where else can you hear world-class bluegrass, solve a pirate escape room, grab a local craft beer, shop handmade art, and run into a six-foot white squirrel all in one afternoon?
White Squirrel Weekend is produced by Heart of Brevard to celebrate what makes this community so special, support local businesses, and create a downtown where everyone feels welcome and connected.
What are you looking forward to the most at this year’s event?
The music lineup is absolutely stacked this year, and between those headliners and performances from talented regional and local musicians throughout the weekend, downtown Brevard is going to be filled with incredible music from start to finish.
I’m also excited to see our downtown come alive with families, friends, visitors, and locals enjoying everything Brevard has to offer. One of my favorite parts of White Squirrel Weekend is watching someone discover a new favorite band, find a one-of-a-kind handmade piece or wander into a downtown shop or restaurant they may have never visited before. Our local businesses are AWESOME and White Squirrel Weekend is a wonderful reminder of just how special downtown Brevard is.
Of course, no squirrel can survive on music alone. I’m looking forward to sampling delicious food, visiting the local breweries in the beer garden, and checking out all of the family fun, including the pirate-themed escape room and our local nonprofit booths with activities for kids of all ages.
I also want to give a big tail flick of gratitude to our presenting sponsor, DD Bullwinkel’s Outdoors, whose longtime support helps make this cherished community tradition possible. Their partnership, along with the support of many sponsors and volunteers, helps Heart of Brevard keep White Squirrel Weekend free and open to the public.
Is there any part of White Squirrel Weekend that you don’t enjoy or that you think people should avoid?
I’m not a big fan of litter. Squirrels appreciate clean streets, healthy trees, and acorns that don’t come wrapped in plastic.
Other than that, there’s really not much to avoid, and that includes a little rain. If the forecast looks damp, don’t let that keep you away. Heart of Brevard, our downtown businesses, and more than 150 artisan vendors have spent countless hours preparing for this big weekend, and the festival will go on rain or shine.
My advice is simple: slow down and enjoy the weekend. Explore side streets, visit local businesses, discover something handmade, and be kind to the volunteers. More than 300 volunteers and countless community partners work hard to make White Squirrel Weekend possible, and they deserve a lot of love. Say thank you or lend a helping hand!
Whether the sun is shining or the clouds roll in, come downtown. White Squirrel Weekend is a cherished community tradition, and there is far too much fun waiting in Brevard to let a little weather stand in your way.
What is the experience like attending the festival as such a visible and energetic part of the three-day event?
Exhausting, in the best possible way.
I hug hundreds of people, pose for countless photos, and occasionally get challenged to dance by toddlers and bluegrass fans.
But the best part is seeing how much joy the festival brings. As mascot, I get a squirrel’s-eye view of what Heart of Brevard is all about: creating experiences that strengthen our downtown, support local businesses, and remind people that this community is something truly special.
What should people know about interacting with you? Is there anything off limits or out of bounds?
I love hugs, high fives, fist bumps, and photos.
The only rule is to be gentle and respectful. My tail is a prized possession, and my vision is not exactly 20/20 in full squirrel attire, so sudden grabs and surprise tackles are strongly discouraged.
If you see me taking a quick break to cool off or snack on imaginary acorns, don’t worry. I’ll be back on the streets soon.
What was the oddest reaction you have received during White Squirrel Weekend? What was the best?
The oddest reaction was when a very serious toddler stared at me for a full minute and asked, “Are you real?”
The best reactions are always from children who light up when they see me, and from longtime residents who share stories about growing up with the festival.
Those moments remind me that White Squirrel Weekend is more than an event. It is part of Brevard’s shared story.
What is something the general public might not know about you that you are willing to share?
Despite what people assume, I do not actually eat nuts all day.
I’m also a passionate supporter of public art, walkable streets, thriving local businesses, and free community events. Underneath all this white fur is a squirrel who believes deeply that downtown Brevard should be a place where everyone feels welcome.
BrevardBeagle.com loves dogs. How are you with dogs, and what should people know about pets at the event?
I’m a big fan of dogs, especially those who understand that I’m a local celebrity.
In fact, Desmond and Lager, the official dogs of Heart of Brevard, are two of my very best buddies. They’ve taught me that dogs and squirrels can coexist beautifully, especially when everyone is working to make downtown Brevard a welcoming place for all.
According to the City of Brevard’s event ordinance, only trained service animals are officially permitted within the festival footprint. That said, we know how much this community loves its pets, and many well-behaved, leashed dogs enjoy visiting downtown throughout the year.
With large crowds, live music, and lots of excitement, pet owners should use good judgment and make sure their dogs are comfortable in busy environments, have access to water, and get plenty of breaks.
And if your dog barks at me, I promise not to take it personally.
I’m also especially excited to meet Hard Times the beagle. Any friend of BrevardBeagle.com is a friend of mine.
What are your overall hopes for the future of Brevard, Transylvania County, and White Squirrel Weekend?
I hope Brevard continues to be a place that honors its heritage while embracing new ideas and opportunities.
I hope downtown remains vibrant, welcoming, and full of independently owned businesses that give this community its unique character.
For White Squirrel Weekend, I hope it continues to bring people together for generations to come while supporting the small businesses, artists, musicians, and volunteers who make downtown thrive.
Most of all, I hope every person who visits downtown Brevard feels what Heart of Brevard works so hard to create: a place to gather, connect, celebrate, and belong.
And maybe, just maybe, I hope someone finally makes me my own VIP acorn lounge.
What is the Community Supporter Pass?
White Squirrel Weekend remains free and open to the public because of the people and partners who step up to support it.
As the cost of producing a safe, high-quality three-day festival continues to grow, from live music and staging to public safety, sanitation, and logistics, the Heart of Brevard is inviting the community to be part of what makes this event possible.
If you want to upgrade your festival experience, check out the Supporter Pass. It includes access to a reserved viewing area near the main stage, a private bar, and tasty bites from local restaurants. Best of all, every Supporter Pass helps Heart of Brevard keep White Squirrel Weekend free and open to the public. Even squirrels appreciate a great view and shorter lines.
Interjection from Heart of Brevard Executive Director Nicole Bentley
“Every Supporter Pass helps offset the real costs of producing White Squirrel Weekend to keep it free and open to the public.
Located in the parking lot between the Chamber and Fable (formerly Quotations) on East Main Street, the ticketed Supporter Pass dedicated space offers:
Shaded private tent with relaxed seating
Preferred stage viewing near the main action
Two drink tokens per day redeemable at festival beverage locations
Private bar with shorter lines
Light snacks and refreshments
Access to private restrooms
Bring your own chair and settle in for the day
1-Day Supporter Pass – $65
Access for one day (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday)
3-Day Supporter Pass – $150
Full weekend access (Friday through Sunday)