What’s a ‘Boonerang?’

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Downtown Boone will once again be transformed to a music and arts lover’s dream the June 15, 16 and 17 for the annual Boonerang Festival.

Taking the town by storm in 2022, the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival was the first of its kind, bringing back many of the talented musicians that got their start in Boone for a weekend of free, community fun. The term “boonerang” has been used in local vernacular for many years as an endearing term for people who spend time in Boone, leave, and then come back — which some people do several times. While the festival showcases muscians and artists with roots in the small-yet-mighty mountain town, the weekend-long event also serves as a homecoming for boonerangs. The festival will remain true to its mission in its second year by celebrating Boone and all it has to offer. With seven live music

Where to park to enjoy to festival

• Downtown metered spaces on King and Queen Streets (Note: some lots will be reserved for festival staff, vendors, and musicians)

• Public lots and decks on ASU campus Please read signage(Info at https://parking.appstate.edu/)

• Watauga County Social Services/ Health Department lot (off of Poplar Grove Connector) stages, a kid-friendly zone, art vendors of all kinds and plenty of food and beverage options, Boonerang is bigger and better in 2023 — all while maintaining its status as a community homecoming.

• First Baptist Church of Boone (375 W King St.)