Local Happenings: Sign up to see free screening of Helene documentary

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) is partnering with Randolph County to show “Rising Above Helene” — the newest documentary from NCACC’s 100 Strong Productions.

The screening will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) at the Randolph County Agricultural Center located at 1800 US Highway 64 East in Asheboro.

On Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through the mountains of Western North Carolina, unleashing devastating floods that reshaped both the landscape and the lives of those who call it home. 

Rivers surged beyond their banks, roads crumbled, homes were lost and entire communities were left reeling.

But this is not just a story of destruction. It is a story of what came next.

“Rising Above Helene” is a documentary about the strength of people and community. 

Through heartfelt interviews, sweeping visuals and on-the-ground storytelling, the film captures the quiet determination of neighbors who came together to rebuild what was broken. 

Across the counties of Western North Carolina, see the resilience that defines these mountain communities.

Local governments played a key role in the recovery, helping to coordinate emergency response and support long-term rebuilding. 

Their efforts, alongside those of countless volunteers and community members, helped lay the foundation for renewal and hope.

The documentary showing is free and open to the public. However, registration is required.

To do so, scan the accompanying QR code with your smartphone or visit one of these two websites:

■ www.randolphcountync.gov/635/Rising-Above-Helene.

■ www.risingabovehelene.com.

About the NCACC: The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners 

(NCACC) is the official voice of all 100 counties on issues being considered by the General Assembly, Congress and federal and state agencies. The Association provides expertise to counties in the areas of advocacy, research, risk management and education and leadership training.

THIS WEEK

Hindsight plays New Year’s Eve concert 

ASHEBORO — Once again, the bluegrass band Hindsight will ring out the old year with a concert at the Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro. Admission is $10. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7.

Get tickets at Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro or at Silver Dollar Pawn, 6787 Jordan Road in Asheboro.  Or contact the band directly at 336-302-2274 or hindsightbluegrass@gmail.com.

Four Saints hosts ‘early bird’ party

ASHEBORO — Four Saints Brewing Co. and The Pharmacy are hosting an Early Bird New Year’s Eve party today from 4 to 9 p.m. that promises to have attendees home by 9:30 p.m. It’s free, and there’s even sparkling grape juice for the teetotalers.

A Mexi-Cali food truck will serve food from 4 to 8 p.m., then a countdown begins at 8, for which complimentary champagne (and sparkling grape juice) will be available. A singalong of “Auld Lang Syne” follows, and the party ends at 9.

The Isaacs kick off new year in Liberty

LIBERTY — The Liberty Showcase Theatre, 101 S. Fayetteville St., Liberty, is offering several events in January to kick off 2026. Here’s a peek:

■ Friday, Jan. 2 — The Isaacs, 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 to $65.

■ Saturday, Jan. 10 — Lonesome River Band, 7 p.m. Tickets: $29 to $49.

■ Saturday, Jan. 17 — Authentic Unlimited, 7 p.m. Tickets: $29 to $49.

■ Saturday, Jan. 24 — Steven Freeman’s Elvis Presley Tribute, 7 p.m. Tickets: $24 to $49.

Find more details in today’s Calendar on page 5A of the printed Randolph Huband even more information at thelibertyshowcase.com.

UPCOMING

Thrifty Thursday movie set for Jan. 8

ASHEBORO — The first Thrifty Thursday movie of 2026 is teed up for Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Sunset Theatre in downtown Asheboro.

Monthly Thrifty Thursday movies are typically classic movies. They’re shown at 1 p.m. on Thursday for a reasonable cost ($5, which includes popcorn and a drink). 

Best of all for folks 50 or older, they’re free thanks to local sponsorships.

The first movie is “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley, Carolyn Jones and Walter Matthau, about a young man with a troubled past facing a choice of life as a musician or a life of crime. The 1958 film is rated PG with a runtime just under 2 hours.