OLD FORT, N.C. (MetaWorld Media) — Morning mist envelops the Blue Ridge foothills as small clusters of helmeted riders glide down the steep streets on Onewheel boards, racing past the town's iconic Arrowhead Monument. Approximately 400 participants have gathered for FloatLife Fest, celebrated as the 'ORIGINAL and LONGEST RUNNING' festival dedicated to these motorized boards, effectively doubling the usual population of this charming mountain town. This mid-September event injects vital income and hope into Old Fort, still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc just a year prior. ‘We should definitely come back again,’ remarked Jess Jones, a marine biologist visiting from Edinburgh, Scotland, expressing appreciation for the town's warm atmosphere. The ongoing festival stands as evidence of the region's breathtaking landscape and the tenacity of its residents, who are determined to rebuild. Though many businesses have reopened, signs of the prior catastrophe are evident, with some homes still uninhabitable and debris lingering in downtown. Local bike shop owner Chad Schoenauer noted that while he is hopeful for a strong tourism season as fall approaches, many still perceive Old Fort as a desolate area. Following Hurricane Helene, which led to severe flooding and landslides in 2024, the town shifted its focus on outdoor tourism to diversify its economy after significant job losses from the local factory's closing. In a collaborative community effort, leaders worked to establish Old Fort as a top-tier destination for outdoor activities, including biking and hiking, leveraging the unique geological features of the area. However, the remnants of the storm significantly disrupted these initiatives, bringing the town's recovery efforts to a halt. Despite hardships, the reopening of trails in collaboration with the G5 Trail Collective has led to the revival of new businesses, showing promise for the future as the community continues to rise from the challenges posed by nature.