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March 30, 2024
Old hat, new hat, yellow hat, blue hat. They're all welcome at Dillsboro's annual Easter Hat Parade at 2 PM. The parade, a Dillsboro tradition the Saturday before Easter, showcases a variety of interesting hats atop participants of all ages, including pets. If you don't have a hat, you can make one there!

Judges select the best hats in more than 20 categories, including biggest, smallest, funniest, best-smelling, "poofy-est," most creative, most spring-like and most outrageous. Last year, there were nearly 250 entrants in the contest. In addition to an array of colorful hats, the parade features vintage cars provided by the Old Timers Model A Club. The Easter Bunny makes an appearance as well, riding in antique convertible car.

Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade

Although the Easter Hat Parade officially begins at 2 PM, arrive early and spend the day. Easter egg hunts for children begin at 11 AM at Monteith Park. 

Easter Hat Parade

Dillsboro is located on the Tuckasegee River, adjacent to Sylva, at the crossroads of U.S. Hwy. 23/74 and U.S. Hwy 441 in Jackson County. The town is less than an hour west of Asheville, 1.5 hours from Gatlinburg, 2.5 hours from Atlanta and Spartanburg, and 3 hours from Charlotte and Knoxville. It is a walkabout mountain village featuring an array of unique shops, arts & crafts studios, restaurants, and inns.

Easter Hat Parade, Dillsboro

So dig out that favorite fedora or cherished chapeau and make plan now to attend an event that’s sure to provide 10 gallons of fun for everyone.

For parade information call the Jackson County Visitors Center at (800) 962-1911. Thanks to Nick Breedlove for photos!

Easter Hat Parade

Read more about Dillsboro and Jackson County things to do.

Also, a big spring event in Sylva is the Greening Up the Mountains Festival.

Hotels

Best Western Plus River Escape Inn, Dillsboro

Relax and get away from it all while experiencing breathtaking views on the Tuckasegee River. From your spacious riverside room, watch as rafters make their way down the river. Amenities include a… read more

Relax and get away from it all while experiencing breathtaking views on the Tuckasegee River. From your spacious riverside room, watch as rafters make their way down the river. Amenities include a full hot breakfast, high-speed WiFi, heated indoor pool and spa, riverside deck and fitness center. 65 rooms and suites, $120-$300, cable TV with HBO. Walk to art galleries and restaurants nearby in…

Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Sylva

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Conveniently located off of Highway 441/74, rediscover the beauty of nature as you relax in the indoor heated pool or spa and gaze out over the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Minutes from Western Carolina University, Harrah's Cherokee Casino and the Blue Ridge Parkway. 67 rooms, $100-$280, king or queen beds, WiFi, free parking. Recently remodeled guestrooms and a delicious full complimentary…

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