The First Ever Hellbender Festival Offers A New Family Event In Spruce Pine

By Paul Foster

Published August 28, 2025 at 10:07 AM EDT

Downtown Spruce Pine Executive Director Spencer Bost sat down with WNCW to go over the all-new Hellbender Festival on Labor Day weekend. Did you know that Hellbenders - a part of the salamander family - roam the waters of Spruce Pine? The hellbender can only be found in 15 states. The festival offers live music, food, crafts, and even river science. This interview originally aired in early August 2025.

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Paul Foster

Paul is a broadcasting and public relations veteran, having worked mostly in radio as well as television, news, marketing and higher education. His radio experience includes writing and reporting news, announcing both music and talk shows, management and sports play-by-play. He fully believe all types of music have the freedom and opportunity to be played and heard. Paul is a native of the region.

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