Each year Barefoot Baby Foundation partners with other organizations to put on local events in Marion, NC. The goal of every event is to provide access to family memories outdoors.
To Donate: Events are paid for with money from our general fund. You can donate to our general fund HERE.
To Volunteer: Use the Contact Us page to register as a volunteer for one event, or to be a part of our ongoing volunteer team!
Upcoming and Current Events/Programs
December 31, 2025: "Marion Glow Up" Neon NYE Celebration
14 S Main St., Marion, 6:30-8:30pm **Gold Nugget Drop at 8pm
Hoping to get home by 9pm this New Year's Eve? No problem!
Ring in the new year with us at Marion’s one-of-a-kind Family-Focused New Year’s Eve Celebration on Main Street! This fun-filled evening features an early 8 PM Gold Nugget Drop, symbolizing Marion’s rich history, along with family-friendly activities including a skating rink by Marion Hot Wheelz, bubble and smoke shows from Pyrowright, a live DJ, a “Glow Up” station with neon paint and glowing accessories, a kids’ train, carriage rides, and even a giant 4-foot donut courtesy of Mr. Bob's Donuts.
It’s the perfect way for families to celebrate together in a safe, festive atmosphere — complete with lights, music, and magic (snow, anyone?). Visitors from out of town can make it a weekend getaway and enjoy our charming local shops, restaurants, and lodging options. Come experience why this is quickly becoming one of Western North Carolina’s most unique holiday traditions!
NYE Children's Gala December 31st, 2024:
Interested in Donating to or Volunteering at an Upcoming Event? Message Outreach@BarefootBabyFoundation.org
Completed Projects
Although the Barefoot Baby Foundation was officially established in April 2024, our commitment to community outreach has been a longstanding effort. With the formation of our foundation, we aim to expand our reach, enhance the "memory making" potential of our events, and transform the fabric of family life in McDowell County. Through our dedicated programs and initiatives, we strive to foster deeper connections, promote outdoor activities, and bring families closer together in meaningful and lasting ways.
2025
February 2025: "Mountain Made" Reading at the McDowell County Public Library
September 2024-June 2025- Front Porch Project
June 2025: Reading of "Mountain Made" at Grace Community Church with the Anna Club
June 2025: Construction of tool shed for the West Marion Inc. Produce for Peds program
June 2025: Barefoot Baby Day at the Marion Pubic Pool
August 2025: "Going on a Bear Hunt" Themed Family Hike with the MTA
September 2025: MTA Family Day at the Corpening YMCA, Kid Zone ft. free family picnic
October 2025: 2nd Annual Halloween Pizza and Dance Party
2024
March 2024 - Library reading of "Easter Chicken"
April 2024 - Spring Fling at Marion NC Library
Barefoot Baby Foundation officially established and recognized nationally as 501 (c) 3 charitable non-profit organization
April 2024 - Created Updated Hiking Journal with McDowell Trail Association for resale at future collaborative events
May 2024 - Barefoot Family Hike at Meadow Loop Trail, Old Fort, NC
May 2024 - Created "Miner's Meadow Nature Park" with the North Carolina Gold Foundation
