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Sunday, October 4, 2026
Valentine Meadow at Highlands Biological Station
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Join us Sunday, October 4 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for an outdoor Cajun-inspired celebration in the heart of Highlands. Set in the cozy Valentine Meadow at the Highlands Biological Station, this festive evening features a feast of Southern coastal flavors served up with community spirit and mountain charm.
Know Before You Go
Event Details
We can't wait to see you at Highlands on the Half-Shell! This year’s event will once again be held at the Highlands Biological Station on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 from 4:00 until dark.
The event is in the meadow at the Highlands Biological Station, behind the Valentine House dorm located at 888 Horse Cove Road (immediately before the Highlands Nature Center if you are coming from downtown Highlands).
IMPORTANT: Parking/Shuttle
Parking is limited at the Highlands Biological Station so carpooling is much appreciated.
A shuttle will run from Hudson Library beginning at 4pm (554 Main Street) and we encourage you to prioritize this area for parking.
We have very limited parking spots at the Valentine House (888 Horse Cove Road) that are adjacent to the event space. If you have mobility concerns, please park here.
Other places for parking nearby are the Sunset Rock Trailhead, at the HBS office building (265 N 6th Street), and the North Campus on 111 Lower Lake Road.
Please be mindful and use caution near the historic Nature Center as it undergoes renovations
Weather
Event will be held rain or shine!
Tickets
All food and drink is included in the purchase of your ticket. You do not need to bring anything. If you have registered, we have your name on a list at check in. Please let us know your guests’ names if you have not already so we can have name tags ready.
Attire
The event attire is “Cajun Casual”. This includes anything comfortable to wear outdoors (jeans are fine!). Flat shoes are the best choice as the event will be in the grass.
Please email marissa@highlandsbiological.org with any questions.
An Unforgettable Evening
The spirit of the South makes its way to the Plateau.
Highlands on the Half-Shell is one of our largest annual fundraisers. Proceeds support our mission to provide exceptional nature education, support scientific research, and foster community connection to our environment in the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Your ticket directly supports our work and helps educate the community on the incredible biodiversity of our region.
This beloved event is made possible by generous volunteers and community members who lend their time, talent, and tastebuds to create something truly special.
Special thanks to our 2026 Highlands on the Half-Shell Host Committee:
Anne & Dixon Bridgers
Shannon & Joe Bowman
John Capps & Kenny Stein
Ruth & Tom Claiborne
Kathleen Cheek-Milby & Jim Milby
Kim & Rich Daugherty
Mary Todd & Jim Davis
Ruthie & Berry Edwards
Lynn Ezell
Rachel Friday
Bee & Pat Gleeson
Pamela Gore Meade & Robert Meade
Annemarie & Fred Halback
Laura & Steve Harris
Lindy & Robbie Harrison
Karen Hawk & Kelly Smith
Kate & Doug Hendrickson
Florence & Tom Holmes
Cookie Jones
Alfred Kennedy & Bill Kenny
Gage & Mark LeQuire
Jody & Wood Lovell
Heath Massey & John Mitchener
Melanie & Tom Mauldin
Jennifer & Forrest McConnell
Matt & Monica McDonald
Sarah Morgan & Walter Wingfield
Charlotte & John Muir
Nancy & Lyle Nichols
Karen Patterson
Susan Perkins & Kent Wittman
Wyn & Bill Shoptaw
Kim & Alex Smith
Joan & Stan Starnes
Martha & Hal Stibbs
Jennie Stowers
Marianne & Bob Strickland
Jonnie & Jim Swann
Susan & Charley Tarver
Lora & Bill Terry
Keller & Sam Torrey
Kathy & Bestor Ward
Gayle Watkins & Andy Chmar
Carla & Leonard Wood
