Yeti Tabletop Adventure
Montreat, a charming town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is getting ready to welcome a flurry of excitement as tabletop gamers converge for the annual AVL Scarefest from October 18-20. This vibrant festival has become a beloved tradition for both residents and visitors, transforming the tranquil streets of Montreat into a lively hub of gaming and community spirit.
One of the most unique and entertaining aspects of AVL Scarefest is the appearance of a yeti, which might be just as unexpected as it is delightful! As part of the festivities, a participant dresses up as a yeti for the much-anticipated annual fake snowball fight. Amie Tracey, the festival organizer, mentions that “the yeti adds a fun twist, capturing the whimsical spirit of our gathering.”
This delightful festival has a rich history, originally emerging from gatherings at Wyvern’s Tale in nearby Asheville. “A bunch of us tabletop gamers decided we wanted to make it a big deal around Halloween with multiple games happening at once,” says Tracey. However, the festival quickly outgrew its original venue, leading the team to seek a space that could accommodate the growing number of participants without driving up ticket prices for Asheville locals.
“I reached out to Montreat almost on a whim,” Tracey recalls. “They were incredibly receptive, and partnering with them has been a joy.” The Montreat Conference Center has served as a fantastic host for this vibrant gathering, but Tracey confirmed that the 2024 AVL Scarefest will be the last in its current location. Excitingly, there are plans to move the festival to Lake Junaluska in 2025, ensuring that the tradition continues to flourish.
For gamers looking to join in, tickets for the event start at just $25 for a day pass, with a weekend pass available for $55. Attendees can even opt for an on-site meal ticket for $97 for the whole weekend, making it convenient to savor the moments without interrupting the fun. While pre-pandemic attendance was over 200, which has dipped to around 170 since COVID, Tracey is optimistic about steadily rebuilding that number.
At the heart of AVL Scarefest lies an exciting array of tabletop games. The beloved Dungeons & Dragons is often regarded as the “baseline” experience, with other options like Call of Cthulhu and Pathfinder also gaining traction among fans. The festival is set up to be beginner-friendly, and the friendly atmosphere is palpable—Tracey assures us, “Our player base is super friendly and helpful.” She encourages anyone new to gaming to come and experience the community, stating, “We have lots of people excited to help new players learn the ropes.”
Alongside tabletop experiences, attendees can tackle an elaborate escape room that adds another layer of fun to the festival. What seems to resonate most with Tracey, however, is the sense of community. “It’s such a friendly, positive environment,” she exclaims. “We have so many wonderful people, including a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and it truly is a harassment-free zone where everyone is welcome to be themselves.”
If you’re in the Montreat area or considering a visit, mark your calendars! The AVL Scarefest offers a fantastic weekend of gaming, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Tickets are available at avlscarefest.com, and whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this event promises something for everyone!
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