What do celebrities and moonshine have in common? A lot if you live in Graham County! Moonshine has long been a part of the history of the backwoods in these mountains. But, last year, the Discovery Channel came to Graham County and shot part of a reality series called "Moonshiners" and since then, that history has been updated. I know some of the 'characters' in the episodes and I found it amusing when the series pitted my close neighbor, "Deputy Chuck" against one of the 'moonshiners' Mark because Mark and Chuck grew up together and are good friends. But, oh the drama of the chase to find the moonshiners... let's just call it dramatized, could be, reality TV. But, perhaps, the biggest character of all is Jim Tom Hedrick, a renowned moonshiner with a checkered past and  a true craftsman of the art. Since, in real life, he was caught a few too many times with the 'shine, he decided to make a living in other ways. He sells on eBay! He sells miniature, detailed replicas of moonshine stills. I have one in my office and you can see a smaller, life size replica outside the Thunder Mountain General Store, near where Jim Tom resides. The store is west of town on your way out to the Snowbird Lodge or the Cherohala Skyway. Most weekends, weather permitting, you can find Jim Tom at the store, regaling the ladies & gentlemen with wild stories and posing for pictures beside his copper still. Now, make no mistake, Jim Tom is the real deal and I suspect he has an IQ over 200. I have never met a man with sharper wit, with or without teeth! 

Building on the moonshine popularity, a local band called 'My Highway' is filming a music video for their new song "Carolina Shine". As it so happens my Farm Bureau agent is in the band. The group borrowed 'Deputy Chuck' so he could reprise his role and they will finish filming at a concert at Fontana Village later this month. So, if you like moonshine and celebrities then come on out to Graham County where we like to mix up our Shine with tall tales and great music!

Don't believe me? Check out this video of Jim Tom for yourself!