Staff Leaders

Hilda Holbrook - Hilda is the First Aid Coordinator at Carolina in the Fall. Hilda and Maynard have been dear friends of the Shepherd family for more than thirty years. They have been involved in the development stages of Carolina in the Fall. Prior to the first festival, Maynard and Hilda assisted Robert and Brenda in clearing the land by helping pull weeds, sew grass, and clear creek banks. Together, the four friends have battled heat and poison oak to help Robert get the site prepared for the festival. Hilda assists Brenda with all types of duties before during and after the festival. She is also instrumental in working with Brenda to distribute posters and brochures to area businesses. Hilda is always there early and is one of the last volunteers to leave.

Marquita Hamby - Marquita is Brenda's sister and she is the Carolina in the Fall Box Office Manager. She works at SunTrust, is happily married to Doug and has three daughters, Christy, Summer, and Amber. Marquita and her family enjoy spending quality time together, camping, and skiing at the lake. Marquita is always willing to help Brenda with whatever adventures and opportunities she accepts.

Renee and Brad Simmons - Renee is also Brenda's sister and she and her husband, Brad, will be handling the Carolina in the Fall Merchandise Sales. Renee and Brad own the company LogoPros, the supplier for festival t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. Renee and Brad have two children, Danielle and Darrall, and live in Charlotte, NC. Danielle, their beautiful daughter excels academically. Darrall, their athlete son, is a champion in many sports, especially baseball.

Christy Dowell - Christy is the Concession Coordinator at Carolina in the Fall. Christy is also a festival veteran and has worked many years at other festivals. Christy and Randy have recently welcomed a new baby girl, Haylie Nevaeh, to the family. Christy works as a Procurement Specialist at East Coast Millwork.

Molly Shepherd Nichols - Molly is the Raffle Coordinator for Carolina in the Fall. She will be working with Raffle tickets sales and Audio/Video Recording. Molly is a Wilkes County native who works at Dickinson, Logan, Todd & Barber, Inc., a commercial real estate finance and investment firm in Raleigh, NC. Molly was recently wed to Darwin Nichols, also a Wilkes County native.

Lynne Triplett - Lynne is one of Brenda's friends who also loves to be involved with festivals. She has worked with Brenda at festivals for many years. Lynne is the Musician Merchandise Coordinator for Carolina in the Fall. She and her husband, Gerald, have two daughters. They are proud grandparents. Lynne works at a pharmacy in North Wilkesboro.


Jim Matthews - Stage Manager and Emcee. As a friend of the Shepherds and Krugers for many years, Jim wholeheartedly volunteered to help in anyway when he learned of the plans for the initial Carolina in the Fall festival and his support has not waivered during the subsequent festivals. His gentle demeanor, behind the scenes work, emcee duties are crucial to the stage schedule during the festival.

David Culler - First Aid and Transportation. David Culler is a Registered Nurse Consultant specializing in Emergency Department Operations and Informatics. He offers his medical knowledge when needed in the First Aid Tent at Carolina in the Fall. He is always eager to help in any way possible and his duties often extend beyond First Aid. He also transports musicians, staff, volunteers, and audience members during the festival. David is also a musician and anyone can see his foot tapping and his big smile anytime he hears The Kruger Brothers play.

Laura Shepherd - Assistant to the Director. In her supporting role, Laura is often doing an assortment of jobs before, during, and after the festival. Laura has many duties during Carolina in the Fall. She is usually willing to work where needed......unless she is lost in the music.


Jeff Johnson - Transportation. During the festival, Jeff patiently shuttles musicians and attendees to and from the parking areas (and anywhere else needed). Jeff is a neighbor and he grew up with the Shepherd kids - together they played all over the Shepherd Farm. He is married to April and they have two children, Peyton and Noah. Jeff enjoys singing with his family's gospel group - The Johnson Family.

April Johnson - Coordinator of Children's Area "Petey's Place." April is excited to be coordinating Petey's Place Children's Area. As an elementary school teacher and mom of Noah and Peyton, April is well-qualified to facilitate the special performances, crafts, and games in Petey's Place.

Andy and Judy Rhodes - Festival Photographers. Andy and Judy Rhodes, of AJ Rhodes Photography are experts at capturing the festival on film. They unobtrusively manage to provide the most wonderful photos of all aspects of Carolina in the Fall. The quality of their photos, as well as their professionalism, makes them a terrific team and invaluable festival staff members.

Gerald Triplett - Festival Staff. Gerald has learned to love festival work because his wife Lynne and her parents have always been involved with festivals. Gerald is an excellent staff member and spends his time at the festival involved in various aspects of Carolina in the Fall.