The evening concert, headlined by Old Crow Medicine Show at the Ramsey Activity Center was still on as of 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon. The university said it was working with regional emergency professionals and would update ticket holders on its status by Friday, Sept. 27. 

"This difficult and disappointing decision comes after nearly a year of planning by hundreds of employees and community leaders," the university said in a statement. "The Mountain Heritage Day Festival is an annual gift to our community, celebrating the diverse culture and heritage of the region. Like your family, the WCU family eagerly anticipates presenting the festival each year."

University officials said that due to unique and dangerous levels of rainfall and flooding the region do not allow for a safe environment for this year's festival. 

"The festival, held on the University’s intramural field, is bordered by Cullowhee Creek, which has experienced saturation beyond our control, making it impossible to maintain safe conditions," the statement read.