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Avery Chamber Afterhours Networking Event Takes Place at Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk this Evening at 5:30 p.m.

By Paul T. Choate

Photo courtesy of Apple Hill Farms

Aug. 9, 2012. Local Avery County businesses will get a chance to network this evening at the picturesque Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk as part of the Avery Chamber Afterhours Networking Events.

This will be Apple Hill Farm’s first time hosting the event for the Avery Chamber of Commerce. In the past the farm has hosted networking events for the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. Lee Ranking, owner of the farm, said the Banner Elk Chamber’s networking events typically have the best turnout when Apple Hill plays host.

Rankin said she is anticipating a turnout of 40 to 50 people this evening as long as the weather holds.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 30 minute walking tours will be offered throughout the event. At 6:30 there will be a meeting in the barn for area business owners to network and announce what they have going on at present. Snack food and refreshments will be available.

“We have a very beautiful farm,” said Rankin. “We’re up on top of the mountain so we have incredible views. We also have lots of different kinds of animals.”

Apple Hill Farm is an alpaca farm that is also home to a variety of different animals such as goats, horses, miniature donkeys and several others. There is also a pig named Mr. Pickles, who is “a little bit of a celebrity,” according to Rankin.

There is also a store at the farm with a wide variety of products made from the fleece of Apple Hill Farm alpacas.

There is no cost for admission. Apple Hill Farm is located at 400 Apple Hill Road, Banner Elk, N.C.

For more information about Apple Hill Farm, visit applehillfarmnc.com.