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Newland’s Second Annual Avery County Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event a ‘Stellar Success’

Sept. 17, 2014. Despite overcast skies and the threat of rain, downtown Newland enjoyed a record-setting attendance for the September After Hours Networking Social sponsored by the Newland Business Association, the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Newland on Tuesday evening, Sept. 9 at the Mason Jar Cafe.

imgresThe enthusiastic crowd of at least 50 business and community leaders overflowed the popular restaurant’s cozy, covered outdoor dining patio as singer/musician, Tom Pillion, entertained throughout the evening.

Jack Wiseman of Linville Falls Winery poured a selection of his wines, and folks from all over Newland and Avery County got together for spirited fun, food and mutual support.

A delicious and generous variety of food was staged buffet-style under adjoining tents featuring local barbeque and slaw, Mexican lasagna, rice casserole, pigs-in-a-blanket, cheeses, fruits, veggies, breads, cupcakes, Pound Cake…and more.

Special thanks to Mason Jar Cafe, Carolina Barbeque, Kaye’s Kitchen, Tartan Restaurant, Avery Heating & Air and Quick Mart—plus NBA members, Amy Southern, Veronica Strong, Donetta McKinney and others for helping to round out the tantalizing menu.

Brand new local retailer and NBA member, Deanna Gouge of Deanna’s Floral Designs & Gifts donated beautiful floral table settings; which were later given away to lucky winners during the customary After Hours prize-drawing.

New NBA members were signed-up and officially welcomed, After Hours contributors were praised, future community events were announced and attendees made vital new business and organizational connections. There was even a special celebrity appearance by “Mr. & Mrs. Woolly Worm”, Roy and Marion Krege, to highlight the evening.

Of special note was the overwhelming show of appreciation to the NBA for its recent contribution of beautiful rustic planter benches that now line and decorate the main sidewalks of downtown Newland. The planters came from Wards Lawn & Garden, and their current floral displays are from Christmas Tree Hill Nursery. Keep your eyes open throughout the year as these attractive planters are kept fresh and re-decorated by the NBA to celebrate each season and our many special holidays.

This was truly an enjoyable and successful occasion for Newland and Avery County; and guests lingered around the Mason Jar Cafe patio long after the event’s normal 7 p.m. closing schedule. Candid comments from those in attendance expressed unanimous excitement for Newland’s energetic spirit of “community” and the collective vision for our future.

The Newland Business Association, Avery Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Newland would like to thank everyone for helping to make this After Hours one of the most successful events ever. So, stay tuned…there’s lots more to come!