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Summer Begins in the High Country on Sunday Night; Monday is the Longest Day of the Year

June 17, 2021. Summertime is already in the air even if the calendar doesn’t officially say it’s summer yet. The summer season in the United States officially starts at 11:31 p.m. on Sunday night, June 20, with the summer solstice. Monday will be the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere with sunrise at 6:09 a.m. EST and sunset at 8:47 p.m. EST., a total of 14 hours and 38 minutes of daylight. The changing of the season from spring to summer is marked by the day that the sun reaches its highest and northernmost point in the sky. This day is also when the earth is the farthest from the sun. Strangely enough, however, even though it is the longest day of the year, it does not have the earliest sunrise of the year or the latest sunset of the year. The week prior to the summer solstice always has the earliest sunrise time. The week after the summer solstice has the latest sunset times. The sun will set at 8:48 p.m. June 26 through June 30. By Nathan Ham

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Star Spangled Banner Elk Fourth Celebration is Happening July 3rd

June 17, 2021. Banner Elk’s Independence Day celebration returns with a new name and a new date after a pandemic-forced cancelation last year. The Star Spangled Banner Elk Fourth takes place Saturday, July 3, combining popular activities from previous years. The day begins with the All-American Banner Elk Parade at 11 a.m., followed by the Party in the Park and the famous Banner Elk Kiwanis Duck Races shortly after 12 noon. Meanwhile, the second installment of this summer’s Art on the Greene fine art and craft show sets up shop on the lawn of the Historic Banner Elk School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parade is among the tops in the North Carolina mountains, with cars, trucks, people and pets decked out in red, white and blue, and proceeding down Main Street from the Lees-McRae College campus to Tate-Evans Town Park. “It’s a patriotic parade that makes Uncle Sam proud,” says Banner Elk tourism director Nancy Owen, “with lots of cars, floats, kids catching candy and more. We’re getting many calls asking about the parade. People really missed it last year.”

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Ensemble Stage’s Summer Saturday Theatre for Kids Series Presents “The Fisherman and His Wife” on June 19 at 11 a.m.


June 16, 2021. As part of their Summer Saturday Theatre for Kids Series, Ensemble Stage’s “The Fisherman and His Wife” will premiere this Saturday, June 19 in the Hahn Auditorium at the Historic Banner Elk School 11 a.m. The performance acts as a little taste of live theatre in the High Country that is kid oriented and family friendly. “The Fisherman and His Wife” is a delightful adaptation of the tale of the fisherman who catches an enchanted fish and uses his three wishes to try to bring happiness to his wife. However, this specific performance taps into the magic of audience participation. Kids in the audience help create the sound effects for the show. As the fish grants the fisherman’s wife’s spiraling wishes, the audience creates sea and storms, goes fishing and becomes chickens and ducks in the farmyard. It’s a creel full of fun for the whole family.

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A Storytelling Tribute in Honor of Charlotte Ross, “The Legend Lady” – Blue Ridge Community Theatre Partners with SAHA for Benefit Performances June 19 to June 21 at 3 pm


June 10, 2021. Two cherished High Country cultural organizations, Blue Ridge Community Theatre (BRCT) and Southern Appalachian Historical Association (SAHA), are joining forces to honor the late Charlotte Tanksley Ross, a regional storyteller known as “The Legend Lady.” The groups will present excerpts from the award-winning play, “From My Grandmother’s Grandmother Unto Me,” written and performed by Ross’s daughter, Boone native Clarinda Ross, with live music by Appalachian ballad singer Mary Greene. Performances with take place outside at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, June 19 through 21 on the Coffey Cabin porch in the Hickory Ridge Homestead at “Horn IN The West” with a reception immediately following the Sunday matinee.

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Vaccine Clinic Pop-Up at the King Street Market Coming Tuesday June 22; Walk-Ins Welcomed


June 17, 2021. he King Street Farmers’ Market is excited to announce that this coming Tuesday, June 22nd, will be hosting a COVID-19 pop-up Vaccine Clinic! Get Vaccinated!The King Street Market has partnered with AppHealth Care to organize a pop-up vaccine clinic in the parking lot next to the farmers’ market. Use this convenient opportunity to shop for local goodies at the King Street Market and get your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time! No appointment necessary, and all walk-ins are welcomed.

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Sherrie Norris Lovin’ Spoonful Cooking Column: Celebrating Father’s Day on the First Day of Summer


June 16, 2021. Sunday June 20th is a very special day this year. Not only is it the first day of summer, but it is also Father’s Day, which falls on the third Sunday of June every year. The idea for Father’s Day came from Sonora Smart Dodd who thought it was only fair that, since mothers were honored on their special day, fathers deserved the same. Her own father, a Civil War veteran and a single parent who raised his six children, was especially deserving of the honor, she said. So, Dodd made it her mission to gather the support of local businesses in and around her hometown to honor all fathers and was successful in doing so. On June 19, 1910, the first-ever Father’s Day was celebrated in the state of Washington at the Spokane YMCA, and it’s been observed ever since. This is always another of those bittersweet occasions we observe each year. For those who have fathers in their lives, it’s usually a pleasant experience. For those of us who have lost fathers, it can be tough in more ways than one. And for those fathers who have lost their children, it can be almost unbearable. If you are a father, know that you have been granted one of the greatest opportunities and privileges ever. It’s a heavy responsibility, but one with great rewards. Make it count. By Sherrie Norris

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Watauga High School to Host Transition Activities for Rising Ninth Graders

June 16, 2021. In an effort to build community with our 9th graders in their transition to high school, there will be a common read for all freshmen! The selected book is Refugee (by Alan Gratz), and it will be incorporated into different lessons and activities in courses across the curriculum. We definitely encourage parents to read the book as well because it can lead to great discussions with your child! A free copy of the hardcover book (and a bookmark) is being provided to all students! Students who have not already picked up their copy should plan to get their book from their K-8 feeder school any day Monday-Thursday until July 1st. For students who did not attend one of the public Watauga County Schools, you may pick up your copy at Watauga High School. This book is for ALL freshmen to read and enjoy! “Freshman Orientation” will be Thursday, August 12th for students AND parents! Please plan to come at your scheduled time based on the student’s last name.

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Board of Elections to Discuss North Fork and New River III Precincts at Upcoming Meeting

June 14, 2021. At its upcoming July 13 meeting, the Watauga County Board of Elections will discuss the future of the North Fork Precinct and the Wilson Ridge Road construction project’s impact on voters at the New River III precinct. The public is encouraged to speak at the meeting or to submit comments for the board’s review. Over the last several years, the requirement of finding registered voters from the North Fork precinct to serve as Election Judges in order to be in compliance with North Carolina statutes has proven to be untenable. Options to address this issue will be the focus of the discussion. Construction on the 1.9-mile section of road from the intersection of U.S. 421 and Bamboo Road to Bamboo and Wilson Ridge Road and Wilson Ridge to Deerfield Road, which splits the New River III precinct in half, will begin in 2021. The concern of congestion and traffic delay’s impact on accessibility to the polling place located at the National Guard Armory will be the focus of the discussion.

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Avery County Humane Society Hosts Celebration Event, Unveils New Name and Logo


June 14, 2021 On June 19, 2021, the Avery County Humane Society will host a celebration event at its adoption center located at 279 New Vale Road and will unveil the organization’s new name, logo and sign; the unveiling will occur at noon. Guests are welcome to drop by anytime between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm on Saturday. Many lovable dogs, puppies and cats and kittens will be available for adoption and anyone wanting to adopt can participate in the Luck of the Draw to win an adoption discount. There will also be a wide range of discounts on boutique items families may need for their pets. Stonewalls Restaurant’s “What the Cluck” food truck and beverages from the Banner Elk Winery will be on site. Entertainment will be provided by well known area magician, Michael McLendon, and guests can visit the kissing booth to smooch their favorite pooch.

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Watauga Habitat for Humanity Raises $54,242 During its 2021 Big Kahuna Campaign

June 11, 2021. Four teams of community members competed to fundraise as much money as they could to support safe and affordable housing for Watauga Habitat for Humanity’s 2021 Big Kahuna Campaign. After a 10-week period that began April 1, 18 advocates raised a total of $54,242 to benefit Habitat’s affordable housing program. “I’m just so overwhelmed,” said Allison Jennings, Director of Development for Watauga Habitat for Humanity. “That’s the second highest Kahuna Campaign we have ever had. It was record breaking!” The team who raised the most money was crowned Watauga County Habitat’s Big Kahuna on June 10 at Booneshine Brewing Company. Watauga County Habitat’s Big Kahuna for 2021 is team Wonder Women including members Ella Jennings, Traci Royster, Nikki Crees and Allyson Medlin. Together, they raised $26,296 with Ella Jennings raising the most individually at $20,383. By Harley Nefe

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Avery Commissioners Adopt 2021-22 Fiscal Year County Budget

June 11, 2021. On June 7, the Avery Board of Commissioners approved the county’s budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The new budget is $31-plus million with an exact amount of $31,463,999. Taxes for Avery County residents will not increase. The county’s General Fund tax rate remains at 48 cents per $100 valuation and the fire tax rate remains at seven cents per $100 valuation. The county’s overall tax rate will remain at 55 cents per $100 valuation for the coming fiscal year. This marks the fifth consecutive fiscal year that there is no tax increase for Avery County taxpayers. A fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. The new budget total is an $1,226,128 increase from the 2020-2021 fiscal budget of $30,237,871. Commissioners (Chairperson) Martha J. Hicks, Vice-Chairman Tim Phillips, Dennis Aldridge and Wood Hall (Woodie) Young, Jr. each voted in favor of approving the 2021-22 budget as presented by County Manager Phillip Barrier, Jr. and County Finance Officer Caleb Hogan. Commissioner Blake Vance was absent from the meeting. By Tim Gardner

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AppHealthCare COVID-19 Update: Nearly Half of Watauga County Residents are Fully Vaccinated

June 11, 2021 Many things come to mind when the names Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer are spoken – savvy business acumen, dedication to their faith community, as well as support for the arts, women’s causes, animal welfare, higher education and more. Especially in the High Country, the Schaefer family name evokes gratitude for the incredible philanthropy, support and wisdom they give to their community. The Schaefers have been great friends to Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) throughout the years. They both recently experienced significant health challenges and turned to ARHS to walk with them through their journey of healing.

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Boone Greenway Skatepark Construction Could Happen as soon as August; Site Prep Expected to Happen Over the Next Two Months

June 11, 2021. The first phase of construction for the long-awaited skatepark in Boone has been approved and scheduled, according to the latest update from JP Pardy at Recess Skate & Snow. Site preparation and grading will begin in June and July with the expectation that the construction of the park will begin in August. Based out of Kitty Hawk, Artisan Skateparks was chosen as the company to construct the Boone Greenway Skatepark. They are currently completing a park project in Richmond, Virginia. Once they are done there, Boone is the next stop on the list. The design for the skatepark was created by Pillar Design Studios based out of Chandler, Arizona. They have designed numerous parks across the country. By Nathan Ham

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Mike Koenig and Evenlight Eagles are the Next Artists in Residency at Edgewood Cottage


June 10, 2021. Two artists will greet visitors at Edgewood Cottage from June 14 through June 20: Mike Koenig, landscape photographer and Evenlight Eagles, leather artisan. Mike Koenig is a nature and landscape photographer located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. His work has been published in magazines including Blue Ridge Country, Smoky Mountain Living, WNC, and the official North Carolina Wildlife Magazine. Mike’s work most recently graced the Spring cover of Carolina Mountain Life (CML). Many of his original images represent years of traveling and shooting in and around the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mike would enjoy talking with you about his art and travels from Monday, June 14th through June 20th at Edgewood Cottage in Blowing Rock.

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Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant Welcomed Music and Friends for Special Reunion Event

June 10, 2021. Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant in Blowing Rock was filled with sounds that left attendees tapping their feet to the tunes of a performance from the old-time string band The Corklickers on the evening of June 6. The Corklickers made an appearance from 4 to 6 p.m. as part of a special event for former High Country resident Julian Monroe Fisher who returned to Blowing Rock for the day to reunite with familiar faces. The Corklickers play old-time music from the 1920s-1930s, and the band started in 1976. Fisher was an original member of the band along with brothers Mark and Gil Adams who hadn’t seen Fisher in 40 years before the reunion. By Harley Nefe

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ARHS Names Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower in Honor of Lead Three Million Dollar Gift

June 10, 2021 Many things come to mind when the names Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer are spoken – savvy business acumen, dedication to their faith community, as well as support for the arts, women’s causes, animal welfare, higher education and more. Especially in the High Country, the Schaefer family name evokes gratitude for the incredible philanthropy, support and wisdom they give to their community. The Schaefers have been great friends to Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) throughout the years. They both recently experienced significant health challenges and turned to ARHS to walk with them through their journey of healing.

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Town of Boone Will Not Have a 4th of July Parade This Year, But Will Hold Family Festivities and Fireworks at Clawson-Burnley Park

June 10, 2021 On July 4th, the Town of Boone will be celebrating Independence Day with fireworks and a community celebration at the Clawson-Burnley Park. In addition to the regular fireworks display, the public in invited to the space in the late afternoon for family-friendly fun starting at 4:00 p.m. The celebration will include inflatables and lawn games for the kids; music; food trucks; and a space for community groups to set up a tent and be part of the festivities. The Town of Boone will not be hosting the Annual July 4th Parade this year, but looks forward to celebrating with the annual Christmas Parade this December.

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Doc Watson Day 2021 to be Celebrated June 18th with a Livestream Concert and Recorded Performances from the Appalachian Theatre


June 10, 2021. Join the Town of Boone and The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country on Friday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m. as we celebrate Doc Watson Day 2021. This year’s event will be a free, livestreamed concert from the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. It will feature hosts Patrick and Kay Crouch, a video montage with greetings and pre-recorded performances from some of Doc’s friends and protégés, and a live concert with The Burnett Sisters Band & Colin Ray, followed by Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road. The livestream will be viewable on the Appalachian Theatre website. https://www.apptheatre.org/

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Watauga County Community Musician Mary Greene Awarded 2021 Folk & Traditional Arts Master Fellowship, Receives $12,000 in Support of Lifelong Learning

June 9, 2021. One of Watauga County’s very own community musicians, Mary Greene, has been awarded the 2021 Folk & Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellowship from South Arts, which is a nonprofit regional arts organization empowering artists, organizations and communities, while striving to increase access to arts and culture. “The South Arts Folk & Traditional Arts Master Artist Fellows is quickly becoming one of the premier accolades for traditional artists in the south,” said Mark Freed, Cultural Resources Director for the Town of Boone. Greene is one of only 15 artists across a tri-state region of Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee to receive the fellowship this year, and she is one of only five recipients in North Carolina. By Harley Nefe

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This Year’s Fourth of July Parade in Blowing Rock is Saturday, July 3rd Beginning at 10 am

June 9, 2021 As the High Country looks forward to the return of summer events, one of the holiday mainstays is sure to be welcomed with excitement: The Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade. Blowing Rock’s Main Street is known for being a vibrant gathering place, especially for holiday celebrations, and the community goes all-in on their parades. It’s always a fun event with a procession of families in costume, decorated vehicles & floats, musical performances, local officials, and a handful of characters. The Blowing Rock 4th of July Parade will be held on Saturday, July 3 at 10:00 am. The new time is not the only change for this year’s event. To improve audience safety and experience, Main Street will be closed to parking on the morning of July 3. Once the parade and spectators have cleared, around 11:00 am, parking will reopen.

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