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Elk Knob Trails, Past and Future: Join Ranger-Led Hike on May 7

TODD, NC – Friends of the Blue Ridge invites outdoor enthusiasts to a unique hiking adventure, “Elk Knob Trails Past and Future,” at Elk Knob State Park on Wednesday, May 7th. This guided excursion will be led by NC State Park Ranger Marissa Mabe. As participants trek to the summit, Ranger Mabe will share the rich history of the park and the surrounding mountains. Hikers will also learn to identify the flora and fauna that call the Elk Knob area home, highlighting the ecological significance of this high-elevation landscape.In addition to exploring existing paths, the event will feature an educational discussion regarding the future of the park’s trail system. Highlights include an introduction to the Northern Peaks Trail, an ambitious project that will eventually connect downtown Boone to West Jefferson by crossing the Amphibolite Mountains. Event Details:

Boone Sunrise Rotary Invites the Public to a Free Viewing of the Film Colossus: The Forbin Project at the Appalachian Theater

Boone, NC, —  Part One of a Two-Part series will examine a growing public curiosity and concern about artificial intelligence and offer the community an opportunity to use examples from science fiction and modern technology to explore how imagined ideas often become reality.  Every day, the acronym AI can be found in media publications, on television and in private conversations.  Most people know it refers to Artificial Intelligence and generally only deal with it in the context of how they use it, many commonly using platforms like Chat GPT or Claude to help with day-to-day tasks, writing projects or research.   We also hear stories about how AI has entered everyday life events or how AI helps medical diagnostics and worry about whether AI may or may not take over certain jobs now held by human workers.  We also recognize that AI can very convincingly dispense information or advice that is untrue or even illegal.  Even so, how many of us really understand what AI is, how it works, and what dangers may accompany the benefits that can exist?  The complexities and possibilities of AI are both fascinating and alarming.   Sometimes the best way to motivate ourselves to think about complex …

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 “Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day” returns to Grandfather Mountain

April 9, 2026 Boone, NC – April 9, 2026 -Returning after a successful debut in 2025, the fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music will take place in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space, and it is included with park admission. Families can groove to the sounds in nature through an interactive concert celebration, featuring lively performances from the band Acoustic Folklore, eco-themed songs and hands-on activities.

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MOVIE REVIEW: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

By Bob Garver             2023 brought audiences “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” by far the most successful cinematic adaptation of a video game ever. It was a wonder how appealing the property was with vibrant, colorful animation and respect for both its source material and its audience. I couldn’t bring myself to recommend the film, as the story, action, characters, and humor never really “came together” for me, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.             In that film, plumber brothers Mario (Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Cox) stumbled upon the Mushroom Kingdom, led by Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), who they saved from having to marry Bowser (Jack Black), king of the evil Koopas. They also aligned with headstrong ape Donkey Kong, but he’s not in play here. The brothers and Peach were hailed as heroes, while Bowser was ultimately shrunk down and imprisoned in a jar.             This film starts out by introducing some new characters. Princess Rosalina (Brie Larson) rules over a planet of childlike stars in another galaxy. She’s abducted by Bowser Jr. (Benny Safdie), who needs to harness her powers to activate a doomsday weapon. But first, there’s the matter of rescuing his …

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High Country Power of Women

April 16th 2026 Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location: Mark E. Ricks Athletic Complex  425 Jack Branch Dr, Boone, NC 28608 We are bringing together an incredible panel of women who are leading at the highest level in collegiate athletics: Alaura Sharp – Head Women’s Basketball Coach Annie Richards – Women’s Distance Coach Aimee Haywood – Head Women’s Soccer Coach Together, they’ll share real, impactful insights on: This is more than just an event — it’s an opportunity to connect, grow, and be inspired alongside other amazing women in our High Country community. We would love to see you there!

Parkers’ Mandolin to Perform Concert at the Jones House Cultural Center

April 9, 2026 Boone, NC – April 9, 2026 -For this special performance, the duo will be joined by guitarist Andy Page and bassist Adam Booker, rounding out the ensemble with a rich and dynamic rhythm section. Both musicians are respected educators who teach in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, and bring a depth of experience and musicality that enhances the group’s already compelling sound.

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The Exchange Music Hall Presents: Umphrey’s McGee July 17

Roanoke, VA – April 2, 2026 — Roanoke, Va.’s new, premier venue, The Exchange Music Hall, located at 201 S. Jefferson Street, welcomes Umphrey’s McGee on Friday, July 17, 2026, presented by Across-the-Way Productions as a special stop on the genre-defying band’s Summer 2026 Tour. Tickets for The Exchange Presents: Umphrey’s McGee – Summer 2026 go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 3, via https://theexchangeva.com/ & https://aftontickets.com/theexchange-umphreysmcgee. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the all-ages show, with Umphrey’s McGee taking the stage at 8 p.m. In addition to GA tickets, a small number of VIP tickets are also available for the July 17 concert, which feature exclusive access to The Exchange’s Mezzanine Level, including the Speakeasy and VIP bars. With over 2,800 live shows, 15 studio albums and more than 27 years of musical evolution, Umphrey’s McGee continues to defy classification and expectation. Drawing fans from around the globe and across musical boundaries, the band has cultivated a devoted community rooted in spontaneity, precision and connection. Pioneers at the intersection of music and technology, their live experience fuses cutting-edge production with fan-centric innovation, creating a space where longtime followers and newcomers alike feel at home. Genre lines blur …

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On-the-Rise Class of 2026 revealed for FloydFest 26~Daydream (July 22-26, 2026)

CHECK, VA – April 2, 2026 — Today, Across-the-Way Productions, Inc. and Blue Cow Arts Foundation, Inc. announce the award-winning festival’s On-the-Rise Competition Class of 2026, a quintessential cornerstone of the FloydFest brand, which fosters emerging talent by giving the next generation of up-and-coming performers a stage, a leg-up and an audience. Sponsored by Peluso Microphone Lab and Press Press Merch, the On-the-Rise Class of 2026 includes Free Whenever, Frute, Jacoozy, Late Night Special, Moga Family Band, New Translations, Renee Christine, Stone Throwers, Tand and Teddy & The Rough Riders, each of which will pepper performances over the five days of FloydFest 26~Daydream, the latest annual offering of the Southeast’s premier summer outdoor music festival, taking place Wednesday to Sunday, July 22 to 26, 2026, at its home, FestivalPark, located at 5826 Floyd Highway North in Check, Va. Today’s On-the-Rise announcement follows the recent release of FloydFest 26~Daydream’s initial By-Day Schedules, available by visiting https://floydfest.com/schedule/by-day-schedules/. For those unable to commit to all five days of ‘Daydream,’ single-day GA tickets — as well as single-day GA pair+parking bundles — are now on sale by visiting www.floydfest.com and https://aftontickets.com/floydfest26daydream. ARTISTS — Daydream’s powerful quartet of 2026 headliners — GRAMMY Award-winning rock-and-soul juggernaut …

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MOVIE REVIEW: Project Hail Mary

By Bob Garver             It has been just over ten years since viewers were first introduced to the work of sci-fi author Andy Weir with Ridley Scott’s “The Martian.” In that film, a scientist (Matt Damon) was stuck on a planet millions of miles from Earth and forced to use his wits to survive against near-insurmountable odds, often punctuating his actions with smart-aleck remarks that only he could hear. New Weir adaptation “Project Hail Mary” is different. In this film, a scientist (Ryan Gosling) is stuck on a spaceship millions of miles from Earth and forced to use his wits to survive against near-insurmountable odds, often punctuating his actions with smart-aleck remarks that only he can hear… until he has an alien buddy that can hear them.             Dr. Ryland Grace (Gosling) is on mission to save the Sun (and consequently Earth) from a bacteria that is severely diminishing its output. He’s not what you’d call a “likely” hero (just a schoolteacher with some controversial theories), and he doesn’t exactly “volunteer” for the mission. Sketchy mission organizer Eva Stratt (Sandra Hüller) has to use some nefarious means to get him on the ship, but only because she truly believes his …

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Special Experiences at Grandfather Mountain Returning April 4

LINVILLE, N.C. – As spring arrives in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, welcomes guests to book unique behind-the-scenes experiences starting April 4. Experiences at Grandfather Mountain take guests behind-the-scenes with the park’s naturalists and habitat staff, providing expert insight into flora and fauna. These are purchased in addition to admission tickets, and reservations are recommended due to limited space. The 2026 season for these opportunities is Saturday, April 4 – Sunday, Nov. 1. “Our staff works very hard to ensure experiences are fun and memorable for everyone involved, and we can’t wait to welcome guests back to share these special moments with them,” said Christie Tipton, animal habitats curator for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “Especially for plant and animal lovers, the knowledge gained in a behind-the-scenes experience can elevate a visit to the mountain to the next level.” The experiences offered in 2026 are listed below: Meet-the-Bears Tours Weekends | 11 a.m. | April – October | 2 – 12 participants Go behind the scenes in a Meet-the-Bears Tour to get to know some of Grandfather Mountain’s resident black bears and learn all about them, including their …

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STEAM Fun at Playhouse BuildFest Saturday April 18th at Watauga High School

BOONE, N.C. –”It’s the best day of the year!” The Children’s Playhouse presents Playhouse BuildFest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th at Watauga High School. Admission is free, but families are encouraged to sign up in advance at goplayhouse.org for fastest entry. The nonprofit children’s museum is also still seeking more volunteers and cardboard box donations to make the day safe and fun. Volunteers can register online at https://goplayhouse.org/volunteerbuildfest. This will be the 11th BuildFest. As one parent wrote on the survey, “To quote my oldest, ‘Buildfest is like, the coolest ever because it has like, science and building and cardboard city!’ and ‘This is the best day of the year!’” Playhouse Executive Director Kathy Parham says, “My favorite BuildFest quote ever is the kid who was overheard telling his mom, ‘When I die, this is where I want to go!’” Aimed at kids aged 2 to 12, Playhouse BuildFest offers hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities and engaging demonstrations. Activities for babies and toddlers are offered in the Children’s Council Family Resource Village, an area within BuildFest that will focus on families, providing resources for parents/caregivers, a quiet “Calm Down Corner” space for sensory overload.   Returning …

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Bound for Adventures and River Riders Announce Acquisition of Hawksnest Adventures to Expand Multi-State Adventure Portfolio

Seven Devils, NC, Bound for Adventure is excited to announce the acquisition of Hawksnest Adventures, a premier outdoor recreation destination located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This addition marks a significant milestone for the organization, which now proudly operates as a three-brand company alongside River Riders and Wilderness Voyageurs. This strategic expansion strengthens Bound for Adventures’ position as a leading provider of outdoor experiences across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Hawksnest Adventures brings a dynamic range of activities, including one of the largest snow tubing parks in the US, ziplining, and seasonal outdoor attractions, complementing the diverse adventure offerings already provided by River Riders and Wilderness Voyageurs. “We could not be more excited to welcome Hawksnest Adventures into our family of brands,” said Matt Knott, CEO of Bound for Adventure and founder of River Riders we know today. “Hawksnest has built an incredible reputation for delivering high-quality, memorable outdoor experiences, and their team shares our passion for adventure, guest service, and innovation. Together, we are expanding our ability to connect more people with the outdoors in meaningful ways.” Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Boone, NC, only 35 miles from the highest point in …

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MOVIE REVIEW: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come

By Bob Garver             In 2019’s “Ready or Not,” Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving) won the deadly game of Hide and Seek that ended the lives of the entire La Domas family. It all tied into a Satanic ritual that frankly didn’t make much sense. Now she has to play another, also-deadly game of Hide and Seek against four other families that hold high standing in the Satanic cult. The twist this time is that she has her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) in tow.             Following (and I mean “immediately” following) Grace’s witty one-liner from the end of the last movie, she passes out and is taken to the hospital, where Faith, never removed as her emergency contact, reluctantly comes to visit. They’re soon attacked by a player (Kevin Durand) who wants to win the game before it starts. The cheater pays a heavy price, courtesy of the game’s ghostly overseer. But the sisters are soon knocked unconscious and brought to the resort of the Danforth twins – Titus (Shawn Hatosy) and Ursula (Sarah Michelle Gellar) – to start the game properly.             An unnamed lawyer (Elijah Wood) spells out the rules. Representatives from four families will be competing. Whoever …

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“No Kings” March Filled Downtown Boone’s King Street Saturday as Part of a Nationwide Protest

March 29, 2026 Under crisp blue skis on Saturday morning, organizers, protesters, marchers and the curious began gathering on the grounds of the Watauga County Social Services Center at 10:00 for a “No Kings” rally organized by Indivisible High Country group to hear speeches and start organizing for their march down King Street. The protest was part of a larger nationwide event involving more than 3,000 locations. This would be the third march the group had organized in Boone. For this march the group had worked with the Town of Boone to shut down King Street for about an hour for participants to fill the street for their protest march. The Boone Police Department estimated there was 1000 plus participates. The police department was on hand to handle road closures as well as safety along the 1.1 mile route. 

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SPRUCE PINE ALIEN FESTIVAL

The Spruce Pine Alien Festival is a free 1-day Outdoor event that is pet friendly with over a mile long stretch of 200 Artists & Crafters in Downtown Spruce Pine on Oak Avenue Alien Merchandise, Free Music-Music Stage, Area 51 Costume Contest, Children’s Close Encounter Zone-bounce houses/Giant Slides, UFO Laser Tag, Alien Train & a free Alien Music Concert. Over 50 thousand UFO Enthusiast and Alien lovers descended upon Downtown Spruce Pine, NC on June 14th, 2025 in the hopes of encountering extraterrestrials and in Search of UFO Phenomenon. Many area residents and locals have reported an astounding number of unexplained UFO sightings in and near the small town, and it is no small wonder that the event was packed with UFO and Alien believers. The Spruce Pine Alien Music Festival thrilled musiclovers and rumbled the ground beneath their feet as they kicked off the free 2025 ALIEN Music Festival starting at 9am at the Milky Way Main stage. UFO and Alien lovers of all ages enjoyed the groovy galactic tunes from Out of this world bands. This year’s bands are Yesteryear, Orion’s Mystery, Stolennova, Jennifer Alvarado, Greystoke and our Galactic headliner Jimmy Eats Brisket. This Year’s Bands include Orion’s …

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Ashe / High Country Seed & Plant Swap

March 15, 2026 Boone, NC – March 15, 2026 – Gardeners are encouraged to bring any surplus seeds, root divisions, bulbs, corms, cuttings, plants, and fruit scion wood they wish to share. Seed swaps operate on the honor principle that gardeners will bring what they can this year, grow what they get from this swap and other sources, then bring saved seeds from their crops to next year’s Seed Swap.

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MOVIE REVIEW: Hoppers

Written by: Bob Garver             The 2020’s haven’t been kind to once-great animation giant Pixar, at least with its original titles. “Onward” had its box office cut down by the pandemic. Three straight movies had to forgo theatrical releases and go straight to Disney+. “Lightyear” was the first movie from the studio that I couldn’t bring myself to recommend. That movie, along with passable-but-middling efforts “Elemental” and “Elio” were all unable to win a single weekend at the domestic box office. Yes, “Inside Out 2” made more money domestically than any movie in the last three years, but that was an established property. Pixar needs an original hit to pull itself out of its rut, and I’m happy to report that “Hoppers” is just the movie to do it.             The story follows outspoken college student and animal-lover Mabel (Piper Curda) as she tries to save the glade near her home from getting bulldozed at the behest of Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm) to make room for a new highway. She’d have a better case if there were any animals making their home in the glade, but she’s sure that if the land can be protected, the animals will come. What …

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Appalachian State University Announces 2026 Football Schedule

BOONE, N.C. — The Sun Belt Conference on Friday announced the complete 2026 regular season schedule for App State Football. The schedule has five Saturday home dates to go along with one midweek home game in league play: a nationally televised Thursday home contest against James Madison on Oct. 22, six days after App State plays a Friday night game at Coastal Carolina.  The nonconference schedule is made up of four September games all played in the state of North Carolina, and the Mountaineers’ league schedule starts with six East Division matchups before concluding with a pair of games against West Division foes. ULM visits Boone before App State ends the regular season at South Alabama. With head coach Dowell Loggains entering his second season in Boone, the Mountaineers began Spring Ball 2026 practices earlier this month. There are 66 newcomers currently on the 2026 roster, including 35 transfer portal newcomers from NCAA institutions and 29 December signees. The first full signing class for Loggains became the highest-rated class in App State history and the highest-ranked class in Sun Belt history via 247Sports.  2026 SCHEDULESat., Sept. 5 vs. MaineSat., Sept. 12 at East CarolinaSat., Sept. 19 vs. CharlotteSat., Sept. 26 at NC StateSat., …

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New Vendor/Tobacco Trust

March 13, 2026 Boone, NC – March 13, 2026 -Do you want to start vending at farmers markets? Are you new to farming? This new fund, graciously sponsored by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, aims to help new vendors with the upfront market costs, including but not limited to vendor materials, tents, and branded materials. The $300 stipends will be awarded at the start of the summer season, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the market season, with a priority deadline of April 30th.

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