1) The Patrons Evening Under the Stars Held July 26, Fashion Show Luncheon Aug. 1
The Blowing Rock Fashion Show committee invites you to be a part of “The Events” of the Summer Season in the High Country. You do not want to miss these two grand parties, the elegant Patrons Party to be held July 26 and the 37th annual Blowing Rock Fashion Show and Luncheon on Aug. 1. Both events benefit “New Beginnings” at Chestnut Ridge Healthcare Facility located in Blowing Rock. The elegant Patrons Party announces the date of Saturday, July 26 to be held on the lawn of the private, historical home “Shadowlawn” in Mayview. Enjoy cocktails, dining and dancing to The Todd Wright fabulous Sextet, plus dazzling live auction opportunities. Black Tie preferred. Reservations are limited. The 37th annual Blowing Rock Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held the first Friday in August. The show, held at the prestigious Blowing Rock Country Club will feature models, live music with the Todd Wright Duo and surprising entertainment. An entire room of magnificent Silent Auction items will await you. A summer day of enjoyment for all. The new Chestnut Ridge at Blowing Rock will benefit from the proceeds. You are all invited to share in these worthy events and support a much needed medical facility. You do not want to miss these exciting parties. To learn more contact Jessica Powell at 828-262-4391.
2) Relay for Life Praise Sing Held May 18
Laurel Springs Baptist Church will hold its annual Relay for Life Praise Sing on Sunday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at Laurel Springs Baptist Church in Deep Gap. The Norris Family, Blue Ridge Mountain Home Band, Laurel Springs Quartet and many others from the church and community will perform. Luminaria purchased in honor or memory of loved ones who have battled cancer will be on display throughout the event. A love offering will be taken during the singing. All proceeds will benefit Relay for Life of Watauga County. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information contact Kathy Idol at 828-264-5240.
3) Ride of Silence to be Observed May 21
For the second year, the Ride of Silence Bicycle Ride will be observed in downtown Boone. The ride is a global event that remembers cyclists who have been hurt or injured on public roads. All cyclists are welcome to participate regardless of skill level, although they must wear a helmet. Riders will cycle a short route around Boone at a pace of 12 miles per hour or less. Riders complete the route in silence to commemorate lost or injured cyclists. More information is available at www.RideOfSilence.org. The Ride of Silence was started in Dallas, TX in 2003 after a cyclist was hit and killed by a bus. Since then, the event has grown and takes place in all 50 states and many other countries. Adam Sheffield started the first Ride of Silence in the area four years ago. The first two rides were held in Sugar Grove, but last year the ride was held in Boone with 50 riders participating. The Ride of Silence starts promptly at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21. Cyclists who wish to participate should be at the Department of Social Services parking lot across from Galileo’s no later than 6:30 p.m. to get signed up for the ride. For more information contact Adam Sheffield at ads.soso@msn.com or Roni Ellis at RoniEllis@WataugaLeisureBiking.com.
4) Blue Ridge Mountain Club Expands Management Team
The Blue Ridge Mountain Club Community is excited to announce two new professionals to its team, as the community grows to serve an expanding base of seasonal and permanent residents. Jessica Smith will hold the position of Office Manager and Erica Lackey as Hospitality and Operations Manager. Jim Pitts, General Manager of the Blue Ridge Mountain Club said, “We are thrilled to add Jessica and Erica to our staff. Our mission to provide the best value in the High Country centers on having strong, devoted leaders with a heart for service. We believe that these ladies will be tremendous assets to our development team and help us deliver incredible experiences for our residents.” Coming from The Village Inns of Blowing Rock, Jessica Smith served in role as Sales Director and was the General Manager for five years. Through these roles she gained a strong sense of employee management and customer service. She has also become extremely familiar with the High Country area through her service on the Board of Directors of High Country Host and the High Country Lodging Association, where she served as president for three years. As Office Manager at the club, she will provide administrative support to the General Manager and the Director of Marketing and Sales in addition to overseeing the operations of the sales office. Erica Lackey brings years of hospitality and event experience to the Blue Ridge Mountain Club. After receiving her degree in recreation management and commercial tourism from Appalachian State University in 2002, she moved to Atlanta to serve as the Lifestyle Director for the River Club for nearly five years. She then continued her career as Marketing and Event Coordinator for Legacy International Resort Properties in Austin, Texas for almost two years. In 2003 she moved back to North Carolina to work as Activities Coordinator for Linville Ridge. Erica also spent her childhood visiting this area and is glad to be back. She is looking forward to starting her work at the Blue Ridge Mountain Club and getting involved in building the Blowing Rock community. Erica enjoys the hiking, kayaking, the cool mountain breeze and the sense of community this area has to offer.
5) Fairy Day Held July 12
The second annual Fairy Day will be held on July 12 at Daniel Boone Native Gardens from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.