March 5, 2019  Fourteen participants of the 2019 Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge (BRLC) met Friday, March 1, 2019 for a retreat at the Blowing Rock Conference Center to begin an eight-week program to help them become even more active as leaders in the Blowing Rock community. The Blowing Rock Leadership Challenge is sponsored and produced by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to meet the Town’s growing need for the active participation of informed and educated leaders. The goal of the program is to identify potential leaders and provide them with the community information and encouragement needed to spur local action and involvement. The program is co-managed this year by Charles Hardin and Don Hubble along with assistance from many of the alums of prior year’s programs. The teambuilding and leadership development will be conducted by Michael Misenheimer, Lead Facilitator, Blue Ridge Learning Centers. “Mizey” as an experienced corporate trainer and group facilitator led the group through various exercises in team building, individual leadership reflection and other activities during the retreat. / Read more…

February 15, 2019 The Blowing Rock Town Council unanimously voted against possible zoning changes for the downtown area that were put forth by Blowing Rock Planning Director Kevin Rothrock. Despite the recommendations from the planning department, public opposition to these zoning changes has grown as the special meeting date grew closer. The Blowing Rock Civic Association was one of the biggest detractors of the zoning changes and sent a letter to the High Country Press that was published on January 15 to let people know what the proposed changes were and providing contact information for how citizens could share their opinions with elected officials. The changes included eliminating the density of residential units on downtown property, increasing the building height above the sidewalk from 30 feet to 35 feet, increasing the allowable total of building height and reducing the amount of green space required in a building setback area from 75 percent to 40 percent.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

February 11, 2019 A hiker from Charlotte who planned on taking a day hike on Saturday afternoon was located on Sunday evening by area search crews. Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue as well as several other agencies located Frank Sanady, 67, of Charlotte and was able to safely rescue him at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Sunday evening. According to Sergeant Shane Robbins of the Boone Police Department, Sanady began his hike at noon on Saturday. When he did not return by early Saturday evening, Blowing Rock Emergency Services were notified and launched a search and recovery operation. Crews worked overnight to find the hiker and were eventually able to locate him on Sunday morning at around 11:30 a.m. It took rescuers over five hours to bring Sanady to safety. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 18, 2018. Ed Evans, who has been Blowing Rock’s Town Manager since January of 2017, will be resigning his position effective November 30. Evans is no stranger to holding down a similar position in the High Country. He started off serving as town manager of Seven Devils from 2009 until 2015 when he took over as town manager for Beech Mountain. Evans then replaced outgoing Blowing Rock Town Manager Scott Fogleman nearly two years ago. Evans submitted his resignation earlier this week. The move came as a surprise to quite a few people, including Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 1, 2018. Blowing Rock citizens and other Watauga County residents are invited to attend a special round table discussion and audience Q&A with the three current Watauga County Commissioners and their challengers. The event is happening this Thursday, October 4 at the American Legion Building in Blowing Rock, located at 333 Wallingford Street. Light refreshments will be served at 6:15 p.m. with the program and audience questions beginning at 7 p.m. Incumbent Democrat Billy Kennedy is being challenged by Republican Tim Hodges in the District 3 race. In the District 4 race, Republican David Blust is challenging Democratic incumbent Larry Turnbow. In the District 5 race, Democrat Charlie Wallin is battling Republican Tommy Sofield for the position. Current incumbent Jimmy Hodges is not seeking reelection. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

October 3, 2018. Due to the forecast of heavy rains and wind from what was left of Hurricane Florence, the festival was originally moved from September 15 to this Sunday. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for this Sunday’s date, and tickets are still on sale up until the day of the festival. Adult ticket prices are $30 and ticket prices for children 12 and under are $10. The annual music festival happens at the Blowing Rock Attraction, located at 432 Rock Road. This year’s musical lineup is headlined by the Harris Brothers, Wayne C. Henderson, the Jeff Little Trio, Robertson Boys, The South Carolina Broadcasters and Strictly Clean and Decent. Other musical guests include The Neighbors, Shelby Rae Moore Band, Soul Benefactor, Dave Braun Band and Charlie Carpenter.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

September 13, 2018. The Blowing Rock Music Festival originally scheduled for this Saturday, September 15, has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 7. The pending landfall of Hurricane Florence and the high amounts of rain predicted across the High Country forced the event to be rescheduled, according to Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers. Sellers, who owns and operates The Blowing Rock Attraction and helps organize this event, said that due to the State of Emergency being in affect across North Carolina, the safety of festival goers and entertainers was the most important thing. “The schedule will remain the same, the entertainers will remain the same and tickets are still on sale for $30 for adults, $10 for children up until the day of the festival,” Sellers said.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 22, 2018. Blowing Rock Town Officials, Tourism Development Authority and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce all had a chance to brag about the “State of the Town” last Thursday at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. The “State of the Town” event has been going on in Blowing Rock for a decade. Chamber of Commerce President Charles Hardin, Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers, Blowing Rock Town Manager Ed Evans and Blowing Rock TDA Executive Director Tracy Brown all shared some of the major accomplishments that have taken place in Blowing Rock over the last year and took a look at some of the future projects that will be taking place. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

July 12, 2018. The Mayview Plaza construction work recently finished up in Blowing Rock, signaling the completion of the second phase of the Laurel Lane Beautification Project. The project, which is a three-phase project that started in 2017, was put together as a public and private partnership between the Town of Blowing Rock, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and The Village Foundation. “Our economic development committee spearheaded this along with the Village Foundation doing a lot of the fundraising for it,” said Charles Hardin, the president of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We got it open and dedicated and it’s beautiful.” Hardin says there is no official start date yet for phase three of the project. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 20, 2018. Blowing Rock Town council members will meet on Monday for the annual mid-year retreat in Blowing Rock with potential road improvements for Sunset Drive at the top of the list for discussion. According to Blowing Rock Mayor Charlie Sellers, plans for the roadwork will be presented by Town Manager Ed Evans in Monday’s meeting and will likely be voted on in July’s regular town council meeting. Sunset Drive travels from Highway 321 to Main Street and sees its fair share of traffic day in and day out. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

June 19, 2018. The Blowing Rock Historical Society came together on Monday to host the annual Jerry Burns’ Day to honor the former editor of the Blowing Rocket who passed away in 2010. The gathering took place at the Edgewood Cottage with Blowing Rock Historical Society President Rita White serving as introductory speaker and moderator of the event. Each Jerry Burns’ Day has guest speakers to talk about not only their memories of Jerry, but also their own personal family stories. Speakers often answer questions from the crowd in attendance. Blowing Rock Mayor, Charlie Sellers, and his mother, Peggy Sellers, were the featured speakers for Monday’s event. Peggy is the daughter of the late Grover Robbins Sr., who leased and developed the land for the Blowing Rock attraction and the sister of the late Grover Robbins Jr., who purchased Tweetsie Railroad from actor and singer, Gene Autry. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

May 11, 2018. Blowing Rock School’s Terri Hodges was named Watauga County Schools district-wide Teacher of the Year in surprise ceremony held Friday morning at the school. Hodges was presented the award by Superintendent Dr. Scott Elliott along with Blowing Rock and WCS central office staff. Each year, Watauga County School celebrates its Teacher of the Year candidate with a surprise ceremony. Hodges was honored in front of the school’s students and staff who awaited her entrance in the gym. This year marks Hodges’ fourth teacher of the year nomination since 1990, and Blowing Rock’s third-consecutive teacher of the year award.. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

April 2, 2018. Crowds will be lining up to catch a ride on the train when Tweetsie Railroad opens the gates this weekend for the first time in 2018. Opening Day for North Carolina’s longest-running theme park is officially scheduled for Friday, April 6 at 9 a.m. This will be Tweetsie’s 61st year in operation, dating back to the very first trip by the No. 12 train on July 4, 1957. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

March 28, 2018. Easter Sunday will take place on April 1 this year. For those who are deciding how to celebrate Easter, here is a list of Easter Sunday Services and egg hunts to attend. Some egg hunts are taking place this coming weekend, others will take place on Easter weekend.  By Kate Herman / Read more…

March 28, 2018. Looking to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in your neighborhood? Want to keep an eye on criminal activity in your area? Take a look at these recent incident and arrest reports from the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and the Boone Police Department. Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

March 26, 2018. Thanks in part to a heap of early-spring snow, the annual Meltdown Games at Appalachian Ski Mountain this weekend were a success, according to marketing director Drew Stanley. By Luke Weir / Read more…

March 8, 2018. The first batch of replacement trees to fill the void left behind after 12 trees had to be cut down arrived in Blowing Rock on Thursday. The trees weigh between 6,500 and 7,500 pounds and the parks and recreation staff worked through some snow this morning to get the trees off of a flatbed semi-truck and into the ground. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

Feb. 26, 2018. Black Mountain College was structured differently than most educational institutions at the time. In 1933, it was founded out of a desire for a more progressive education through the use of art, hands-on learning, close student-faculty interaction and critical thought. As an early example of a liberal arts college, this model has since spread throughout the U.S. and is used at Appalachian State University today. / Read more…

Feb. 26, 2018. “Game Night” sees its characters playing one of those elaborate role-playing games that’s spread out over several miles and involves a full company of actors. I’m weary of movies with this kind of premise because of the inevitable twist: at some point, we’re going to learn that everything that’s been happening is all part of the game. It’s the same thing with movies about con artists, magicians, or people who meddle in dreams. It’s not that I necessarily mind being played for a fool, I can enjoy some well-planned manipulation, but it just seems like a waste of time when the movie practically announces its intentions so early the way this one does. By Bob Garver / Read more…

Feb. 21, 2018. BRAHM is known for hosting enriching events within the community. Read below to discover the four main upcoming attractions that are being offered during the month of March at the museum. The following events include: 
1) Smithsonian Exhibition Exploring the American Workforce Coming to Blowing Rock Art & History Museum​
2) Scholars & Scones: Crafting Coffee: The Daingerfield Blend
3) Thursday Art and Culture Talk (TAC Talk): Supporting Your Health with Essential Oils
4) Smithsonian Exhibition Featured in BRAHM’s Latest Coffee with the Curator Tour / Read more…

Feb. 19, 2018. During the month of February, help W.A.M.Y have a heart for our community! For only one dollar, you can purchase a heart from one of the participating vendors. Your heart goes right back into supporting your community and helping to break the cycle of poverty in the high country.  / Read more…

Feb. 12, 2018. “Shamrock floats” take on a new meaning this March, as the Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources Department presents the inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boone, and be part of a new tradition! Events begin Saturday, March 17, at 2:00 P.M. on King Street in Boone with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade will start at the Poplar Grove Extension traveling east on King Street through Boone. / Read more…

Feb. 8, 2018. On the 18th eve of the month of February in the quaint little village known as Blowing Rock there will be held a festive celebration filled with merriment, dancing, music, and festive attire.  This event, known as the Mardi Gras, is being put on by the Watauga County Arts Council and will be held at the Meadowbrook Inn, located at 711 Main Street in Blowing Rock. / Read more…

Feb. 2, 2018. Last weekend, skiers and snowboarders gathered from as far away as New York state gathered at Appalachian Ski Mountain to brave the elements, and compete in the USASA Southeastern Series boardercross/skiercross weekend. Over the two days, there were 4 races. These competitions serve as the regional qualifier for the USASA National Championships to be held in April at Copper Mtn. Colorado. The Southeastern Series takes their show on the road over the next couple of weeks. / Read more…

Feb. 2, 2018. After a strong showing at the regional science fair, several Blowing Rock students now have the chance to take their projects on to the state competition in March. Two Blowing Rock teams were presented with specialty awards at the regional contest. / Read more…

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

Informational Meeting for Extension Master Gardener Training Course, 2/1

A Gift of Candy Can Change a Life, 2/10 -2/11

Horn in the West Outdoor Drama Auditions, Feb. 3

The Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Public Service Announcement, Deadline 3/8

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

Jan. 31, 2018. Now halfway through its 3rd. season, Boone’s Winter Farmers’ Market continues to provide area residents with access to fresh, local produce and handcrafted products through the winter months by offering indoor retail space to High Country farmers and producers. The market happens from 9 a.m. to noon every first and third Saturday, December through April, at the Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center, located at 252 Poplar Grove Rd. in Downtown Boone. The next upcoming market is Saturday February 3rd, 2018! / Read more…

Jan. 29, 2018. Blowing Rock’s WinterFest Celebration is always a good time had by all. Winterfest 2018 ringed in the new year with record breaking numbers, while raising thousands of dollars for local nonprofit organizations. By Kate Herman – Photos by Ken Ketchie / Read more…

Jan. 29, 2017. St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church is planning a year long celebration of the 100th anniversary of its church on Main Street in Blowing Rock.  Though founded as a summer chapel overlooking the John’s River Gorge in 1891, the cornerstone of the current historic stone church on Main Street was laid on September 26th in 1918, and the first services were held there in the summer of 1921. / Read more…

Jan. 26, 2018. Ongoing severe winter weather has more than doubled the number of canceled American Red Cross blood drives and the resulting blood and platelet donation shortfall since earlier this month. The Red Cross now considers the situation critical and is reissuing an urgent call for blood and platelet donors. / Read more…

Jan. 12, 2018. It’s that time of year again- Winterfest is right around the corner! Blowing Rock’s Annual Winterfest will be held on Thursday Jan. 25 through Sunday Jan. 28. Winterfest 2018 is unique to years in the past due to new additions including Ice Skating in Memorial Park and an improved format of Winterfeast. Winterfest offers a plethora of shopping opportunities, wine tastings, dining opportunities, winter athletics, and musical opportunities for all to enjoy.   Complied by Kate Herman – Photos by The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce / Read more…

Jan. 24, 2018. Winter enthusiasts are traveling to the High Country this weekend in celebration of Blowing Rock’s Annual Winterfest, which takes place this Thursday Jan. 25- Sunday Jan. 28. The Green Park Inn, a member of Historic Hotels of America, welcomes guests to stay, dine and join in celebration of Winterfest’s finer festivities. The Green Park Inn is serving as an event host for the Jazz at Winterfest on Friday and Saturday. For those who desire shopping opportunities, The Green Park Inn will host Wintertastings and Auction at The Green Park Inn on Saturday Jan. 27. By Kate Herman – Photos by Tommy White / Read more…

What’s going on in your community? Here’s a brief update on the emails we received today. Check back each day for an updated list of events going on in the area. As always, please feel free to email us about your event or update.

Ski Patrol Candidate Recruitment Days

Mount Vernon Baptist Church GriefShare Support Group

Weekly Events at Lost Province Brewing Company, 1/22- 1/28

Community Appearance Commission  Meeting, 1/23

Wilkes Community College Offering Amateur Radio Course, 2/5

Read more…
Compiled by Kate Herman

Jan. 19, 2018. The Watauga County Public Library is in its eighth year of offering tax assistance for the 2018 filing season. The library program began in 2011 with Rao Aluri as the Site Coordinator; Tim Dannenfelser, a graduate student in Accounting at Appalachian State University, will be the new Coordinator. The (VITA) Volunteer for Tax Assistance program provides free income tax preparation and free electronic filing for eligible low to moderate-income Watauga County residents. The program operates in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service and receives financial support from the Friends of the Library and the IRS. / Read more…

Jan. 17, 2018. Have you ever jumped into ice water? Have you ever seen someone else jump into ice water while wearing a costume? If the answer is no to either of those questions, then you will not want to miss Winterfest’s Polar Plunge! Participators will jump into the frigid water of Chetola Lake while raising money for local charities. The event will take place on Saturday Jan. 27 at Chetola Lake. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the plunge will beginning around 9:30 a.m. By Kate Herman – Photos by The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce / Read more…