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Spring Home Show in Blowing Rock  to be Held on May 8 at the American Legion Building

March 18, 2024 The Blowing Rock Chamber is excited to announce a Spring Home Show event to be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. The show will be held at the American Legion Building (333 Wallingford Street) in Blowing Rock, from 1-6pm. Free to the public, this event will feature vendors specializing in home services and products that are most needed in the area of home maintenance and care. Cathy Barker, Vice President of Business Development, commented, “The purpose of this event is to give our home services related members a chance to network and promote their products and services to residents of our community.

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Blowing Rock TDA Partners with Black Folks Camp Too to Promote More Unity and Inclusion

March 15, 2024 Blowing Rock, North Carolina is known for its beautiful natural setting and exciting outdoor recreation opportunities. Through a new partnership with Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT), the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) aims to promote more unity and inclusion in those outdoor spaces and activities. Black Folks Camp Too was created not only to inspire more Black folks to explore the outdoor lifestyle and industry,but to bring awareness to the reasons why more Black folks have not been participating in the outdoors, what the current industry can do to help create more Unity, and why they should.

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The Blowing Rock Academy Officially Opened Its Doors to Infants and Toddlers on Monday March 4

March 14, 2024 The Blowing Rock Academy officially opened its doors to infants and toddlers on Monday March 4, 2024.  The Academy is a 1,750 square foot state of the art child care center that will serve the children of Town of Blowing Rock employees. The Academy is not open to the general public.  The Academy can serve up to 30 total children from the ages of infant to school age, and is located at the former Ruritan/Town Community Club House building.  The Academy is a revolutionary idea to have on-site affordable child care for the full-time and part-time employees of the Town

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44th Blowing Rock Trout Derby is Saturday, April 6 from Sunrise to 4:00pm

March 12, 2024 The 44th annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby will take place in Blowing Rock on Saturday, April 6, from sunrise to 4:00pm.  Celebrating the opening of trout season, the Blowing Rock Trout Derby invites families to get out together to enjoy the outdoors and friendly competition. No entry fees are required. Fishing enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to come out for the Derby.  “If you’re a seasoned fisherman, come by and help some of the younger anglers with your stories, bait suggestions, or just friendly support,” says Kim Rogers, a longtime coordinator of the Trout Derby. “We can’t wait to see everyone’s catch!”

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Artist Brenda Councill Has Been Recognized Nationally for a Sculpture Monument Project

February 29, 2024 Resident artist, Brenda Councill has been recognized nationally for a sculpture monument project. Through a partnership with Mandarin Museum & Historical Society in Jacksonville, Fl., Councill has completed the first phase of work on the first life-size likeness of Harriet Beecher Stowe, in the United States. Stowe was a famous nineteenth-century abolitionist and author of the 1852 anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The sculpture is comprised of  3 figures and titled, “Harriet Beecher Stowe in Mandarin,” Councill’s bronze sculpture will represent Stowe as she was while living in Mandarin, a suburb of Jacksonville, Fl. during the winters of 1867 through 1884.

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“The Reading Room: From Seuss to Geisel & Back Again” Opens at BRAHM February 29

February 28, 2024 A new exhibition entitled “The Reading Room: From Seuss to Geisel & Back Again” has opened at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM). The exhibition features Kathy and Jim Griffel’s collection of Theodor Seuss Geisel’s drawings, paintings, and sculptures and will be on view in the Atwell Gallery of the Museum through June 2, 2024. Geisel (b. 1904, Springfield, MA; d. 1991, San Diego, CA), better known as Dr. Seuss, was an author, illustrator, and political cartoonist possessing a sharp wit and legendarily inventive mind. The characters and worlds he created have shaped the imaginations of children and adults alike for nearly 75 years while his stories have served as a foundational block in the literacy journey of many.

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Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Permanently Protects the Johns River Headwaters and Iconic Viewshed in Blowing Rock

February 19, 2024 Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina announces the purchase and permanent protection of a 326-acre parcel of land in Blowing Rock, NC, that contains the headwaters of the Johns River and is part of an iconic view seen from The Blowing Rock attraction, U.S. 321 and other locations within the town limits of Blowing Rock.The property is positioned on the Blue Ridge escarpment, partially located in both the Blowing Rock and Globe communities of Caldwell County, and is part of the viewshed corridor of the sweeping and magnificent mountainous panorama.

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Blowing Rock’s St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church Sponsors Concert in Honor of Black History Month on February 18th

February 6, 2024  The Friends of Music at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church is sponsoring “Wake and Forget, Dream and Remember: A Concert in Honor of Black History Month” on Sunday, February 18 that 6 pm. The concert showcases a broad spectrum of music by black composers from the familiar spiritual Deep River to traditional settings of the Nunc dimmittis by Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Ave Mariaby Nathaniel Dett, as well as lesser-known music by Florence Price, Moses Hogan, and Harry Burleigh.

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Gina Harwood Appointed as Part-Time Executive Director of Village Foundation of Blowing Rock


February 6, 2024 The Village Foundation of Blowing Rock is thrilled to announce the appointment of Gina Harwood as its new Part-Time Executive Director. In her role, Gina will be pivotal in providing consistent organization and direction to the foundation, steering it towards a bright and impactful future. Gina brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as the Executive Director of Development for the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. During her impressive 12-year tenure at ASU, Gina demonstrated an unwavering passion for helping students, donors, and alumni achieve their goals and build lasting legacies.

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Blowing Rock Chamber VP Completes First Year at Institute for Organization Management

February 6, 2024  Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Cathy Barker, Vice President of Business Development, of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at University of Arizona in Tucson. Charles Hardin, President and CEO of the Blowing Rock Chamber commented on this opportunity for Barker as she furthers her Chamber experience and gains the necessary knowledge to move forward in her career with the Chamber.

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Blowing Rock WinterFest Brings Winter Fun January 25 – 28; Run Down of Events Here

January 25, 2024 The 26th Blowing Rock WinterFest event istarts today, featuring a calendar full of seasonal activities. From Thursday, January 25 through Sunday, January 28, everyone is encouraged to join in the celebration. Don’t hibernate- celebrate! “Blowing Rock WinterFest offers unique opportunities to come out and celebrate this exciting season,” says event coordinator, John Goheen. “Of all our events, I think this festival really showcases our town’s hospitality and fun-loving spirit!”

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Jazz at WinterFest Returns

January 4, 2024 For the first time since 2020, “Jazz at WinterFest” comes back to the Green Park Inn Friday and Saturday nights, January 27th and 28th, 2023. From 5 to 8 pm each evening, Charlie Ellis and his “Charlie and Company” trio continue their ongoing weekend gigs in the Historic Hotel of America’s lobby beside the Divide Lounge.

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High Country Real Estate: Permit Me to Speak to You About Permits

December 28, 2023 Well, Christmas 2023 is in the books and New Year 2024 is rolling towards us at a pretty fast pace. It’s hard to believe it’s all coming around again. Once the holiday season is completely over, you may be looking for your next project; if the project you settle on happens to be finishing an unfinished basement let’s talk about the importance of permits… Many people think that finishing unfinished space in their homes by doing everything themselves and avoiding getting permits is a faster, smarter, cheaper way to get the job done. While it might be faster, it is seldom smarter, and in the long run, often ends up costing more than taking the necessary steps to pull the permits. Not to mention it is technically illegal to finish an unfinished basement (or other space) without the proper permits from the local government.  By Michelle Hammond, REALTOR

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$2 for Teachers!

November 21, 2023 Are you a teacher in Watauga County? As a sign of our appreciation for everything you do, Auntie Anne’s and Jamba Boone will be starting our new promotion, $2 for Teachers!

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Who are the real winners in the real estate class action lawsuits?

November 21, 2023 As the CEO of the High Country Association of Realtors® and Multiple Listing Service (MLS), representing more than 800 members and 1,100 MLS subscribers, I felt it imperative to address the current legal landscape in our industry. While there are a number of cases being litigated across the country, none of which are in North Carolina or South Carolina, the outcome of these cases will negatively impact the consumer. By Cheryl Smith, Chief Executive Officer

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Rumple House Renovations Complete and Dedicated, Upcoming Open House Planned for the Community  

November 14, 2023 The long-awaited renovation of the Rumple House in Blowing Rock is now completed; the structure has been dedicated and will be open for public visits beginning this week. According to Sarah Parker, Director of Operations at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Rumple House is a Main Street staple that has been owned by the church for many years.“For the last year and a half, it has undergone a total renovation,” Parker said. “While the primary use for the house will now be church staff offices, it will also provide space for church gatherings and special events.”  By Sherrie Norris

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Alair Homes Supports the Hunger and Health Coalition 

November 14, 2023 Blowing Rock, NC – Each year during the holiday season Alair™ Homes partners with the Hunger and Health Coalition and other local business leaders and community residents to give back to the High Country community through their annual Alair Community Challenge event.”In our community, living better starts with ensuring that everyone has access to the food they need. As we work to build a happier, healthier High Country, let’s come together to put meals on every table this holiday season.”, shared Alair Homes Partner, Jeff Smith.  

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NEW OWNERS FOR HISTORIC WESTGLOW

November 8, 2023 Westglow Resort and Spa, an iconic Blowing Rock landmark, will soon pass to a new generation of stewards. According to a letter that went out to members on October 31, the legacy that began with Elliott Daingerfield and the Daingerfield family in 1917, continued with Glynda Valentine and then with Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, continues again as ownership passes to a consortium of Westglow members: Bill Brooks and Dean Bullis, Miriam and Steve Kimsey, Sharon and John McNeely, and Cindy and Cobb Milner. 

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Blowing Rock Voted a Top Adventure Town By Blue Ridge Outdoors Readers

November 7, 2023 BLOWING ROCK, NC (November 2023) – Over 24,000 votes poured in to Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine’s thirteenth annual Top Adventure Towns contest, presented by LOWA. From 100 adventure hubs across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, readers narrowed down nominees in four different categories: tiny town (population less than 3,000), small town (population 3,001-16,000), mid-sized town (population 16,001-75,000), and large town (population 75,001+). 

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LETTERS/ Praxis: Actions over Words

October 25, 2023 Letters to the Editor. By Richard Gambill/ Author and Philosopher Robert Fulgham says “The older I get the less attention I pay to what people say and the more I watch what they do…” I watched several videos recently of candidates for Blowing Rock Town Council telling why they were qualified. Hunt Broyhill in several videos painted a dark picture of Blowing Rock’s finances so I set out to check it out.

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Police Chase Ends in Crash

October 17, 2023 On October 17th, 2023, shortly before 10:00 am, the Boone Police attempted to stop a vehicle on NC Highway 105, that was reported as stolen.  The driver of the vehicle failed to stop and fled resulting in a chase that ended in a vehicle crash outside the Boone city limits on Blowing Rock Rd. near Niley Cook Rd. Both occupants of the suspect vehicle fled on foot following the crash and were quickly apprehended. 

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Noted Pianist Closes Concert Season at St. Mary of the Hills

October 17, 2023 Noted pianist Bair Shagdaron will bring a romantic flourish to the final concert of the season at St. Mary of the Hills with the music of Chopin and Rachmaninoff. The concert, sponsored by the Friends of Music at St. Mary’s, will be in the nave of the church on Main Street in Blowing Rock on Sunday, October 29 th at 3 pm. 

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