by Madison Fisler
May 10, 2013. The High Country has so many wonderful events to offer its community and visitors. Check our site every Friday for something new and exciting to look forward to while you’re watching the hour hand crawl to 5 o’clock. Find live music down the street, explore a nearby town’s local secrets or try out a new square dancing class. There’s always something fun to do in the High Country.
Friday, May 10
Appalachian State University Commencement Ceremony: Appalachian State University will hold their graduate commencement ceremony at 6:00 p.m. at the Holmes Convocation Center
Friday Night Chilhowie Lions Club Dance: For a great time, fellowship and clean family fun, come listen and dance to the music of a different band every Friday night from 7:30p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Parkway School Presents: The Little Mermaid Jr.: at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, at Harvest House in Boone. The musical features hit songs, such as “Part of Your World” and “Under the Sea.” Tickets are $5 and can be purchased weekdays at Parkway School. For more information, call (828) 264-3032.
National Geographic Adventurer of the Year: Mast General Store and ASU Outdoor Programs are hosting ultra long-distance backpacker and author Andrew Skurka at 7 p.m. May 10 at I.G Greer Auditorium on the ASU campus. Skurka will share an adventure-themed slideshow, “Circling Alaska and Yukon: A 4,700-mile, 6-month journey by foot, skis and packraft through Big Wilderness,” on May 10. Skurka will also be signing “The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail” at the Mast Store in Boone from 5 to 6 p.m. on May 10. For more information, visit MastStore.com.
Saturday, May 11
Appalachian State University Commencement Ceremony: Appalachian State will hold commencement ceremonies for The College of Health Sciences at 9:00 a.m., The Reich College of Education at 12:30 p.m. and The Walker College of Business at 4:00 p.m at the Holmes Convocation Center.
Daniel Boone Day: The 18th annual event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 11 at the Whippoorwill Village at Ferguson. The event celebrates the life of Daniel and Rebecca Boone when they lived in the Yadkin Valley. The Boones had three cabins in Wilkes County before leaving for Kentucky. Admission will be a can of food for Samaritan’s Ministries or a donation for Relay For Life cancer research. Whippoorwill Village is located 11 miles west of Wilkesboro on N.C. 268. For more information, call (336) 973-3237.
Lees McRae Commencement Ceremony: in Banner Elk will hold its annual commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. May 11. LMC’s commencement weekend will also include a baccalaureate dinner and baccalaureate and hooding service on Friday. The dinner will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in MacDonald Dining Hall. Family and friends are welcome to attend. The cost is: $14 for adults, $7 for children 6 to 12 years old and free for children 1 to 5 years old. Guests must purchase a ticket in advance to attend the dinner. Tickets are available at the Registrar’s Office by calling (828) 898-8256. There is no cost for graduates.
Hickory Trail Nature Walk: Ashe County will hold a Hickory Trail nature walk at 2 p.m at New River State Park. May 11; meet at the U.S. 221 primitive campground parking area. This is a moderate one-mile hike. Wear good walking shoes and bring along bottled water. All programs are free of charge. Call the park office for more information at (336) 982-2587
Lenoir Downtown Farmers’ Market: The only local producer only farmers market in Caldwell County. Selling produce,meat,fresh flowers, homemade items, children activities and live music. Located in the parking lot behind Howard Brewery.
Hike into History: Ashe County will hold a “Hike into History” at 11 a.m. May 11; meet at the picnic shelter. Join a ranger for a walk and explore the local history of Mt. Jefferson. Wear sturdy shoes. For more information or directions, call (336) 246-9653.
Mothers’ Day Craft Show: High quality handmade crafts are a great way to treat mom for Mothers Day. Jewelry, woodworking, pottery, broom making, photography, artwork and more will be featured. .Come be with us to celebrate moms and 30+ years of this show in the K-mart shopping center parking lot in Boone NC. on Blowing Rock Rd. across from Cracker Barrel.
Watauga County Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday morning from May to November you will find quality locally farmed meats, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, dried and fresh cut flowers, hardy local plants, delicious edibles, and a wide variety of quality crafts.
Flower and Vegetable Plants Sale: This is a great opportunity to get your garden plants, beautiful flowers and Mother’s Day Gifts! Proceeds from the sale will benefit Pleasant Grove Baptist Church’s Ecuador mission trip this June. It will be held at Charlie’s Auto Repair in Vilas from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5K Run/Walk Event Hosted by Higher Ground Church of God: Let’s stand up against Human Trafficking. The United Nations defines Human Trafficking as the recruiting, transportation, harboring, receiving and selling of victims for the purposes of prostitution, slavery, pornography, or sexual exploitation. It is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, currently producing 32 Billion dollars a year worldwide. 5K Registration fee is $25 online prior to date of 5K ($30 to register the day of 5K). First 100 registrants receive a Free “Run for Freedom” T-shirt.
Sunday, May 12
Appalachian State University Commencement Ceremony: Appalachian State will hold commencement ceremonies for the Hayes School of Music at 1:00 p.m. at the Broyhill Music Center. In addition, ceremonies for The College of Arts and Sciences and University College will be held at 9:00 a.m. and the College of Fine and Applied Arts at 3:30 p.m. at the Holmes Convocation Center.
Wildflower Hike: Ashe County will hold a wildflower hike at 1 p.m. May 12; meet at the Wagoner access contact station. Join a ranger on a one-mile hike to see the wildflowers at the park. Wear good walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. All programs are free of charge. Call the park office for more information at (336) 982-2587.