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Weekend Roundup: Things to Do This Weekend in The High Country; May 31-June 2

May 31, 2013. The High Country has so many exciting events to offer its community and visitors, especially in the summer months. 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 31

Gentle Yoga with Chris Howell: Come to Boone Healing Arts Center to receive a signature yoga class focused on healing. Chris Howell leads this class at 9:30 a.m.

More information: Click here.

things-to-do8182111Wilkesboro Weekly Open Air Market: Wilkesboro is hosting its weekly Open Air Market on West Main Street in historic downtown Wilkesboro at 4:00 p.m. Farm fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and handmade crafts are sold to support and sustain the local farm and artisan community. The market is open every Friday from 4-8 p.m. through October. The admission to the market is free and there is an open mic opportunity to local and regional musicians. Bands and singers can sign up weekly through Andrew Carlton at Wilksboro Town at 336-838-3951.

Charlston Forge Annual Sale: Come and shop through 35,000 square feet of product for sale. Market samples, prototypes, outdoor furniture, leather sectionals, sofas and recliners, mattresses, oriental rugs and more will be available for purchase at 251 Industrial Park. For more information, call 828-264-0100 or click here.

Saturday, June 1

Oasis Shriners Parade: The WNC Shriners will have a parade down Main Street in Blowing Rock on Saturday starting at 2 p.m. Blowing Rock merchants will be offering specials and discounts to the visiting Shriners and the Shriners will set up a trailer in Memorial Park to provide information about their philanthropic work in support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Saturday parade will include the famous Shriners little cars, Oasis Clowns, Gator Patrol, Dune Cats and Scooter Patrol, along with the Oasis Band.

Linville Falls Grand Opening: From 11 am – 6 p.m. the Linville Falls Winery in Newland will be holding their Grand Opening Celebration on their beautiful, sprawling 40-acres. The winery will hold a wine tasting of seven wines, an in addition local vendors will be present offering local items. There will also be live music for entertainment during the event by Andy Ferrell and Sons of Blue Grass for the duration of the afternoon and evening. For more information regarding this event, please click here

YART Sale: Saturday, June 1, marks the Watauga County Art Council’s YART Sale. Proceeds benefit renovation and moving expenses for the Arts Council’s move to the Blue Ridge ArtSpace. Suggested items include clothing and shoes for all ages, linens, towels, sheets, house wares, dishes, furniture, holiday decorations, pictures, paintings, art, toys and other assorted items. For large appliances and furniture, photos can be emailed to wcac@watauga-arts.org. Photos are posted on a board and the buyer will arrange pickup. Donators are invited to bring their items to the Blue Ridge ArtSpace between noon and 7 p.m. weekdays and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday. Pickups are also available. For further information, click here or call 828-264-1789.

Avery County Home and Garden Show & Porsche Show: This is an excellent opportunity to come and see many of the fine businesses in and around the community of Avery County. Art vendors and great food will be available. There will also be a Porsche sports car rally at the same location. The show starts at 9 a.m. at the Historic Banner Elk School at 100 Azalea Drive. Please contact Holly Palm at 828-773-1906.

Watauga County Farmers’ Market: The Watauga County Farmers’ Market is located at Horn in the West parking lot. The market will provide shoppers with 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. The event starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until noon. 

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day Volunteer Work Day: Volunteers can join the staff of Elk Knob State Park to build a new one-mile loop trail called the Beech Tree Trail. Some work might include repairing Summit Trail. Tools are provided and volunteers are advised to wear close-toed shoes, bring work gloves, lunch and water. This is a fulfilling project that will leave volunteers with a well-deserved sense of pride. 

32nd Annual New River Canoe Race: Since 1981, the New River Canoe Race has been a tradition for families all over the Carolinas and beyond. On June 1, 2013, the 32nd annual New River Canoe Race, which is being sponsored by Friends of High Country State Parks, will once again bring excitement and a great outing for Ashe County. No shotgun start. Put your boat in anytime between 9 and 1 and you will be timed. Paddle/float times between an hour and 90 minutes due to good flow on the river at the moment. Awards ceremony at 3pm. The race will begin at Zaloo’s Canoes on Highway 16 and will end after a five-mile journey down the New River at the New River State Park. The State Park will offer music, concessions, and ranger led programs. There will also be a raffle drawing for several prizes, including a kayak donated by Footsloggers, a barn quilt provided by the Quilt Square Girls, a tubing trip from River Girl Fishing, as well as many others. All levels of experience are welcomed and winners will receive a trophy. Race entry is $10 per person, with discounted canoe rental available from Zaloo’s Canoes in Jefferson for race participants (1-800-535-4027). Look for raffle tickets at your local retailers, including Bohemia Coffee Shop and Mountain Outfitters in Jefferson, NC. Tickets are $5 per ticket or 4 for $15. They will also be available to purchase on race day. Register online at www.friendsofhcsp.wordpress.com. For more information, please call 828-385-6424.

Lenoir Downtown Farmers’ Market: The Lenoir Downtown Farmer’s Market is a local producers only market. All goods are grown, made, designed or processed by the market vendors. Our vendors include vintners, local grass fed beef and pork, free range eggs, goats milk soaps and lotions, honey, alpaca wools, various produce, local arts and crafts, heritage eggs, herbs and spices, both living and dried, Herbville and Crane teas and sauces, just to name a few. We also feature a variety of live music including Celtic music, classic acoustic rock, Jazz saxophone, and many more. Need another reason? Here it is. Our market often features a specific product from one of our vendors, and we’ll be grilling up something almost every weekend, chicken wings, 100% beef hot dogs, grilled corn, tomatoes, and asparagus! Don’t miss this chance to meet and support your local farmers and producers, and help keep North Carolina foods close to home. For more information, click here.

The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble: Join us for special activities with staff naturalists designed to help you get the most out of the memorable sight of the Catawba Rhododendron at Grandfather. Programs at 1 p.m. daily June 1-16. Included with park admission. For more information, call 800-468-7325.

Todd Ruritan Club Barbecue Dinner: The Todd Ruritan is doing the BBQ Fundraiser again this year. Starting in May and going to October, the first Saturday of each month, 4pm til 7pm at the South Fork Baptist Church. All proceeds go toward Scholarship and other needy project in the Todd Community. For pork BBQ, coleslaw, baked beans, desert and a drink the cost is $8. A children’s hot dog plate with all the fixings and a drink is $5. Eat in or take out. The fundraiser will be held the first Saturday of every month until October. 

Sunday, June 2

Alpen Summer Concerts: Join in the summer fun at the Alpen Inn Pavilion on Beech Mountain for free outdoor concerts every Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 (weather permitting), Memorial Day thru Labor Day. The event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, or use seating provided. Food and beverages are available for purchase on the lawn through the Alpen Inn Restaurant. Events are family and pet friendly (permitted on leash). Musical acts scheduled to perform: The Lucky Strikes, Shane Chalke BE Jazz, Smokey Breeze, The Mercury Dames, Sound Traveler, Echo Park, Klee Liles/Klee and Mike Show, Liz Hayes and the Common Threads, Amantha Mill. Music ranges from Jazz, Swing, Old-time Americana, Blues, Beach, Classic Rock-n-Roll and more. For more information, click here

Amphibolite Hike: Why do the forests of Elk Knob look so much different than forests a few miles away? Why was Elk Knob established as a State Park? Why does Elk Knob have so many special plants? It is all about the rocks. On Sunday, June 2 at 2 pm, come find out how the amphibolite rocks at Elk Knob State Park make this park so special. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. The hike is weather dependent. Please call the park office if the weather is questionable at 828-297-7261. Meet at the Elk Knob Summit Trailhead. For more information, click here or call 828-297-7261. 

Weekend-Long Events

2012 Spring Boone Bike Rally: Starting on Friday, head out to the High Country Fairgrounds for the Spring Boone Bike Rally. For more information, click here