August 16, 2019. The 34th annual Community Foundation Days are officially underway in Blowing Rock with events happening from now through Friday, August 30 all in an effort to support the Blowing Rock Community Foundation. The events officially started on Friday with bridge Game Day and will continue on Saturday with the Golf Scramble at the Blowing Rock Country Club. The golf event registration is already full. Plenty of events coming up still have registration space, including the wildly popular Groovy Nights parties on Sunday, August 25, Tuesday, August 27 and Friday, August 30. Registration for Groovy Nights is $35. Tennis, croquet, and pickleball are all set for next Saturday, August 24. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 15, 2019. The preeminent progressive rock band known as moe., will be taking to the High Country at Beech Mountain Resort on Aug. 24, 2019. Presented by Midwood Entertainment, the band’s career has spanned over the course of 30 years while they have put out more than 20 albums. The resort is oftentimes recognized for its outdoor ski slopes in the winter as well as other outdoor recreational activities in the winter, such as tubing and roller skating. However, live music has become a welcome addition to their expansion. The quintet of moe. consists of Al Schnier and Chuck Garvey on guitars and vocals, Rob Derhak on bass and vocals, Jim Loughlin on percussion and vibes, and Vinnie Amico on drums. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

August 15, 2019. The third annual James H. Fisher International Grand Prix is changing its event location for this year’s competition; the L.M. Tate Show Grounds in the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve of Blowing Rock was chosen as the new location for the charity-focused Grand Prix, which will occur on September 21 at 2:00 p.m. The past two Grand Prix events were held in Marshall, NC near Asheville. The Grand Prix is being moved to Blowing Rock this year because of the uniqueness and charm of the community, the deep tradition of horse sports ingrained in the region, the large amount of support for local charities shown by community members, and the availability of the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve as a historic facility perfectly suited to host the Grand Prix event. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

August 15, 2019. Boone native ​Willa Finck will be performing with her folk-art band, Copper Hill, in the Bishop Johnson Hall at the Valle Crucis Conference Center on August 18th at 4:00​ ​pm. Copper Hill is making an overdue stop in Boone to promote their recently released debut album “Once Around the Sun.” About the album, a reviewer for the Rochester (NY) CITY Newspaper wrote, “Once Around the Sun” is an odyssey of upbeat, whirling reels and fruitful ballads with melancholic, modal twists.” / Read more…

August 15, 2019. Appalachian State University’s performing arts series, “The Schaefer Center Presents…” kicks off its 2019-20 season with a high-energy concert by the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band (PHJB) on Friday, Sept. 27 at 8pm at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. The show is being held in conjunction with ASU’s annual Family Weekend, which offers three days of an array of special events for students and their families. Tickets to Preservation Hall Jazz Band go on sale August 19th at 9am at the Schaefer Center Box Office or online at theschaefercenter.org. For more information, visit theschaefercenter.org or call 828-262-4046. / Read more…

August 14, 2019. Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk, N.C. will be beginning its production schedule of Cybele May’s suspense-drama “The Redeemer” on Friday, August 16th at 7:30 p.m. with a sold out opening night. Performances will be held in the Hahn Auditorium at the Banner Elk Cultural Arts Center, 185 Azalea Circle. Gary Smith, Artistic Director of Ensemble Stage, is proud to present this rendition of Cybele May’s “The Redeemer” to the local community and emphasized the unique sensibilities that make the production so interesting. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

August 14, 2019. A Benefit Concert for Yellow Mountain Enterprises featuring famous Singing Impressionist Conner Lorre will be held Saturday, August 17th at 7:00 pm in the Hayes Auditorium at Lees McRae College (191 Main Street West) in Banner Elk. Lorre is a world class singing impressionist who travels nationwide captivating audiences with his critically acclaimed Variety of Legends and Neil Diamond Tribute shows. He has performed at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where he received standing ovations. Lorre features stunningly accurate voice impressions of the most legendary singers of our time: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Frankie Valli, John Denver, Barry Manilow, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Michael Buble, and, his specialty, Neil Diamond. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

August 14, 2019. This Friday, August 16, at 5:00pm the Town of Boone is gearing up for a pair of soulful acts performing at the Jones House as a part of the Summer Concert Series. Returning favorites, the Shelby Rae Moore Band and Fwuit will take over the Jones House porch for the evening to perform a playlist of crowd-pleasing covers and originals. Opening the show of Friday will be the Shelby Rae Moore Band, performing a mix of country, rock, and rhythm and blues standards. Closing out the evening’s concert will be Asheville-based band Fwuit. / Read more…

August 14, 2019. For 27 years, the Avery County Agricultural and Horticultural Fair has been a mainstay among the North Carolina High Country’s most popular celebrations and festivities. It is a family-oriented event known for the preservation of the mountain heritage that has long been a way of life for people Avery County and throughout the entire High Country. Focused on the education and enjoyment of our children, the fair also reminds us all of how agriculture and horticulture have played a major part in our communities throughout generations. Thanks to the cooperation of Avery County and the community members who volunteer to operate it, this year’s fair runs from Wednesday, September 4 through Saturday, September 7. It will be the second consecutive year that it will be hosted out of the Heritage Park property since the completion of the county’s new agriculture building on the site. Heritage Park is located at 661 Vale Road in Newland, which is approximately one-half mile behind the Ingles Markets Grocery Store. By Tim Gardner / Read more…

August 14, 2019. Anvil Arts Sculpture Garden & Gallery is having an August Open House this Saturday the 17th and everyone’s invited. Join Sculptor Bill Brown for Coffee & Sweets during a casual studio talk starting at 10:30. Bill will share his explorations and inspirations for his work, and will even turn on the “Big Hammer” as he talks about some of the physical process of creating. Brown’s steel sculptures are created with a variety of techniques but his use of heavy forging skills to manipulate the materials are something that his work is known for. One of the tools he uses to shape the materials includes a five ton air hammer that he uses for forging heavy steel materials.  Brown develops a rich tactile surface in much of his work that challenges many expectations for metal sculpture.  The work on exhibit includes large scale and mid size outdoor pieces as well as smaller interior works. Brown’s sculpture will be on display throughout the open lawn and garden, as well as in the gallery and works in progress in the studio as well.  / Read more…

August 9, 2019. The first annual Sculpture Walk at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock was a resounding success this past weekend with over 2000 people attending the events held from August 9 to August 11. Chetola Resort’s lakeside setting provided the perfect outdoor venue for the Sculpture Walk; 60 sculptors from around the country, even from as far as Puerto Rico, gathered at Chetola Resort this past weekend to showcase their sculptures around Chetola Lake. The sculptures were on display throughout the weekend and Dr. Lawrence J. Wheeler, distinguished juror and retired CEO and Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, chose several winners out of the competitors displaying their artworks to receive cash prizes. Sculptors were present at the event to answer questions about their artwork and all proceeds from the event benefited the sculptors. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

August 13, 2019. Around 200 pre-sale tickets have been purchased for this Sunday’s inaugural P.B. Scott’s Roundup in the parking lot of Twigs in Blowing Rock, the location where the famous P.B. Scott’s building used to be. “Ray’s Weather has really hooked us up for this weekend,” laughed Jean Travers, who is one of many former P.B. Scott’s fans that decided to organize this event. “It’s going to be beautiful this weekend!” Two bands that played at the original P.B. Scott’s location will be back to play some of their favorite tunes. Sidewinder will get the afternoon started before Nantucket takes the stage as the headlining act. Parking for the event will be in part of the Twigs lot as well as the ABC Store, United Community Bank, Keith’s Exxon and the empty lot that used to be the Scotchman gas station on Valley Boulevard. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 13, 2019. Did you attend or graduate from Avery County High School? Would you like to reconnect with former classmates and friends? Would you like to visit with old friends in other classes? Then the First Annual Avery County High School Reunion is for you! The three schools that consolidated to form ACHS (Newland High, Crossnore High, and Cranberry High) have had annual reunions for many years. Avery County High School has been in existence now for 50 years and there has never been an annual reunion for all classes. Big plans are underway for this first reunion to take place on Saturday, October 26, which is the next day after Avery’s Homecoming Celebration. The reunion will take place in the ACHS Gym and the doors will open for fun and visiting at 1:30 p.m. Danica Goodman, Class of 2000, is spearheading the effort to establish an annual reunion for ACHS.  / Read more…

August 13, 2019. In a respite from these troubled times, the choir of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church presents “Keep Watch: Seeking Kindness in Today’s World” on Saturday, August 17th, at 5:30 pm in the nave of the church. Patterned on the familiar Lessons and Carols of the Advent season, this free concert will feature readings and music that focus on the themes of loss, social justice, love, and kindness. The music includes Carissimi’s Plorate filii Israel (Weep, children of Israel), Barber’s Sure on this Shining Night, Gjeilo’s Ubi caritas (Where Charity and Love are), and Carly Simon’s uplifting anthem Let the River Run / Read more…

August 13, 2019. When it comes to autumn music festivals, there is no more beautiful venue in the western North Carolina High Country than Blue Bear Mountain Campground. Located on 155 acres near both Boone and Todd, NC, with teepees, hiking trails, awesome views and a main stage built in a natural amphitheater on the grounds, the Blue Bear Mountain Music Festival is set again for September 5 – 7, 2019. Along with a great lineup of live music surrounded by green mountains and vistas, you will be able to get an even more magnificent view of the N.C. High Country with tethered hot air balloon rides being offered by the Blue Bear Mountain Music Festival this year. / 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.

What’s Happening This Week at Lost Province Brewing Company

Bethany Jewell Art Residency August 12-18 in Blowing Rock

Road Construction on Boone Heights Drive and State Farm Road Continues

Town of Boone Fire to Hold Structure Fire Training on August 17

Tanger Outlets Blowing Rock to Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with Major Sales and Block Party

Carolina Renaissance Festival Now Hiring

Apple Hill Farm is the First Stop on the 2019 Western North Carolina Agritourism Farm Tour

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

August 13, 2019. When Sonny Sweet was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, he wanted to establish a lasting legacy that would help kids. He partnered with Western Youth Network (WYN) to establish a scholarship fund to increase the number of needy High Country adolescents who could participate in WYN’s programs. WYN’s mission is “to build youth of character and confidence so that every young person in the High Country reaches their full potential” and WYN’s vision is “to create a community in which every child, regardless of their circumstance, thrives.” WYN has served struggling High Country youth for over 30 years through high quality enrichment programs after school and in the summer, including mentoring, tutoring, substance abuse prevention, and service learning. The next Sweet High Country Salute: An Evening with Elvis will be August 22, 2019, 6 to 9 pm, at Boone’s Harvest House. This exciting evening will include a catered Southern dinner (just like those that Elvis loved), complimentary beverages, a world-famous, award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist, and several surprises!  / Read more…

August 13, 2019. Executive Director Tina B. Krause, along with the Hospitality House Board of Directors will be hosting its annual Hope Luncheon on Friday, August 16 in the heart of the High Country at Blue Ridge Mountain Club, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Blue Ridge Parkway. This year something special is in store as Hospitality House commemorates its thirty-fifth anniversary and honors the legacy of its founding Faith Communities. Presented by Mast General Store, Blue Ridge Mountain Club and The Gropper’s in honor of First Presbyterian Church, this year’s luncheon, “A Legacy of Hope,” will commence at 11:00 a.m. with a wine social and silent auction. Lunch will be served at noon with the program beginning at 12:30 p.m. and slated to end by 1:15 p.m.  / Read more…

August 12, 2019. The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock is proud to announce its 7th Annual Charity Auction to be held on August 17, 2019 at the American Legion Hall on Wallingford Street in Blowing Rock. The previous auctions have raised almost $170,000, 100% of which goes to charities of the high country. This years signature piece is “Twilight Oak” a 30”x48” oil on canvas by Hickory artist, Stephen Brooks. Mr Brooks is an avid hiker and has walked the North Carolina Highlands from deep valleys to the highest peaks. Mr. Brooks is “ever looking upward through the tops of trees with their limbs outstretched to the heavens”. Mr. Brooks works have received numerous awards and have been featured in museums and galleries throughout the region. / Read more…

August 8, 2019. Gather round High Country folks and get ready for a “Calico Uprising”! Featuring flying fiddle bows and swirling, twirling costumes, Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music welcomes back the two-time World Champion Green Grass Cloggers of Asheville, NC and the Little Stony Nighthawks from Boone, to present an exciting and lively concert! The show will be staged at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium this Saturday night, August 17th as a part of the JSMHM 2019 Indoor Concert Series. The show begins at 7:30pm, with the doors opening at 7:00pm. / 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.

Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K Registration is Now Open

High Country Watermedia Society Monthly Meeting is Saturday

Ashe County Wordkeepers to Meet Saturday Afternoon

Diamond & Silk at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater Saturday

Torch Club to Meet August 12

Blue Ridge Chapter NPS August Meeting is August 14

Wilkes Heritage Museum to Host Ghost Tours August 17

Watauga County Public Library “Nazi P.O.W.s in the Old North State: 1942-1946,” with Dr. Robert Billinger is August 17

Mountain BizWorks Brings “Cooperative Curious” Workshop to Boone

Heritage Hall News from Mountain City, Offering Affordable, World-Class Entertainment

Birds, Bugs and Blooms Walk Happening August 25

David Ramseur Speaks at Watauga County Library August 29

Happy Valley Fiddlers Convention Happening Labor Day Weekend

Fall Dates Announced for Watauga Carry Out Cuisine Events

Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Sponsors Local Scholarships for Third Year in a Row 

Yonahlossee Resort and Club Announce New GM and Director of Tennis

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

August 8, 2019. Join us for our summer Fine Art & Master Crafts Festivals! The first will be held on July 19-21, 2019 and the second will be held on August 9-11, 2019. These juried festivals feature hand-crafted wares from more than 60 vendors. Photography, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, and pottery are just some of the crafts on offer. Presented by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School. Show Hours:  Friday: 1pm-5pm, Saturday: 10am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-4pm / Read more…

August 8, 2019. Plans for the September 2019 On the Same Page Literary Festival are taking shape and many outstanding opportunities for readers, writers, and book fans of all ages are scheduled for the Festival in its 12th year of celebrating reading in North Carolina’s Ashe County. Once again, opportunities for attendees to hear and interact with renowned authors through readings, workshops, informal meals, and keynote events are on the schedule. And it’s not too early to begin looking through the lineup of authors and events and begin reading—in fact, the kickoff discussion of Dopesick, this year’s Festival Read, is coming up on August 8. / Read more…

August 8, 2019. The last days of summer are upon us.    Come to Vintage Valle Music at Baird’s Creek Presbyterian Church for our goodbye to summer, the last performances in our 8th summer of community music!  Come join us in August, on the 3rd Sunday of each month, from 4 – 6 p.m.  Admission is free. Back for their 7th year, by popular demand, favorites Folk & Dagger join us for our final show of this summer, offering our community an opportunity to enjoy their hybrid fusion of folk and popular culture songs, hidden gems they’ve discovered, and beautiful, soulful originals penned by Doris Bazzini Crothers.   / Read more…

August 7, 2019. The sixth annual Back 2 School Festival will be held at Watauga High School on Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Back 2 School Festival provides school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, new shoes and socks, healthy food, activities, and helpful information in an atmosphere of fun, dignity, and respect for all attendees. The festival is designed to offer relief for local parents who are working hard to make ends meet and to help teachers by providing the tools their students need to succeed. The Back 2 School Festival welcomes any family that is struggling to afford the high costs of back-to-school shopping. If you wouldn’t normally ask for help but you or your child needs it, please do not hesitate to attend the B2SF. By Joe Johnson / Read more…

August 7, 2019. Are you looking for a safe, fun and affordable way to entertain your children while you enjoy an evening out? SNIPS* has the answer! On Saturday, August 10, at 5:00 pm, you may deliver your child/children to Watauga Humane Society, at 312 Paws Way, in Boone, for an evening of organized play and merriment. The cost is $25 for one child and $15 for each additional sibling. Pick up is no later than 9:45 p.m. Kids will participate in games and craft-making, learn about shelter animals (and even get to meet a few!) and enjoy a special appearance by Ms. Sparkle Spayde, SNIPS celebrity. A simple dinner along the lines of sandwich, pizza slice, chips, fruit, veggies, etc. will be served, followed by a special showing of the family-friendly movie Bolt, complete with popcorn and Kool-aid. / Read more…

August 7, 2019. The Town of Boone continues the Summer Concerts at the Jones House this Friday, August 9 at 5:00pm with three acts set to take the stage. This concert will feature an eclectic mix of three solo guitar performers, each bringing something different to the table: Hiroya Tsukamoto, Jimmie Griffith, and Melissa Reaves. “Don’t let these one-person acts fool you,” says Brad Farthing of the Jones House, “Each performance will pack a punch with creative, real-time looping and overdubbing techniques that construct a powerful sound.” / Read more…

August 7, 2019. Boone native, award winning violinist and fiddle champ – Maura Shawn Scanlin – returns to the High Country! Acclaimed violinist and Scottish Fiddle Champion, Maura Shawn Scanlin, returns to her hometown of Boone to make an appearance at Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music this Saturday, August 10th. She will be joined by her musical partner, Conor Hearn, on guitar. Their duet, Rakish, will present an evening of classical inspired violin and Celtic fiddle music at the Harvest House Performing Arts Venue in Boone at 7:30pm. / Read more…

August 7, 2019. The community is invited to pay tribute to Rachel Deal at a luncheon to be held in her honor on Thursday, August 22 at Stonewalls Restaurant in Banner Elk. Proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction will benefit the Avery County Humane Society (ACHS). Sometimes referred to as “The Mother of Avery County,” Deal has given a lifetime of volunteer service, advocating for animals, children, women, education, medical care and seniors. She will celebrate her 90th birthday in November. Deal is a past recipient The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina to individuals who have demonstrated years of extraordinary service to the state. She was one of the charter members of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature, an organization promoting aging issues before the North Carolina General Assembly. By Jan Todd / Read more…

August 7, 2019. Bethany Lutheran Church in the Green Valley Community just north of Boone is hosting its second annual fish fry on Saturday, August 10. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the community’s summer feeding program, as well as other church-related mission projects in and around the area. Last year’s inaugural fish fry was a tremendous success, said Pastor Laura Weant, and helped raise money to replace the church’s badly needed steeple. Patrons will be able to see the new steeple atop the church when they return on Saturday. The event will be held in the church fellowship hall between 4 – 7 p.m., during which guests are invited to drop in at any time and either eat on premise or take out. The menu will include fried flounder, coleslaw, baked potatoes, hush puppies and cookies. Hamburgers and hotdogs will also be available. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

August 6, 2019. Over 50 large, mid-scale and small sculptures will be exhibited August 9-11th on Chetola Lake. The Public is invited to stroll around the lakeside at Chetola Resort to meet renowned sculptors and view their award-winning works of art.  Activities all weekend long create a family-friendly destination.  Special evening events feature art icons, Bob Timberlake and Joe Miller on Friday night 6:30-9:30 pm. Sculptors will compete for cash awards totaling $6,000.  Dr. Lawrence Wheeler, CEO and Director of the NC Museum of Art,(ret.) is hosting Saturday’s evening event,  “Starry Night” dinner, dancing under the stars with The Starlighters Orchestra and a sculptors awards program.   Reservations and tickets are required for evening events. Free Family Friendly, ArtSplash will be happening Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature Virtual Reality Games with artist Alan Gordon. Volunteers will offer sculpting with Kids Clay Corner and lawn games including creating a squirt-gun painted large masterpiece. / Read more…

August 2, 2019. For the last 60 years, Spruce Pine has welcomes rockhounds, gem and mineral enthusiasts to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. From August 1 to August 3, the Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center will host the 60th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, August 4, from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Since the early 1950s, Spruce Pine, North Carolina has been the host of the festival and welcomed visitors from around the world to shop for beautiful jewelry, gemstones, minerals, beads, crystals, fossils and more. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

August 1, 2019. Take a trip back in time this summer to when the music was everything to join a big crowd of people remembering the good times at P.B. Scott’s in Blowing Rock. The P.B. Scott’s RoundUp, the first event of its kind, will be taking place outdoors in the parking lot at Twigs on Sunday, August 18 near where the original P.B. Scott’s building used to stand. “So many people from that era still have the memories and the desire to go through it again. I’m trying to keep the memory alive because there are enough people that I know feel the same. I know they want it and I know they’ll come,” said event organizer Jean Travers. “I think that it’s all right there ready for somebody to jump in and do what I’m doing. If you build it they will come.” Two bands that played at the original P.B. Scott’s location will be back to play some of their favorite tunes. Sidewinder will get the afternoon started before Nantucket takes the stage as the headlining act. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

August 1, 2019. Sigmon Theatrical will be hosting Caleb Sigmon’s “True Wonder Tour” at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson on Saturday, Aug. 3. Sigmon is a graduate of The University of North Carolina School of the Arts, one of the top 10 national art schools; today he is also a commended magician who makes objects fly, brings shadows to life, and even predicts the future in his performances. “We’re looking to reach audiences of all ages. We’ve got children who are four and five years old who love his performances as much as the adults in the audience,” said Sigmon’s tour manager, Matthew Lucas. By Gianna Holiday / Read more…

August 1, 2019. Among a variety of new exhibits being displayed at the Turchin Center this month, is that of Michelle Van Parys’, Beyond the Plantations: Images of the New South; a work where Van Parys seeks out to give a sense of definition to the evolutionary anatomy of the South. Hailing from Arlington, Virginia, Van Parys is currently a professor at the College of Charleston, and many of the images from the exhibit are referred to with Charleston-based details within the surrounding environment. Van Parys was fundamental in the construction of College of Charleston’s photography program nearly twenty years ago and has previously produced photographs exploring the cultural reflections confined within the surrounding landscape of a place in her work The Way Out West. By Colby Gable / Read more…