January 21, 2019 The fourth annual High Country K9 Keg Pull has joined WinterFest for the 2019 season. The K9 Keg Pull includes an extended course for the dogs raising money for dogs. The race starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 26, and lasts until approximately 4 p.m., depending on how many competitors attend. K9s will be paired with appropriate sized empty kegs, and owners will walk/run beside them on the course at Blowing Rock’s American Legion Parking Lot. The course is approximately 100 feet downhill. This event also features food trucks, a beer garden and a photo booth. Prizes will be awarded within each size category. The event is open for dogs spectating with their owners as well. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

January 21, 2019 Legendary pianist and composer Herbie Hancock is set to perform at The Schaefer Center on February 13. He is considered a true icon of modern music by many. Hancock was born in Chicago in 1940 and quickly became a child piano prodigy, performing a Mozart piano concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 11. His love for music only grew from there, as he began playing jazz in high school, influenced by Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. Hancock then double-majored in music and electrical engineering at Grinnell College before being discovered by Donald Byrd in 1960. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

January 18, 2019 Tickets are still available for Saturday night’s show featuring Ralph Stanley II and The Clinch Mountain Boys at the Ashe Civic Center. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys are celebrating their Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart that was released on Stanley Family Records last year. Even into 2018, the band is still regularly appearing on that coveted Top 15 chart. This self-titled album was the first release for the group since Ralph II took over the Clinch Mountain Boys band name in 2016 per the wishes of his late father Dr. Ralph Stanley. The band includes Clinch Mountain Boy John Rigsby on fiddle, mandolin and vocals; Alex Leach on banjo and vocals; Randall Hibbitts on the upright bass and vocals; and Ralph Stanley II on the guitar and lead vocals. This band configuration brings a lot of talent, energy and humor to the stage as they perform old-time favorites, bluegrass hits and new original material. / 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.

Blowing Rock Town Council Retreat is January 20-22

High Country Economic Kickoff Breakfast is January 24

Boone Town Council Special Meeting Dates

Boone Planning Commission Meeting Will Be January 28

Watauga County Republican Women’s Club to Meet January 30

Caldwell and Contiguous Counties High School Students Invited to Compete in Shakespeare Monologue Competition

Grandfather Mountain Offers Free Admission to Federal Employees Affected by Shutdown

Tillis Co-Sponsors Constitutional Amendment Imposing Term Limits on Members of Congress

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

January 16, 2019 For the past two years, couples have danced until they couldn’t dance anymore at the Sweetheart Soiree Valentine’s Dance. The first annual Sweetheart Soiree took place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the American Legion. The event was a huge success with dancers and help from the Blowing Rock School, Girl Scout Troop, Watauga High School Student Council, Watauga Community Band, and donations of food and flowers from many local businesses.Blowing Rock’s Sweetheart Soiree is back for its third year. The free dance will feature an afternoon full of music, food, and fun! All members of the community are welcome to attend. The Sweetheart Soiree will be on Saturday, February 16, from 3-6 p.m. at the American Legion in Blowing Rock. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

January 16, 2019 From January 24-27, Blowing Rock will be bursting with activity as everyone braves the cold to celebrate the 21st annual WinterFest. The festival brings out the fun side of winter and gets families and friends together for some great memories. Regardless if whether it’s a nice 50 degrees or 30 degrees and snowing, attendees make this annual winter festival a must because of its variety of events and entertainment. “It draws people to the area in a slower time of the year,” noted Harrison Herbst. Each time the annual WinterFest Polar Plunge rolls around, the wacky costumes are always a big highlight. The most elaborate or ridiculous just might get awarded the Golden Plunger. At the 2019 edition of Blowing Rock WinterFest, everyone is invited to enjoy more friendly competition at the Rotary Charity Chili Cook-off, the Silent Auction & Raffle, the WinterPaws Dog Show, and the newest event: the K-9 Keg Pull. / Read more…

January 16, 2019 Horn in the West is the longest running Revolutionary War outdoor drama in America, and this is its 69th season. As preparations begin for this year’s season, auditions are coming up for all interested actors, singers, dancers and technicians. The 2019 auditions will be held on February 9. Auditions will take place at Chapell Wilson Hall, where the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance is located. The front of the building can be accessed by parking in the large River Street parking lot and going up the hill at the back of the lot to the rock building. Check-in and registration begins at 9 a.m. in the lobby of Chapell Wilson Hall. Acting and singing auditions begin at 10 a.m., and dance auditions begin at 2 p.m. in the dance studios located in Varsity Gymnasium. All call backs will be at 3 p.m. By Hailey Blevins / 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.

Red Cross Issues Emergency Call for Blood Donors

What’s Happening This Week at Lost Province Brewing

Appalachian State Board of Trustees to Meet January 17

Town of Boone Announces ‘Thank Your Mentor Day and Mentoring Month’ Proclamation

Boone Residents May Receive Letter From American Water Resources of North Carolina

Town of Boone Meeting Agendas Updated for January Meetings

Third Annual Sweetheart Soiree Valentine’s Dance Happening February 16

CCC&TI Presents Spring 2019 Performing Artist Series

F3 Fitness Program Launching in Boone on March 23

Senator Deana Ballard Appointed as Co-Chair of Education Committees

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

January 14, 2019. Love traditional mountain music? Love helping your fellowman? Now is the time to mark your calendars for a dual opportunity as the High Country community comes together to lend a hand for one of its own. A fundraiser to help with the medical needs of Watauga native Luke Short will be held on Saturday, January 26, at Boone United Methodist Church. The event, which begins at 7 p.m., is hosted by Short’s home church of Bethany Lutheran Church of Boone and will include a square dance with traditional mountain music and cake walks. Short, who moved to Colorado in 2016 with his wife, local journalist/reporter Kellen Moore Short, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in July 2018. He underwent five rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor on Nov. 21, 2018, which includes a lengthy recovery period. Short, 31, is a Deep Gap native, App State graduate and a former 911 tele-communicator for Watauga County Sheriff’s Office.. By Sherrie Norris / Read more…

January 11, 2019. The Southeastern Series is heading into it’s third year with a full calendar of freeski and snowboard competitions. “It’s been a bit of a nerve racking start to this year, we had to cancel this weekend’s event at Ober Gatlinburg, but it looks like winter is back in full force so it’s gonna be another great season!” says Series director, Andy McDaniel. “Last year was awesome despite the weather, we still had a lot of folks come out on contest days. We had a total of 78 athletes join USASA. That was up from our first year when we had 56 members, so we are steadily growing as a series.” / Read more…

January 9, 2019. The Caldwell Arts Council invites you to view the first exhibit of the new year featuring Caldwell County photographers and digital artists! Exposures: A Photography Competition and Exhibition includes 35 competitors and 68 photos in competition for cash awards. You can vote for People’s Choice, which will also be awarded that evening. An opening reception and awards announcement for this exhibition will be held Friday, January 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibition will continue through January 26. / Read more…

January 8, 2019. Join like-minded women for a fun ‘tuning up your technique’ session with simple tips that are individually customized for skiers at Appalachian Ski Mountain on January 12. The program is led by Heidi Ettlinger who brings over 20 years experience in helping women achieve their skiing goals. The morning and afternoon clinic sessions include three hours of coaching, optional video, a women’s specific resource guide and a presentation at lunch on choosing the right skis, improving boot fit for comfort and performance and what’s new for women who like to slide! The two sessions will be from 9 a.m. until noon and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. The cost for each session is $60. Each session is also limited to 12 skiers. Lunch will be provided for each session.  / Read more…

January 4, 2019. On December 15, Beech Mountain Live Music began. With a new year underway, their Live Music events continue! Upcoming performances for this weekend and next include: Melissa Reaves, The Broadcast and Shelby Rae Moore, Virginia Ground and SteelDrivers. This evening, Melissa Reaves’ brings a unique experience with her avant-garde, fire drivin’ rock-n-roll approach. This event is free and lasts from 7-10 p.m. Tomorrow, January 5, The Broadcast and Shelby Rae Moore perform as part of the 2019 Winterfest Beer Festival. They will perform on the main stage from 4-8 p.m. Tickets can be found here for $35 or purchased at the door for $45. Live Music is on most Friday and Saturdays from 7-10 p.m. On Friday Nights, the venue is Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Brewhouse. On Saturday nights, the venue is The Taproom and Grille. Both venues are located in the Village at Beech Mountain. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

January 4, 2019. From January 24-27, Blowing Rock will be bursting with activity as everyone braves the cold to celebrate the 21st annual WinterFest. The festival brings out the fun side of winter and gets families and friends together for some great memories. Regardless if whether it’s a nice 50 degrees or 30 degrees and snowing, attendees make this annual winter festival a must because of its variety of events and entertainment. “It draws people to the area in a slower time of the year,” noted Harrison Herbst. More events have been added since WinterFest began in 1998, however. Ice Carving demonstrations, live music and WinterPaws, a dog show, are just a few of the newer events. There is something for everyone at WinterFest! “There’s lots of events. Polar Plunge is a big one, there’s a fashion show, beer garden, wine auction and tasting, and events and seminars throughout town,” says Herbst. By Hailey Blevins / 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.

Heidi Ragan Named Watauga District Manager

Boone Town Council Special Meeting Notice

2019 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Seek Nominations

Watauga High School Hosting Annual Parent Night Open House

First Day Hikes Break State Park Records

Blue Ridge Conservancy Renews National Recognition Accreditation Awarded by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission

Caldwell Arts Council Seeks Artists for 2020 Exhibitions

January Pickle Ball Schedule at Old Cove Creek Gym

Mountaineer Talk Shifts to Basketball

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

Jan. 4, 2019 There’s a good chance that if you have ever had children playing sports, a family portrait done or hosted a special event in the High Country, you know who Bob Caldwell is.
Bob spent 40 years of his life taking photos, developing film and putting smiles on people’s faces in Boone. Bob passed away unexpectedly on December 5 at Frye Regional Hospital in Hickory at the age of 68.
The memories that his friends and family have will continue on, and the thousands of photos he had taken over the years will always be there to remind everyone how much he appreciated the art of photography and how much he cared about so many of the people that he met during his life. By Nathan Ham. / Read more…

January 4, 2019. Blowing Rock native and U.S. Snowboard Team member Luke Winkelmann will be making an appearance at Appalachian Ski Mountain on Saturday, January 5. Winkelmann will be there from 3-5 p.m. and will be on the slopes from 3-4:30 p.m. before a special poster signing event inside the Alpine Ski Shop from 4:30-5 p.m. The event is free to participate in and those in attendance will also be able to have their photos taken with Winkelmann during the snowboard session. The teenager started snowboarding at the age of six at Appalachian Ski Mountain and has been an active competitor in snowboarding events since the age of nine. Winkelmann had a big year in 2018, bringing home the silver medal in the big air event at the 2018 FIS Junior Freestyle Ski & Snowboard World Championships at Cardrona Alpine Resorts in New Zealand on August 26.  By Nathan Ham / Read more…

January 2, 2019. The Winterfest Beer Festival at Beech Mountain is coming up this weekend and you’re invited to come and enjoy over 40 varieties of regional brews and ciders during an evening full of winter fun this Saturday, January 5, at Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill. The indoor fun will last from 4-8 p.m. and includes live music on the main stage by The Broadcast, a soulful blues roots rock band with two full-length studio album releases and over 1000 shows behind them, and Shelby Rae Moore, a famous local artist who covers a wide range of vocals and music genres. Enjoy a selection of Americana food prepared by Beech Mountain Brewing Company Taproom and Grill that will compliment the brews perfectly. / Read more…

December 28, 2018. New Year’s Eve is just three short days away and everyone is gearing up celebrate the arrival of 2019 here in the High Country. Several local bars, taverns and restaurants have some great food and drink specials as well as musical performances to eat, drink and dance your way through the final day of 2018 into the first day of the New Year. Other restaurants that may not be staying open all the way up until midnight are still doing dinner specials to celebrate the occasion. The High Country Press has put together a list of just a few of the events happening at local spots across Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk. By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 28, 2018. As 2018 winds down and Christmas gets closer, plans for celebrating the New Year are underway. The ski resorts throughout the High Country each have their own special events planned for ringing in 2019. These celebrations will feature live music, fireworks and lots of fun. Celebrations include a New Year’s Eve Celebration at Beech Mountain, a New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Appalachian Ski Mtn. and a New Year’s Celebration at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. By Hailey Blevins / 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.

Grandfather Mountain and Elk Knob State Parks to Ring in New Year with First Day Hikes

2019 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Seek Nominations

Watauga High School Hosting Annual Parent Night Open House

Next Watauga County Board of Commissioners Meeting Will Be January 15

Rep. Foxx Releases Statement on Partial Government Shutdown

Price to Fill Ashe District Seat on Blue Ridge Board of Directors

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

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

TAC Talk: Praise Songs for the Mountains: Mongolian Fiddling Traditions in Environmental Context

Wells Fargo Foundation Presents $47,000 Grant to High Country United Way

Hobby Lobby Grand Opening is December 31

2019 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Seek Nominations

Watauga High School Hosting Annual Parent Night Open House

High Gravity Adventures Offering Special Discounted Holiday Pricing for 2019 Tickets

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

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.

TONIGHT: TAC Talk: Country Music Pioneers of Southern Appalachia

Next Wordkeepers Meeting Happening Saturday, December 15

Wilkes Playmakers Announce Auditions for BACK TO THE 80s

Three Days of Giving Blood Drive Begins December 17

Men’s Caroling Scheduled for Thursday, December 20

Beech Mountain Seeking Input on Survey Through January 15

MerleFest Adds Brandi Carlile, Dailey & Vincent, and The Brother Brothers to 2019 Lineup

Congress Completes Work on Landmark Juvenile Justice Reform Legislation

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

December 12, 2018. The Annual Invitational Mug Show sponsored by Doe Ridge Pottery and Potters of the Blue Ridge is here is back for its second year. The 2018 Mug Show started in November and is continuing through December. Doe Ridge Pottery invites everyone out to see pieces by local artists. Doe Ridge Pottery and Potters of the Blue Ridge have brought back the Mug Show for 2018 after the success of the success of last year’s Mug Show. All work shown in the show will be available for sale. Proceeds from the Mug Show will be going towards the artists themselves, and a portion will go to PRP, a non-profit organization, to continue to support its mission. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

December 12, 2018. Ensemble Stage’s 2018 Holiday Musical Variety Show, A Banner Elk Christmas, will began Dec. 7 and will continue showcasing Dec. 9, 14, 15 and 16 at the Hahn auditorium (185 Azalea Circle SE). Ensemble Stage has dedicated performances to the holiday season for ten consecutive years. Each year, performances are influenced by the nostalgia of different eras, specifically the 60’s and 70’s. This year, A Banner Elk Christmas will continue this tradition, thematically following the animated aesthetic of the holiday shows of the 60’s and 70’s along with lots of singing, dancing and costumes. A Banner Elk Christmas will feature a variety of different holiday-inspired music with over 40 different songs, including non-secular and traditional Christmas music, making the show an hour and five minutes long. The music is also paired with accompanying choreography, helping to bring forth a feeling of excitement among the audience. By Kelyn Wilhoit / Read more…

December 12, 2018. In celebration of Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music’s 25th Silver Anniversary Concert Season, MHM is happy to present its “An Appalachian Christmas” Concert. This free concert marks the 22nd year of a Mountain Home Music holiday tradition that celebrates the real “reason for the season.” As the late MHM’s be-loved founder, Joe Shannon once said, “As MHM closes the door on its current season, in the process, it opens the door for others.” No admission is charged for this benefit concert, but a love offering will be collected, and 100 percent of the proceeds are given to two worthwhile community non-profit organizations known for helping those less fortunate. The benefactors once again are the Hospitality House, which is Watauga County’s homeless shelter, and Santa’s Toy Box, which helps to assure that children in Watauga County get a visit from Santa.  / Read more…

November 30, 2018. A three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht will take part in a special meet and greet at Ski Country Sports on Sunday, December 9. The meet and greet will happen from 4-6 p.m. Weibrecht, 32, competed in the 2010, 2014 and 2018 Winter Olympics before announcing his retirement earlier this year. The Lake Placid native won the bronze in Super-G at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and followed that up with a silver in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi in the same event. “He’s going to be at Sugar for a race clinic for the weekend so we invited him over with us to do a meet and greet,” said Bill Leonard, owner of Ski Country Sports in Banner Elk. “We will have posters of him available and he’s going to autograph the posters for whoever wants one, take pictures with people and talk about skiing and ski racing and let these kids associate with the athletes that are in their sport.” By Nathan Ham / Read more…

December 4, 2018. The annual SugarFest celebration at Sugar Mountain Resort is sure to be a great time for skiers and snowboarders with a special added treat this year of getting the chance to see two Olympians in action. “We’ve got a lot going on with two Olympians coming. Paul Wylie is performing Friday night at 7 p.m. and Andrew Weibrecht, a two-time Olympic medalist will be here Thursday through Monday,” said Kim Jochl, the Vice President and Director of Marketing at Sugar Mountain. Wylie will perform a show at the ice skating rink and will follow that with an ice skating clinic as well as a meet and greet session that will include getting a chance to hold his 1992 silver medal from the Olympics in France. Weibrecht was a two-time medalist, taking home the bronze in the Super-G at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and ended up winning silver at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, once again in the Super-G. He recently announced his retirement from competitive skiing after competing in the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang. He will be hosting a ski clinic on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. By Nathan Ham / 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.

Featuring Crafts and Food From Around the Region, New Opportunity School for Women to Host Inaugural Holiday Market Saturday, Dec. 8

Campus Emergency Siren Test Postponed Until December 19

Rural Transportation Advisory Committee to Meet December 19

Santa’s Toy Box Seeking Donations and Volunteers

Read more…
Compiled by Nathan Ham

December 6, 2018. Santa’s Toy Box is celebrating its 32nd year of operation by providing gifts to families who would otherwise struggle to provide Christmas presents for their children. Santa’s Toy Box has shelves and tables full of new toys and books for parents to choose from for their children. The project began in 1986 by the Deerfield United Methodist men and has grown to include many volunteers throughout the community. Families are identified by word of mouth, through churches, doctors’ offices, Social Services, the Health Department, as well as other organizations. 719 children were served in 2017. This year, like every year, the location was offered for free by a local business. Starting this weekend, families will come to Santa’s Toy Box at their designated times, spread across the next couple of weeks, to choose gifts for each of their children from birth to age 15. / Read more…

December 6, 2018. The town of Blowing Rock invites you to join them tomorrow, December 7, as they celebrate winter and kick of the Christmas season. The celebration is town-wide, with many activities happening throughout Blowing Rock beginning at 5 p.m. On the town’s website, www.blowingrock.com, the event is described as an evening where “local businesses and organizations present an evening of fun surrounded by the twinkling lights of the season.” Throughout the evening, Santa will be strolling around Blowing Rock to spread Christmas cheer and keep an eye out for children behaving. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…

December 6, 2018. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association’s heartwarming holiday experience based on the Charles Dickens play, A Christmas Carol originally scheduled for Saturday, December 8 at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum has been cancelled. The event will not be rescheduled.  / Read more…

December 7, 2018. Bodegas, Beech Mountain Brewery & Sierra Nevada invite you to join them tonight from 5-9 p.m. as they present Beer Camp Beech Season IPA Launch Party & Fundraiser! There will have a silent auction and raffle giveaways with all proceeds going to the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club and the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. We will also have live music featuring the awesome Appalachian folk band, Handlebar Betty. The event also features food specials, drink specials and no cover! The address for the event is 488 Main St. W. Banner Elk. For more information, call 828-898-7773. / Read more…

December 5, 2018. Seeing a live production of “A Christmas Carol” is one thing. Living the show is another. On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, producers of the popular “Horn in the West” outdoor drama and Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, will host “An Appalachian Christmas Carol,” a unique and interactive spin on the Charles Dickens classic. Rather than watch the play from a theater seat, guests will witness the story unfold as they tour the outdoor museum’s historic cabins. By Frank Ruggiero / Read more…

Dec. 4, 2018  A Holiday Show with Melissa Reaves is a unique experience for everyone involved. From wearing the costumes to creating a new performance that tops all her prior performances, Reaves continues to wow her audience year after year, with a 16 year reputation of always bringing something bigger and newer. “It’s really incredible. All of a sudden, it’s the 17th year. It’s crazy,” said Melissa Reaves. This year will be no different as Reaves prepares for her performance with Jeff Sipe, Masa Takahashi, and E’lon JD for her 17th annual Holiday Show this Saturday, December 8, at The Local. By Hailey Blevins / Read more…