Events Archives

The Schaefer Center Presents Series Brings Broadway’s Sarah Jones to Boone for a One-Woman Tour de Force on Oct. 7

September 23, 2021. The Schaefer Center Presents (SCP) performing arts series, presented by Appalachian State University’s Office of Arts and Cultural Programs, welcomes Tony-winning performer, writer, comedian and activist Sarah Jones, in An Evening with Sarah Jones, on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 7pm at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. Called “a master of the genre” by The New York Times, Jones is known for her powerful and wickedly funny multi-character, one-person shows, including Broadway hit Bridge & Tunnel, originally produced by Meryl Streep, and the critically-acclaimed show Sell/Buy/Date. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 faculty/staff, $5 students, and free for all App State students (ticket issued in person with proof of student I.D.). A livestream option is also available at $15 per household.

Descendant of Daniel Boone to Discuss His Life as a Long Hunter on September 18 at Hickory Ridge Living History Museum

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September 16, 2021. On September 18 at Hickory Ridge Living History Museum in Boone, Robert Alvin Crum will do two presentations about his direct ancestor Daniel Boone. The topic of discussion is “Daniel Boone – A Long Hunter. Robert is a writer, public speaker and visual artist who tells the stories of his Boone and Bryan ancestors living in North Carolina in the eighteenth century. Daniel Boone was born in Pennsylvania in 1734 and arrived in North Carolina with his parents in 1751. He learned to hunt as a young boy and was such a great shot that he became a commercial hunter in North Carolina. By 1767, he moved farther up the Yadkin River to live with family and friends in what is now Wilkes County and began his long hunts into areas we now know as Kentucky and Tennessee. Boone was hunting in North Carolina for the last time in 1779 and took his hides to market in Charleston, South Carolina where he could get a higher price. The proceeds from this hunt helped him to lead his last large migration out of North Carolina in 1779.

September 16, 2021. Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance is announcing its 2021-2022 slate of eight productions showcasing the talents of Appalachian students, staff, and faculty, returning to the stage with in-person performances for the first time in 18 months. students who were encouraged to submit scripts to the committee. More than 80 titles were submitted for consideration.

September 15, 2021. Get ready to tee off on Monday, September 27, 2021, 1:30 p.m. at Hound Ears Club for the annual Frank and Kay Golf Classic to benefit Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina. This signature event honors the legacy of philanthropy and leadership that former Appalachian State University Chancellor Frank Borkowski and his multi-talented wife Kay have bestowed upon the High Country since their arrival in 1993. “Frank and Kay have been an integral part of the mission and vision of Hospitality House,” said Hospitality House Chief Development Director Todd Carter. “The organization was only nine years old when they arrived in Boone, and they’ve continued to be active supporters now into the thirty-seventh year of the agency.” Men’s, women’s and mixed foursomes are invited to the four-person scramble format event that features a hole-in-one contest, prizes, gift bags, catered Tee House Grill Cookout lunch, on-course beer, soda and snacks and putting green awards ceremony.

September 15, 2021. In the cinematic tradition of the historic movie house, the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) premieres a new collection of programming following the heightened success of their inaugural BOONE DOCS documentary film series. “Cinema Classics Series” offers live and in-person beloved, family-friendly flicks throughout the fall of 2021. Their debut screening on September 19? Well, dead men tell no tales, but you may want to brush up on your seadog lingo as the first screening is held in conjunction with “International Talk Like a Pirate Day!” By Laura Voytko

Boone Area Cyclists, Harmony Lanes, and Booneshine Present Bike-in Movie on Sept. 16

September 13, 2021. Boone Area Cyclists, Harmony Lanes, and Booneshine are partnering to present a bike-in movie at Booneshine on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 8:00PM. Booneshine is easily accessible from The Boone Greenway. Park at Clawson-Burnley Park (355 Hunting Hills Ln, Boone, NC) and ride all the way to the brewery! You can certainly drive in to the event, but we encourage you to ride your bike! Please remember to wear a helmet and ride with front and rear lights for safety! (Keep in mind that the movie will end after nightfall!) Bring a blanket and come enjoy a movie under the stars. We will be showing Peewee’s Big Adventure (Rated PG). The movie will start around 8 p.m.

September 13, 2021. MerleFest, presented by Window World—Wilkesboro, North Carolina’s annual homecoming of musicians and music fans—starts this week. As the festival nears, organizers want to remind festivalgoers of a few important details. Festival gates will open at 1:30 pm local time on Thursday and 9:30 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.All attendees and participants will be required to show one of the following 2 options along with festival admission passes to enter the festival: 1. Proof of full vaccination. 2. Negative COVID-19 test result

September 13, 2021. Trade, Tennessee, a scenic community just a short drive from the High Country, has long been a destination for those seeking to know more about local history and experience the trip back in time that Trade has offered through the years. Large crowds from near and far were once drawn to the village for its annual Trade Days Festival. When that event came to a close in 2013, locals and visitors alike were saddened. Eventually, a dedicated group of community members came back together to revive what they knew to be an important event celebrating their heritage; in 2019 the group held its first revised celebration — Trade Mill & Native Heritage Days. It was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, but will be held once again on Saturday, Sept. 18 and Sunday, Sept. 19. By Sherrie Norris

Ensemble Stage Presents Wizard of Oz Musical This Weekend in Banner Elk

September 8, 2021. A re-creation of the 1940’s Lux Radio Theatre musical adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” will be presented by the group at Ensemble Stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As a tribute to the time of musicals and performances being broadcast live over the radio, the actors and actresses will perform a script similar to the original Lux Radio Hour script from over 80 years ago. The show will feature live music and on-stage sound effects just like how it would have been produced in the 1940s. The show will be approximately one hour and 15 minutes in length. Tickets are still available for each show this weekend. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children ages 16 and under. Showtimes for Wizard of Oz are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 10, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, September 12. By Nathan Ham

September 8, 2021. enthusiast of agriculture, arts and crafts, animal husbandry or traditional ways of living, this event offers the county’s best in all categories, along with a few special events throughout its four days (nights). There also will be various food and drink vendors set up throughout the fairgrounds to satisfy the appetites and thirsts of those attending. Gates at the 2021 Avery A&H Fair will open by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday (September 8); Thursday (September 9); and Friday (September 10). They will open at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (September 11). By Tim Gardner

September 8, 2021. The Town of Boone will host a North Carolina Songwriters Showcase at the Jones House on Saturday, September 11, 2021. The free concert event will run from 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will feature six singer-songwriters from the western half of the Old North State. “After wrapping up our Jones House Summer Concert series, we’re eager to carry this momentum into another weekend,” says Town of Boone Cultural Resources Coordinator Brandon Holder. “And this is a great opportunity to showcase some of the talented singer-songwriters from our region of the state.”

September 7, 2021. If ever there’s been a time when a little extra kindness and community service is needed, it is now. On Saturday, Sept. 11, Three Forks Baptist Association in Boone is hosting a one-day mission blitz to impact the High Country for Jesus, said Wesley Smith, Association Director. “We are super excited about High Country Impact this year, especially since we were not able to have it last year.” Currently 10 churches within the Three Forks Baptist Association are planning to participate in the event, either on September 11 or at a later date. By Sherrie Norris

September 3, 2021. p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 2021. Through the grassroots campaign of electoral hopeful Rosa Iris, director Michèle Stephenson’s new documentary reveals the depths of racial hatred and institutionalized oppression that divide Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The documentary film shines a light on the crisis in the Dominican Republic where those of Haitian descent have been stripped of citizenship and the grassroots campaign of electoral
hopeful Rosa Iris. The App Theatre is hosting an exclusive online screening followed by a
conversation with Director/Producer Michèle Stephenson, who will discuss the film and the
filmmaking process.

September 3, 2021. Live Nation stage setup crews are putting the final pieces together for what should be a great atmosphere for the Luke Combs concert at Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday evening. Tickets are still on sale for the show and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. As part of Appalachian State’s incentive to increase vaccination rates on campus, any fully vaccinated student can purchase discounted tickets for the show. Students can purchase up to two tickets each, and each ticket will cost $33.33. Upon purchasing, students must present a valid Appalachian State ID and their vaccine card. Appalachian State will operate paid parking lots in and around the stadium area. Lots closer to the immediate downtown area will open at 10 a.m. for attendees at a cost of $40 per vehicle. Numerous off-campus lots will be available for paid parking for concert attendees. By Nathan Ham

September 2, 2021. The Town of Boone is anticipating over 32,000 country music fans will pack into Kidd Brewer Stadium this weekend to see Luke Combs put on a show that many have waited for since they first bought tickets almost two years ago. Tickets for the show originally went on sale in September of 2019 with the concert first scheduled for May 2, 2020. The concert was then moved to May 1, 2021 due to COVID-19. The concert was postponed again because of North Carolina safety restrictions, but will finally happen on Saturday. Gates open for the show at 4:30 p.m. Live Nation is producing this show and there will be a significant number of trucks, tractor-trailers, and delivery vehicles that will be in and around the stadium area, thus providing additional traffic to Rivers Street These operations will be continuous through Sunday following the concert. Appalachian State will operate paid parking lots in and around the stadium area. Lots closer to the immediate downtown area will open at 10 am for attendees at a cost of $40 per vehicle. Numerous off-campus lots will be available for paid parking for concert attendees. By Nathan Ham

August 30, 2021. The celebratory shouts that went up when it was announced that the 2021 Valle Country Fair would be back live and in-person could have rivaled the enthusiasm that burst forth when Noah threw open the doors and let all his passengers off of the ark! Now in its 43rd year, the fun and fellowship enjoyed by the volunteers who put on the Valle Country Fair is almost as meaningful as knowing that their efforts manifest the tagline “Community Supporting Community.” “A community is about people,” said John Heiss, Co-chair of the 2021 Valle Country Fair. “This Fair provides a perfect venue for the people of our community to come together, talk, smile, laugh and enjoy the camaraderie of neighbors, friends and visitors with a common goal – supporting those in need within our community.”

August 27, 2021. In its 28th year, the Avery County Agricultural and Horticultural Fair has been a mainstay among the most popular celebrations and festivities in the North Carolina Mountains. It is a family-oriented event known for the preservation of the mountain heritage that has long been a way of life for the people of Avery County. Focused on the education and enjoyment of our children, the Avery A & H Fair also reminds county natives, residents, workers and guests how agriculture and horticulture have played a major part in the county’s communities throughout generations and since the county was founded in 1911. Gates at the 2021 Avery A&H Fair will open by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday (September 8); Thursday (September 9); and Friday (September 10). They will open at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (September 11). Amusement Rides open at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday, rides will start at 12:00 noon, continuing until closing at 11:00 p.m. By Tim Gardner

August 25, 2021. The Jones House will resume in-person fall music lessons as part of the Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program, a 14-week semester beginning on September 7 and 9. This program offers music lessons for children and adults in traditional styles of music rooted in the Appalachian region. Lessons are available for fiddle, banjo, guitar, ukulele, and mandolin. Boone JAM is an affiliate of the broader Junior Appalachian Musicians program, with members extending across the Southern Appalachian region in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The overarching goal of the JAM program is to expose individuals to the traditional music styles of the region through active, hands-on engagement.

August 24, 2021. The New River Conservancy’s annual Splash for Cash float down the New River is back in 2021 and will be happening this Saturday. The event will feature a complimentary lunch, drinks and door prizes during the return of the Splash for the Cash event. Splash for the Cash is the New River Conservancy’s annual river cleanup fundraiser celebrating clean water. Floaters will meet at Zaloo’s Canoes Kayaks and Tubes at 9:45 a.m. before departing for the float around 10 a.m. They will float from Zaloo’s to New River State Park Wagoner Access, arriving around 12:30 p.m. Participants will then be shuttled back to Zaloo’s Canoes Kayaks and Tubes for lunch. Tickets for this event are $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. Registration is required and closes today (August 24). By Nathan Ham

August 23, 2021. The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (ATHC) resumes live programming for the first time since March 2020 when it reopens its doors to the general public at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 3 with music legend Roger McGuinn taking to the ATHC stage. As a co-founder of The Byrds, McGuinn is firmly established as an indisputable industry icon. From his signature 12‐string Rickenbacker sound, to his instantly recognizable vocals on hits like “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.”

August 10, 2021. In 2014, husband and wife, Adam and Brooke Burleson of the Mitchell County town of Spruce Pine, formed a foundation that sponsors an annual race named “Run For Holland,” which impacts an entire community and region in a most mighty manner. In fact, the race has grown into one of the top events of its kind not only in the North Carolina High Country, but in the State of North Carolina and beyond. This year’s race will be held in Spruce Pine on Saturday, August 21st. It will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Riverside Park, located at 200 East Tappan Street. Information about the race and how to participate will be included later in this article, but how it came about is a most touching story—one of zenith inspiration and unspeakable love—and will first be shared. By Tim Gardner

August 20, 2021. Hunter’s Heroes will host its 8th Annual 5k Race on September 11, 2021 to honor the memory of all local heroes, but especially this year to remember Watauga County’s most recent fallen officers, Sgt. Chris War and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox. While much has changed in our world in the last year, the folks behind the scenes of Hunter’s Heroes said, they remain committed to their mission —”To inspire all of us to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the community, and also to embrace the loved ones that lost someone too soon.”” By Sherrie Norris

Ensemble Stage to Present Suspense Thriller “The Business of Murder” Beginning August 20

August 17, 2021. The latest cast and crew of Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk has been rehearsing hard to prepare for the premiere of their next main stage theater show titled “The Business of Murder,” which is a suspense thriller with show times starting tomorrow, August 20. “We open on Friday, and rehearsals have been going really well,” said Gary Smith, Artistic Director for Ensemble Stage. “We are still finding little nuances that are going to increase the tension and increase the intensity of the show for our audience, and I think they are going to enjoy this. If they like psychological thrillers, this is one to see.” Centering around the theme of revenge, “The Business of Murder” follows the interlocking triangular relationships between a successful TV playwright, a detective-superintendent and a humorless, dour man. By Harley Nefe

August 19, 2021. Festival organizers for MerleFest have announced updated safety protocol for this year’s event which takes place Sept. 16-19 in Wilkesboro, NC. MerleFest prides itself on being a safe environment for music fans to experience the joy of collectively celebrating the very best in Americana, bluegrass, folk, and roots music in a family-friendly environment. In the interest of safety for all participants—and at the recommendation of high-ranking public health officials and performing artists—all attendees to this year’s event must provide either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entering the event. the driving factor in MerleFest’s decision to require proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of attending. “Safety first,” said festival director, Ted Hagaman. “After many conversations with public health officials, it’s clear that the smartest and safest change we can make is to require vaccinations or proof of a negative test.”

Valle Crucis Park to Hold 37th Annual Park Auction Beginning September 4th

August 19, 2021. The Valle Crucis Community Park will hold its 37th annual Park auction beginning on Saturday, September 4. This much-anticipated event will be held in an online format, giving Park supporters the chance to view and bid on items for a full week, from 9:00 am on September 4 through noon (12:00 EDT) on Sunday, September 12. Watch the Park’s Facebook and Instagram pages for previews of auction items. Supporters can access the auction site and bidding platform via the Park website: vallecrucispark.org.

+ More Articles

The Schaefer Center Presents Series Brings Broadway’s Sarah Jones to Boone for a One-Woman Tour de Force on Oct. 7

Descendant of Daniel Boone to Discuss His Life as a Long Hunter on September 18 at Hickory Ridge Living History Museum

App State’s Department of Theatre and Dance Announces Slate of Eight Performances For 2021-2022 Beginning September 24

Frank and Kay Golf Classic Returning to Hound Ears Club on September 27

Ahoy! App Theatre Launches Cinema Classics Series on September 19; Celebrate “International Talk Like a Pirate Day” with a Highly-Treasured Film

Boone Area Cyclists, Harmony Lanes, and Booneshine Present Bike-in Movie on Sept. 16

MerleFest Begins Thursday; Gate Information, Safety Protocol, and Lineup Updates

Keeping History Alive: Trade Mill & Native Heritage Days Returns September 18 and 19

Ensemble Stage Presents Wizard of Oz Musical This Weekend in Banner Elk

Avery Agricultural and Horticultural Fair Starts Tonight; Runs Through this Saturday Evening

The Town of Boone Will Host a North Carolina Songwriters Showcase at the Jones House on Saturday, September 11

Serving Others and Showing Kindness: Three Forks Baptist Association Hosting “High Country Impact” This Saturday, Sept. 11

“Stateless” Opens App Theatre’s BOONE DOCS Series on September 12; Film Explores Racism and Anti-Blackness in the Dominican Republic

The Stage is Being Set for Saturday’s Luke Combs Concert at Kidd Brewer Stadium

Luke Combs Concert Expected to Bring Over 32,000 People to Kidd Brewer Stadium on Saturday; Fully Vaccinated Students Can Purchase Tickets at a Discounted Price

43rd Annual Valle Country Fair Returns Live This Year on October 16th

2021 Avery County A&H Fair Runs Wednesday, September 8 through Saturday, September 11 at Newland’s Heritage Park

Jones House Resumes In-Person Fall Music Lessons for Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians Program Beginning September 7

New River Conservancy’s Splash for Cash is Happening This Saturday; Today is the Final Day to Register

Music Icon Roger McGuinn Performs at App Theatre September 3; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member, Founder of The Byrds Makes ATHC Debut

Run For Holland-A Race Celebrating Special People with Special Needs to Be Held in Spruce Pine on Saturday, August 21st

Hunter’s Heroes Preparing for 8th Annual 5K Race: Sept. 11 Event Benefits Families of Fallen Officers, Sgt. Chris Ward and K-9 Deputy Logan Fox

Ensemble Stage to Present Suspense Thriller “The Business of Murder” Beginning August 20

MerleFest Details COVID-19 Safety Protocol for the Upcoming 2021 Festival

Valle Crucis Park to Hold 37th Annual Park Auction Beginning September 4th