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Events

1400 People Filled the Sidewalk of King Street in Boone on Saturday for a Planned March by INDIVISIBLE Watauga Against Trump’s Agenda

April 7, 2025 Over 1400 people showed up for a planned protest march on Saturday in Downtown Boone that was organized locally by INDIVISIBLE Watauga, whose founder is Peter Nesbitt. The event was part of a peaceful, nationwide mobilization planned for April 5th. The theme of the march was “Hands Off.” The Boone march started behind the Turchin Center for Visual Arts and proceeded down the King Street sidewalk to an area beside the courthouse, about a half a mile away. The march started at 2:00 and and at one point marchers filled the sidewalk continuously for that whole half a mile. Marchers were encourage to bring signs to hold up during the march, and that they did. 

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Just Announced! Billy Strings & Bryan Sutton with Royal Masat, Live at the Schaefer Center for Two Nights! September 11 and 12

April 7, 2025 Billy Strings & Bryan Sutton with Royal Masat announce two nights of performances at Appalachian State University’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, September 11 and 12. These shows will be ticketed as a lottery, with ticket requests open now until April 21 at 2:00pm ET. Request tickets at billystrings.com/LATL. 2x Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musicianBilly Strings joins forces with renowned guitarist Bryan Sutton to release their new collaborative album, Live at the Legion. Recorded live on April 7, 2024 at Nashville’s American Legion Post 82, the album showcases the acclaimed duo performing 20 traditional bluegrass and folk songs, including new renditions of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” Doc Watson’s “Way Downtown” and more.

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Grandfather Mountain Announces New Event: “Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day”

April 7, 2025 The mountains will be alive with the sound of music as Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, hosts a new event, “Sounds of Nature – Kids’ Music Day.” The fun-filled, nature-themed afternoon of music will take place Saturday, April 26 in the Williams Outdoor Learning Space, located next to the park’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Families can groove to the sounds in nature through an interactive concert celebration, featuring lively performances from Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation staff, as well as visiting Chimney Rock State Park staff, plus eco-themed songs and hands-on activities.

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Winners Announced for 2025 Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards

March 28, 2025 A class of 16 emerging leaders and a longtime industry and community mentor were among the honorees at the 9th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards, held Wednesday, March 26th, in front of a crowd of over 200 people at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. The event was made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. This year’s finalists embody the traits of community leadership by shaping young minds in classrooms, stabilizing and growing businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, driving the missions of local non- profits, and providing talent, energy, and insight to established local businesses. While this annual showcase honors these emerging leaders as the next generation of community advocates, their current impact on key issues and projects more than demonstrates their abilities and passion for serving the High Country.

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Ticket Prices Increase April 1; On-the-Rise Competition Class of 2025 Announced for FloydFest 25~Aurora

March 27, 2025 One week before ticket prices increase for FloydFest 25~Aurora, Across-the-Way Productions, Inc. and Blue Cow Arts Foundation, Inc. announce the award-winning festival’s On-the-Rise Competition Class of 2025, a quintessential cornerstone of the FloydFest brand, which fosters emerging talent by giving the next generation of up-and-coming performers a stage, a leg-up and an audience.

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An Appalachian Summer Announces Lineup for 2025 Season June 28-July 26

March 27, 2025 Appalachian State University’s annual summer arts celebration, An Appalachian Summer presents its 41st season June 28-July 26 with a diverse lineup of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, and film programming. Artists spanning a variety of genres — folk and pop rock, soul and jazz, R&B and Broadway, chamber and classical, dance, film and visual arts — will be featured in multiple venues on the campus of App State. Tickets go on sale to the public Wednesday, April 16 at 10am.Discounts are available for children/students, App State faculty/staff, and local residents for select performances. For more information, visit www.appsummer.org or call the box office at 828-262-4046.

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Frontline to Farm: April 18 Documentary Film Screening Invitation

March 25, 2025 On behalf of all of the F2F team and Cold Mountain Productions, I’d like to invite you to the screening of our 2025 film short documenting our organization and some of the key barriers facing Appalachian farmers. There will be refreshments provided from 5:30-6 for our VIPs (that’s you!) and a chance to chat before the film screening begins at 6pm.

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Appalachian Culture Day at the King Street Market on March 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

March 25, 2025 The King Street Farmers’ Market will host Senior Day on March 29th 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone. Join us for our last Winter King Street Market of the season to celebrate Appalachian Culture on March 29th, 2025. Local organization, Stateline Resource Station, will be providing an Appalachian Breakfast fundraiser at the demonstration kitchen, swing by to support a local mutual aid and get a yummy breakfast! While you shop for a variety of local goods, foods, and products, enjoy live old time music by Noah Williams and friends!

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Dr. Harry Davis To Be Honored with Respect Your Elder Award at Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards

March 19, 2025 As part of the 9th annual 4 Under 40 Awards, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will recognize Dr. Harry M. Davis with its Respect Your Elder Award. This is one of five awards that will be presented during the ceremony, which will be held Wednesday, March 26th, from 5:30-7:30PM, at the historic Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. This annual showcase is made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Dr. Davis is a distinguished leader in banking and economics, serving as Professor of Banking and Economist for the North Carolina Bankers Association.

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Downtown Boone Development Association to Host Advanced Destination Workshop with Jon Schallert on Tuesday, March 25

March 18, 2025 The Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) is excited to welcome nationally recognized business expert Jon Schallert for an Advanced Destination Workshop on Tuesday, March 25 at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. This opportunity is made possible through the NC Main Street Program, utilizing an economic development grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which continues to support the growth and success of downtown Boone and its local businesses. Schallert, a leading expert in destination marketing, will provide in-depth training for downtown businesses that is focused on helping businesses transform into consumer destinations.

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Blowing Rock Trout Derby Postponed to Saturday, May 3

March 12, 2025 Due to challenges resulting from Hurricane Helene, the 2025 Blowing Rock Trout Derby has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 3. The event, originally slated for April 5, has been postponed to align with the delivery of fish that are being stocked for the event. This delay, in tandem with a shift to Catch and Release-only participation, is also intended to allow some additional recovery for local trout populations following hurricane flooding in September.

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Gallop for Good: Spirit Ride Kentucky Derby-Themed Fundraiser Tickets go on Sale March 10th – Don’t Miss Out!

March 12, 2025 Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center is excited to announce its Fundraising Derby, taking place on May 3rd, 2025 at the beautiful Broyhill Equestrian Preserve in Blowing Rock. This lively event will support Spirit Ride’s mission of providing equine-assisted learning opportunities for children with a wide array of diagnoses—at no cost to families. Public ticket sales begin March 10th, 2025, with proceeds directly funding Spirit Ride’s essential operating costs. The goal? To raise $25,000 to ensure children continue to learn, grow, and strive toward becoming their ideal selves through equine-assisted services.

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Darren Nicholson & Shawn Lane to Perform at The Jones House in Boone on March 15th

March 12, 2025 Acclaimed bluegrass musicians Darren Nicholson and Shawn Lane will take the stage at the Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone on Saturday, March 15th, for an evening of world-class acoustic music. Before the concert, the artists will offer a free mandolin workshop at 5:00 PM, providing fans and musicians alike the chance to learn from two of the finest pickers in the genre. The ticketed concert begins at 7:30 PM, offering an intimate, up-close experience with these award-winning musicians.

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The King Street Farmers’ Market Will Host Senior Day on March 15th From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

March 7, 2025 Come out to the King Street Farmers Market to show appreciation for our local seniors! Our sponsors, Lifestore Bank, will be tabling the market to provide support for this integral part of the community. We are having a giveaway for our oldest farmers market shopper! If you think that you are the oldest shopper at the market, swing by the manager’s booth to enter to win a King Street Market Tote bag and a $20 gift card. Be sure to stay for a presentation at noon by Lifestore Bank on how to avoid phishing scams.

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Regional Community Centers Recognized at WNC Honors Awards

March 6, 2025 The WNC Honors Awards, a program of WNC Communities, is built on a 75-year tradition of recognizing rural community development clubs for their innovative ideas and grassroots solutions. These centers and clubs are the backbone of community cohesion running through our beloved mountains. The culmination of this year’s WNC Honors Program occurred virtually on February 27th with community leaders and volunteers from 15 Western North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These 73 communities received a total of $106,500 in cash awards.

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Finalists Announced for the 9th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, March 26

March 5, 2025 Sixteen members of the High Country community have been selected as category finalists for the 9th-annual Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Awards. Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony, set for Wednesday, March 26 2025, from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Appalachian Theatre in Boone. This year, 58 nominations were received across four categories: Business Owner, Education Professional, Non-Profit Professional, and Rising Star. Nominees were acknowledged for their business achievements, community and civic involvement, and other related activities.

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Elk River Helping Hands Concert Series to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Western North Carolina

February 28, 2025 The people of North Carolina most affected by Hurricane Helene will receive a much-needed financial boost from a series of summer benefit concerts presented by the Elk River Helping Hands organization located in Banner Elk, NC. Former music attorney, artist manager, and television producer Bill Carter created the non-profit along with members of the Elk River Club. The organization serves as a financial resource for residents of western North Carolina impacted by illness, loss, or unforeseen hardship. The current efforts of Elk River Helping Hands are focused on relief efforts in Watauga and Avery counties following Hurricane Helene. “We had no idea how timely our efforts would turn out to be,” Carter said. “The hurricane may have done its initial damage in September, but the need is still staggering.”

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Beech Mountain Resort is Gearing Up for the Annual Runs for Buns Fundraiser March 1-8

February 26, 2025 Beech Mountain Resort is gearing up for its annual Runs for Buns fundraiser from March 1-8, 2025, benefiting the Colon Cancer Coalition. This year’s event includes a virtual auction, the Not So Gala, Gala, and the popular Runs for Buns ski challenge, all with the goal of raising $100,000 to support colon cancer awareness, research, and advocacy. The event kicks off with a virtual auction from March 1-8, where participants can bid on a variety of items, including vacation packages, restaurant gift certificates, unique experiences, and more.

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‘Local Love’ Lineup, Platinum ABC Partners Announced for FloydFest 25~Aurora – July 23-27

February 26, 2025 At the heart of our purposeful programming, we showcase our love and admiration for the brilliant local music scene by offering patrons a taste of regional talent via the annual ‘Local Love’ lineup. Across-the-Way Productions, Inc. and Blue Cow Arts Foundation, Inc. welcome 14 bands as 2025’s Local Loves — Blue Mule, Christian Quesenberry, Cinémathèque, Empty Bottles, Father Sun, Freak Rangers, GOTE, Jatoba, Kerosene Willy, Leonard Blush & The Camelcals, Mountain Walrus, Ripejive, Solacoustix and The Sugar Hollows — each of which will pepper performances over the five days of FloydFest 25~Aurora, the latest annual offering of the Southeast’s premier summer outdoor music festival, taking place Wednesday to Sunday, July 23 to 27, 2025, at its new home, FestivalPark, located at 5826 Floyd Highway North in Check, Va.

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Runs for Buns Fundraiser for Conquering Colon Cancer at Beech Mountain March 7 and 8

February 20, 2025 Join Beech Mountain Resort for two days of raising awareness and conquering colon cancer! Friday, March 7, for an unforgettable evening with live music at the Not So Gala, Gala and on Saturday, March 8, for a fun day of skiing, snowboarding, contests, and more at Runs for Buns! There’s something for everyone! Participate and fundraise as an individual or team at Runs for Buns. Participate by completing as many runs as you can on Saturday, March 8. Fundraising is highly encouraged. Attend an Evening with The Brothers Comatose; the Not So Gala, Gala.
The Not So Gala, Gala will be held on Friday, March 7.

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NINE New Acts Join the Lineup for FloydFest 25~Aurora (July 23-27, 2025), More to Come

February 18, 2025 Following being named ‘Best Music Festival’ in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ ‘Best of the Blue Ridge 2025’ just last month, Blue Cow Arts Foundation & Across-the-Way Productions release the initial By-Day Artist Schedule and continue to add to the emerging lineup for FloydFest 25~Aurora, the latest annual offering of the Southeast’s premier, award-winning, summer outdoor music festival, taking place Wednesday to Sunday, July 23 to 27, 2025, at its new home, FestivalPark, located at 5826 Floyd Highway North in Check, Va.

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Empty Bowls to Postpone Their Annual Event Until 2026 in Consideration of Local Potters and Restaurants Impacted by Hurricane Helene

February 13, 2025 In support of local potters and restaurants impacted by Hurricane Helene, the Hunger and Health Coalition and Watauga High School has chosen to postpone their annual Empty Bowls event until 2026. Empty Bowls is a community staple and longstanding partnership with art students at Watauga High School, local potters to provide pottery, and local restaurants to provide soup for patrons to enjoy. Typically, restaurants donate soup for the event, local potters donate their work, and Watauga High School students create clay bowls to raise funds to support the mission of Hunger and Health Coalition – transforming our community’s hunger into health.

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MerleFest Shares Finalists for the 10th Annual Band Competition, Adds Carolina Detour, Wilder Flower, and More to 2025 Lineup

February 11, 2025. MerleFest, presented by Window World, will return to Wilkes Community College the weekend of April 24-27 for its 2025 event. Known for blending incredible live music with strong community ties, MerleFest continues to hold its title as a can’t miss annual tradition for both area natives and visitors from all over the world. This year’s festival will highlight the 10th Annual Band Competition, where eight talented finalists will compete for the opportunity to perform on MerleFest’s iconic Hillside Stage. The competition performances will take place on Saturday, April 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the winner announced at 4:30 p.m.

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“A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” to Open at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum March 1

February 11, 2025. A new exhibition entitled “A Cardboard History of Blue Ridge Music” will open at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) on March 1, 2025, and will be on view in the Alexander Community Room Gallery through April 26, 2025. This unique exhibition offers an in-depth look at the rich history of Blue Ridge music, including 36 original, letterpress-style posters dating back to as early as 1939. Each poster has detailed information about the life and legacy of the featured musicians.

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The Green Park Inn, the Grand Old Lady, and Her Favorite Musicians, Bow Out, With Hopes for Their Return 

February 7, 2025  A few weeks ago, as Blowing Rock’s 27th WinterFest event came to a snowy and successful close, the Green Park Inn closed to guests along with it. The historic, 131 year old, rambling, Grand Manor hotel ended its most recent 15-year run as Blowing Rock’s landmark lodging establishment under the ownership of New York hotel “affectionados” Steve Irace and his late brother Gene. With his Saturday night performance at the hotel, Charlie Ellis also ended his decade-and-a-half-long weekend gig entertaining hotel guests, most recently with guitarists Don Miller and Dave Braun. Besides Ellis and owner Steve Irace, the weekend wound down with general manager Lorry Mulhern in her usual spot anchoring customer service and celebrating the hotel’s popular weekend tradition of bringing Ellis to the many local fans of his classic, former local club, the Jazz Parlour. By Randy Johnson

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