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Today’s Email Announcements

1) “A Cool 5” Race Weekend at Beech Mountain, June 19-20

Eastern America’s highest town announces five options for runners during this year’s “A Cool 5” race weekend. This year the event will consist of five different races held over a two-day period emphasizing outdoor activity and showcasing the beauty of Beech Mountain.

Families are encouraged to participate in the two running events Friday afternoon, June 19. The first is the Kids’ Cool Popsicle Relay, which takes place at 4 p.m. on the athletic fields at the Buckeye Recreation Center. The free popsicle relay offers competition in different age groups. Friday afternoon is the “Buck-A-Thon” fundraiser in which participants pledge a dollar for each lap they complete on the Buckeye Rec Center walking track. On Friday night, 5 -7 p.m. is the “Taste of Beech,” where local restaurants provide samples and coupons for runners, residents, and guests. If you register to run, the Taste of Beech is FREE! For non-runners, it’s only a “cool” $5.

The bulk of racing takes place Saturday morning, June 20, with a 5-mile run; 1.5-mile fun run/walk; and a pet-friendly 1.5-mile walk & wag. All three begin at Town Hall at 8:30 a.m.

Adult registration for the 5-mile run is $25; and $30 race day. Entry fees for the Fun Run/Walk and the Walk & Wag are $20 before day of race and $25 day of race.

Youth registration (12 and under) is $10 for all races. Kids are FREE for Friday events.

“The fun run/walk has moderate elevation changes with many locations for spectators to cheer and encourage all racers. Meanwhile, the walk & wag features runners of the four-legged variety on a route that circles the town’s Bark Park and includes stations with doggy water and treats followed by a canine cool down at the Bark Park.”

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and community members!

Complete details and online registration is now open at www.acool5race.com.

Call the Buckeye Rec Center for more information at 828-387-3003.

2) Evening Programs on the Parkway for Saturday, June 6

Dinosaurs and the Blue Ridge Mountains: 7 p.m. at the Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater, milepost 316. Can you find dinosaur fossils in the mountains around here? This is a frequently asked question by our Park visitors. Learn the answer and more about dinosaurs, fossils, geology and paleontology of the mountains of Western North Carolina at this ranger led program.

Wilderness Skills: Get Lost in the Woods: 7 p.m., Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater, milepost 340. There are a myriad of activities that can take you into the woods, but what happens when you get lost? Join a ranger and discuss the best way to get lost in the woods, and so you get found.

3) Trivia Night at Grandfather Vineyard June 10, 10 Percent Off Any Bottle

Join Grandfather Vineyard and Winery for its first ever trivia night from 6-8 p.m. on June 10. Starting then, trivia will be hosted every second Wednesday of the month. Don’t forget to mark your calendars! Trivia will be led by James Hough. Bring your friends, pick a team name and get your thinking cap on! Wine offered by the glass or the bottle. 10 percent off any bottle. Food and snacks welcome.

4) Senior Center Living Healthy with Diabetes Workshops in June and July

Living Healthy with Diabetes workshop will be offered at no cost at the Lois E. Harrill Senior Center in June and July.  This 6 week program will help you take control of your Diabetes rather than letting it control you!  During this workshop you will learn to: manage symptoms, communicate effectively with your doctor, lessen your frustration and fatigue, eat healthier, keep your blood sugar in check, and MORE!!!  Workshop will be held: Tuesdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 14, and 21st from 9:30am-Noon.  Call 265-8090 to register or for questions.

5) Steam Train Excursions Offered in Southwest Virginia

The Steam Train Excursion Tickets went on sale recently for June 27 and 28th. The trips sold out in about two weeks. Many people did not get a chance to purchase tickets till it was sold out.   We have negotiated another Bristol to Radford steam excursion behind historic Southern steam locomotive 4501. The other two trips sold quicker than we could get the notices out in the newspaper, so here is your head start. The round trip excursion will run on Friday, June 26. Tickets will go on sale this coming Monday 5/18. Also for the first time a limited number of dome class tickets will be available for the best view anywhere! Don’t miss the train this time. These excursions by Norfolk Southern Corp partnering with the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum.

On Friday, June 26, 2015 the Bristol to Radford, VA Special will bring out the glories of the season through the rolling Southwest Virginia hills while celebrating the grand return of 21st Century Steam with historic steam locomotive Southern Railway #4501 from Tennessee Valley Railway Museum in Chattanooga. This rare opportunity is being offered to communities along Norfolk Southern lines for display and periodic excursions.

The train’s route will take you through historic Abingdon, home of the world famous Barter Theatre and the Martha Washington Inn. Nearby is the famous route of the Virginia Creeper. The excursion will wind through the Virginia highlands, passing Emory & Henry College, Marion and Wytheville then will travel down Pulaski Mountain through a tunnel, and into the town of Pulaski. The train will then steam into the New River Valley and on to Radford, VA, where passengers will be able to enjoy the town with its many restaurants, shops and museums.

The Friday trip to Radford will leave the Bristol, VA Train Station at 8 am.

The train will arrive in Radford at noon. The train will depart Radford at 2:30 pm and arrive back in Bristol at 7 p.m.

Motive power for the Radford excursions will be steam locomotive Southern Railway #4501 built in 1911 (recently restored to service by TVRM in Chattanooga), with assistance from modern Norfolk Southern diesels as needed.)

For many passengers, these excursions will be a once-in –a-lifetime experience, not only to ride behind a steam locomotive, but also to see the hills and mountains from the unique perspective of the railroad while hearing the whistle echo in the hills and hollows of the beautiful Appalachian Region.

Coach Class: $80. Coach Class seating is provided in temperature controlled modern cars with fixed back seats.

Deluxe Coach: $95. Deluxe Coach seating is provided in climate controlled vintage cars with reclining back seats. Under 3 years of age is no charge if not occupying a seat, no food included. Everyone age 3 and up requires a ticket. The Radford ticket does not include a meal only the train trip. The Bulls Gap ticket does include a box lunch along with the train trip.

Dome Car seats: $275. These seats are the best on the train offering a view overhead.

The train will include climate controlled heated and air conditioned cars along with rest rooms.

Call 423-894-8028 to purchase tickets.

Visit www.wataugavalleynrhs.org or more information. Tickets are expected to go fast, so order ASAP.