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Email Announcements Received Today:

1) January Programs at Elk Knob State Park

Take a First Hike: It has been said that whatever you do the first day of the year, you will do the rest of the year. Why not get outside and take a hike? Meet at the Summit Trail parking lot at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1, for an invigorating hike either to the summit or on the Beech Tree Trail, depending on the weather and the choice of the majority of the hikers. Dress appropriately for the weather keeping in mind that layering will allow you to regulate your temperature much more easily. Be sure to bring some water and plan for a two and a half to three hour outing on the Summit Trail or a 45-minute hike on the Beech Tree Trail. For more information, please call 828-297-7261.

Turkeys and Ravens: Learn about these fascinating birds that love to call Elk Knob home. Meet at the park office at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3. This program will be held indoors.

Now Nature Predicts Weather: Benjamin Franklin once said, “Some are weather-wise, some are otherwise.” Come find out how to predict the weather by observing nature. Are some of the old wives tales about weather true? We will examine some of those to find out. This program will be held indoors. Meet at the park office at 1 p.m. on Jan. 10. For more information or for travel conditions to and within the park, please call 828-297-7261.

Folk Toys: Stop by the office on Saturday, Jan. 17 or Sunday, Jan. 18 at 2:00 p.m. and visit with a ranger as he shares a few folk toys from Appalachia. Participants will be challenged to operate each toy successfully. Children are encouraged to attend this short program.

Amphibians in Winter: Please meet at the park office at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, for a close-up look, through a PowerPoint Presentation at this beautiful animals. This program will be held indoors.

Winter Birds of the NC Mountains: Have you ever wondered how birds survive the winter in the mountains? Join us at the park office at 1 p.m. on Jan. 31, to find out. See what kinds of birds you may see during the cold, dark months of winter. Call 828-297-7261 for more information or for travel conditions.

2) Beech Mountain Hosts December to Remember Events

For complete details about the free December to Remember events or to RSVP, call 828-387-3003.

Breakfast at Buckeye with Mrs. Claus will be held Saturday, Dec. 20. Yule Log Bonfire and Hayride will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, and Buckeye’s New Year’s Eve Family Fest will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 31.

3) Beanstalk Community Theatre Holds Auditions Jan. 3

BeanStalk Community Theatre will hold auditions for “Dearly Departed” on Jan. 3, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Three Forks Baptist Church. No experience or preparation necessary. For more information, email beanstalkcommunitytheatre@gmail.com.