1) Ranger Programs at the Blue Ridge Parkway
Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor: On Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. and Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24 at 10 & 11 a.m. and 2 and 3 p.m., the second floor of Cone Manor will be open for tours. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions. Dedication of the 100th Kids in Parks TRACK Trail: This event will be held on Friday, Aug. 22 at 3 p.m. at the Julian Price Amphitheater parking lot at milepost 296. As a part of the ceremony, join a ranger on a TRACK trail adventure. Use clues provided to discover the animals and plants around the lake. Choose between canoeing and hiking activities. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Our Forests Speak: On Saturday, Aug. 23 at Julian Price Picnic Ground at Milepost 296 at 3:30 p.m. If you listen you will hear the woods telling you its stories. Join a ranger and use your senses to discover your National Park. All programs are free and open to the public.
2) Family Fun Horse Show Held Aug. 23
Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy a great outdoor day. Join the fun at the “Family Fun Horse Show” on Saturday, Aug. 23. The Horse Show will host fun games, classes for Traditional and Racking horses and events for riders and non-riders of all ages. Some of the planned events include barrel racing, Texas barrels, pole bending, egg race, ride a “buck,” apple bobbing, a rubber duck race and much more. There is a $10 entry fee for speed events and $5 each non speed event. There will be fun and games for kids with horses or without. One of the show highlights will be a mounted shooting demonstration by crack rider Danny Lambert of Burnt Hill Stables. This family oriented show will be held at the Baker Farm at 3460 Dick Phillips Rd. in West Jefferson. This show is sponsored by Happy Trails Cowboy Church of Ashe. The Cowboy Church is know for events such as the Annual Wagon Trail Revival and Ride, the Rough Cut Cowboy Race and the dozens of horses featured in the West Jefferson Christmas Parade each year. Cowboy Church Pastor, Roger L. Blevins said, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to bring this event to our community. Even if you aren’t a ‘horse person’ you can enjoy the atmosphere. There will be lots of fun and games for those who don’t ride also. It’s great for the whole family!” There will be concessions available and camping for those who want to bring a horse trailer or tent. The doors open at noon and the show starts at 2 p.m. Rain date will be the following day on Aug. 24. For more information please call Lt. Donnie Goodman at 828-406-7996 or Laurel Baker at 336-977-6544.
3) Girl Scouts Recruits for the Year
You know that feeling when you just can’t wait for tomorrow? It’s back-to-school time and with that comes the anticipation for girls to join Girl Scouts. In Girl Scouting, girls are always counting down to the next adventure. Maybe it is artistic, maybe it is an experiment, maybe it is getting outside and helping the community. Either way, girls will make new friends and have many new experiences that show the excitement of each day. Girls can become a member for just $15. Girl participation in program events is immediate but placement in a troop is based on availability. Specifically, Girl Scouts are in need of dedicated adults to take on the role of troop leaders. Each troop is led by at least two non-related registered leaders. Girls and parents are invited to attend one of the following events to learn more:
- Aug. 26 – Cove Creek Elementary in Vilas at 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 2 – Bethany Lutheran Church in Boone at 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 4 – Blowing Rock Elementary in Blowing Rock at 6 p.m.
- Sept. 8 – St. Elizabeth Catholic Church for Hardin Park Elementary in Boone at 6 p.m.
- Sept. 15 – Valle Crucis Elementary in Sugar Grove at 6:30 p.m.
- Sept. 16 – Parkway Elementary in Boone at 6:30 p.m.
For more information visit www.girlscoutsp2p.org or contact local recruitment manager Nancy Blair at 828-719-5034.
4) Community Blood Center Hosts September Blood Drives in Watauga County
September is Sickle Cell Awareness month. Many sickle cell patients in our community rely on blood transfusions for their treatment. Donate blood with the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas to help sickle cell patients in your local area. A blood drive will be held at Appalachian State University on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free t-shirts will be available. Call 704-972-4700 to make an appointment.