1) Fireflies: A Beacon in the Night
At Elk Knob State Park, fireflies are a sign of summer. How much do you know about these intriguing and unique insects? Did you know they are on the decline? Come to Elk Knob State Park to learn some facts about these beacons of the night and to find out how you can help. We will meet in the Park Office on Saturday, July 6, at 8:30 p.m. for a short PowerPoint presentation and then head out to the field to search for some fireflies. Bring a jacket just in case!
2) Elk Knob Nature Hike
Join a ranger as he explores that natural realm of Elk Knob on Sunday, July 14, at 2 p.m. Participants will hike as they learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. The hike is weather dependent. Please call the park office if weather is questionable. Please meet at the Summit Trailhead.
3) Elk Knob Nature Hike II
Join a ranger as he explores that natural realm of Elk Knob on Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m. Participants will hike as they learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Hiking attire to include boots is recommended. The hike is weater dependent. Please call the park office if the weather is questionable. Please meet at the Summit Trailhead.
4) Elk Knob State Park Volunteer Trail Building Days
Join the staff of Elk Knob State Park to help us build the Beech Tree Trail, which will also become out TRACK Trail for Kids when it is completed. Every Saturday from now until the middle of November (except Sept. 14), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at 9 a.m. and work until approximately 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. Tools are provided but volunteers should wear closed-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building our new one mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although we may include some repair work on the Summit Trail. If you would like to be involved in a fulfilling project that will fill you with a well deserved sense of pride, then join us on Saturdays at Elk Knob State Park.
5) On The Same Page Literary Festival to be Held September 17-21 in West Jefferson
The literary festival will focus on the theme “secrets” and will include a writing competition, a community read, a book fair, a quilt fair and a farmer’s market. Scheduled authors include Joseph Bathanti, Emily Colin, Kevin Duffus, Georgann Eubanks, Amy Greene, D.G. Martin, Karen Musgrave, Janet Pittard and Stephen Shoemaker. Almost all events are free and details can be found at www.onthesamepagefestival.org.
6) Elkland Art Center
With seven days until the parade and six days to make our goal, we need your help to get over the hump! If you’ve already pledged, thank you! If you’re on the fence, now would be a great time to say “yes, I support community art!” by pledging on Kickstarter. We are staying steady at $2,320 of our $6,500 goal. Help us get over the hump, to $3,250 by Friday. When you pledge you’ll receive updates showing our progress on the parade and when we succeed you will get fun, fiery rewards! Be a part of what makes the Fourth in Todd fabulous, fun and free for all who participate. There is no charge to be in the parade and no charge for workshops. This campaign makes that possible. Keep the parade alive!
7) Caldwell Arts Council Presents July Exhibit “A Different Expression”
The Caldwell Arts Council is pleased to announce the exhibit “A Different Expression,” four days only: July 16-19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. A reception where you may meet many of the artists is scheduled for Thursday, July 18, from 5-8 p.m. The Caldwell Arts Council is located at 601 College Avenue in downtown Lenoir, as is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 828-754-2486.
8) Turchin Center Summer Exhibition Celebration
On Friday, July 5, from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. The Turchin Center opens its doors for the Summer Exhibition Celebration on the first Friday of July as part of downtown Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl. Mark your calendars for the biggest summer art party in the High Country, where art lovers can “engage, discover and connect” through the arts! There is no better place to escape the summer heat than the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Enjoy food, live music and a cash bar as you wander through the center’s six galleries—each filled with a diverse mix of contemporary art from local, regional and international artists.