1) News from Art and Artifacts
Irmaly Brackin, a well-known Boone artist, will introduce a provocative, new body of works on Friday, June 12 at Art and Artifacts and Blowing Rock Gallery of Homes and land, two businesses under one roof, at 159 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock. The public is invited to meet the artist, view the exhibits and enjoy refreshments from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunset Stroll is an event produced by the shops, galleries and restaurants on Sunset Drive, just off Main Street the night prior to Blowing Rock’s popular Art in the Park. The entire street takes on a festive air with sponsors offering free music, refreshments and special activities.
2) Joint Meeting Reminder
This is a gentle reminder that we have a joint meeting tonight at 6 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers. For purposes of a quorum, if you have not responded please do so at this time.
3) First Annual Wellness Weekend at Buckeye Recreation Center
On Saturday, July 20-Sunday July 21, there will be a health fair all weekend long including physicians, health and wellness specialists, nutritionists, vendors, massage therapists and more.
4) High Country Audubon Society
Join High County Audubon Society on Tuesday, July 16, at the Elk Valley Preserve and Field Station for the annual meeting and potluck dinner. The event will start out at 5 p.m. with birding with dinner about 6 p.m. Please bring some food to share and HCAS will provide beverages and ice. We want to minimize waste, so please bring your own plate, cup and utensils. There will be a brief business meeting at which members will elect a vice-president and treasurer and announce the winner of the Sue Wells Research Grant. HCAS will be having another silent auction. The funds raised will be used to support HCAS’s projects and conservation work. There will also be bird and nature related books from Daedalus Books available for sale. HCAS invites the public to attend the monthly meetings and field trips. For directions to Elk Valley Preserve check High Country Hoots on the HCAS website.
5) Organic Gardening 101
Monday through Thursday, July 22-July 25 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is $20 for all four days. Designed for beginning gardeners or those who would like to switch to organic methods. Topics include: garden planning, seed starting, companion planting, how to attract beneficial insects, pest management, soil tests and amendments, composting and vermi-composting and dealing with common plant problems. Visit several home gardens for inspiration.
6) Caring for Chickens in the Home Setting
An optional session will be held on Friday, July 26 from 9-1 on chicken care for an additional $5. You do not have to participate in the Organic 101 classes to attend the class on caring for chickens. Chicken care topics include: heritage breeds, facilities, feeding disease prevention, egg production and meat chicken. Space is limited to reserve your spot in advance at NC Cooperative Extension, 971 W. King Street in Boone.
7) BeanStalk Little Theater Presents Night in the Wax Museum
BeanStalk Little Theater presents Night in the Wax Museum, July 26 at 7 p.m. and July 27 at 2 p.m. at Valborg Theater on ASU campus. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students 12 and under. Directed by Amy Beane, produced by Andrea McDonough. Come out and see the local talent of adults and children of the High Country and support community theater. Tickets on sale at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts Box Office from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
8) Storytelling at Todd General Store
There is storytelling at Todd General Store on Railroad Grade Road in Todd every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. The storytellers for july are Orville Hicks, Charlotte Ross, Doyle Pace and Tammy Sabnabria.
9) Happenings in Avery County
Need a break away from the heat? Avery County, North Carolina’s playground is a short drive and average summer temperatures are in the mid 70’s. Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway. Experience the ladders on the trails of Grandfather. Cool off and go swimming and fishing at Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk. Hit the trails and falls at Linville Gorge. Did you know Linville Caverns has a constant year round temperature of 58 degrees? Travel the county and find treasures at our many antique shops peppered around the county. Do you know Newland has a restored WNC train car and a heritage museum with items from the first homesteaders? Spend a great day exploring the region and then dine at one of our privately owned restaurants from casual to date night out places. You won’t want to leave so plan to stay in one of our many inns, cabins and lodges, or how about camping under the High Country sky? Visit Grandfather Mountain for unique camp and learn opportunities. Avery County has something for everyone, come for a day and spend a lifetime. Avery county has as many events in July as we do High Country clouds and we want to share our fun with you. Check out our many mountain happenings each week like the 58th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games July 11-14. Clans from all over the world converge on McRae Meadows in Linville. Celtic bands, dog shepherding and traditional Celtic dance.
10) Weekend Scenic Lift Rides
Starting July 4, chairlift rides run every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Bring the whole family, a picnic lunch, your montain bike or just a friend and enjoy a breathtaking 45 minute round-trip lift ride on Summit #2 to Sugar’s 5,300 foot peak. The scenery is remarkable. For bike riders, mounted hooks on the backs of the chairs carry your bike to the top. Hand your bike to the lift attendant at the bottom of the Summit #2 lift, jump on the chair and enjoy the ride. The lift attendant will unload your bike at the top. The Village of Sugar Mountain town ordinance requires helmets to be worn by all riders.
11) The 22nd Annual Avery County Chamber of Commerce Fine art and Master Craft Festival
85 juried artisans showcase their unique handcrafted mediums in the quaint town of Banner Elk, July 18 through the 20. These High Country and international artisans are juried for their unique mediums and talents with each offering wares for the discriminating buyer to others creating whimsical wares for the fun in all of us. Free family event. Friday 4-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is one fathering of artists you won’t want to miss.
12) Watauga Humane Society $15 Spay/Neuter Summer Special
From July 4 through Labor Day, the Watauga Humane Society will offer an awe inspiring $15 summer special on Spay/Neuter services for dogs and cats both male and female. The goal is to spay/neuter at least 100 pets in need, in the month of July and even more in August. For more information or to make a reservation, call the Humane Society. Anyone can quality who is having trouble affording spay/neuter. No lengthy forms or proof of income required. An honest expression of the need for assistance is all that is asked. Financial support for this wonderful special is provided by the Watauga Humane “SNIPS” committee. SNIPS’ mission is to spread the word that spay/neuter is a positive solution to pet overpopulation and euthanasia. SNIPS sells crafts at craft fairs, holds plant sales and engages in other fundraising activities to raise money for the spay/neuter of animals in our community and neighboring communities. SNIPS works hard to ensure that people who cannot afford this important service receive assistance.