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Email Announcements We Are Receiving Today: See What’s Going On Around The Community

1) Archaeology: Evening Park Program

We are pleased to announce that ASU Archaeologist Dr. Whyte will be presenting an evening program about our local Appalachian pre-history on Aug 23 at 7 p.m. The program will be presented at the 221 Access of New River State Park.

2) Plants, Birds, Rocks and Things Hike at Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area

Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2 p.m. Get out of the house while summer is here and explore the world that exists 4,683 feet above sea level. Mt. Jefferson offers wonderful views and a wild geological story that connects soil, plants and animal life. Meet the ranger for this ecological hike to Luther Rock.

3) Night Hike to Luther Rock

Friday Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. meet the park ranger for a one mile hike along the ridgeline out to Luther Rock. Bring a small flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Parts of the hike are considered challenging and hiking at night can be physically strenuous. This program is designed for adults with good basic hiking skills. Children over 7 are welcome but must be closely supervised.

4) Trees and Tees (Make your own tee shirt)

On Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. make your own shirt design using leaves and fabric medium. Designed for kids 6-12 children will create a tee shirt design using natural materials and fabric paints. Tee shirts will be provided as long as supplies last. 

5) Geology Hike

On Sunday, Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. lets explore this mountain’s treasure of knowledge. Several types of geological formations will be seen on this ridgeline hike. Metamorphic formations and intrusive quartz are all located on the trail. Plan to investigate some of Mt. Jefferson’s natural interconnections. 

6) Avery Chamber Afterhours Networking Event July 30

Mark your calendars. Avery County Chamber of Commerce Afterhours Networking Event is on July 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. hosted by Wing n’ It located in the red caboose in downtown Banner Elk. 

7) Avery County of Chamber Bringing World Renowned Artists to the High Country

Come experience quality on Aug. 16-18. Join the Avery County Chamber at the historic downtown Banner Elk Elementary. The Avery County Chamber presents our 22nd Fine Art and Master Craft Festival with many of the festival artists and mediums you and your friends love, like Margaret Ownes, who creates botanical flowers from aluminum, Lynn Shore, textile artist who creates beautiful shawls and purses. Returning for the August Show onlyis photographer Patricia Adams with her beautiful landscapes, High Country jeweler Jim Rice and Nancy Strailey, pencil artist who captured African wildlife on local African crafted paper. New to the festival this year is oil painter Sylvia Perez, from Apex, NC, who paints in a Classical Academic Style with Verdaccio underpainting capturing women not only from their physical outward appearance but also their inward nature and Joe Meachum, leather artist of tribal Indian art, who cuts each strand of leather on his crafted purses. The annual festival in its 22nd year will be held in the quaint high country village of Banner Elk, NC. This juried festival will host high country heritage artist plus, state and international artist and master craftsmen in one venue at the downtown Banner Elk Elementary. This is a free community opens on Friday August 16 at 3Pm until 8pm, then again on Saturday 17 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm.  Our artists will be showcasing their mediums both inside of the elementary school and also on the pavement (to keep our feet dry in the event it rains). If you are looking for unique, one of a kind handcrafted jewelry, furniture, pottery, paintings, photography and mixed media for yourself or someone special this is one fine art festival you can find whatever you are looking for and maybe something unexpected! For more information contact the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. 800-972-2183.

8) Grandfather Mountain State Park Programs

  • Honey Bees: Friday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. Why are insect pollinators so important? How much of our food is dependent on bees? Meet a beekeeper and park ranger at the profile trail parking area to learn about honeybees and other insect pollinators. Beekeeping equipment will be displayed and a demonstration hive set up for viewing. There will be no actual bees! Participants of all ages are encouraged to come.
  • Tree Identification Hike: Friday, Aug 9 at 4 p.m. The Southern Appalachian Mountains are home to more species of trees than the entire continent of Europe. Join a park ranger for an easy to moderate hike through the park and learn how to identify our great diversity of trees. Participants should wear hiking boots and clothing appropriate for the weather.
  • Twilight Hike: Sunday, Aug. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Join a Park Ranger for an evening stroll through the Southern Appalachian Forest and see the woods come to life after the sun sets. Experience the park from a different perspective and learn about nocturnal wildlife. Participants must bring flashlights or headlamps and are encouraged to wear hiking boots. Hike will go approximately 1.5 miles. Dress appropriately for the weather. Please no pets.
  • Volunteer Trail Work Day: Wed, Aug 14 at 9 a.m. This will be a strenuous day of trail work on the Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Participants should be prepared to hike at least 3 miles and be involved in strenuous trail work: moving rock, shoveling, digging, etc. Participants must bring their own food and water and must wear appropriate clothing. 

9) Verizon Wireless Open House Aug. 16

Fundraiser for N.C. 194 Mudslide Victims at Linville Falls Winery in cooperation with Reaching Avery Ministries (Ram’s Rack) and WAMY will be hosting a fundraiser for the victims of the N.C. 194 mudslide on Aug. 10 from 12-5 p.m. The winery will be donating a percentage of wine sales for the day to be administered through Ram’s Rack directly to the Bailey and Thompson families. There will be live music from 2-5 p.m. as well as winery tours and hiking trails through the winery and Christmas Tree Farm. We would like to extend an invitation to area businesses to participate in this event by displaying and selling your product at the winery that day in support of these families who need our help. If you are interested in participating, please email us at info@linvillefallswinery.com.

10) CommunityOne Bank Fundraiser

CommunityOne Bank in Boone is collecting school supplies for needy children in Watauga County. We will be collecting school supplies at the branch located at 325 Leola Street (Beside WalMart) in Boone from Aug. 1 through Aug. 16. Please come and donate and help us help the most needy children in our County.