By Paul T. Choate
Aug. 20, 2012. For the fourth year in a row Blowing Rock got a little groovier on Aug. 12, 14 and 17 with the annual installment of “Groovy Nights,” hosted by the Blowing Rock Community Foundation (BRCF) at the Blowing Rock Country Club.
According to Sandy Miller, president of BRCF, the annual event has been gaining popularity every year since its inception in 2009. She said this year saw the highest turnout so far.
“The turnout was great,” said Miller. “We had a sold out standing-room only crowd on the final night – there were at least 200 people – and our other nights were very well attended as well.”
Miller estimated that, in total, “well over 400 people” attended over the course of the three nights.
She also added that, based on her observations, everyone was having a good time watching all the entertaining — and sometimes even a bit humorous — cover acts. Performers annually include impersonators of “The King” Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, the Jackson Five and other classic acts. All performers are volunteers (most of them local) who just enjoy hopping up on stage for a little time in the limelight.
Miller said based on the event being so successful over the last four years that a “Groovy Nights V” is already in the plans for next summer at the Blowing Rock Country Club. She also added that many locals who have been reluctant to impersonate star musicians in the past have already signed up for next year.
“It becomes infectious,” Miller said. “You get people who say, ‘Oh, I would never do that,’ but then they see an act or they hear someone talking about it and the next thing you know they’re in it.”
All proceeds from the event go to the Blowing Rock Community Foundation, which pays for scholarships for high school students living in the Blowing Rock district and gives grants to non-profit organizations.
Dates have not been set for next year’s “Groovy Nights” yet. For more information, visit blowingrockcf.org.
About BRCF
The Blowing Rock Community Foundation was founded in 1985 and works to raise funds exclusively for the benefit of the Blowing Rock community.
“The Mission of the Blowing Rock Community Foundation is to raise and award charitable contributions to non-profit organizations (501 c 3) and scholarships that benefit the Blowing Rock community,” states the BRCF website.
Much of the funds raised are used to give $1,500-per-year scholarships to eligible Watauga High School students who live in the Blowing Rock district. There is also one scholarship worth $10,000 per year known as the Stevens Scholarship. According to Miller, there are about 20 students freshman-through-senior currently living in the Blowing Rock district.
Funds are also granted to local area non-profits. Miller said 12 organizations received grants this year, tallying $26,200 in grants given overall. The following received BRCF grants in 2012: Blowing Rock School, Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue, Blowing Rock Police Department, Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, Community Care Clinic (in Boone), Blowing Rock Historical Society, Blowing Rock CARES, Blowing Rock Appearance Advisory Committee, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies and Blowing Rock Community Club.
Video
Video by Ken Ketchie
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYPtkULAapk&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
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