1) Mayview Madness 5K Set for Sept. 19
The 2014 running of the Stick Boy Mayview Madness drew more than 320 preregistered runners, ages 3 to 84, including more than 60 under 13. This year’s event takes place here on Saturday, September 19 on a course that winds through the historic Mayview neighborhood, with magnificent views along the route. With average race day high and low temperatures of 67 and 49 respectively, conditions should be perfect for running.
The 16th annual 5k run starts at 8:30 a.m. adjacent to the American Legion Hall and finishes in front of Bistro Roca restaurant, where post-race snacks will be provided and awards presented. The 1 Mile Fun Run starts in the same location at 8:00, so parents can accompany their kids and still make the 5k start time.
“It’s great to host the Mayview Madness annually. For us, it means the start of fall, a truly magical time of year. Running has been a part of this area for a long time, and folks travel from out of town to be a part of it. The number of runners speaks to the success of the event organizers and to the welcoming spirit and hospitality of our town,” said Tracy Brown, Blowing Rock TDA Executive Director.
The 5k will have prizes donated by local businesses for the top three male and female finishers in each of ten age groups, including a separate category for masters runners. Reebok running shoes will be awarded to the male and female first place finisher in each category. Details and registration atgo.events.com/#/event/2115.
Proceeds benefit Blue Ridge Conservancy’s work with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational and scenic value in northwest North Carolina. For more information visit blueridgeconservancy.org.
2) Watauga Community Band to Play at Fred’s on Sunday
The Watauga Community Band will perform at Fred’s General Mercantile, on Beech Mountain, Sunday, August 9. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. The band, directed by Steve Frank, will perform a variety of music sure to suit many tastes. Americana, show tunes, and rock and roll are among the many genres on the set list. The show is free and all are welcome to attend.
3) Blue Ridge Parkway Ranger Programs
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Cone Manor – Milepost 294
10:30 am – Informal Upstairs Tour at Cone Manor
From 10:30-12:30, the second floor of Cone Manor will be open for a do-it-yourself tour. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions.
Saturday August 15, 2015
Cone Manor – Milepost 294
10:00, 11:00, 2:00, 3:00 -Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor
Ranger led tours of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Tour is approximately 45 minutes long and reservations are required. To reserve a tour: call 828-295-3782 or sign up at the NPS information desk at the Manor House. Reservations are accepted beginning at 10:00am Friday for the upcoming weekend only. No advance reservations, please.
Julian Price Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 296
7:00 p.m. – Skunks!!!
They are wonderful animals and unique to the Americas. Come and learn more about these useful and loveable creatures.
Approximately 45 minutes in length
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Cone Manor – Milepost 294
10:00, 11:00, 2:00, 3:00 -Upstairs Tours at Cone Manor
Ranger led tours of the second floor of the former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Tour is approximately 45 minutes long and reservations are required. (See Saturday above)
ALL PROGRAMS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Special thanks to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Eastern National, and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway for their financial support of these programs
4) Upcoming Programs on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Friday, August 14, 2015
Linville Falls Visitor Center- Milepost 316
11:00am- Hiking for the Perfect Picture
Join a ranger to explore Linville Falls on a guided hike focusing on engaging your photographic eye. Bring your camera, an eye for beauty, bottle of water, and comfortable shoes.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater – Milepost 316
7:00pm- Night Flyers
The owl has long been a representation of intelligence and wisdom, but it also symbolizes death in some cultures. Come learn about this silent night flyer, and why it is associated with such a diversity of characteristics.
Approximately 45 minutes in length
Crabtree Falls Campground Amphitheater- Milepost 340
7:00pm- Yell Fire
As one of the classical elements, fire has been seen as a powerful force within the universe. Learn about fire’s positive and negative effects and how wildland fire is fought.
Approximately 45 minutes in length
All programs are Free and open to the public
Special thanks to Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Eastern National, and FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway for their financial support of these programs
5) Second Saturday in Banner Elk
Join Banner Elk for a day of fun on Saturday, August 8th. The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce has brought together local business members to make an entire day of activities, music, sales and more.
Special this month, the Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation will have Historic Banner Elk Bus Tours. Lees McRae College has donated the use of their buses for the day, and the tours will begin at 9:00am, 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:00am, 12:00pm and 12:30pm. Meet at the gym parking lot behind the Banner House, tours are free but donations are welcome.
Other events will include art, music, speakers, demonstrations and sales. A complete list of participating businesses can be found on www.bannerelk.org/secondsaturday. Come out and join the fun!