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Weekend Roundup: 27 Things To Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out & Make Plans: Sept. 7 to 9

Compiled by Paul T. Choate

Sept. 7, 2012. The High Country has so many wonderful events to offer its community and visitors. Check our site every Friday for something new and exciting to look forward to while you’re watching the hour hand crawl to 5 o’clock. Find live music down the street, explore a nearby town’s local secrets or try out a new square dancing class. There’s always something fun to do in the High Country. 

The Don’t Miss Events

Final days of the Avery A & H Fair

Photo courtesy of averyfair.org

“Avery A & H Fair is a family oriented mountain fair known for friendliness and preservation of the mountain heritage that has long been part of the High Country,” reads the fair’s website. During the final days of the fair one of the major highlights is a lawnmower race from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday evening.

When: now through Saturday (Sept. 8) night
Where: Heritage Park, Newland
More info: averyfair.org

Ninth Annual Grandfather Mountain Kidfest

Kidfest is a day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities.

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, beginning at 9 a.m.
Where: Grandfather Mountain State Park
More info: 800-468-7325 

Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie

Tweetsie Railroad will celebrate the golden age of steam locomotives and our mountain heritage Sept. 8-9 during Railroad Heritage Weekend. This special event will give railroad enthusiasts and visitors of all ages a chance to get up close and personal with the operation of Tweetsie’s steam locomotives and learn about their interesting past along with the rich history of mountain traditions and culture.

When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8 and 9, starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday
Where: Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock
More info: 800-526-5740 

Appalachian State University vs. Montana (Home Opener)

Coming off a disappointing loss in the season opener against East Carolina last Saturday, the Mountaineer football squad is hoping to bounce back against a tough Montana team in their home opener. Be sure to arrive early because Kidd Brewer Stadium is always packed for ASU home football games. Go Mountaineers!

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 6:30 p.m.
Where: (as if you didn’t know) Kidd Brewer Stadium on the campus of ASU
More info: www.goasu.com

 Live Music

Concerts at the Jones House: Youth Showcase

The Town of Boone continues the 2012 Concerts at the Jones House series with a special Youth Showcase evening, featuring local youth and one recent Watauga High School graduate. Max “The Magician” Midgett will follow Sarah McGuire, bringing the first magic show to the summer concert series in the 20-year history of the performances.

When: Friday, Sept. 7, 5 p.m.
Where: Jones House, 604 W. King St., Downtown Boone
More info: 828-262-4576

Friday Night Bluegrass

Visit the Todd General Store and recapture a time when life was simple and genuine.  Meet the mountain folks and listen to talks of the railroad days as well as bluegrass every Friday.

When: Friday, Sept. 7, 6:30 to 9:15 pm.
Where: Todd General Store, 3866 Railroad Grade Road, Todd
More info: 336-877-1067 

Sumalin at Murphy’s

Hailing from Athens, Ga., Sumalin brings a unique and eclectic kind of rock ‘n roll. Their experimental sound and entertaining live performances are always a crowd favorite.

When: Friday, Sept 7., 8 p.m.
Where: Murphy’s Pub, 747 W. King St., Boone
More info: 828-264-5117 

Crystal Bright and the Silver Hands at Boone Saloon

Based out of Greensboro, their website describes their sound this way: “So where to begin? Words that come to mind listening to this are, (deep breath..) carnivals, mariachi, Kate Bush, musicals, Tim Burton, Goldfrapp, burlesque, Calexico, Eastern Europe gypsies, Gogol Bordello, Jazz, Devotchka, old timey, cabaret, fables, dark fairy tales and a hundred others, really. I could go on. It is a very intriguing record indeed and almost impossible to categorise, but hopefully you’ve got an idea of what this may sounds like.”

When: Friday, Sept. 7, 10 p.m.
Where: Boone Saloon, 489 W. King St., Boone
More info: crystalbrightandthesilverhands.com

Contra Dance

Head out to the Apple Barn and have some fun with a good ole’ fashion folksy contra dance.

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Apple Barn off N.C. 194, Valle Crucis
More info: 828-406-0580

Captain Midnight at Murphy’s

The Captain Midnight Band

From their website: “The Captain Midnight Band creates “Water Bed Rock & Roll” for the mind, booty, and soul. Crunchy Rock Guitar, Soaring Vocal Harmonies, and thick R&B grooves create a sonic landscape for the band’s suggestive, Sci-Fi imagery and improvisational interplay.”

When: Saturday, Sept 8., 8 p.m.
Where: Murphy’s Pub, 747 W. King St., Boone
More info: 828-264-5117 

Yellograss at Galileo’s

Yellograss is a local rock ‘n roll experimental two-man band from Boone made up of Lennon Redford and Chas Branson.

When: Saturday, Sept 8., 9:45 p.m.
Where: Galileo’s, 1087 W. King St., Boone
More info: 828-264-5117 

Iji with James Rabbit at Espresso News

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 p.m.
Where: Espresso News, 267 Howard St., Boone
More info: 828-264-8850 

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Todd Wright & Friends at Canyons

Todd Wright, an Ambassador of Jazz for western North Carolina, joined the Appalachian State University music faculty in 1990. As Director of Jazz Studies he has been responsible for conducting Jazz Ensembles I and II, teaching courses in jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz piano, jazz tunes and coaching combos.

When: Sunday, Sept. 9, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Canyons, 8960 Highway 321, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7661 
 
Concerts in the Park: The Flying Saucers
The Flying Saucers

Enjoy an out-of-this-universe experience as part of the Concerts in the Park series when The Flying Saucers land on Memorial Park Sunday afternoon.

When: Sunday, Sept. 9, 3 p.m.
Where: Memorial Park, Blowing Rock
More info: www.theflyingsaucers.net
 
Jazz at the Meadowbrook Inn sponsored by the Blowing Rock Jazz Society

The Blowing Rock Jazz Society brings you an extraordinary year of jazz concerts to the Blowing Rock area. Tickets are $20 per person and $5 for students. Dinner will also be available (expect a pre-fixed menu).

When: Sunday, Sept. 9, 7 p.m.
Where: Meadowbrook Inn, 711 Main St., Blowing Rock 
More info: 828-295-4300 

Arts

First Friday Art Crawl

On Friday, Sept. 7, downtown Boone businesses will participate in the monthly First Friday Art Crawl. Per usual, this month’s installment will feature free food, drinks, and music along with work and exhibitions from local artists. And as always, locals and tourists young and old are invited to attend and enjoy the Friday night fun.

When: Friday, Sept. 7, 5 p.m. until…
Where: Downtown Boone
More info: click here
 
‘Dreams from my Grandfather’
 
Arts & Artifacts presents this exhibit with paintings by Brackin.
 
When: Friday, Sept. 7, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Arts & Artifacts, 159 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock 
More info: 828-414-9400
 
50th Anniversary Celebration of Art in the Park
 
Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8, festivities will begin for the 50th anniversary celebration of Art in the Park in Blowing Rock. The celebration will feature live music, original artwork from the 1962 Art in the Park and an awards ceremony for the co-founders of the event.
 
When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 2 p.m. until…
Where: Memorial Park, Blowing Rock
More info: click here
 
 Get Outside
 
Trail Run to Fire Tower
 
This is a tough trail and participants are encouraged to be in good physical condition if they are attempting this run. The run is five miles from the Moses Cone Craft Center up to the Fire Tower (which provides some of the best views in the High Country) then back to the craft center.
 
When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m.
Where: Meet at Crestwood (3236 Shulls Mill Road, Boone) before making a drive to the Moses Cone Craft Center
More info: 828-964-6412 
 
Dog Jog 2012

The Watauga Humane Society Dog Jog will be held Saturday, Sept. 8. In addition to the Dog Jog, this event includes family-oriented, pet friendly activities, exciting prizes and pet-related vendors. Registration begins at 10 a.m. the day of the event and the $25 registration fee (student fee is $20) includes a commemorative Dog Jog 2012 tee shirt. Early registration will be held on Friday, Sept. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Sage Sports at the Boone Mall. All dogs must be on a 6 ft. or shorter leash and wear current rabies vaccination tags. Water will be provided.

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. (registration) 11 a.m. (jog)
Where: Watauga Parks & Recreation Complex, 231 Complex Drive, Boone
More info: 828-264-1053 

Elk Knob Headwaters Community Day

From N.C. State Parks: “Enjoy a day filled with live music, games, nature activities, hikes, wagon rides, craft and cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, history and food! Please bring a dish of food to share and join us between 11 am and 5 pm for our 8th Annual Elk Knob Headwaters Community Day sponsored by the Elk Knob Community Heritage Organization (EKCHO, Inc.). Enjoy a day of cultural heritage and pride. Please note that if you are interested in participating in the potluck, you should bring a dish of food to share and plan to be at the park by noon.”

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m.
Where: Elk Knob State Park front field
More info: 828-297-7261 

Free Tasting

Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants Tasting

Kevin McNamara of Country Vintner shows off the affordable, value side of the portfolio with some awesome choices in the $10-$12 range. Namely the excellent South African representation of Cabernet Sauvignon by Excelsior, Montgravet from Cotes de Gascogne (100 percent Colombard — crisp French white), Four Vines Old Vine Zin and Naked Chardonnay. Plus, maybe something a little more special.

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants, Boone
More info: 828-264-9476

The Markets

Fall Plant Sale to benefit Watauga Humane Society

Come out and see a wide variety of plants for sale at this event. Proceeds benefit the Watauga County Humane Society.

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Precision Printing, 302 Blowing Rock Road, Boone
More info: 828-265-0004 

Avery County Farmers Market

The Avery County Farmers Market is a cooperative of area farmers that produce freshly grown, organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, homemade jams and jellies, herbal products, crafts, maple syrup, fresh eggs, potting plants, ornamentals, seedlings and much, much more.

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 170 Linville Street, between CVS and the Department of Social Services building, Newland
More info: 828-789-9246 or 828-733-8274     

Watagua County Farmers’ Market

The market has so many things to love: fresh and nutritious local foods, beautiful handmade crafts, face-to-face interactions with the farmers who grow your food, scrumptious breads, jams, jellies and cheeses made by community members, meat and eggs from local farmers and of course the friendly social atmosphere of “Boone’s Town Square.” 

When: Saturday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Horn in the West parking lot, Boone
More info: 828-355-4918 or 828-264-3424 

Ashe County Farmers’ Market

Every Ashe County Farmers’ Market customer has that particular vendor that keeps them coming back for more but it’s the market’s diversity that makes it one of the best in the area. Click here for a list of vendors along with profiles so you can get to know not only your favorite but maybe find a new must see vendor.

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April to Oct.; and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., July to Sept.
Where: Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson
More info: ashefarmersmarket.com

Movies

Be sure to check out our listings for cinema showtimes and movie trailers at the Regal Boone Cinema 7 too! It’s the only place where you can see ALL the trailers and showtimes for every movie playing in Boone all on one page! 

Editor’s note: Want your event to be added to our Weekend Roundup next time? Email Rebecca Gitlen at rebecca@highcountrypress.com.

Things to Do This Weekend logo by Debbie Carter.