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Weekend Roundup: Art, Music, Riverfest and More in the High Country, June 12-14

Got plans for the weekend? Festivities going on in the High Country include shopping, fresh local food, river activities, art, music, dancing, outdoor programs and more.

Also, don’t forget about the local recurring outdoor summer concert series. Read more to find out who’s playing this week.

 

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Watauga Riverfest

Watauga Riverfest in Valle Crucis on Saturday

The 15th annual Watauga Riverfest will take place this weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday with a fun-filled day of events that are free and open to the public. Held at Valle Crucis Community Park, this celebration will include hands-on activities and information for guests of all ages, who will head home with a greater appreciation for the rivers of the High Country and skills and knowledge needed to reduce their environmental impact and educate others.

Join in on an old-fashioned hayride in the fish mobile, hunt for live creek critters in the water, participate in a watermelon-eating contest and tour the newly planted wetland and go on a bird walk and a tree identification walk. Kids can join in on the krazy kazoo band concert, have their faces painted, have their pictures taken as fish and visit with goats and alpacas.

Learn more about Watauga River Partners and Riverfest online.

 

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WHS Rummage Sale

Humane Society Rummage Sale on Friday and Saturday

Support the Watauga Humane Society this weekend and shop at its annual rummage sale, hosted this year in two locations at the Boone Mall. Antiques and books will be sold from the former Gigi’s Uniforms storefront inside the mall next to JC Penney. All other items can be found in the former Family Dollar store located next to TJ Maxx.

The sale is open to the public in both locations from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Read more about WHS online and find out other ways to help serve local animals in need.

 

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Photo by Jessica Isaacs

Watauga County Farmers’ Market

Meet and greet with your neighbors as you shop fresh local produce and handmade crafts and enjoy live music at this week’s Watauga County Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon at Horn in the West.

Check out products like seasonal fresh fruits and berries, local jams, jellies, mustard and honey, fresh baked breads, cakes and pastries from our country kitchens, fresh farm eggs, fresh and aged goat cheeses, locally-farmed meats and livestock, fresh herbs and herbal products, fresh-cut and dried flowers, wreaths and arrangements, farm-based crafts including wool, birdhouses, pottery, baskets, handcrafted yard art and garden furniture and large selection of plants including annuals and perennials.

 

Second Saturdays in Banner Elk

If you enjoy spending time in Banner Elk, or you’ve been waiting for the right time to check out what this mountain town has to offer, you’re in luck! Second Saturdays are a great way to learn more about this community and take advantage of specials and activities around town.

The Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce is working with its members to bring a day of fun to Banner Elk.  Second Saturday activities and events are planned by individual businesses and include wine tastings, artist meet and greets, speakers, sales, and music.

Read more for a full list of specials from participating businesses.

 

Art in the Park in Blowing Rock on Saturday

Join this month’s Art in the Park event in downtown Blowing Rock from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday for a free afternoon of fun.

Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. 53 years after its start, Art in the Park is host to 90 artisans at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more.

Art in the Park is planned and administered by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber emphasizes the arts focus of this event. The town and area businesses are enthusiastic and participate with Art in the Park, and the public eagerly anticipates each season.

 

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William Dunlap, Woodberry Barn

William Dunlap at the Art Cellar on Sunday

The first exhibition of the summer at the Art Cellar Gallery begins with acclaimed American Artist William Dunlap and works on paper. “Unparalleled Vision” features the hypothetical landscapes by Dunlap and runs June 3-14. The artist will be at the gallery for a rare visit and everyone is encouraged to come to the gallery for casual talk, conversation and cocktails on Sunday, June 14 from 2-4 p.m.

Learn more about the Art Cellar and William Dunlap.

 

Contra Dance Returns to the Apple Barn on Saturday

The Boone Country Dancers will be at the Apple Barn in Valle Crucis for its next community contra dance on Saturday, June 13. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of dance experience. The evening will begin with a beginners’ workshop from 7:30-8 p.m. The goal of the workshop is to teach the fundamentals of contra dance with a focus on having fun. After the workshop, the regular dance will run from 8-11 p.m. with a waltz break at 9:30 p.m. The dance will feature the band Boom Chuck and the caller will be Dean Snipes.

 

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Grandfather Mountain

Rhododendron Ramble at Grandfather Mountain

Few plants scream “summer” in the mountains as loudly as the vivid pink Catawba rhododendron, and Grandfather Mountain is now center stage for the spectacular annual show. To showcase the beauty and significance of this native plant, Grandfather Mountain naturalists will host the Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble from June 1-14. Visit www.grandfather.com to plan a trip.

 

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The Forget-Me-Nots

The Forget-Me-Nots to Perform at Lost Province on Sunday

Watauga natives Maura Shawn Scanlin and sisters Ledah and Willa Finck have been performing Celtic music in the community for more than a decade as the group The Forget-Me-Nots. They’re now studying independently at out-of-state conservatories, but will convene for their only local performance of the summer on Sunday evening.

They’ll perform a family-friendly set of music arranged for unaccompanied triple fiddle from 6-8 p.m. at Lost Province Brewing Co., 130 N. Depot St. in downtown Boone. Learn more about the girls and what they’re up to now.

 

OTHER WEEKEND EVENTS:

  • FRI. JUNE 12: Don Vallarta at Trout and Barrel, 5:30 p.m.
  • FRI. JUNE 12: Youngest Son at Trout and Barrel, 10 p.m.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Camping Etiquette at Grandfather Mountain, 5 p.m.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Scholarship Fund Breakfast at Linville Falls Community Church, 7-11 a.m.SAT.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Upstairs Tours of Cone Manor, MP 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Call 828-295-3782 for reservations. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: The Bear Facts at MP 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 7 p.m.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Stream Gems at at MP 316 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 7 p.m.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Coyotes in Our Midst at MP 340 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, 7 p.m.
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Summer Storytelling at BRAHM
  • SAT. JUNE 13: Watauga Annual Community Plant Sale
  • SAT. JUNE 13: The Mountain Laurels at Trout and Barrel, 6:30 p.m.
  • SUN. JUNE 14: Upstairs Tours of Cone Manor, MP 294 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Call 828-295-3782 for reservations. 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.