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Weekend Roundup: Things to Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out and Make Plans July 26 – July 28

Compiled by Madison V. Fisler

July 26, 2013. The High Country has so many exciting events to offer its community and visitors, especially in the summer months. 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.

Friday, July 26

90th Annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show: Over two, six-day shows, visitors will get an opportunity to watch some of today’s top competing horses and riders from around the world. These beautiful horses will be competing at the peak of their physical ability. The competition will occur in two arenas for most of the show, ensuring plenty to see. Visitors are allowed to walk the grounds during the show. Here you can watch horses being exercised; riders and horses practicing in multiple practice rings; and horses getting washed, groomed, and their manes and tails braided. Wandering through the seventeen barns is a unique experience as each competing barn recreates a “home away from home” bringing potted plants, flowers, furniture, and tents with their barn colors. There is something for every horse lover to enjoy, whether it is the grace and beauty of the hunter classes or the power and speed of the show jumpers.

Tour of Homes in Blowing Rock: The 55th annual Tour of Homes in Blowing Rock on Friday, July 26, sponsored by St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Parish, will feature five homes, all with varying and unique features in design and style. Transportation will be provided from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the houses are open until 5 p.m. Although shuttles will run between the homes, the houses are close enough for a walking tour if desired. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce on Park Avenue. All proceeds go to support community projects and nonprofit organizations in the Blowing Rock and Boone area.

K-9’s in Flight Frisbee Dogs at Tweetsie Railroad: These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide. Don’t miss them at Tweetsie! Stroll down Tweetsie Railroad’s Main Street and say howdy to the Marshal and the Cowboys. Visit the shops and the eateries. Along the way you’re sure to meet lots of interesting folks … and maybe a few outlaws, too.

The Grandfather Campout: A special opportunity to camp in MacRae Meadows and take part in day and night activities led by Grandfather’s naturalists and interpretive rangers. Additional cost. Registration begins May 1.

Wilkesboro’s Weekly Open Air Market: Wilkesboro hosts a weekly Open Air Market on West Main Street in the heart of historic downtown, offering farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and plants, as well as handmade crafts. The market’s focus is on supporting and sustaining the local farm and artisan community. The market takes place every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., from April 19 through Oct. 18. Admission is free. The town of Wilkesboro will also provide an open mike opportunity during the regular Open Air Market Fridays for local and regional musicians. Open mike signups will be available weekly April through October, not including the Third Friday Events, which are held April through August. To sign up, or for more information, contact Andrew Carlton at Wilkesboro Town Hall.

Concerts at the Jones House: Concerts at the Jones House – Every Friday in downtown Boone. FREE! Bring your own chair or blanket. Concerts start at 5:00 p.m.

Bluegrass at Todd General Store: Join us every Friday from late May until Thanksgiving and listen to a variety of live Bluegrass Acts. Dinner will be served at 6pm and music starts at 7pm. Come early to be sure you get a seat.

Music in the Valle: Join Valle Crucis Community Park as we celebrate the 11th anniversary season of Music in the Valle! All concerts begin at 7:00 and end at sundown. Admission is free, but a $5 donation per person to the park is recommended. Pets are welcome but must be leashed. There is absolutely no smoking allowed in the park. Bring a picnic, a blanket or chairs, and enjoy!

Saturday, July 27

Watauga County Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday morning from May to November you will find quality locally farmed meats, fresh produce, artisan cheeses, dried and fresh cut flowers, hardy local plants, delicious edibles, and a wide variety of quality crafts. Join PHARMN at the Kids’ Corner for Mini-Markets where kids 12 and under can set up as vendors to sell their original arts and crafts, plants, produce and flowers they have helped grow.

90th Annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show: Steeped in tradition, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show allows spectators the opportunity to be a part of the oldest continuous show in America. Admission is $5.00 per person. A wide variety of shopping and food are available on the grounds and the Grandstand provides ample seating to watch the lineup of classes. Over two, six-day shows, visitors will get an opportunity to watch some of today’s top competing horses and riders from around the world. These beautiful horses will be competing at the peak of their physical ability. The competition will occur in two arenas for most of the show, ensuring plenty to see. Visitors are allowed to walk the grounds during the show. Here you can watch horses being exercised; riders and horses practicing in multiple practice rings; and horses getting washed, groomed, and their manes and tails braided. Wandering through the seventeen barns is a unique experience as each competing barn recreates a “home away from home” bringing potted plants, flowers, furniture, and tents with their barn colors. There is something for every horse lover to enjoy, whether it is the grace and beauty of the hunter classes or the power and speed of the show jumpers.

K-9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs at Tweetsie Railroad: Shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday evening show at 7 p.m. These incredible dogs have delighted audiences nationwide. Don’t miss them at Tweetsie! Stroll down Tweetsie Railroad’s Main Street and say howdy to the Marshal and the Cowboys. Visit the shops and the eateries. Along the way you’re sure to meet lots of interesting folks … and maybe a few outlaws, too.

Lenoir Downtown Farmers’ Market: The Lenoir Downtown Farmer’s Market is a local producers only market. All goods are grown, made, designed or processed by the market vendors. Our vendors include vintners, local grass fed beef and pork, free range eggs, goats milk soaps and lotions, honey, alpaca wools, various produce, local arts and crafts, heritage eggs, herbs and spices, both living and dried, Herbville and Crane teas and sauces, just to name a few. We also feature a variety of live music including Celtic music, classic acoustic rock, Jazz saxophone, and many more. Need another reason? Here it is. Our market often features a specific product from one of our vendors, and we’ll be grilling up something almost every weekend, chicken wings, 100% beef hot dogs, grilled corn, tomatoes, and asparagus! Don’t miss this chance to meet and support your local farmers and producers, and help keep North Carolina foods close to home.

Appalachian Shrine Club 5K Run/Walk: Help support the Shriner’s Hospitals by participating in the Appalachian Shrine Club 5K Fun Run/ Walk on July 27th at Watauga High School. All proceeds from the event will go to help support the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children which provide medical care at no cost for children. This event is family friendly and children and youth are encouraged to participate. Event registration is $15 pre-registration and $20 late or same day registration and includes a t-shirt for the event. Appalachian Shrine Club 5K Fun Run/ Walk, Kids helping Kids. For more information or to register for the event contact Josh Teague @ Joshua J. Teague, Attorney at Law, P.A. 828-262-9897.

Puss in Boots Outdoor Play: The Master Cat in the tale of “Puss in Boots” will win the hearts of children of all ages. Children’s play on the Horn in the West outdoor stage starts at 10:30 (45 minutes long) each Saturday, July 20 – August 10. Cost of admission is $6. On Saturday, arrive in time to enjoy the adjacent Watauga County Farmers Market before the show! Tickets are available online at www.horninthewest.com and at the box office, 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. Call 828-264-2120 for directions and information.

Down Home Dinner at Grandfather Home for Children: Come on down to Grandfather Home for Children’s annual Down Home Dinner. Events kick off at 2:00 with a farmers market, jugglers, magicians, and local artisans demonstrating heritage arts. At 4:00 pm there will be a flurry of local stars for “Grandfather’s Got Talent” out on the Smith Centennial Amphitheater, and at 5:00 grab a plate for FREE BBQ and a top notch concert by local bluegrass favorite, Carolina Crossing. The dinner is FREE, but be sure to RSVP so we have enough for everyone. To RSVP or for questions contact April Miller at Grandfather Home for Children, 828.898.5465 ext 508 OR a.miller@grandfatherhome.org.

Creekside Grass Concert at Watauga County Library: Come see Creekside Grass play at Watauga County Library on Queen Street in downtown Boone. 

Night at the Wax Museum: The Musical: BeanStalk Little Theatre presents “Night at the Wax Museum: The Museum: The Musical” July 26 and 27 at 7:00 pm and July 27 at 2:00 pm at ASU’s Valborg Theatre, Boone, NC. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students 12 and under. Come out and see the local talent of adults and children of the high country and support community theatre.

Outdoor Movie Night at Honey Bear Campground: This weekend we’re playing Disney’s “Cars!” on our outdoor movie screen. Bring a blanket or chairs and choose a cozy fire to set up by and enjoy the movie with your family! $5 a car for parking!

Sunday, July 28

Music on the Veranda featuring Blake Pace: At the Green Park Inn, check out Blake Pace this Sunday and listen to him play everyone’s favorite show tunes!

Alpen Summer Concerts: Join in the summer fun at the Alpen Inn Pavilion on Beech Mountain for free outdoor concerts every Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 (weather permitting), Memorial Day thru Labor Day. The event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, or use seating provided. Food and beverages are available for purchase on the lawn through the Alpen Inn Restaurant. Events are family and pet friendly (permitted on leash). Musical acts scheduled to perform: The Lucky Strikes, Shane Chalke BE Jazz, Smokey Breeze, The Mercury Dames, Sound Traveler, Echo Park, Klee Liles/Klee and Mike Show, Liz Hayes and the Common Threads, Amantha Mill. Music ranges from Jazz, Swing, Old-time Americana, Blues, Beach, Classic Rock-n-Roll and more. 
 
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