1000 x 90

Weekend Roundup: Things to Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out, Make Plans May 2-4

by Madison V. Fisler

May 2, 2014. The High Country has so many exciting 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.

Weekend-Long Events

Check out this week’s movie trailers and our weekly movie review of The Other Woman, click here.

Boone in Blossom Festival: In celebration of a long-awaited Boone spring, the fourth annual Boone in Blossom Festival will bring a weekend’s worth of local art, music and community service to the High Country May 2-4. Hosted by the Boone Community Network and presented by Gati Productions, Boone in Blossom and its fall sister festival Harvest Boone promote local community service, music, and visual and healing arts. For more information on this event click here

High Country Senior Games: The North Carolina Senior Games first began in 1983 with a vision to promote healthy living to citizens aged 50 years and older all across the state. With more than 50 activities, art events and athletic contests, the 25th annual High Country Senior Games are scheduled to be held May 1-June 7. For more information about this event click here

Friday, May 2

First Friday Art Crawl: On Friday, May 2, downtown Boone will be taken over by the First Friday Art Crawl. Like always, this month’s crawl will feature food, drinks and live music with work and exhibitions from local artists. And as usual, everyone is invited to come out and enjoy some Friday night fun. If you’ve never experienced First Friday Art Crawl, here is your chance to get in on what the locals already know! Head on down to downtown Boone and enjoy a Friday night out on the town. Here’s what is happening this month

Midnight at the OASIS: The Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock will once again play host to the eleventh annual Midnight at the OASIS on Friday, May 2. The annual fundraiser held at the Meadowbrook Inn each year helps to raise funds for OASIS, a local nonprofit agency that provides services and support for victims on interpersonal violence in Watauga and Avery Counties. For more information on this event, click here

Middle Fork Greenway Fundraiser: Rock Dimensions will host a $2 Night Climb on Friday, May 2 from 6-9 p.m. as part of a fundraiser for Middle Fork Greenway. Appalachian State University students are organizing the event, sponsored by Rock Dimensions and Footsloggers for the proposed pedestrian and cycling greenway linking Boone and Blowing Rock along the headwaters of the Middle Fork in the New River. The event will offer climbs for $2 each or three climbs and a bracelet for $10. There will also be an information table to answer questions and help share information about the project. All climbing gear will be provided at no extra charge. All ages are welcome and all proceeds go directly to the project. For more information call 828-702-4564.

Benefit Art Auction: More than 50 local and regional artists have donated work for a silent auction fundraiser at The Greenhouse located at 164 S. Depot Street in Boone on Friday, May 2 at 6 p.m. during the first Boone Art Crawl of the season. All proceeds from this event, hosted by Andrea Capua, Stephen Owen and friends will go to the Watauga County Democratic Party and its slate of candidates. For a minimum donation of $25, attendees will enjoy an open wine and beer bar, non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres while listening to music played by the Todd Wright Quartet.

Wilkesboro’s Weekly Open Air Market: The Open Air Market is scheduled May 2 through September 19, 2014 on a weekly basis. The regular market is open every Friday from 4:00-8:00 pm. The vendor selling are farmers with locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants and local art & craft vendors, baked goods, plus many other vendors. This market will take place in the town owned parking lot across from the 50’s Restaurant and Royall’s Framing on Main Street in downtown Wilkesboro.

Friday Night Fish Fry: Fleetwood Community Center is having a Friday Nite fish fry to raise funds for the center. Plate includes flounder, choice baked beans or potato, slaw, hush puppies, drink and dessert. Eat in or take out. Adults $11, children $7. Come on out and support the center between 4:30 and 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 3

Ninth Annual P.B. Scott’s Reunion Party: Loud music, national acts, fun times and huge crowds were the trademark of the once legendary venue at P.B. Scott’s in Blowing Rock More  than 25 years after the establishment, which hosted national acts on a regular basis, closed its doors forever in 1983, those who once grooved all night long still long for the experience once again. The ninth annual P.B. Scott’s Reunion Party will be held once again at Canyons in Blowing Rock on Saturday, May 3 at 9 p.m. For more information, click here

Watauga Farmers’ Market Opening Day: There are just a few more days left until the 40th season of the Watauga County Farmers’ Market hits the ground running on Saturday, May 3 at the Horn in the West parking lot in Boone. Since 1974, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, which takes place each Saturday morning from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 3 through November is a High Country favorite that many residents and visitors make a weekly tradition. For more information on this event, click here.

ZAP Fitness Girls on the Run 5K: Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The 12-week program innovatively weaves training for the ZAP Fitness Girls on the Run 5K (to be held on May 3) with lessons focused on developing essential life skills. For more information on this event, click here.  

Third Anniversary of F.A.R.M. Cafe: F.A.R.M. Cafe at 617 West King Street in Boone will begin its third year of “feeding all regardless of means” with a celebration at the Cafe on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, click here

Habitat for Humanity Women Build Week Begins: More than 13,000 volunteers are expected to partner with 300 Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country to help build affordable housing in their local communities in recognition of National Women Build Week, May 3-11. Now in its seventh year, National Women Build Week challenges women to devote at least one day to the effort to eliminate poverty housing. In Watauga County on May 3, 12 volunteers and Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers will work on the Critcher family’s new home. Longtime event partner Lowe’s will also offer in-store how-to clinics where volunteers can learn construction skills in preparation for the build event.

Book Signing: On Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m., join local author Stuart Omans and illustrator Jan Omans in the Library Meeting Room for a bookselling and signing featuring the book “Ol’ Man on a Mountain’.

CVA Benefit Ride: The 6th Annual CVMA 15-5 Ride (www.cvmaride.com) will begin with registration and line-up at 10am in the midst of a Fun, “Can’t Miss” event hosted by CrossRoads Harley-Davidson in beautiful Wilkesboro, NC (www.crossroads-hd.com).  It is $20 for a single rider and $25 for two on a bike. Check out a video of last year’s ride on the CrossRoads Harley-Davidson Website! The 52-mile, police-escorted ride will begin sharply at 1:00pm and end at River City Bar & Grill (www.rivercitybarandgrillkn.com) in Lake Norman, NC.  Everyone is encouraged to come out to the Pre & Post Events whether you have a bike, or not to help us raise money for such an amazing cause! If you live along the route between Wilkesboro, Statesville, Troutman and Lake Norman; come out in your yard and wave as the bikes go by!  Many of our riders are Veterans and this is a great opportunity to show your appreciation. Events will include Live Bands, Food and Beverages, Silent and Live Auction, and a 50/50 Giveaway.  Past 50/50 winners have won up to $800!  An avid supporter of our troops past and present, American Country Music Artist, Rockie Lynne, will be performing this year! 

Mabel UMC Yard Sale: The Mabel United Methodist Church, located at Old U.S. 421 in Zionville will host a yard sale on Saturday, May 3 from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be lots of treasures. Breakfast and lunch items will be available for purchase along with baked goods. Proceeds will benefit the Church Benevolence Fund. For more information or for directions, call Gloria Walters at 423-460-1303 or Diane Terry at 828-297-6120.

Birth and Beyond Fair: On May 3 at 10 a.m., the annual Birth & Beyond Fair will be held with Mommy Makeover Giveaway, Daddy Swaddling Contest, child safety seat checks, child ID kits, K9 Kids, getting your family outdoors and Family Game Night. For more details, visit www.HighCountryMom.com or email 4teamboyce@gmail.com. 

Ashe County Farmers’ Market: Located in West Jefferson, We will have everything from fresh produce and meats to plants and crafts all under one roof!

Elk Knob Volunteer Trail Work Day: Warmer weather has finally returned along with the Volunteer Trail Work Days at Elk Knob State Park. Every Saturday beginning April 5 and running through the middle of November (except June 28 and September 13), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at 9 am and work until approximately 3:30 pm, weather permitting. Tools are provided but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building our new one mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although we may include some repair work on the Summit Trail. If you would like to be involved in a fulfilling project that will fill you with a well-deserved sense of pride, then join us on Saturdays at Elk Knob State Park. For more information please call 828-297-7261.

Johnson County Farmers’ Market: The main work of the Johnson County Farmers Market is to help strengthen a sustainable local agricultural and food economy. We do this by providing education, engaging in community and economic development, and promoting the availability and benefits of local food and agriculture.

Mozzarella Demonstration: Join Holly Roark as she demonstrates how to easily make mozzarella cheese at home. Mozzarella cheese is one of the simplest and quickest cheeses to make – it is perfect for beginners! In this workshop, Holly will walk participants through the cheese making processes from start to finish. She will also discuss important factors in choosing milk and other necessary ingredients. Snacks following the workshop will be provided by Stick Boy Kitchen. The class is limited to 40 participants, registration is required. These workshops are offered in conjunction with Greening My Plate Week, ‘a celebration of spring & our growing season’.

Sensory-Friendly Film Screening: Innovative Approaches of Watauga County, Appalachian District Health Department, Appalachian State University, and Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country are offering families with children and youth with special health care needs a special opportunity to enjoy a favorite family film in a safe and accepting environment.

The Monarch Butterfly at Grandfather Mountain State Park: When you see a butterfly flying around are you aware of that butterfly’s life story? Come join a Park Ranger to learn about the Monarch Butterfly’s life story and what makes this butterfly so special and different from most others. This program will discuss the butterfly’s description/markings, habitat, lifecycle, and several other adaptations specific to this butterfly. This program is for all ages. Please dress according to the weather, and meet at the Boone Fork Parking Area located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 299.9. We will be outside for approximately one hour.

Sunday, May 4

Dasch Quartet at the BRAHM: On Sunday, May 4 at 5:30 p.m., the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will kick off its third annual Summer Sunday Music Series with a concert by the Dasch Quartet, sponsored by longtime BRAHM supporters Bill and Judy Watson. Dasch is made up of graduate saxophonists from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem and has been praised by Classical Voice of North Carolina as “breathtaking” and “effervescent.” For more information on this event, click here

Watauga Community Band Spring Performance: The Watauga Community Band will perform its annual Spring Concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 4 in Rosen Concert Hall in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University. The band, under the direction of Bill Winkler, will perform a variety of selections including Leroy Anderson’s Sandpaper Ballet and John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and Theme. This is a free concert and everyone is welcome.

Baha’i Devotional Meeting: There will be a Baha’i devotional meeting from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in Stony Fork on Sunday, May 4. The theme of the meeting will be “Celebrating a Divine Springtime.” The meeting will celebrate the Baha’i Festival of Ridvan, the time when Baha’u’llah, the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’u faith proclaimed his mission April 1863. For more information call 828-268-2191.

S.E.A.M. Local Foods Dinner: Supporting Economic Alternatives in the Mountains (SEAM) brings together good ideas and community investments in the High Country. SEAM encourages participatory decision making by forming a platform where local entrepreneurs can share their project with community members at a locally-sourced dinner. At Basil’s Fresh Pasta and Deli, three local entrepreneurs will present their project ideas, and dinner attendees will choose to fund each project at three different levels (60%, 30%, and 10%) of the crowd-sourced funds raised through the dinner tickets. To read more about the selected-projects and to purchase tickets, please visit seamnc.org. Drinks and music by local band RedLeg Husky will begin at 7 pm; tickets cost $30.