Compiled by Madison V. Fisler and Erika Giovanetti
June 14, 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, June 14
Watauga County Relay for Life: Starting at 2 p.m., 36 teams will participate in the 2013 Watauga County Relay for Life event at Watauga High School. They will be going at it all day, so stop by to show support. For more information, click here.
Father’s Day Craft Show: Located at the K-Mart parking lot on Blowing Rock Road. Local Arts and Crafts on display and for sale at this 30+ year show. Lots to see and buy. Jewelry, woodworking, needlework, pottery, carving, locally handmade brooms. Come find a locally hand-made treasure for Dad! New vendors are being added each show. FREE Admission to public. For more information, call 931-265-3917.
Wilksboro’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 at 336-838-3951.
Concerts at the Jones House: Every Friday in downtown Boone. FREE! Bring your own chair or blanket. Concerts start at 5:00 p.m. This week features the Major Sevens and Swing Guitars
West Jefferson Gallery Crawl: On Friday, June 14 from 5 – 8 pm the “arts district” of downtown West Jefferson will come alive with folks strolling the streets. The first Gallery Crawl of the season is here! The June crawl will feature new gallery exhibits, special guest artists, refreshments, music, in-store promotions and much more! West Jefferson has an eclectic group of shops, galleries an studios representing a large and varied group of artists who will be displaying their latest artistic endeavors. Join your friends and neighbors for Gallery Crawl and experience the arts in West Jefferson! Gallery Crawl is free and is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council in cooperation with the West Jefferson Business Association and the West Jefferson TDA. Maps will be available at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson and at other participating galleries and shops. For more information, call the Arts Council at 336-846-2787.
Free Movie Night at Boone Healing Arts Center Featuring Life is Beautiful: Join us for a FREE Screening of “Life Is Beautiful” at 6pm! We have chairs and blankets for lounging, feel free to bring snacks, drinks & friends! About the Film: In 1930s Italy, a carefree Jewish book keeper named Guido starts a fairy tale life by courting and marrying a lovely woman from a nearby city. Guido and his wife have a son and live happily together until the occupation of Italy by German forces. In an attempt to hold his family together and help his son survive the horrors of a Jewish Concentration Camp, Guido imagines that the Holocaust is a game and that the grand prize for winning is a tank. Pre-registration is preferred, but not required. To register call (828) 386-1172, email info@bhacboone.com or send us a message at facebook.com/BooneHealingArtsCenter!
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. The event is free but tips and donations for the band are appreciated. The Todd General Store is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1914, the store was the last stop for the Western “Virginia Creeper” Railroad. A deli and grill compliment the store today. Storytelling can be heard most Tuesdays at 6pm. Local and regional artisans, authors and book signings also are present most Saturdays. The Todd General Store is located 10 miles south of West Jefferson or 11 miles north of Boone off Highway 194, overlooking the South Fork of the New River and located on Railroad Grade Road, one of the most scenic bike routes in North Carolina.
Rosanne Cash Concert at Blue Ridge Music Center: The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, in partnership with the Blue Ridge Parkway, is pleased to announce that celebrated singer, songwriter and author Rosanne Cash, along with guitarist John Leventhal, will headline a concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center, located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, on Friday evening, June 14, 2013 at 7:00 PM. The concert will also feature beloved Blue Ridge master guitarist and luthier Wayne Henderson and some of his musical friends. A pre-concert benefit and reception will be held before the concert at 5:00 PM for a limited number of participants, with the proceeds benefitting the Blue Ridge Music Center.
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!
Free Showing of the Green Fire: Join us at New River State Park U.S. 221 Access, Visitor Center for a screening of Green Fire! See the first full-length, high-definition documentary film ever made about legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold and his environmental legacy! Green Fire shares highlights from his extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates how Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land continues to inform and inspire people across the country and around the world, highlighting modern projects that put Leopold’s land ethic in action in a multitude of ways.
Saturday, June 15
9th Annual Dan Klink Memorial Car Show: The Dan Klink Memorial Car Show, sponsored by the High Country Classics Car Club (HCC), holds its ninth annual event this year at a new venue. The show, which takes place at the Watauga County Human Services Center, runs from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. this Saturday, June 15. The car show is $3 to attend for patrons 12 and older. Registration costs $20 per vehicle. Registration takes place from 8 a.m. until noon, and awards will be given out by 3 p.m. Awards include Top 50 cars, Best Chevrolet, Best Ford, Best Mopar, Best GM, and club participation. Other festivities include door prizes, cakewalks, and live entertainment. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for lunch. High Country Classics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, restoration, preservation and promotion of classic cars and trucks. The annual car show is the club’s primary fundraising event each year. HCC uses the proceeds of the show to prolong the club’s operations and to promote or support various causes in the area.
Avery County Rotary Pancake Benefit Breakfast: The Avery County Rotary Club will hold a pancake breakfast on Saturday, June 15th at the Linville Land Harbor golf house beginning at 7:30 and ending at 10:00 am. Pancakes, eggs, country ham, biscuits and gravy, bacon, orange juice, and coffee will be served. It’s all you can eat with all proceeds going to the various Rotary partners like Avery County Schools, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding Avery Families, 4H, Mayland Community College, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, Grandfather Home, and more. Bring your families for one of the best values in town and help your community at the same time!
Watauga County Farmers’ Market: Every Saturday morning at the Horn in the West 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.
The Cub – 1st Race in the High Country Triple Crown: The Cub, a.k.a. “Valle Crucis 7-Miler,” showcases the beautiful mountain community and countryside of Valle Crucis, NC. This 7-mile mountain road race will begin at the Valle Crucis School and turn right on to Broadstone Rd. The course passes the Mast General Store and the Baird Barn and continues over the Watauga River towards Baird’s Creek Rd. The route will turn onto Baird’s Creek Rd. and climb up, and up to Dewitt Barnett and the following steep climb to the Danner Cemetery (the most spectacular views of Valle Crucis). From there it’s all down hill to the low water bridge, right on to Broadstone Rd., and then back to the school, completing the seven mile loop. This route is hilly, steep, and challenging. The High Country Triple Crown is a well-established mountain running race series that has been developed for the purpose of raising funds for Girls on the Run of the High Country. While our staff is completely volunteer, and overhead expenses are kept to a minimum, nothing has been overlooked in the planning and preparation for the race series. The race series also includes the High Country Half Marathon on August 24th and The Knob on October 11. Triple Crown races are unique, challenging and highly fun– our runners return year after year to be a part of the series. For those who are up for the challenge, we offer the chance to become Winners of the Triple Crown– runners who complete all three races. Winners receive special awards following The Knob, which is the last race in the series. The top three male runners and top three female runners, in addition to the top three male grand- masters (age 50 by 6/15/2013) and top three female grand-masters (age 50 by 6/15/2013) will receive cash awards totaling more than $1500.
2nd Annual Jack Masters Memorial Golf Tournament: The Sugar Mountain Golf Club, and the Edgar Tufts Memorial Association are excited to once again honor the memory of one of the High Country’s most ardent advocates for youth, Mr Jack Masters, with the second annual Jack Masters Memorial Golf Tournament, Saturday, June 15th 2013. The proceeds from the event go to help support Wildcat Lake, a beloved and treasured free recreation spot for locals and visitors alike. Registration for the Captain’s Choice golf event will extend up to tee time the morning of the event, and “walk-ups” are welcome, Bring your own foursome or tournament organizers will pair you a group of other caring participants. Entry fee is $65 and includes a continental breakfast and post round cook out with prizes, raffle, and auction for golf at the High Country’s finest private clubs. To learn more, or to sponsor a hole, or sing up to play, call the Sugar Mountain pro Shop at 828-898-6464.
Beech Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair: Bring your family and friends to the Beech Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair on Saturday, June 15th. Spend the day in the mountains as you shop for unique items that you can’t find anywhere else! Shop local and support High Country Artisans! For more information please visit their website here or call 828-387-3003.
Rootsfest: The unique history and culture of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, will be on display at Valle Crucis Community Park’s first annual Rootsfest, to be held June 15, 2013. The inaugural event will feature live music, arts and crafts vendors, historic and educational displays and demonstrations, and activities for children of all ages. Live music for the event will be provided by the Todd Wright Trio, Carolina Crossing, and the Sheets Family Band. Activities for children will include a dunking booth, bounce houses, races, and traditional carnival games. Adults can join in the fun by trying their hand (or mouth) at the pie-eating or watermelon seed-spitting contests. Local artists and craftspeople will be on hand to sell their work, and food will be available for purchase. The event takes place at Valle Crucis Community Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on June 15. Admission is free. Parking will be available at the Park or at Valle Crucis School for $5 per car.
Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park: A series of art and fine handcraft shows featuring juried artisans. Now in its 51st year, Art in the Park features 90 exhibitors in each of six shows May through October. Work includes: painting (oil, watercolor and acrylic), etching, stained and blown glass, basketry, wood carving and turning, clay, photography, fiber, jewelry and more. Shows are 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Free transportation on a comfortable trolley available to the downtown and art show area available. Shows are May 18, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7, October 5.
High Country Horse Club Horse Show: Members of the Watauga County 4H Horse Power will be present selling their beautiful woven bracelets / anklets for their summer fundraiser. Watauga County 4H Horse Power is led by Alexa Knapp and ages 5-18 are welcome to join. No riding experience is necessary. Please come out and see us!
EmergencyFest – Watauga Firefighter’s Association: Come see fire trucks, ambulances, bomb squads, police vehicles, rescue squads, medical helicopters of emergency response agencies from all over the state. This is a fun and educational event for children of all ages. There will be events for children to participate as well as adults. Fire, EMS, and law enforcement officials are here for big fun and great educational experiences! This is the 10th annual EmergencyFest that has been held by the Watauga County Firefighters Association.
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.
Free Vision and Hearing Screening: The Boone Area Lions Club is sponsoring free vision and hearing screenings provided by the NC Lions Inc. Vision Van, a 60 foot long mobile facility, between the hours of 10: AM and 4 PM, Saturday 6-15 in the Wall-Mart parking lot.. Adults and children 6 years of age are eligible. Minors must have a parent present to sign the screening form.
Craft Demonstrations at Parkway Craft Center: Fun and educational demonstrations from a wide variety of artisans, free! Watch them work and ask questions about their craft. Demonstrations nearly every day on the porch at the Craft Center, housed in the Moses Cone estate house.
2013 Junaluska Heritage Association Jubilee: You are cordially invited to attend the 2013 Junaluska Heritage Jubilee celebrating
the great heritage of the Junaluska Community honoring Reverend Morris Rockford Hatton, Sr.
Jefferson’s First Annual Cruise-In: Don’t miss the inaugural Olde Towne Cruise-in on Saturday, June 15 from 4pm- 8pm at the Museum of Ashe County History. Grab the family and spend the evening in downtown Jefferson checking out our first car show with classic and custom cars, trucks and motorcycles on display. But, it’s not just about the cars – we’ll also have a 50/50 raffle, auctions, BBQ chicken, DJ music and more! Sponsored by the Olde Towne Jefferson Business Association, “celebrating our past and embracing our future.” All Car, Motorcycle, and Truck Clubs welcome!! For more info, call Garry Elliott at 336-877-0755.
Hungry Hearts Live and Silent Auction: The 2nd Annual “Hungry Hearts” Live and Silent Auction is taking place June 15, 2013 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The auction includes art from talented local artists. All proceeds benefit the non-profit restaurant, F.A.R.M. Cafe. Cullie Tarleton will lead the live auction. A night devoted to art and our community, sponsored by F.A.R.M. Cafe, the event will take place from 4:30 until 7 p.m. The live auction will begin at 5:45 p.m. A $5.00 donation is requested at the entrance. Wine and soft drinks will be available for purchase. ABOUT THE CAFE – FARM Cafe helps to foster a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality and delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. For more information, visit the website at www.Farmcafe.org.
Blue Ridge Dinner Theater Presents: Elvis: A true Elvis experience. Relive the fantasy as Starrlyte Promotions presents Jimmy W. Johnson in the “Spirit of Elvis.”“Elvis never left the building like we thought; you may not be able to see him at the moment… but if you’re quiet, long enough… you can still hear him singing.”The Legend Lives On!”
Ensemble Stage Presents – Searching for Eden: From the Garden of Eden to the luxury resort “E”, comedy abounds as we follow Adam and Eve through the ages in their exploration of new beginnings and new love to modern day progress and modern day marriage. Adults $19 / Seniors, Students, Military $17 / Kids under 16 $10
Father’s Day: Sunday, June 16
The Alpen Summer Concert Series continues this Sunday from 5:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the lawn of the Alpen Inn Pavillion in Beech Mountain. This show features the Lucky Strikes, a band playing fun, popular and eclectic songs ranging from swing and Motown to classics from the 50s, 60s and 70s. The event is free to attend, just bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating, or use the seating provided. The concert is weather permitting, and food and drink are available for purchase at the venue. Call 866-284-7770 for cancellation information.
The Vintage Valle Music Series honors Father’s Day with old fashioned community music performed by local artists including Tommy Brown’s Jack Tales, the BrassDivas, and Sarah & Mark McGuire. The music series is free to attend and is held at Baird’s Creek Church from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The event is indoors, and there will be no food or preaching–just neighborly pickin’ and grinnin’.
The Father’s Day Craft Show takes place in the Kmart parking lot from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The show, which has been taking place for over 30 years, hosts the work of local artists including jewelry, pottery, woodcarving, needlework and more. This presents a great opportunity to find the perfect hand-made present for Dad. Admission is free to the public.
Elk Knob State Park holds a guided Wildflower Hike in honor of the Year of the Wildflower to celebrate Father’s Day at 2:00 p.m. at the Elk Knob Summit Trailhead. The hike is weather dependent, so call the park office at 828-297-7261 if the weather is questionable. Proper hiking boots and attire are recommended.
Grandfather Mountain’s Fudge Shop celebrates Father’s Day and National Fudge Day with discounted fudge all day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:50 p.m. Entry to the Fudge Shop requires the purchase of admission to Grandfather Mountain State Park. Call 800-468-7325 for more information.