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Weekend Roundup: 25 Things To Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out & Make Plans: Aug. 10-12

Compiled by Rebecca Gitlen

Aug. 10, 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 Festival of Gnarnia

A juggernaut of a festival is coming to Beech Mountain Ski Resort August 9 to 11. The Festival of Gnarnia will see festival goers from across the country flood Eastern America’s Highest Town and enter through the wardrobe and into the parody land of GNARNIA. The all star musical lineup will perform against the backdrop of a stunning view that extends for a hundred miles making it one of the most unique and picturesque festivals of all the lands.

When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Beech Mountain Ski Resort
More info: gnarniathefestival.com

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5ch7FLfPxs[/youtube]

 

Connect with Living History: Veterans Share Their Stories at Appalachian World War II Symposium

The Appalachian High Country World War II Roundtable, Inc. and the ASU Department of History are presenting a World War II Symposium at the ASU Broyhill Center Aug. 9-11. The purpose of the Symposium is to both honor our Veterans and to let us hear from them the stories of their experiences from the War. History is about the stories, and we have a unique opportunity to hear those stories from people who actually lived through the Great Depression and WWII, defining moments of the 20th Century. And these gentlemen have some amazing stories.

When: Aug. 9-11
Where: Broyhill Center, ASU, Boone
More info: click

 

Live Music

Concerts at the Jones House: Charlotte Ross, Sound Traveler, Orville Hicks & Lisa Baldwin and Dave Haney

 Songwriters and storytellers take to the porch this Friday, as the Town of Boone continues with the 2012 Concerts at the Jones House series. Musical groups will include Sound Traveler and Lisa Baldwin and Dave Haney, and storytellers will include Orville Hicks and Charlotte Ross.

When: Friday, Aug. 10, 5 p.m.
Where: Jones House, 604 West King Street, Downtown Boone
More info: 828-262-4576

Music in the Valle: The Neighbors

The “Music in the Valle” Concert Series starts in June and continues each Friday evening through August at The Valle Crucis Community Park. Admission is free; bring a chair or a blanket and family and friends.

When: Friday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m.
Where: Valle Crucis Community Park, 2918 Broadstone Road, Historic Valle Crucis, Banner Elk
More info: 828-963-9239    

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, Aug. 10, 6:30 to 9:15 pm.
Where: Todd General Store, 3866 Railroad Grade Road, Todd
More info: 336-877-1067 

Ola Belle Reed Music Festival

Featuring top-notch award winning visiting and local musicians from Americana, Bluegrass, Old-time, Country and Folk traditions, the Ola Belle Reed Festival is a community-based event and fundraiser sponsored by the Greater Lansing Area Development Committee (GLAD), a 501(c)3 organization committed to the revitalization of Lansing, the birthplace of Ola Belle Reed. The group consists of community volunteers who are dedicated to this annual event in the spirit of Appalachian tradition. 

When: Aug. 10-12, schedule
Where: Lansing Creeper Trail Park, Lansing
More info: 336-977-1320

Mountain Home Music: Celtic Winds

This Saturday night Amy White and Al Petteway will make their first appearance on Mountain Home Music. The concert, entitled “Celtic Winds” will be at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium. The repertoire of Amy White and Al Petteway includes original, traditional, contemporary Celtic- and Appalachian-influenced music with occasional nods to rock and jazz. Their performances feature acoustic guitar, mandolin, Celtic harp, piano, banjo, lap dulcimer, percussion and vocals.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 8 p.m.
Where: Blowing Rock School Auditorium
More info: 828-964-3392 or click 

Blowing Rock Jazz Society Concert

This Sunday’s concert features the UNC Charlotte Faculty Jazz Quintet. The BRJS hosts a concert on the second Sundays of each month from April through October at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Tickets are $20 for the general public, $5 for students and free for Jazz Society members. Call the Meadowbrook Inn at  for reservations.

For more information, click to  or call 423-727-0795.

When: Sunday, Aug. 12, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-4300 or www.brjs.blogspot

Si Kahn, Joe Shannon, Sixth Floor Trio and Forget-Me-Nots at Rosen Concert Hall

The performers’ selections span the worlds of bluegrass, Broadway, Celtic, country and Klezmer. Billed as “An Appalachian Afternoon,” the 3 p.m. concert will take place in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall on the campus of Appalachian State University. Roy Krege will serve as the master of ceremonies for the afternoon concert, which will also feature a “Ben and Jerry’s” ice cream social during intermission.

When: Sunday, Aug. 12, 3 p.m.
Where: Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, Boone
More info: 828-387-9203, About the performers

“Groovy Nights” Variety Show

Due to the overwhelming response and demand, the hilarious and fun show, Groovy Nights, featuring lip-synched hits from the past, is back. Groovy Nights performances will be Sunday, Aug. 12 at 6 pm; Tuesday, Aug. 14 at 7:30 pm; and Friday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 pm. All proceeds go to the Blowing Rock Community Foundation which pays for scholarships for high school students in the Blowing Rock district and grants to nonprofit organizations.
 
When: Sunday, Aug. 12, 6 p.m.
Where: Blowing Rock Country Club Ballroom
More info: 828-295-9347 

Jonathan Maness at Banner Elk Cafe

The Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery is a friendly coffee-house atmosphere with a smoothie bar, fresh bakery and gourmet food, serving, delicous salads, seared Tuna, pizzas, pastas and wraps. Jonathan Maness will play on the patio.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Eatery
More info: 828-898-8395 or 828-898-4040

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, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Canyons, 8960 Highway 321, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7661  

Do you Croquet?

High Country Women’s Fund’s Croquet Fundraiser

The High Country Women’s Fund hosts one of its premiere fundraisers on the beautiful croquet court at Linville Resort on Sunday. Expect the atmosphere to be relaxed, the locale spectacular and the Southern supper afterwards – prepared by Eseeola’s culinary team – to be fantastic. The event raises funds to support and assist motivated women in need in Avery and Watauga counties to attain education and economic self-sufficiency. The HCWF encourages you to wear traditional white, vintage attire and Chessie McRae Crosby – honorary event chair – will serve as costume judge.

When: Sunday, Aug. 12, 1 p.m.
Where: Linville Resort
More info: 828-264-4007 or click

Arts

Art in the Park

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.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: American Legion grounds, Wallingford Street, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7851 or 877-750-4636

New Art Exhibit to Debut, NC Treasures

The exhibit celebrates the work and lives of three of North Carolina’s most talented and beloved artists and artisans: renowned painter Bob Timberlake, potter Glenn Bolick and seventh-generation chairmaker Max Woody. Visitors to the exhibit will see examples of the artists’ fine work that spans their long careers as well as memorabilia, tools, photographs and other belongings that tell the stories of their lives.

When: Friday, Aug. 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 159 Chestnut St., Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-9099 or click 

Blue Ridge Fine Art Guild opening reception

The Blue Ridge Fine Art Guild are set for another exciting show. This time it is the backdrop of Avery that is featured. The show BRAG ON AVERY features everything Avery from animal life, rivers, waterfalls, churches, old barns, architecture, people and scenics. There are 23 BRAG artists participating in the show.

When: Friday, Aug. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Dickson Gallery, Linville
More info: www.bragwnc.com/

Dance

Contra Dance at the Apple Barn
 
Come out and dance! The Boone Country Dancers are hosting a Contra Dance at the Apple Barn on Saturday July 14 and every second Saturday of the month. Noah Grunzweig is the caller for this dance and Bob Kogut and Friends are the band. All dances are taught, no partner is required and everyone is welcome. Admission is $7.
 
When: Saturday, Aug. 11, Beginners Lesson at 7:30 p.m., dance at 8 p.m.
Where: Apple Barn, Hwy 194, 1 mile from Valle Crucis School, Valle Crucis
More info: 828-406-0580 or www.boonecountrydancers.org 

Kidz Klog Clinic for beginners

Join the Appalachian Rhythm Clogging Family. It’s never too late to learn how to clog. It’s a fun way to exercise, make new friends and learn a new talent. Clogging classes range form Preschool to Adult and Beginner to Advanced.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Appalachian Rhythm Clogging Studio, 249 Wilson Drive, Suite 3, Behind Boone Mall
More info: 828-268-1926

Boone’s Little 500

Boone Breakaway Bicycle Race

The Boone Breakaway will maintain the exciting format of the Little 500, making it a great event for spectators. Adding to the excitement of dozens of cyclists racing shoulder-to-shoulder on the loose dirt for 200 laps – 50 miles – will be the pandemonium of teammates “handing off” their bikes. Racers trying to maintain their position will dive into pit lane, jump off their bike, and have a teammate jump on at high speed, or crash spectacularly in front of the grandstands. Magic Cycles will be on hand to lend racers mechanical support, as well as offer bike demos and great summer deals.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 1 p.m.
Where: Boone Fairgrounds, Boone
More info: 828-719-8448 or click

What Would Jesus Bring to the Picnic?

Anniversary Picnic for the High Country United Church of Christ 

High Country United Church of Christ will host a covered-dish picnic on Saturday at Valle Crucis Park in celebration of the church’s 10-year anniversary. Festivities will include a cookout and live music by the Dashboard Hula Boys. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 5 p.m.
Where: Valle Crucis Park, Valle Crucis
More info: 828-297-1092

Free Tasting

Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants Tasting

Peabody’s offers the High Country’s Largest & Finest selection of Wine & Beer, Wine Accessories, Cigars, Fine Cheeses, Luscious Chocolates, Gourmet Foods, Great Service, Party, Wedding and Event Planning, Cellar Stocking and Consultation and much much more. At Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants you can experience serious wine and beer with not so serious faces. The wines are delicious and tastings are free.

When: Saturday, Aug. 11, 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants, Boone
More info: 828-264-9476

The Markets

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, Aug. 11, 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, Aug. 11, 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@highcountrypress.com.

Things to Do This Weekend logo by Debbie Carter.