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Weekend Roundup: Things to Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out, Make Plans April 25-27

by Madison V. Fisler

April 25, 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 Rio 2, click here.

MerleFest: During the four-day festival in April, you can always expect one day of rain and that looks like it will be Friday with scattered showers and a thunderstorm. But then Saturday and Sunday both are forecasted for excellent weather. In all, the high temps will be in the 70s. Before you head out consider printing off a schedule from the MerleFest website or downloading the MerleFest app, so you can plan accordingly. For more information click here

N.C. Litter Sweep: This weekend, towns all around the High Country will be gearing up for a massive, state-wide clean sweep. The statewide “Litter Sweep” which will begin April 26 and run until May 10, is a large-scale effort to clean up the cities and towns of North Carolina for the betterment of the public. For more information click here

In/Visbile Theatre Present Kill Will: Kill Will is the latest creative endeavor from In/Visible Theatre. This collection of fight scenes from Shakespeare plays is written by the In/Visible Company, Derek Davidson, and also a guy named William Shakespeare. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. at the Valborg Theatre on the campus of Appalachian State University. Click here for tickets or purchase them 60 minutes before the show at Valborg Box Office.

Adventures of Don Quixote: This classic story for all ages will be presented at 2 p.m.  April 26 and April 27 in the I.G. Greer Studio Theatre at ASU. Ticket prices start at $5 for children and students, with a $10 admission price for adults. 

Friday, April 25

Redleg Husky at Canyons: Canyons in Blowing Rock will host a great preview of the great music to come at the 2014 Sirens on the Mountain Festival. On Friday, April 25, Redleg Husky will play live at Canyons at 9 p.m. This show will be a “gearing up” show for the Sirens on the Mountain Festival taking place June 20-21 at the High Country Fairgrounds. For more information, click here

Appalachian RollerGirls Fundraiser: Appalachian RollerGirls will host a fundraiser at Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone from 7-11 p.m. on Friday, April 25. The money will be used to support ARG’s home game in Boone that takes place in August, and any profits will be donated to a local charity. At this event, ARG will be arm wrestling, posing for pictures, recruiting and promoting their next bout on May 10 at 2 p.m. at Skateland in Hickory.

Vocal Jazz Ensemble Performance: If you have a favorite jazz tune, chances are good that you will hear it April 25 when the Appalachian Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Men’s Glee Club Ensemble and others take the stage. The vocal ensembles as well as Appalachian Jazz Ensemble I will perform at 8 a.m. in the Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall at Appalachian State University. Admission is free. Keith McCutchen directs the vocal ensembles and Todd Wright directs the Jazz Ensemble. Also performing will be guitarist Andy Page as well as Wright on alto saxophone. 

Saturday, April 26

Boone Birding Festival and Plant Sale: Spring is finally here, and with April’s showers comes the return of the High Country’s beautiful feathered friends. Come celebrate the area’s unique birds with the inaugural Boone Birding Festival on Saturday, April 26 from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. With nature walks, bird exhibits featuring live birds, games for kids, and a plant sale, this avian affair has something for everyone. For more information, click here.

Blowing Rock Walkabout: April has been designated as the second annual North Carolina Beer Month, and Blowing Rock is ensuring that everyone in the High Country gets to participate. On Saturday, April 26, Blowing Rock will celebrate the Blowing Rock Walkabout where beer lovers can indulge in pairings, tasting flights and more at many local area eateries and bars. For more information click here.

Relay for Life Spring Thaw: Watauga County Relay for Life will get a big boost this spring with the 2014 Spring Thaw 5K Road Race on Saturday, April 26. Sponsored by local team, Jerry’s Intimidators, the 5K will be raising money to benefit Watauga County Relay for Life’s fight to find a cure for cancer. For more information, click here.  

2014 Southern Super D Series Opens: Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park opens the 2014 Southern Super D Series, a six-race series taking place across North Carolina in the coming months, on Saturday, April 26. For more information click here

Poetry Reading at Watauga Library: Poetry lovers of all ages may present a favorite poem, a poem of their own or be the audience. Please come early to sign in if you wish to read a poem. Sponsored by the Friends of the Watauga County Public Library and Behind the Stacks, a local poetry group. Light refreshments will be available. For more information contact Paula at 828-963-1164 or the library reference desk at 828-264-8784. 

NC Harp Ensemble Performance: The North Carolina Harp Ensemble will perform April 26 at Appalachian State University. The performance begins at 4 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. Admission is free. Founded in 2010, the 10-member ensemble is directed by Jacquelyn Bartlett. It is the only program of its kind in the state and is comprised of harpists of all ages and skill levels. The ensemble will be accompanied by flutist Erica Spear and percussionist Alex Sidwell. The program includes “Grand Procession”  by Stephanie Curico, “Kingsfold” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun” by Claude Debussy, “Passacaglia” by George Friderick Handel and “The Cascades” by Scott Joplin. 

Wine for a Reason: Wine for a Reason, a fundraiser benefitting the Autism Society of North Carolina will be held at Linville Falls Winery on Saturday, April 26 from 12-6 p.m. Enjoy a day of wine, food and music at the lovely vineyard while supporting an important cause. A portion of the wine sales and all tips and donations that day will go to the Autism Society of North Carolina; an organization that is committed to providing support and opportunities which enhance the lives of those living with autism. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. For more information, please call Linville Falls Winery at 828-765-1400. 

Flea Market: Boone Sunrise Rotary Club will hold an indoor flea market from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26 at the Boone Mall. All proceeds will be used to fund local projects that support the High Country community.

Trail Work Day at Elk Knob State Park: Every Saturday now through November, staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at Elk Knob State Park at 9 a.m. and work until about 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. 

Sunday, April 27

Guitar Orchestra Performance: Classical and contemporary works for guitar will be performed April 27 at Appalachian State University. The Appalachian Guitar Orchestra performance begins at 8 p.m. in Broyhill Music Center’s Rosen Concert Hall. The orchestra is directed by Professor Douglas James. 

Programs at Elk Knob State Park: A Build-a-Butterfly program will be held at 2 p.m. April 27 at Elk Knob State Park. The program is designed for ages 4 to 7. Come learn about what kind of animal butterflies and moths there are.