Non-profits, churches, civic groups
invited to take advantage of free Festival space
In response to requests from the community, the Chamber is waiving all booth fees for non-profits, churches and civic groups who want to set up a booth at the Mountain Heritage Festival in support of their organization. These booths will be located on Main Street between the Cheek Street (Kangaroo convenience store corner) and Grandview Drive. They can sell fund-raising items that include the organization's name (t-shirts, ball caps, etc.), ask for donations, sell raffle tickets and pass out literature. However, these booths are not intended for the sale of handmade crafts. Those sales are designated for the paid booths located between Whitehead and Cheek streets. Whatever you do, join the celebration of the county's 150th Anniversary and use this opportunity to tell the story of your organization's history and heritage in Alleghany County. It's our birthday. Let's all strut our stuff a bit! Click for booth assignment form that explains all the details. Call the Chamber, 372-5473, with questions.
Check out the updated website for
Innovative Occasions and wedding pictures
I love wedding pictures because the subjects seem so happy and the updated Innovative Occasions website is a joy to view. I am particularly intrigued by the shot of Main Street, empty of vehicles (except of course the Innovative Occasions limo), in the middle of the page. How did Denise and Maynard do it? I've never seen Main Street in daylight without traffic!
Tuesday, August 11
Grief Support Group at Alleghany Inn
Sparta - Hospice is offering a grief support group in the conference room of Alleghany Inn, tonight, and every Tuesday in August, 6-7:30p, for individuals dealing with the death of a loved one. The loss of a loved one is never easy and no one has more experience in such matters than the Hospice program. For questions or more information, call Mary Lee at Hospice at 336-372-8018. The program is co-sponsored by Grandview Memorial Funeral Home.
Wednesday, August 12
Big NC DOT Auction at the Fairgrounds
Sparta - If you've ever wanted a yellow pickup or just about any piece of equipment that the North Carolina Department of Transportation owns, then you'll want to be at the Fairgrounds for this huge auction. DOT will conduct a surplus vehicle and equipment public auction beginning at 9a and continuing until the last item is sold. All items can be previewed on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009 from 8a to 4p, and on Wednesday, 8a-9a. Click for a list of all items to be sold along with registration and payment requirements. The fairgrounds is on US 21, 1.5 miles north of Sparta.
Thursday, August 13
Teapot Museum and Alleghany Library
team up for special musical evening
Sparta - Enjoy this roving musical evening that begins at the Sparta Teapot Museum Preview Gallery at 5p with a concert by Wayne Henderson and Helen White. White is the guidance counselor at Sparta School North Carolina and Virginia schools. Henderson is the Rugby instrument maker who among other things is subject of the book, Clapton's Guitar: Watching Wayne Henderson Build the Perfect Instrument. While at the museum, be sure to check out the display of handmade instruments, including Henderson's first, a cardboard guitar.
At 6p you're invited to the Alleghany Library for refreshments, followed by the soft sounds of Alleghany Thyme, David Nichols, Joan Halsey, Kevin Swenk and Joe Wyatt. There is no charge for either of these programs. Please note that this is a change from performers scheduled earlier. 336-372-5573.
All-you-can-eat Thursdays at the Davis Bourne
Independence - In addition to the regular menu, check out the special selections for all-you-can-eat Thursdays at the Journeys End Restaurant at the Davis Broune Inn, 5-8:30p. Reservations are always appreciated. 276-773-9384
Friday, August 14
Community Foundation wine-tasting
fund raiser at Olde Beau Country Club
Sparta - Enjoy good food while sampling some of the area's finest wines in this fund raiser for the Community Foundation at Olde Beau, 6:30-9p. If you miss this event, the evening a wine and food is held again Saturday, August 22. Contact any Community Fund Board Member or call 336-363-9457 for tickets.
Saturday, August 15
Informal Gathering in Crouse Park
highlights Native American heritage
Sparta - Enjoy a day of drumming, storytelling, singing, dancing, flute playing and demonstrations on the traditional Native American way of life beginning at 9a and continuing through the day. Youghtanund drummers and dancers will be performing along with other Native Americans from the region. Only Native American crafts will be sold, along with locally produced Alleghany County Sesquicentennial souvenirs. The event is sponsored by the Alleghany Inn, the Alleghany Jubilee, Hillbilly Wes and Imaging Specialists, Inc. 336-372-4107
Grand opening of The Old North State Mercantile
Sparta - Check out the county's newest business, The Old North State Mercantile, that will be celebrating its grand opening Saturday 10a to 5p. They offer a selection of antiques as well as handcrafted items from the old North State. Stop by and welcome proprietors Meredith and Geoff Morrison and see what they have to offer. They are located at 462 Halsey Knob Road, 336-372-2650. If you are coming from Sparta, take US 21 north for 3 miles to Twin Oaks and continue straight as the road becomes US 221 for a half mile more to NC 93 intersection. Go right on NC 93 and follow NC 93 3.5 miles to Halsey Knob Road on the left. Their drive is right before the lane to Mangum Pottery. While you are in the neighborhood, drop in Mangum Pottery and see what Rob has cooking in the kiln.
Sunday, August 16
Walk explores New River State Park
Crumpler - Join a Park Ranger at New River State Park's US Hwy 221 Access for a nature walk beginning at 2p in the lower parking lot, near the primitive campground. Learn about the nature in park and take a short hike. Wear comfortable shoes. 336-982-2587
Mark your calendar
Make plans for Ag Expo in Laurel Springs
Find new ways to diversify your farm and learn the newest tools of the trade at the Aug. 29 Farm Expo at the Upper Mountain Research Station. Hosted by the Alleghany and Ashe Christmas Tree Associations, NC Cooperative Extension, Ashe and Alleghany Cattlemen’s Associations and the Upper Mountain Research Station, this event begins at 1p and will target all agricultural commodity groups including Christmas trees, livestock, row crops, and small fruits and berries. Farmers from the entire High Country Region of North Carolina and Virginia are encouraged to attend. There is $10 admission and that includes a meal at the close of the event. Sponsored by NC Farm Bureau and Carolina Farm Credit. IMPORTANT: Please RSVP to the Alleghany or Ashe County Extension Office by August 17 in order to receive your dinner ticket. Learn more at sparta-nc.com/expo.pdf. 336-372-5597
PLAYING IN OUR COMMUNITY: There's music in these hills. When and where below.
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Tuesday, RISE AND SHINE BAND, 7p; Saturday, CLOSED, THIS SATURDAY ONLY, 8p, 25 N. Main. Admission each night is $4. 336-372-4591.
>> Crouse House Pickers: Local blue grass and old time musicians jam each Monday, 2 blocks north of the Courthouse at the Crouse House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6 p.m. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 372-5473
>> Freeborne's Eatery & Lodge: Free outdoor weekend concerts from 2-5p at 14300 NC 18 South, Laurel Springs. 336-359-8008. Playing Saturday: TBA; Sunday: COMMON GROUND. Thursday and Friday specials and music in the bar.
>> Silver Dollar Music Park: Supper and karaoke each Friday. Supper begins at 4p and is served home style. Karaoke begins at 8p. Come for one or both events. Big Karaoke contest begins July 10 and continues through the summer. Cash prizes offered so have your vocal pipes tuned. Saturday, 4-WHEEL DRIVE, a popular area country/rock band plays. Come early and enjoy supper, served home style. The band begins play at 8p. Check their Web site for more information
>> Stations Inn: Free outdoor Sunday concerts from 2-5p at 14355 NC 18 South, Laurel Springs, 336-359-2888. Playing this Sunday: TGA
ONGOING ACTIVITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY
>> Craven Studio: Saturday Open House: Drop by Saturdays between 12n and 4p for refreshments on the porch. From Independence, VA, take US 58 toward Mouth of Wilson for 8.8 miles. At Route 711, turn right and go 1 1/2 miles to Little Fox Creek Rd. (Route 680, an unpaved road). Turn right and go 1/2 mile to Foxfire Lane. Turn right and take the unpaved road for 400 yards to the end of the lane to #333. 276-579-2195 or 800-764-2402
Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for Recurring Activities, Events and local Meetings. Check them often and let us know if your activity is not listed.
Bob Bamberg
Executive Director Alleghany
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
SpartaChamber@inbox.com
Sparta-NC.com
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