Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Great Mountain Heritage Festival
I can't say thank you enough for everyone that played a part in last Saturday's Mountain Heritage Festival. I can't believe our luck with the weather. We had good attendance. At 2p next Tuesday, Sept. 29, we are meeting in the Conference Room of the Alleghany Inn to critique the event. If you were involved in the planning or helped in any way, you are invited to attend. 336-372-5473

Tickets available for Chamber Annual Meeting
Our annual meeting will be Saturday, Oct. 10, at Olde Beau Country Club. The social hour begins at 6p. Dinner follows at 7. Dinner entrees are petite sirloin and honey glazed salmon. There will be a number of special individuals and organizations honored throughout the evening. If you have not attended one of our annual meetings, ask your friends and I think they will tell you folks always have a good time. Tickets are $35 and are available at the Chamber or from any board member. 336-372-5473

Learn of the banjo's roots at Teapot Museum
Cecelia Conway, ASU English professor and noted musicologist, will present a multi-media presentation that traces the history of the banjo, an instrument that has become a part of mountain music, back to its roots at the Sparta Teapot Museum, Sparta, tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 23, beginning at 6:30p. Come and enjoy this free presentation. 336-372-7238

Oldies But Goodies Auction in Sparta
Auctioneer Frank Hazard will be offering antiques and collectibles to the highest bidder beginning at 6:30p on Friday, Sept. 25, 21 North Main Street, Sparta. Your treasure may be up for sale. Items available for viewing beginning at noon the day of the auction. 336-572-2995

Marines lead 150th Anniversary Parade, concert
The huge 150th Parade winds its way from the NAPCO parking lot on Trojan Avenue (note: this is a new parade start location), onto US 21 at the Car Quest/Betty's Mart intersection and down Sparta's Main Street. The Second Air Wing Marine Band will lead a long line of floats and entries as Alleghany County winds up this celebration, Saturday, Sept. 26, beginning at 2p. And be back at 7p for the band's concert in Woodruff Stadium (the Alleghany High School football stadium. In case of rain, Sparta School Auditorium). Both events are free.

Canoe the New with the Wellness Center
Enjoy a leisurely 10 mile canoe trip on the New River compliments of the Alleghany Wellness Center. Join your friends at Zaloo's Canoes on NC 16, just south of the intersection with NC 88, near Glendale Springs, Sunday, Sept. 27, at 9a. Pack a lunch (optional wine tasting) and bring your canoe. Canoes are also available from Zaloos for $32 rental. 336-372-2499

Rhonda Vincent and The Rage at the Dollar
One of the hottest acts in bluegrass comes to the Silver Dollar Music Park in Glade Valley, Sunday, Sept. 27, at 3p. Rhonda Vincent and The Rage will be on stage and the New Dixie Pharaohs open are the opening act. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. This is a popular entertainer. Reservations are recommended to guarantee your presence. Learn more at
SilverDollarMusicPark.com.

Telling and Drawing Jack Tales at the Library
Join Lynn Salsi and James Young at the Alleghany Library Monday, Sept. 28, at 6:30p for this free program that combines storytelling and art. 336-372-5573

Business After Hours at Village Condominiums
Forget what you know about condominium living. Forget what you think are the costs. Village Condominiums are a new approach to affordable living in our Alleghany mountains. Join your friends at Village Condominiums in Glade Valley just off Glade Valley Road beside the Post Office Thursday, Oct. 1, 5-7p, to network and see this new housing opportunity. Each floor plan is unique. It offers pastoral beauty and is just minutes from town. Amenities include a commons picnic area, garden and fire pit. This could be the opportunity for a friend or family member to have a place in our mountains. 336-372-5473

Locals among 12 Angry Men at Ashe Civic Center
Alleghany's own Brad Jenkins and Jim Williams are jurors in the courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men, Oct. 2-4, 7p Friday and Saturday, and 2p on Sunday, at the Ashe Civic Center, West Jefferson, presented by the Ashe Little Theatre. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 students. 336-846-2787

Thistle Meadow Wine Festival
Sample the finest in area wines at this gathering of vintners at Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs, Saturday, Oct. 3, noon to 5p. Admission $5 and includes a complimentary tasting glass. Naomi's Fancy will entertain with their own take on the Scotch-Irish musical heritage. Hamburgers and hot dogs available. 336-359-2995

Doughton Day on Courthouse Lawn
Bob Doughton Day will celebrate the Laurel Springs native most remembered for passage of Social Security and the creation of the Blue Ridge Parkway Saturday, Oct. 3, at 2p on the Courthouse Lawn in Sparta. Memorabilia will be displayed from the Congressman's long service in Washington. A portrait of a young Bob Doughton will be unveiled for permanent display in the Courthouse. This event marks Alleghany County's celebration of the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary that culminates with a huge gathering at Cumberland Knob and Blue Ridge Music Center Sept. 10-12, 2010. Lunch will be available from the Laurel Springs Volunteer Fire Department behind the Courthouse beginning at noon in the parking lot of the Senior Center. Lunch is $10 a plate and goes to benefit the fire department. 336-372-8140

PLAYING IN OUR COMMUNITY: There's music in these hills. When and where below.
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Tuesday, RISE AND SHINE BAND, 7p; Saturday, TBA, 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 Saturday and Sunday at 14300 NC 18 South, Laurel Springs. 336-359-8008. Thursday and Friday specials and music in the bar. Check their website for details.
>>
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. 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. Check their website for details.



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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