For the first time ever, I'm spending Thanksgiving with my grandchildren in warm Florida. They usually come to the mountains for the holiday (and bring their parents with them) but this year, those plans did not work out. There will be no Briefing next week. Have a Happy Thanksgiving (I'll be thinking of you while I'm strolling the beach in shorts and sandals).
The Choose & Cut fields open
Several fields have opened and every other field will be open by Thanksgiving weekend to permit you to choose your holiday tree and they will cut, bale and attach it to your roof for a safe ride home. Click here for a list of 16 local Choose and Cut participants and a map to guide you to their farm. A late entry not on the list: Bald Knob Farm, open Nov. 27-Dec. 6, located at 50 Bald Knob Road (from Sparta, 4 miles on 18 north. Left on Pleasant Home Road and Left on Bald Knob Road). 336-657-1444, 336-657-0190, or 336-372-4191.
Suicide Survivors' Day program
The Alleghany County Suicide Prevention Committee is hosting the National Survivors of Suicide Day broadcast at the Blue Ridge Business Development Center, Saturday, Nov. 21, 11:30a-3:30p. Lunch will be provided in the day room. The broadcast will be shown in the conference room. A discussion follows. The public is cordially invited to attend. This day and this program is of special significance to individuals who have lost family members and friends to suicide. The broadcast is a project of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and can also be seen on computers with a high-speed Internet connection. Learn more at their website afsp.org. For more information about the local gathering, call Jane Wyatt at 336-372-2944.
Caution! Whitetail Deer!
Join a New River State Park ranger to learn about the Whitetail Deer, Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2p and look at ways to decrease vehicle/deer accidents. Meet at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitors Center. 336-982-2587
Loud and live at the Dollar
4-Wheel Drive will be on stage at the Silver Dollar Music Park beginning at 8p on Saturday, Nov. 21, with their special brand of R&R. Come early for supper at the Silver Spoon Supper Club. Details on their website.
Yes, you can eat out for Thanksgiving
If you enjoy the convenience of having Thanksgiving turkey and the trimmings made and served for you, Brown's Restaurant will be open Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, until 3p. 336-372-3400.
High Country Lights are on
Thanksgiving through New Year's
100,000 lights and displays synchronized to Christmas music. William Bottomley has gone all out for this year's display. You have to see it to believe it. Beginning Thanksgiving at 6p and continuing every night through New Year's Day. From Sparta, go 5 miles south on US 21. Turn left on Glade Valley Road, 8 miles on the right.
Mangum Pottery open house and sale
Mangum Pottery will hold its annual Christmas Open House and Sale Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 and 28, and next Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, from 10a-5p at 280 Turkey Hollow Lane. Come out and see what Rob had created. 336-372-5291
Local artists open their Studios to visitors
Local artisans are offering a studio crawl on Friday, Nov. 27, from 10a-5p. Drop by the Sparta Teapot Museum, 18 South Main, to pick up a map. 336-372-7238
Christmas lights come on Friday at 6p
Lights have been added to several buildings in old downtown since last Christmas. Friday, Nov. 27, those lights and the lights on the Courthouse lawn including the community tree donated by Randal and Kimberly Sides will be ceremonially turned on at 6p. There will be carolers on the street and most of the stores will remain open for shoppers until 7p. A number of the merchants have decorated windows. Come see how nice this town can look for the holidays.
Hospice offering pictures with Santa
Santa will be welcoming kids young and less young for photos at Sparta's Hospice office, 81 West Doughton St. (below First Community Bank) Saturday, Nov. 28, from 9a-12noon. Pictures are only $5 and benefit Hospice. Come get you picture made and stay for the big parade at 2p.
Saturday buffet at Sparta Restaurant
Sparta Restaurant is offering a special Saturday lunch buffet beginning at 11a Saturday, Nov. 28, that includes the salad bar, hot bar and soup for just $5.95. This is a great way to feed your holiday weekend guests. If you haven't got a punch card for their free lunch, this is a great time to get your first punch on your way to a free lunch. 336-372-4447
Christmas Parade at 2p
The annual Christmas Parade winds south along Main Street beginning at 2p at Sparta School on Saturday, Nov. 28. The AHS Band will offer a brief concert around 3p following the parade and Santa will be greeting youngsters. The theme is Christmas Then and Now in honor of the Sesqucentinnial. Call 336-372-6135 to register or for information. Late entries should arrive early (1 p) at the parking lot on the north side of the Sparta School Auditorium.
Singing Christmas Tree at First Baptist
This annual Christmas tradition will be offered Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-6, at 7p. No admission is charged, but reservations are required to guarantee seats. Call 336-372-8446 for information and reservations.
Sesquicentennial Celebration finale
The 150th Anniversary year of celebration comes to a close Friday, Dec. 4, 5-7p, with a reception and recognition in the Blue Ridge Electric Community Room, 5-7p. Light refreshment provided. Come relive the good times of 2009. RSVP with number attending by email or by calling 336-372-3002.
Homemade crafts available at Christmas Fair
The annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Black Exhibition Building at the County Fairgrounds (1.5 miles north Sparta on US 21) will be held Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 to 4:30p. 336-372-5838
MUSIC PLAYING IN OUR AREA
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Come to listen or come to dance to the blue grass and old time musicians who play on Tuesday beginning at 7p and Saturday at 8p. Admission $4. The Jubilee is located on North Main Street, across from the Courthouse.
>> 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 6p. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 372-5473
>> Silver Dollar Music Park: Line dance lessons every Monday 6-8:30p. Supper served at 6p and lessons at 7p. Get both for $12; just a lesson or just a meal for $7. 336-372-6874
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.
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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