Every exhibitor I talked to at the Memorial Weekend Business Expo at Village Park (old Charleston Forge) was very pleased with the event. Certainly their enthusiasm showed there is a need for this kind of activity. Check Sparta-NC.com/facebook for 97 photos from that weekend. Much of the weekend's success has to go to the Business Development Center director, Clark Hunter, and his two able interns, Hunter Tompkins and Drew Edwards. The BDC, as it is known, makes such a large contribution to our community. They offer tech services to businesses and individuals, office space for new and ongoing businesses and organizations, and counsel for entrepreneurs and new businesses. With Clark's involvement with the Miles JOB Fund, they can really give entrepreneurs a leg-up. And the entire endeavor is supported by the funds the BDC generates. It has no public funding!
I can't mention the Memorial Business Expo without commenting on what a great resource Village Park is. There's room to hold large events -- that normally could only be held outside -- indoors, rain or shine. This creates new opportunities for events in December and from late March through early May, when ice and snow rarely interfere with travel, but the temperature can make being outdoors uncomfortable. Kudos to D.W. Miles for providing this facility to the community.
Kudos to the organizers for Monday's wreath laying at the Courthouse (VFW, Marine League, VA Representative Sam Nichols and my apologies for whoever I've left out). Public officials, particularly Congresswoman Foxx, State House Member Sarah Stephens and Senator Don East, thank you for your moving words and for taking time to be in Sparta for this event.
Lastly, thanks to everyone who turned out in the rain for the ceremony. It was the largest crowd I ever recall there being for such an event. Thanks to the law enforcement for closing Main Street. It's hard to remember a Memorial Day when I've felt more proud to be an American, to be a veteran and to be a citizen of Alleghany County. Check Sparta-NC.com/facebook for over 30 photos from this moving tribute to our fallen service men and women.
Each week we spotlight Chamber members. To be featured, send a 50-word description to director@sparta-nc.com. I'll feature them in the order received.
POST YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
We have a Facebook page (Sparta-NC.com/facebook) and I invite you to post your event notice or announcement to it. Of course, you have to sign up for Facebook but this is FREE advertising! You can post a picture, link to a Web page, etc. Did I mention it's FREE advertising?
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Check the following upcoming courses at the Alleghany campus of Wilkes Community College for small businesses and eager entrepreneurs. Classes are free unless otherwise noted. Call 336-372-5061, ext. 230 to learn more or reserve a seat.
Brand Marketing for Small Business: Tuesday, July 27, 6-9p. (Note this is a new, later date. More time to sign up!) Learn how to better get you message to the public from a marketing expert. No charge to attend, but reservations recommended. 336-372-5061 ext. 230
SECRETS OF TRAVEL PACKAGING
Lodgers, restaurants and attractions interested in increasing their visitor traffic make plans to attend this travel packaging workshop presented by the Cascade Highlands Tourism Association on June 22 from 9a-5p at the Hampton Inn at Shelton Vineyards, 150 Charlestowne Drive, Dobson, NC. I've been to Cascade Highlands programs and they are first class. Little or no travel packaging is done in Alleghany. It is LOW HANGING FRUIT. DON'T PASS THIS UP. The $20 registration includes lunch. If you can't come all day, come just for the morning. 336-401-8393 mccannb@co.surry.nc.us
AT THE BLUE RIDGE FARMERS MARKET
As always, "Local is Good!" at Roaring Gaps' Blue Ridge Farmers Market. This week: fresh beets (several colors), lettuce mixes & heads, onions, fresh picked strawberries, cabbage & carrots, red potatoes (and white & purple!), fresh caught trout, Pasta Wench's Gourmet Ravioli & Fettucini, Bonnie's Sourdough breads, and Spinach & Feta Artisan Bread. Oh...and chocolate chip scones and more! 10436 US 21 South, Roaring Gap. 1-6p Thursday, 8a-6p Friday, 9a-12noon. 336-363-2583
DISCOVERING OUR MUSICAL ROOTS TONIGHT
Mike Lowe, 'Roots Music - A Little Country, A Little Gospel, A Little Blues' will be presented Thursday, June 3 at 6:30p. at the Alleghany Library. This is a great free program sponsored by the Alleghany Arts Council. 336-372-5573
SATURDAY IN THE PARK
Join in on the fun with Mark Handy and the Mountain Park Band at Crouse Park on stage with Mark Handy from 5-7 p, Saturday, June 5. This is a great old time band and the start of the SUMMER JAMBOREE (the is the June Jamboree expanded for all of July as well) and planned events at Crouse Park for every Saturday in June and July. I wouldn't be surprised if the Watermelon Man (D.W. Miles) wasn't there handing out sweet slices. 336-372-5473
TOES IN THE SAND
If you didn't get to the beach for Memorial Weekend, do the next best thing: Be at the Dollar Saturday, June 5. The SHOWTIME BAND will be pumping out such great shag tunes you'll swear that you feel the sand between your toes. Admission is only $10, but why not really enjoy yourself. Come for the “all you can eat” buffet starting around 6 p. Fish, Hot Wings, Fried Chicken, Slaw, Hush Puppies, Baked Potato, Salad and Dessert. Only $9.95. Both for only $18. SilverDollarMusicPark.com 336-372-6874 which includes tea / coffee and dessert.
THEY'RE SLINGING MUD
Who can really run the mud pit? Find out Saturday, June 5, at the giant Mud Sling Fundraiser for the Alleghany Homebuilders Association at the County Fairgrounds. Registration: 12n-5p, competition begins at 5p. 12 & over $5, under 12 free. 336-657-0207
NEW RIVER STATE PARK CANOE TRIP
Join Park Rangers at the US 221 Visitor Center for this 2-hour float down the Wild and Scenic New River Sunday, June 6, and Sunday, June 27, 12:30-2:30p. Learn basic paddle strokes and other useful information. Must be able to carry and load the canoes. The Rangers will interpret many sights along the route. Limited to 8 visitors per trip, call the park to register. The outfitters charge a minimal fee for shuttling. 336-982-2587
LOG RAISIN' IN SPARTA
Pete Pyles of County Comfort Homes (http://www.countrycomforthomes.com/) invites you to join him for the erection of a log home . Beginning Monday, June 7, weather permitting, he and his crew will be on site 7:30a-7p and he will be pleased to answer your questions. The erection process should be complete by the end of the week. Call Pete's cell for directions: 336-830-4445
ART AND MOUNTAIN TALES AT THE LIBRARY
The Alleghany Library hosts the Ammons Sisters with Appalachian Storytelling and Spontaneous Art at Monday, June 7, 6:30 p. Free admission. Partial funding by NCAC Grassroots Grant. 336-372-5573
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Sparta Blue Ridge Medical Group invites you to drop in their renovated office suite Thursday, June 10, from 5 to 7p. for CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS. Meet their medical staff and enjoy refreshments. Blue Ridge Medical Group is located on the north end of Trojan Village Shopping Center (end nearest the bowling alley) on the upper level. Learn more: Call 336-372-5911 (Blue Ridge Medical Group) or 336-372-5473 (Chamber of Commerce).
ACT READERS THEATRE PERFORMANCE
Melissa Caudill and Jim Williams present a readers theater performance of SAME TIME NEXT YEAR at the Senior Center Wednesday, June 9, and again at the Alleghany Library Friday, June 11. Both performances are at 7p. The play concerns New Jersey accountant George and Oakland, California housewife Doris meet at a Northern California inn in February 1951. They have an affair, then agree to meet once a year, despite the fact both are married to others and have six children between them. A 1978 film adaptation starred Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda. No admission charged. 336-372-5473
TWILIGHT EVENING AT THE INN
Enjoy a Twilight Evening at the Davis-Bourne Inn Thursday, June 10, 6-9p. An Italian inspired dinner: Chocolate Fountain Dessert Bar at the Prom, Photos and Dancing with "Edward" and "Bella," scenes and quotes from the Twilight series and many surprises. $25 per person includes dinner, dessert, non-alcoholic beverages & entertainment. A Twilight Overnight: Add an evening at the Inn with an apple infused breakfast included, $160.00 per room, double occupancy. One participant will win a Twilight Door Prize Basket. 276-773-9384
WELLNESS CENTER POOL PARTY SLEEPOVER
Remember the fun of pool parties and sleepovers. June 11-12, Friday through Saturday, your youngster (7 years and up) can enjoy that fun at the Alleghany Wellness Center and you don't have to chaperon! Click to learn more.
3-DAY ART ADVENTURE
A dozen local artisans have come together for the mountain arts studio tour, 10a-6p, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 11, 12 and 13. It's a great way to spend the weekend and it's flexible to fit around your plans. Get all the details at NCMountainArtsAdventure.com
VBS PARADE SATURDAY
The Vacation Bible School at the First Baptist Church will have a parade at 11a Saturday, June 12. The parade route will run from the back of the Church parking lot to NC 18, then turn right down main street. The theme of the parade is "Saddle Ridge Ranch". Come out and support the Vacation Bible School children. 336-372-8446
SUMMER RIDE 'N DRIVE
Saturday, June 12, bring your motorcycle, hot rod, or Jeep and the family for Piney Creek Fire Department's Summer Ride N Drive fundraiser, an easy two hour ride through the country and back to the fire station for a hot dog and hamburger lunch. Registration at 10a. Ride at 11a. 336-657-1207 brentpugh97.3@gmail.com.
ART IN THE PARK, NEW RIVER PARK!
Stop by the New River State Park’s US Hwy 221 Visitor Center Saturday, June 12 and again July 3, as award winning basket weaver, Toy Pratt, shows how a basket take shape. The program is free. 336-982-2587
SHAGGIN' AT IN THE PARK RESCHEDULED
Sorry, the DJ won't be spinning beach tunes on Saturday, June 12, for a shag dance contest. This event has been rescheduled for July 10. Look for more information as that date nears. 336-372-5473
BATS ON NEW RIVER
Watch a slide show under the stars and then watch the only mammals that can fly and zip around catching insects over the river Saturday, June 12, at 8:30p at New River State Park. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes for a short walk to the picnic area. Meet at New River State Park's Wagoner Access (NC 88) at the contact station. For directions, call 336-982-2587
CANOE CAMP: RIVER FUN AND EDUCATION
Every summer Riverside Canoing (on the New River South Fork, just across the Kings Creek Bridge) offers opportunities for kids 9-16 to learn to canoe and kayak. What a great thing for your youngster to do this summer! Click here to learn more. 336-982-9439
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!
AREA MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
>> 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. 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 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. Check the website calendar. 336-372-6874
>>They're Rockin' at the Motorcycle Capital of North Carolina If you're a motorcycle rider or a fan of hard-driving country music, then Laurel Springs is the place to be as Freebornes Eatery and Lodge and Stations Inn offer live music every weekend. Check out their links for a band schedule.
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Barn Quilt Trails: Barns and other structures throughout Alleghany County are adorned with large squares illustrating quilt patterns and add interest to a driving tour of the countryside. Drop by the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main St., Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Driving Loops: Brochures for three driving loops of the Alleghany countryside are available at the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center. Each loop is a about a leisurely hour's drive and includes information on historic points along the way. The Chamber office is in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main St., Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for our Calendar. 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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