Pictures? Do we have pictures!It's been a busy couple weeks and I apologize for not getting out a Briefing last week, however, you can review a lot of what's been happening on the Chamber's Facebook page. Posted there are pictures from Tuesday's Fraud Workshop (if you missed, you missed a dyn-o-mite program), last weekend's CARES Dental Clinic, the sad but joyous last hurrah at the Davis Bourne Inn, Sparta's Mini Cooper invasion, and the Elizabeth Davis painting demonstration, sponsored by the new Alleghany Arts Guild. I don't want to hear any complaints about nothing going on in Sparta. There's so much going on, I can't keep up with it all. Check out our Facebook page or forever hold you peace. Please, feel free to comment on postings and if your organization is sponsoring an activity, POST THAT ACTIVITY. IT'S FREE ADVERTISING!
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DIGITAL PAINT GRAPHICS
Talk to Beth Shaw Simons about print and Web media, custom designs for t-shirts, banners, pens, magnets, of whatever. Learn more at DigitalPaintGraphics.com. 336-200-1786
WAY TO GO, FREEBORNE'S!
The July issue of OUR STATE Magazine has listed Freeborne's Chicken among the state's 100 foods you must eat. Way to go, guys. I'm getting hungry just thinking about. Check them out at Freebornes.com or better still head down NC 18 South to Laurel Springs, North Carolina's Motorcycle Capital, to conduct your own taste test. 336-359-8008
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?
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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 your message to the public from a marketing expert. No charge to attend, but reservations recommended. 336-372-5061 ext. 230
THURSDAY, JULY 1
Butterfly Walk: Walk through the Butterfly Garden at New River State Park at 10:30a to learn more about these delicate creatures and make a craft project to take home. 336-982-2587
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 2-3
Mid-Atlantic Professional Rodeo: Bucking horses, rodeo clowns, bareback bronco riders, calf roping, cowgirl barrel races, wild bull riding and more. This rodeo has been at the Dixie Classic Fair forever and NOW IT'S IN SPARTA. Gates open at 6p. Rodeo Starts at 8p. County Fairgounds. $10 adults, $8 children. 336-572-2995
SATURDAY, JULY 3
Free Ice Cream and Lemonade: Sparta Garden Center is offering free ice cream and lemonade and will be selling hot dogs and drinks for $2. You can't beat that. On Main Street between the Library and the BP Station. 336-372-6171
Art in the Park, New River State Park: Stop by the New River State Park’s US Hwy 221 Visitor Center Saturday, July 3, as award winning basket weaver, Toy Pratt, shows how a basket takes shape, 11a-3p. The program is free. 336-982-2587
Open House on Twin Oaks Mountain: United Country-Foxfire Realty holds an open house at Twin Oaks Mountain 1-4p to show off these spectacular home sites. Turn off US 21 North onto Bledsoe Creek Road at the County Fairgounds. Go 1.1 miles. The entrance to Twin Oaks Mountain is on the right. Refreshments and music. Owner financing available. Lots starting at $29,000. 336-372-5772Independence Day Parade: It should be a honey of a parade down Main Street. You need to either be in it or on Main Street watching. Begins at 2p. 336-372-6135
Big Daddy Love in the Park: Featuring Alleghany native sons, Brian Swenk, Daniel Smith and Joey Recchio, Big Daddy Love will be on the Crouse Park Stage beginning at 6p for a FREE Independence celebration concert. These guys are defining Appalachian Rock!
SUNDAY, JULY FOURTH!
Tailgating and Fireworks: Be at Alleghany High School for the Athletic Boosters Fun Activities on Jarret Field, beginning at 5p, and in the parking lot for the annual Tailgating Party, 6p. Lots of music, food and family fun. Fireworks start at dusk, around 9:20p.
THURSDAY, JULY 8
Nature Walk & Scavenger Hunt: Meet at the New River State Park Visitor's Center, US 221 Access, for a short hike and scavenger hunt. 336-982-2587
SATURDAY, JULY 10
Enjoy a Fern Hike: Meet a ranger at 2p at the Wagoner Road Access (off NC 88) for New River State Park for a one mile hike along the Fern Nature Trail. 336-982-2587
Shagging in the Park: All you shaggers come out to Crouse Park and show your stuff. The D.J. will be pumping out the tunes. Admission is a non-perishable food item for Solid Rock Food Closet or a donation. 5p.
SUNDAY, JULY 11
Guided Canoe Trip: Join Park Rangers at the US 221 Visitor Center of New River State Park for this 2-hour float down the Wild and Scenic New River 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
TUESDAY, JULY 13
Catch the Wave at the Library: Come learn about science and water with Marcey Walsh at 3:30p at the Alleghany County Library. This is part of the Library's Summer Reading Program for pre-teens. Parents and other interested parties are always welcome. 336-372-5573
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.
>> Saturday Farmers' Market: Stop by the corner of US 21 South and Grandview Drive on Satrudays, 8a to 1p for locally produced foods and crafts and a warm welcome from the local vendors there. 336-200-2273
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.
Bob BambergExecutive 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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