Monday, July 19, 2010

FIVE DAYS AND COUNTING
We have 5 days to get information to the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Committee about events occurring in and around Alleghany County the weekend of the 75th celebration, Sept. 10-12. These are activities that visitors to the 75th celebration might be interested in while in the area. The Committee will promote these activities along with the 75th celebration. This all takes place only 14-16 miles from Sparta. If you are involved in the arts or entertainment and you don't have anything planed, plan it now.

Just some ideas:
> Studios: Plan an open house. Make it special. Gather a group of your best works and display them together with a sign that says "Inspired by the Blue Ridge Parkway."

> Galleries: Gather a group of your best works and display them together with a sign that says "Inspired by the Blue Ridge Parkway."

> Music venues: Plan a night of blue grass, old time
, clogging, country, lead off karaoke night with Rocky Top.

> Cruisers: Plan a cruise in with a special invitation to cars made between 1935 and 1987, the start and completion of the Parkway. Wouldn't it be great if you could get a representative from each year!

> Motorcycle Capital of North Carolina (I'm speaking to Stations Inn and Freeborne's): Plan a cruise in with a special invitation to motorcycles made between 1935 and 1987. Split up the years between you. Or see who can most nearly cover every year.

> Poker Run Anyone?

Here's an example of an event Grayson County has submitted:

"Groovin on Grayson is a community event that provides a way for people to meet, mingle, listen to live music, and dance.
The classic car cruise begins at 5 p.m.; participants may begin lining up at 3:30 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market Area.
Enjoy FREE music at the Grayson stage area and at the Historic Rex Theater."

Mountaintop Cruisers, if you will plan to be in Farmer's Hardware Parking Lot Saturday, Sept. 11, sell hot dogs and stay until the Jubilee opens, we can advertise Appetizing Alleghany Adventure, featuring cars, food and music!

Another example: Hillsville, VA
Beach music and classic car cruise-in with children’s activities, dancing, food, and beverages available. (How hard is that?)

Please submit a picture with your event to be posted on the blueridgeparkway75.org website. The permitted photos are small 250 by 222 pixels, so zoom in so the image is large. If I had to pick between in images below, I'd choose either the middle or right image. The folks in the one of the left is just too small. (Please note these are smaller than 250 by 222.)


Download this form. Complete it, save it to a familiar location on your computer and then email it as an attachment with your picture to leesa.brandon@ncdcr.gov and please also send it to info@sparta-nc.com so that we can include it on our calendar. Please do so BY FRIDAY, JULY 24!

Questions? Need help? Call 372-5473

3 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2!
Deerwood Park is offering a vacation special on their rental cabins through August 31. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2. Tell your friends. This is their chance for a vacation bargain. For details email Stephanie Newman at stephanienewman@deerwoodpark.com or Anabel Gonzaelz at anabelgonzalez65@yahoo.com. 336-372-8256.

GREAT WEEKEND COMING UP
I like to think of this as our triple play events weekend. We have the Quilter's Guild Show at the Black Building at the County Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, as well as the Blue Ridge Mountain Fair at Crouse Park. On Saturday, the VFW Car Show is in the NAPCO parking lot. Learn More. Add to that the Bowl-A-Rama on Saturday to support Landon Joines. (I haven't picked up a bowling ball in 8 years and I plan to be there.) If there's not something that suits your fancy, then you best check what's on TV.

GREAT PHOTOS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
We have a Facebook page (Sparta-NC.com/facebook) I posted 89 photos from the Fiddlers Convention and the Poker Ride to support D.A.N.A. Check it out and tag any friends you see. If you have weekend pictures, feel free to post them to our Facebook page. Call me -- 200-2468 -- if you need help. 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?

GREAT ARTICLE ON BLUFFS COFFEE SHOP

GOT A CIVIL WAR STORY TO TELL?
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is still accepting submissions about the Civil War in Appalachia for the forthcoming "Stories from the Home Front" story guide and American Heritage map insert. As the United States approaches the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the ARC plans to help travelers and residents understand the full impact of the Civil War in their region by offering stories to provide a better understanding about how Appalachia and its residents uniquely dealt with the issues, activities and outcomes of the Civil War. For more information or to submit a story, visit www.arc-cw150stories.com.
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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. 23

LENORA STOUT IMPROVING
Bill Stout stopped by the office and wanted me to thank everyone for their ongoing support and prayers for his wife Lenora who recently suffered a stroke. She seems to be recovering well at Forsyth Hospital. Bill can be reached by email at snuffybr4@skybest.com

MONDAY, JULY 19
Early Years of the Parkway: Everyone is invited to hear about the Early Years of the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6:30p at the Alleghany County Library by Karen Hall. 336-372-5573

TUESDAY, JULY 20
Magic with the Captai: Enjoy magical illusions with Captain Jim, the magical pirate, at 3:30a at the Alleghany County Library. Captain Jim's vessel went down at sea causing him to lose his leg below his knee. He now shares his treasured talents through a pirate character with an authentic peg leg. 336-372-5573

THURSDAY, JULY 22
Make Your Own Bird Feeders: Join a Park Ranger at 10:30a to learn about birds and backyard bird feeders and make one that you can take home to enjoy at . Meet at the Visitor Center of New River State Park at the US Hwy 221 Access Area.

Rocks to Jewelry
Local artist Joe Edwards will demonstrate how rocks are turned into jewelry at the Course House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6p. Light refreshments will be served. You're invited to see the presentation and meet the artist. Sponsored by the Alleghany Art Guild. 336-372-3007 336-657-3032

FRIDAY, JULY 23
The Forgotten North Carolina: Spend an evening of discovery with Appalachian State University Professor Dr. Thomas R. Whyte at the New River State Park at 7p. Bring your curiosity and questions as we search for the forgotten people who once lived and walked among these ancient mountains 12,000 years ago. Dr. Whyte will spotlight some of his recent excavations along the New River and pass around a variety of artifacts. 336-982-2587

Auction at Oldies But Goodies: Frank will be selling at Oldies But Goodies, 21 North Main Street, across from the Courthouse beginning at 6:30p. Lots of antique furniture including waterfall bed, leather chair and stool, etc., etc., and etc. Preview anytime after noon today. 336-572-2995

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 23-24
Big 3-Event Weekend: Quilters Guild Show and Blue Ridge Mountain Fair, Friday and Saturday, and VFW Car Show on Saturday. Lear more at Sparta-NC.com/tripleplay.

SATURDAY, JULY 24
Bowl-A-Rama for Landon Joines: Come enjoy the fun and help raise money for Landon Joines' to receive a transplant, 1-5p at Trojan Family Bowl. Learn more at COTAforLandonJ.com 336-372-6602

First ever Watauga Riverkeeper Festival: There will be snacks, games, nature walks, river activities, and all kinds of outdoor fun. Musical entertainment provided by Melissa Reaves and other local musicians, 11a-5p in Valle Crusis. Click to learn more.

Learn to use Map and Compass
Meet a Park Ranger at the field of the Wagoner Access of New River State Park at 2p. Learn the basics of using a map and compass to navigate. This program is appropriate for children and adults age 12 or older. Please bring a compass if you can. Program will last approximately one hour. 336-982-2587.

SUNDAY, JULY 25
Guided Canoe Trip
Join Park Rangers at the US 221 Visitor Center of the New River State Park for this 2-hour float down the Wild and Scenic New River. The trip will take approximately 2 hours from beginning to end. Learn basic paddle strokes. You must be able to help carry and load the canoes. Rangers will interpret sights along the route. This trip is limited to 8 visitors per trip, so please call the park office promptly. The outfitters charge a minimal fee for shuttling. 336-982-2587.

MONDAY, JULY 26
The Chase, Capture, and Release of Jefferson Davis
Author, Clint Johnson, will present a slide program and discuss his book "Pursuit-The Chase, Capture, Persecution and Surprising Release of Jefferson Davis" at the Alleghany Library at 6:30p. His book concerns Jefferson Davis's flight and the legal wrangling around Davis' two-year imprisonment. Johnson will sell and sign copies of his book after the program. 336-372-5573

THURSDAY, JULY 29
Lost but Found Safe
Learn what to do if you get lost and what to carry with you in the woods. Meet at the Visitor Center at the Hwy 221 Access area of the New River State Park at 10:30a for a program geared toward preschool-aged children. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park afterward. 336-982-2587.

FRIDAY, JULY 30
Butler and Faw in Concert
Soprano Polly Butler Cornelius and Pianist Victoria Faw will perform works by Chopin, Bartok, Laitman and Jon Metzger at Sparta Presbyterian Church, 160 South Main Street, at 7p. There is no charge for admission but donations are appreciated. 336-372-6807

SATURDAY, JULY 31
4-Wheel Drive at the Silver Dollar Music Park
Rock N Roll-Live and Loud. Buffet at Silver Spoon Supper Club starts around 6 p; band 8p. Enjoy great home cooking. Cover for the band is $7; meal and band only $15. 336-372-6874

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JULY 31-AUG. 1
Scenic Photography Workshop
The Chamber is sponsoring a scenic photography workshop featuring Mike Booher for Saturday and Sunday in honor of the Parkway's upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration. This 2-day event is a must attend for shutterbugs intending to enter the Alleghany Library's Photography Contest that this year only features Parkway photography. Click to learn more. 336-372-5473


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 Saturdays, 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 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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