Friday, September 10, 2010

OUR PARKWAY'S 75TH CELEBRATION BEGINS TODAY!
Make sure you get to the big Parkway 75th celebration sometime this weekend. It begins with a formal ceremony at Cumberland Knob at 11a Our own Chairman of the Board of Commissioners will be welcoming the dignitaries and he will be followed by comments by some 16 dignitaries, including the governors of North Carolina and Virginia. I've been told this event is full, but that is the only event with limited seating. The rest of the ENTIRE WEEKEND IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. A brief schedule of events is available online. Parking is available at the Blue Ridge Music Center (Mile Post 213). There will be free schedules running between the Music Center and Cumberland Knob throughout the 3-day weekend. A few highlights you won't want to miss:
Alleghany's Display under the Parkway Village Tent: At the far end of the Blue Ridge Music Center the communities along the Parkway are invited to man a display. Drop by and see what we and other communities have displayed. A few volunteers are still needed. Two volunteers today from 3-6p and one volunteer from 1-3p. (Call me on my cell 336-200-2468.)

911 Remembrance: On Saturday at 10a on the Music Center's Outdoor Stage, a remembrance will be given by the Dr. Dan Matthews, who was serving as rector of Trinity Church on Wall Street in the shadow of the World Trade Center when the events of September 11, 2001 occurred. The church became a place of refuge for hundreds seeking shelter from the massive cloud of debris.

John Miller & Community of Stewards: Mayor John Miller will speak as part of the Community of Stewards program at 6 p.m. on the Music Center Main Stage.
Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys Concert will begin at 7p on the Music Center Main Stage. There will also be musical entertainment throughout the weekend on the Main Stage, including a Showcase of Junior Appalachian Musicians at 1p on Saturday. There will be educational programs in the Music Center's Small Auditorium.
Tin Can Display: Representatives from the 1000-member Tin Can Tourists organization will be on hand to display their vintage campers all weekend at Cumberland Knob. Various storytellers will be spinning yarns at Cumberland throughout the weekend. It's not over until 3p Sunday. Print off a schedule that is
available online and don't miss a thing.

CALL FOR ROOMS
The Alleghany Inn is full and innkeeper John Kilmartin has asked that if any area lodger with available space will call him, he will refer calls to them. 336-372-2501

HELP VISITORS ENJOY OUR COMMUNITY
There are going to be a lot of visitors in the county. If they want a break from the Parkway Anniversary activities, there's lots to do here. Check the calender below. Also remember, there's canoeing and tubing on the river, horseback riding at Triple E, our new corn maze is open each evening until dark, there's free live music at Stations Inn and Freebornes in Laurel Springs during the weekend, and the Jubilee is open every Saturday night!

PARKWAY 75th ANNIVERSARY SPECIALS
The following businesses are offering 75 themed specials in honor of the Parkway's Anniversary Celebration Sept. 10, 11 and 12. See a schedule of the anniversary events at Cumberland Knob and Blue Ridge Music Center, and stop by these merchants. Most specials are good Sept. 6-12, but check with individual business for details.

Books ‘N Friends: Sept. 4 - 11th (except Sunday) all $1 books (green stickers ) will be 75¢, and will feature a table of 4 for 75¢ books. The bookstore is celebrating 7.5 years of business on Main Street. The following weekend, Sept. 17 -18, is the semi-annual half-price sale. 336.372-5155

ATTENTION Alleghany County 2010 Brides & Grooms and Wedding Anniversary Couples: To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Innovative Occasions is offering a $75 discount on your wedding or wedding anniversary. Call us for details 336-363-2560 or 336-363-4171.

Stay two nights with us here at Glade Valley Bed and Breakfast during the week of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary celebration and receive the 3rd night for only $75. Offer valid September 6-12, 2010. 336.657.8811

At Sparta Florists, all Bridgewater candles are 75% of retail Sept. 6-11. 336.372.8344

In honor of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary coming up on September 11, during September Imaging Specialists will be sharing 75 tips to promote your business, and all prints are priced at 75%, in store and online. 336.372.3002

Cater Pots Pottery will be open Sept. 10,11, and 12 10am.-5pm for Raku Firing
each day in celebration of the 75th Anniversary. This is quite a show.
Pottery is removed from the kiln glowing hot and quenched in water.
Meet visiting artist Will Fernandez, and experience the excitement of Raku! 336.372.4604

Alleghany Library will plan a special 75¢ used book sale on Friday, Sept. 3 through Saturday, Sept. 11 during regular library hours. 336-372-5573 dbrewer@nwrl.org


Dialogue Matters (R) LLP will offer a $75 Lunch and Learn workshop for up to 24 people at client's place of business: Work place gossip: How to turn gossip from the road to ruin into the road to robust relationships. Other professional development topics are available depending on interest and need.

Studio Redwood: FREE Mini-Print artwork by Chris Davis to first 75 customers with purchase of $5. or more.

Book a 2-night weekend cabin rental with Deerwood Park and extend your weekend an extra night. Mention the Chamber’s 75th promotion and they third night is FREE. Offer good through Sept. 12.


The following event links go to the listing on the Chamber's calendar on the Web. Click the link for details.

Friday-Sunday, Sept. 10-12
Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Celebration just 15 miles from Sparta at Cumberland Knob (Mile Post 217.5) and Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213).

Friday, Sept. 10
Parkway Photo Contest Reception at Alleghany Library. Parkway photos are on display the entire month of September.


Saturday, Sept. 11
Haiku Walk at New River State Park.

Sunday, Sept. 12
Second Sunday Mission Meal at Sparta United Methodist Church.


Friday and Saturday, Sept. 17-18
Books 'N Friends half price book sale.

Friday, Sept. 17
Variety Music and Comedy Show at Sparta School Auditorium.

Saturday, Sept. 18
Mountain Heritage Festival on the Main Street of Sparta's Old Downtown.

Visions Band at the Silver Dollar.

New River State Park on grass and river ecology.

Sunday, Sept. 19
Great program for kids on map reading and orienteering at New River State Park.

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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