Chamber Briefing

I want to express my gratitude to Chamber staff, directors and volunteers who took charge of this year’s Mountain Heritage Festival so that I could attend my mother’s 90th birthday celebration. I’ve heard reports of how well attended it was and how smoothly it ran. It is heartening when such a big responsibility can be handed off with such successful results. Later there will be a meeting to assess the festival, followed by a long thank you in Alleghany News, but I wanted to share these thoughts and my personal gratitude while the event is still fresh in everyone’s mind.

I was so pleased that Wayne Henderson and Helen White performed. Wayne's talent as a musician and instrument maker is so important to the mountain music tradition, and Helen has been so instrumental in ensuring that our musical heritage is not lost with the establishment of the Junior Appalachian Musicians program. They had an evening engagement in Charlottesville the day of our festival and they detoured their trip through Sparta just to do our set. What a great couple.

Bill Joines and Alleghany Moon did their usual super job on stage, but Bill also took charge of erecting the stage and so many other details. Without him, I’m not sure the Main Stage would have come together.

Rev. Brian Galyean, or Pastor B as he is better known, pulled together the entertainment for our Gospel Stage on South Main Street.

Chamber President John Kilmartin was the festival trouble shooter who was up and down Main Street fixing last-minute snafus. Chamber Board Secretary Sandy Rost oversaw the hospitality room for vendors and did her usual super job.

Last, but certainly not least, the Chamber staff: Pat Harmeson, Manah Wyatt and Ashley Weaver put in long hours of planning and execution. Thank you all and I look forward to offering a complete list of those who helped to make this event a success.

I hope everyone had a good time. I also hope that you had a chance to make the many visitors to our community welcome. Events such as the Mountain Heritage Festival not only bring business to Main Street but it is also one way to introduce Sparta and Alleghany County to visitors in the hope that they will return often and in doing so benefit the local economy. The NC Department of Commerce estimates spending by travelers to our community in 2009 at just under $20 million and even in these recessionary times we posted a small increase over 2008. Tourism’s impact is right up there with Christmas trees and, like that agricultural endeavor, the tourism industry is something that needs to be nurtured and encouraged to grow.

A festival this large cannot be a reality on just the work of the small Chamber staff and board. It takes the cooperation of so many others to grow even larger. I want to invite local civic groups, non-profits and businesses to consider ways you can partner with us. If you have ideas about how your group might be involved or thoughts about how the festival could be improved, I'd like to hear from you. Email me at director@sparta-nc.com or call 372-5473.

You can share your reflections on the festival at Sparta-NC.com/facebook.

-- Bob Bamberg

RIVERSIDE CANOE OFFERING FALL COLOR & WINE TOURS: This fall Riverside Canoe is open until Oct. 31 to permit paddling down the river surrounded by the fall splendor. And they are scheduling tours of some of the area's finest wineries. Extend your time in the mountains: Rent one of their cabins and chase away the evening chill sitting by a campfire. Get details at RiversideCaoneing.com or call 336-982-9439.

HEALTH CARE LAW EXPLAINED: Every business needs to know how they will be affected by the new health-care law, so this is a program you won't want to miss. Wilkes Community College is offering a seminar on how the new health care law will affect business TONIGHT Thursday, Sept. 23, 6-9p. This is a FREE seminar that impacts every employer. Call 336-372-5061 ext. 230 to reserve your seat.

Thursday, Sept. 23

Amazing leather craft demonstrated by Alleghany Art Guild.

Friday, Sept. 24

Come support the Senior Center at their pinto bean lunch.

Saturday, Sept. 25

Lisa DeMilo sings at this special program at Sparta Presbyterian Church.

Meet the candidates at the Democratic Party BBQ Supper.

Monday, Sept. 27

Make a difference at the Sparta Lions Club Community Blood Drive by the American Red Cross at Sparta United Methodist Church.

Monday, Sept. 27 and Thursday, Sept. 30

Concrete leaf castings are a wonderful way to add natural and organic elements to yard, patio or outdoor areas. Learn how to use it to enhance your landscaping.

Sunday, Oct. 3

Thistle Meadow Winery holds its annual wine tasting festival in Laurel Springs.

Thursday, Oct. 7

The musical duo "Wet Paint" performs at the Alleghany County Library.

Friday, Oct. 8, through Sunday, Oct. 10

Nuture your creative spirit at The Art of Life Womens Retreat at Laurel Ridge.

Saturday, Oct. 9

Support suicide prevention at the Walk out of Darkness sponsored by Alleghany Lives.

Sunday, Oct. 10

Enjoy a meal with neighbors and friends while supporting a worthy cause at the Second Sunday Mission Meal.

Come to Laurel Ridge for good food at their Second Sunday Mountaintop Lunch.

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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