The Second Annual Empty Bowls Meal in honor of Bet Mangum will be held May 9 from 11a-2p at the River Rock Grill. Your $25 donation includes a delicious meal and a hand-crafted pottery bowl by a local artisan. Proceeds support the Solid Rock Food Closet. Preview the bowls and participate in a silent auction at River Rock Grill Friday and Saturday, 2-4p and Sunday 11a-3p. A reception for the artists will also be held Saturday. Tickets available at the Chamber. Don't put off getting a ticket, they go fast. AlleghanyCountyMinisterium.org/emptybowls.html 336-657-1197
The first-ever parade commemorating Memorial Day in recent memory is planned for Saturday, May 28, beginning at 10a from the Sparta Auditorium parking lot and ending at Village Park (the former Charleston Forge facility). The VFW is scheduled to perform a flag folding ceremony at the completion of the parade. The Business and Tourism Expo returns to Village Park, but only for that Saturday, 10a-6p.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance to honor the sacrifice of servicepeople who gave their lives in defense of the county. It also honors those who served in uniform, particularly disabled veterans and and keeps the meaning of Memorial Day and sacrifice for country alive in the minds of citizens. I think it would be very appropriate for parade entries to display the name of a service member who died in defense of the country. Veterans could be offered a place on floats. Disabled veterans deserve special recognition. Put on your thinking caps for ideas. This is a day of remembrance. Show your respect. No candy thrown from the parade. No entries that are just commercial advertising. Parade participants are asked to register with Barbara Lucier at 336-372-6135. Leave a voice message if no one is available. Marchers, floats and other participants are asked to gather in the Sparta School Auditorium parking lot at 9 a.m. To facilitate orderly traffic flow, please enter from Trojan Avenue.
The Business and Tourism Expo will showcase Alleghany County business and tourism. The fee for participation is only $10 and includes use of one 6-foot folding table. For businesses that don’t have a storefront on a main thorough-fare, this is an opportunity to make customers aware of your products and services. It is also an opportunity for established businesses to meet new customers. Applications are available at the Chamber and online at. Download application. Call 336-372-5473 with your questions.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS celebrates Selma Quintero's first anniversary as proprietor of Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop, 5-7,Thursday, May 5. The Backwoods Bean has become a popular gathering spot in the county and a lot of credit goes to Selma's welcoming personality. Drop in, network with friends, and enjoy the goodies she's bringing over from her and Lazaro's Latin Friends Cafe in West Jefferson.
Why do I need to come to Business After Hours? Sometimes I get asked and there are numerous good reasons besides the good food, seeing faces that you've not seen in a while and maybe learning about a business you are not acquainted with. If you are a small business-person -- particularly if you are home-based or located off the main roads -- this is an opportunity to make contact with people that don't do business with you. Bring your business cards. If you have a name tag or shirt that features your business name, wear it. See how many folk you can gently steer the conversation around to the great products and services you offer.
The Alleghany Wellness Center will hold its Annual Rummage Sale Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, at the former Alleghany Chevrolet location. Donations and auction items are now being accepted at the Wellness Center, 508 Collins Road. To schedule a time for pick up of donations of large items, please call 336-372-2944. This year the Rummage Sale will include an auction of special items led by Tom Atwood on Saturday. So clear out that basement. Empty the garage and help this most beneficial local agency. A list of desired items is on their Website.
Also, the Center is offering their annual membership special: Pay for a year and get 13 months of access to their indoor pool, exercise equipment, programs and more. Exercise is good for you and the camaraderie of the other people using the Center makes it a social outing. Click to learn more or call 336-372-2944
Tour de Mountains coming in June: The Alleghany Wellness Center is sponsoring a bicycle ride on Saturday, June 18. Three routes will be offered: 25, 40 or 60 miles. Early registration is only $30. Counties around us offer bike events and this is an effort to establish an annual ride in Alleghany County. There will be rest stops every 12 miles or so. If you have a bike and are tempted, sign up and do the 25 mile ride. It's great exercise and it would help get this event off to a great start. Click for application/brochure or call me on my cell 336-200-2468.
Innovative Occasions in Trojan Village Shopping Center has new prom dresses for sale or rent, but they won't be around long. Come by and get your dress. Appointments for alterations can be made for Friday. 336-372-6483
Manufacturers' Liquidation at Lemons Jewelry: There's not truth to the rumors that Lemons is closing. They are liquidating inventory from other retailers and the savings are substantial: Up to 60%. Stop by their store in Sparta Square Shopping Center and check the discounts throughout the store. 336-372-5725
Main Street swept Thursday: The town will be sweeping Main Street this Thursday at 5a, weather permitting. If it is raining early Thursday morning (which seems likely according to the weather forecast), the streets will be swept 5a Friday. Main Street merchants: SWEEP THE AREA IN FRONT OF YOUR STORE Wednesday evening (or Thursday depending upon the weather). With the Parkway detour through Sparta, there are going to be a lot of new faces driving through town. There is NO SECOND CHANCE to make a good first impression. A clean town shows pride in our community and visitors notice. Until further notice, street sweeping will continue every other Thursday. Check the Briefing or the Chamber Calendar if you lose track of the schedule.
DANA (Domestic Abuse is Not Acceptable) Services is in desperate need of DVD movies at the shelter. If you have those old DVD's you have watched over and over and have no need of, please consider donating one to the shelter. Any help is appreciated. DVDs can be dropped off at the DANA/Partnership for Children office, 944 North Main Street (across from B&T Automotive). Questions? Call 336-372-3462.
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Thursday, April 28
Functional Work in Wood, a demonstration by John Brady of Blue Ridge Woodcrafters will begin at 6p at his studio on Andrews Ridge Road. No charge to attend. Click to learn more.
Rob Mangum Demonstrates Tai Chi: Learn more about this ancient oriental art of movement and balance at the Alleghany Library beginning at 6:30p. Click to learn More.
Friday, April 20
Moravian Environmental Stewardship Conference: This weekend event begins at Laurel Ridge Moravian Camp. Click to learn more.
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. 336-372-5473
>> 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
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 Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main Street, 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 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 Street, Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Alleghany Historical Museum is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by to experience local history and to see the new displays, 7 North Main Street, Sparta.
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
PO Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
Director@Sparta-NC.com
Sparta-NC.com
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