The Farmers' Market returns to Farmers' Hardware parking lot: The Alleghany Farmers' Market opens for the season this Saturday 10a-2p. And it will open the Farmers' Market on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30p. I've always liked that location under those big shade trees and so convenient to the Chamber (we are open Saturdays 10a-3:30p through the fall). The twice-a-week market is an example of some new enthusiasm to grow Alleghany's Farmers' Market. Come out and support them. 336-372-5597
Start your business at the Emporium: If you have something to sell -- crafts. collectibles, art, pottery, you name it -- but you don't have a storefront or don't have the time to man a store, check out the Village Emporium. The former skating rink space in Trojan Village Shopping Center has been renovated to offer display space to small retailers. You manage your inventory and Emporium manager Mike Ward (pictured right) will handle the rest. Hurry and get a choice space. Entry is through to former Movie Gallery location. 336-372-2247
Lots of new pics on Facebook: The Redhead Express was in town this week and dropped by Crouse Park to pick and play on the stage. The Crouse House pickers gladly gave up the stage, except for Wade Petty who was asked to play a few numbers with this quartet of talented women. Also posted are photos from the Rotary Drawdown at the Silver Dollar Music Park and from last Thursday's Business After Hours at Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop. See them all at Sparta-nc.com/facebook.
Meet the newest member of Alleghany Arts & Crafts, Dr. Elaine Moretz. A painter, her favorite subject is the beauty of nature and watercolor is her favorite medium. After living in seven states and two foreign countries, Dr. Moretz is now retired and splits her time between her home here and in Winston-Salem. Drop by Alleghany Arts & Crafts, 36 North Main Street to view her work.
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 service-people who gave their lives in defense of the country. It also honors those who served in uniform, particularly disabled veterans 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.
Studio Redwood has received a new shipment of hostess gifts. Robert Rothschild Farm Delicious Dips, Hummus Gourmet Sauces, mustards, condiments, spreads, preserves, toppings, snacks, gift sets, and recipes for entertaining. Come by 10436 Hwy. 21 S., Roaring Gap, Friday 10 a.-5p., Saturday 10 a.-Noon, or by appointment. 336.372.7111
A Quick Editorial: Hardly a week goes by when someone doesn't stop me with a good idea about attracting visitors up the mountain to our community. Most of them think I have the time to take the idea and run with it. Sorry, my plate is full. However, J.B. Boyer has committed to holding a Cruise-In every third Thursday at his pizza and sub restaurant. J.B. has suggested that if other businesses held cruise-ins the same evening at the same time, Sparta's Main Street would get the reputation of being an classic and antique vehicle showplace. Regular crowds might flock up the mountain once a month to see the rolling stock. I think it's a great idea. We all work together to make a big event happen. Any takers?
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Wednesday, May 11
Alleghany Wellness Center Rummage Sale. Come early to get the bargains.
Lunch and Learn One-Stoke Painting at the Alleghany Library. Discover the artist in you.
Big Blues Beat at the Silver Dollar Music Park. Great food. Great music.
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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