O'Reilly Auto Parts Grand Opening: Stop by Sparta Square Shopping Center next Wednesday, May 25, at 11 a.m for the grand opening of Sparta's newest business, O'Reilly Auto Parts. There will be a ribbon cutting followed by refreshments. Come by and check out the selections of vehicle parts and accessories. 3367-372-5888
EMS is holding a an open house this evening to show off their new quarters at 40 Cox Street. Drop by between 4 and 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. These are good folks to make friends with. Some day they may save your life! 336-372-5217
The Farmers' Market returns to Farmers' Hardware parking lot: The Alleghany Farmers' Market is open two days this season on Thursdays from 3:30-5:30p and Saturdays 10a-2p. 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 how enthusiastic local producers are to grow Alleghany's Farmers' Market. Match their enthusiasm. Come out and support them so that it will grow. 336-372-5597
Village Emporium Opens Friday, May 27: Check out the new vendors at the new emporium at Trojan Village Shopping Center. And if you have something to sell -- crafts. collectibles, art, pottery, you name it -- check out the available spaces. 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. Entry is through the former Movie Gallery location. 336-372-2247
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 is coming. It will showcase Alleghany County business and tourism. The fee for participation is only $10 and includes use of one 6-foot folding table and 2 chairs. 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. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Representative Sarah Stevens are slated to be there. The Pickers will be playing as well as other entertainment. OVER 2 DOZEN EXHIBITORS HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP (click to see who). Don't wait. Applications are available at the Chamber and online at. Download application. Call 336-372-5473 with your questions.
A Quick Editorial: I've been told that the Alleghany Wellness Center exceeded their $10,000 goal for last weekend's rummage sale by $2,500! Great job AWCI staff, auctioneers Tom Atwood and Allen Reinhardt, and great job Alleghany County. Everyone that donated an item for sale or bought items, pat yourself on the back for this job well done. This is our own mini YMCA (or YWCA) and personally I am in better health today because of it. If you aren't a member, sign up for an annual membership before the end of the month and you will get an extra month FREE! It will add days, weeks, months, maybe even years to your life. Check it out at AlleghanyWellnessCenter.com.
Weather permitting, there's still lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
>> 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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