O'Reilly Auto Parts Grand Opening: Stop by Sparta Square Shopping Center 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. 336-372-5888
Village Emporium Opens Friday: 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 will handle the rest. Entry is through the former Movie Gallery location. 336-372-2247
3-day Opening Weekend at Blue Ridge Music Center: Mountain music fans, the Blue Ridge Music Center at Mile Post 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway has a weekend of activities for you, including the first showing of their new exhibit area Friday-Sunday, May 27-29. Jams each day as well as scheduled performances. Click for details.
Amateur Vintners Show their Stuff: Amateur vintners will be gathering at Grapestompers/Thistle Meadow Winery in Laurel Springs for the Spring Wine Festival Sunday, May 29. Come find your new favorite wine and network with wine connoisseurs. Craft vendors will also be displaying their wares. For more information, please contact Thistle Meadow at 336-359-2995 or 800-233-1505.
QUICK EDITORIAL: Memorial Day began as Decoration Day to commemorate the lives sacrificed during the Civil War. However, it was more than a century later in 1968 that the date became standardized and Memorial Day was set aside as an official federal holiday. The attention given Memorial Day and waxed and waned. It took the Vietnam War for my generation to learn the importance of separating the individual sacrifice of service people from the popularity or unpopularity of a particular war. While we may deplore war, no nation wants to be without an armed service to protect us.
Once a soldier has given his or her life for country, there's little else those left behind can do for that individual other than remember and cherish their sacrifice. That is what Memorial Day is -- a day of remembrance to those who gave their all so that we might live.
Parade participation is encouraged, but the mood should be more respectful that celebratory. Please, no candy. If you have a flag for your vehicle of float, please display it. There will be some at the parade staging area (Sparta Elementary School parking lot) to hand out. We will also have the names of local service people who died in the line of duty for you to display if you so choose. We are also expanding those recognized to include veterans and individuals who risk their safety to protect our community, law enforcement and fire and rescue.+
Show that you remember and respect sacrifice for home and country. Show up for Saturday's 10a parade and come back Monday for the service on the Courthouse lawn at 1p. If remembering and honoring their sacrifice is not important to us, youngsters growing up won't see much reason to consider sacrificing for our common defense.
Showcase Your Business/Organization. Over 3 dozen exhibitors have signed up for the Business and Tourism Expo Saturday, 10a-6p at Village Park. (click to see who). Don't be left out. There's still time to participate, but you better hurry. Don't wait. Applications are available at the Chamber and online, but please sign up no later than Thursday. Call 336-372-5473 with your questions.
Renowned national food economist Ken Meter will discuss his research findings on the region’s food economy and how Building and Sustaining Local Food Systems can become a significant economic development tool while increasing community’s health and wealth at Ashe Family Central in Jefferson Friday, June 10, beginning at noon. Community leaders and decision makers of the region are invited to share and discuss with us the significant importance of building local food systems. A local food lunch is provided. RSVP's are required and can be emailed to Pat.Mitchell@ashecountygov.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
>> Alleghany Farmers' Market: Held Thursday from 3:30 to 5:30p and Saturday from 10a to 2p, drop by for produce, transplants for your garden and local crafts. Support these vendors and watch their numbers grow. Held in the Farmers' Hardware parking lot.
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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