Local Entrepreneurs bring home the bacon: Three local entrepreneurs competed in a business planning competition sponsored by the North Carolina Rural Center and open to Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes counties. Boy did they shine. They walked off with a combined $5,000 -- half the total money awarded! The awards ceremony was held at the Walker Center of Wilkes Community College. Award winners are pictured at the right receiving congratulations from Clark Hunter, director of the Blue Ridge Business Development Center: Devin Ulery of Designs in Wood, Janet Tompkins of Speech Path and Denise Brooks of Innovative Occasions. Congratulations. You make us proud.
Tour de Mountains bicycle challenge. There's not much flat land in our county and this will create the challenge for local and visiting cyclists. You can pick your poison: 25 miles, 40 miles and 60 miles. Great camaraderie, exercise and spectacular views. Sponsored by Alleghany Wellness Center and featuring some of the most scenic back roads in North Carolina. Click for application/information.
This Saturday: Music in the Park by Fried Pies. This is one of the more talented and long running area bands to step onto the Crouse Park Stage. Playing together since 1998, Dennis Shaw, Billy Gee, Don Story, Mel Jones and Jody Call will begin playing at 6 p.m. The free performance benefits the Solid Rock Food Closet. Attendees are asked to donate a can of food or other non-perishable food item. This classic rock, soul and roots rock band from Alleghany and surrounding counties is sure to entertain. Bring a folding chair and put on your dancin' shoes. Concessions will be available.
Mountain Arts Adventure this Weekend. Artists and craftspeople living in Alleghany County offer an adventurous art journey on June 17-19 and again on October 14-16, 2011. Twelve studios and galleries will host the celebration of creativity. Get to know the artists and craftspeople, watch them at work, and shop in their unique studio and gallery settings. Check their website ncmountainartsadventure.com for a list of participating artisans. Drop by the Visitors' Center for a brochure with directions to each studio. Flyers are located in the foyer which is always open.
Stewards of Children is a workshop on June 29 that provides adults the foundation as to how to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to child abuse. This is open to everyone. Registration is only $10 but you must register by June 27. It is geared to help you lower the chances of abuse taking place in the workplace, classroom and other venues where adults and children are present. In some cases it can lower liability insurance rates. Learn more. Download information/application. Sponsored by the Family Resource Center. Training held at the Alleghany Campus of Wilkes Community College.
QUICK EDITORIAL: Don't let someone say there's nothing going on in this small county. Check the June calendar and you will find a variety of activities throughout the month within a short drive that should keep almost any local or visitor having a great time. So many times people say to me, "Bob, why don't we have a chili cookoff, a runners' event, a spring street festival, etc." These are all good ideas, but they just don't happen. Folks have to work together and spend many hours in planning to make things happen. And they need your support. Come out and attend one or more of these events. Tell you friends down the mountain, this is a great weekend to be in cool Sparta. And while you're enjoying yourself at one of these activities, thank those in charge for the work they do. Better still: Get involved. Call the Chamber and see if we can't plug you into the planning that goes on in this little county to make it a happening place. 336-372-5473
~ Bob Bamberg
Weather permitting, there's 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
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> 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.
>>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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