Farmers' Market features local food: Not sure where produce you bought last week came from? Stop by the Alleghany Farmers Market in the Farmers' Hardware parking lot Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 10a-2p for locally grown and locally made goods. Check out the following this week: blueberries, lettuce, cabbage, beef, pork, hanging baskets, flowering plants, fresh herbs, goat cheese, eggs, jams and jellies, baked good, squash, cucumbers, banana peppers, broccoli, corn and, my favorite, ICE CREAM!
Go 4th and Celebrate: Be sure to attend one or more of the great events this upcoming July 4th weekend. The Lions Rodeo kicks off Friday at 8 p.m. and continues Saturday. The big parade rolls down Main Street Saturday at 2 p.m. At 6 p.m. Night Moves takes the stage in the free concert at Course Park. Monday, Uncle Dave Blevins and Cranberry Creek is holding a supper concert at Silver Dollar Music Park. Music by Pine Swamp, games and concessions at Alleghany High School's Jarrett Field presented by the Athletic Boosters beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday the 4th, followed at 6 p.m by the Tailgating Party in the AHS parking lot. And of course fireworks at dusk, around 9:20 p.m. (And some folks say nothing every happens in little ol' Sparta!) By the way, the Alleghany Republican Party is offering prizes for the most patriotic floats. Call Pat Phillips at 336-372-2542 for details.
"Go Skate Day" on Facebook: Photos from Saturday's day of music and skateboard competition are on the Chamber's Facebook page, thanks to organizer Kathy Murphy. Mike Steinkamp, of MS Skate Ministry was the visiting dignitary. Go to our Facebook page to see the pictures and the list of competition winnters. Members of Facebook, while you are there, tag your friends.
Radio Shack now home to Alleghany Pack & Ship: Radio Shack in Trojan Village Shopping Center not only offers FedEx shipping, but bring in your item and they'll pack it for you and ship it! With all the bicyclists and motorcyclists in town from the Parkway, what a great place for them to take their local purchases that are too big to carry on their bikes for shipment home! Good also for us locals when you just can't find the right box for a gift or are in a big hurry. 336-372-3474
QUICK EDITORIAL: I was so thankful last week to volunteer at the Dental Clinic and so proud that of those in our community who work hard to make this valuable service available. There was a time when dentistry was strictly part of medical commerce. Today so many of our citizens depend up the efforts of non-profits to provide needed services that these non-profits have become necessary partners in feeding , clothing and keeping our population healthy.
One of the pleasant surprises I’ve experienced at the Chamber is the number of non-profit organizations we serve. Commerce and non-profit may seem more opposite than synonymous, but the Chamber and non-profits have become a better fit lately, in part because of the changing nature of the Chamber and the increasingly necessary part non-profits play in our community’s well-being.
The Chamber has become more of a marketing/networking organization and, at least at the local level, has moved away from the lobbying role that the national Chamber plays. Everybody needs to be marketed. Churches want literature targeted to new residents to let them know that they welcome newcomers. All non-profits fund raise an d our members depend upon us to get the word out and we help with our weekly Briefing that is delivered by email and is available on the Web, fundraising events advertising, and with the opportunity to participate in our mailings, to take advantage of the bulk mail discount.
We also find that non-profits are of interest to the potential newcomers. I can’t tell you how many enquiries we receive that ask, “I’m thinking about moving to Alleghany. What opportunities are there to volunteer and get involved in the community?" It is a selling point for us to have so many groups that are a part of the fabric of local life that we can recommend.
From time to time a non-profit asks to be a gratis, non-paying beneficiary of Chamber services. I wish we could, but we are a non-profit as well and we depend upon membership dues to keep our doors open.
I am so grateful for the work of our non-profits and for the opportunities for volunteer service they provide. And I’m especially grateful for those who value the work of the Chamber and are faithful members.
~ 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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