Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Lonesome River Band coming to Fiddlers' Convention: You won't want to miss this year's Fiddlers' Convention. In addition to the area talent that will be jamming in the campgrounds and competing on stage for top awards, this year the Lonesome River Band will play two sets on Friday at 7 and 9p. They've spent 30 years building a national reputation and they'll be here in Sparta. Their latest album, "Still Learning" is climbing the charts. Details about the band. Details about the Fiddlers' Convention.

The Alleghany Wellness Center is offering the SilverSneakers Muscular Strength and Range of Motion Class Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30a to 11:30a. Cost for the class is free to regular and SilverSneaker members and $5 for Non-Members. Certified Trainer Mary Ellen Testerman is the instructor. Ms Testerman is also available for personal training. She offers a free, one-hour consultation. Call 276-655-4598 to arrange an appointment or with your questions.

QUICK EDITORIAL: You have probably noticed there are more bicycles on our highways and streets. Bicycling is growing in popularity around the country and in little ol' Alleghany County. With the Parkway detour, all the cyclists on that scenic byway find their way into Sparta. If you want a challenging ride, this county has the roads to challenge some of the best riders. (If you want a leisurely ride? Well there is the coast.) And bicyclists like other visitors to the county contribute to the economy with the lodging, meals and shopping they do here.

Bicycling is good exercise and it doesn't pollute the atmosphere. That said, it's not easy for cars and bikes to share the road. Bicycles can't keep up with cars (except maybe on long downhills) and many times the road is too narrow for cars to safely pass. Several of us have encouraged signage for the Parkway detour just for bicyclists that routes them along US 221 and NC 113 rather than NC 18 South.

Regardless, drivers look out for bicyclists. Many are detouring the Parkway and are unfamiliar with our roads. Local bicyclists, don't take advantage of your greater mobility and weave in and out of traffic. If we both abide by the rules of the road and show some good ol' Alleghany courtesy, we should be able to safely share the road. Who knows, we could become a bicycling destination for individuals who want mix great scenery and a challenging ride.
~ Bob Bamberg

Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.

Thursday, July 7
Republicans hold auction fundraiser at the Silver Dollar. Lots of great things to bid on.

Parkway Ranger Jackie Sloop presents "High on the Hog," a program about Appalachian food at the Library.

Saturday, July 9
Music in the Park features Gospel music.

The Alleghany Wellness Center hosts Professor Pablo De Vincenzo, emotional and mental counseling/therapies, and Sandra Mora , acupuncture and Chinese medicine at 2p (Engish version) and 3p (Sparnish). This is a free presentation to explain how their treatments work.

If you are ready to buy a home, this is a great time for an attractive deal. Check the Open House at Bear Creek to see what's available.

Play the Fox Den Country Club golf course to support a great cause, the AMH Rehab Department.

Dance to your music as the Silver Dollar Music Park welcomes back the versatile Vision Band.

Sunday, July 10
Celebrate the Moravian Love Feast at the Transou Church.

Sparta Methodists invite you to 11a worship and stay for the Second-Sunday Mission Meal.

Let a park ranger guide you on a New River Canoe Trip.

Tuesday, July 12
Big Bang Boom Music Program just for kids at the Library.

Wednesday, July 13
Plan a fun day at the Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop.

Learn to identify Scams at this Library Lunch and Learn.

Thursday, July 14
The Civil War is the focus of Library program.

Friday and Saturday, July 15-16
The Fiddlers' Convention swings into music and dance at the Fairgrounds.

Open House at Bear Creek.

Monday, July 18
Customer Appreciation Day at Halsey Drug Store features door prizes, hot dogs, and snow cones.

Tuesday, July 19
Stories that Sing is the subject of Summer Reading program at the Library.

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

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.
>>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.
>> Veterans' Morning Coffee at the VFW: The VFW hosts in informal coffee just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.

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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