Photograph Alleghany at Work: Noted Parkway photographer Mike Booher returns to Sparta Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 6 & 7, for a workshop focused on Alleghany at Work. Participants will be instructed on indoor and outdoor photography (flash required) and will have an opportunity to practice what they've learned and be able to participate in a critique session. Workshop participants are encouraged to submit their photos in the Alleghany Library's Photo Contest. Contact the Library at 336-372-5573 for an application and with your questions about the competition. Click for registration form and details.
Brinegar Cabin and Parkway Campgound open: Although the Parkway is still closed to through traffic between US 21 South and NC 18 South at Laurel Springs, it is open from Laurel Springs to Air Bellows Gap, Mile Post 236.9. That means Doughton Park is accessible. The trails, Cabin and Campground are open and available. However, the Lodge and Bluffs Coffee Shop are still closed for the season. (Sorry, you'll have to wait another year for their great fried chicken.) From US 21 South, the Parkway is also open to Mile Post 232.5, the Stone Mountain Overlook.
NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: One of the benefits of living in the same place for a long time is seeing growth and change the years can create. In the office we have a block of wood carved to resemble a Chamber of Commerce building. It was an example of the primitive-style art that John Ulery was producing when I came here more than a quarter century ago. Still operating out of their building at the corner of Doughton and Alleghany streets, the business name -- Designs in Wood -- has not changed, but they've grown into a mature shop for custom furniture. The photo shows a hunt board table (click here to see an enlargement) designed by John. Pictured is son Devin (left), who now is the business's day-to-day manager, and Chris McCarn, the employee/artisan who constructed this piece. John and Penny Ulery were on the road at a craft event drumming up business and not available for this photo. The shop turns out a diverse line of custom tables and hutches. Designs in Wood was one of three local small businesses that received monetary awards in June in a business planning competition sponsored by the Rural Center. Congrats on the award and thanks for bringing money and attention to Sparta. The award will permit Designs in Wood to add a new spray booth and make other improvements. Check them out at their website or call 336-372 8995 to learn more.
Our State Features Hospice Recipe: The August issue of Our State magazine features two recipes from Meals & Memories, the book of local recipes published by High Country Hospice. The recipes are part of the article "Cooking By Heart," that includes a story about how recipe books have been used by communities to raise money for worthy causes. Featured recipes from Alleghany are Sweet Corn and Parmesan Flan, submitted by Jane Wallace, and Louise Evans' Pickled Eggs recipe, submitted by her daughter Sandy Herndon. Copies of the book are available at Seasons, River Rock Grill, the Hospice office on Doughton Street and other locations. It's got the neatest stand-up binding, compliments of the staff of NAPCO. If you are hankering for the recipes, we have copies of that issue of Our State in the Chamber office, but Hospice Volunteer Coordinator Phyllis Wagoner pulled a few strings and helped us get the entire article online, so just click here and enjoy!
Six local artists on display at the Library for the month of July. Drop in to see what our local talent can do.
AVAILABLE 24/7: 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 loop brochure and other information is always available.
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Thursday, July 28
Pat Sexton will be demonstrating the art of basket weaving at Little River Gallery, 33A North Main St., beginning at 6p and sponsored by the Alleghany Art Guild. Admission is free and any and everyone is invited.
>> 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: Check the Alleghany Farmers Market Facebook page for information on upcoming vendors at the Thursday (3:30-5:30p) and Saturday (10a-2p) in front of 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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