BILLBOARD SPACE AVAILABLE: The Chamber is looking for a partner for the billboard on US 21 South coming into town (just below WCOK). Our contract with Country Comfort Log Homes runs out at the end of October. We might even consider sub-leasing the entire space. This is the primo billboard on the main road coming into Sparta. Call 336-372-5473 or 336-200-2468 with your questions.
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES: Parents, students, staff and supporters of the Blue Ridge Christian School gathered at the school Wednesday evening in anticipation of today's first day of classes. The school is located in the former Family Resource Center on Wee Care Avenue behind the Pottery Place. More photos are available on the Chamber's Facebook page. Find your friends and tag their photo! 336-372-2573
MULTI-SKILLS TRAINING LAB OPENS: Be sure to attend Business After Hours Thursday, Sept. 8, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Alleghany Campus of Wilkes Community College for the formal opening of their new Multi-Skills Training Classroom. The equipment is impressive and is a step forward for the county's educational infrastructure. There are more photos from the classroom on the Chamber's Facebook page.
FIND YOURSELF ON THE FODDER TROT TRAIL: The Fodder Trot Trail and Corn Maze, 1.7 miles north of Sparta on NC 18 North, is open weekends and will be open (and weekdays by appointment) through the month of October. This year's seven acre corn maze is dedicated to the great rivers of the US and offers a host of other activities: pumpkin picking, play in the huge sandbox, straw jump, hayrides, cow milking machine, corn hole toss, hay bale maze for the little ones, giant slide and fire pits to reserve for your group's marshmallow roast. Bring everything you need for your roast or we have firewood, roasting sticks, marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers available for you to purchase. 336-372-MAZE http://otgs.net
Happening Every Week: 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.
Weather permitting, there's lots to do in our community. Where provided, click on the links for more information.
Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 & 9
Quilt Seminar on Feathered Radiant Star at Sparta United Methodist Church. Local quilters you won't want to miss out on the learning opportunity with Candy St. Lawrence of Butler, TN. Space is limited. Register today.
Thursday, September 8
The public is invited to Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting for the New Multi-Skills Classroom at Wilkes Community College, Alleghany Center, co-located with the Blue Ridge Business Development Center, 115 Atwood Street, Sparta, from 5p to 7p. Come see how this facility expands the training available in the county for our youth. I think you will be impressed. Ribbon cutting and remarks at 5:30p. Light refreshment served. 336-372-5061
The public is invited to Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting for the New Multi-Skills Classroom at Wilkes Community College, Alleghany Center, co-located with the Blue Ridge Business Development Center, 115 Atwood Street, Sparta, from 5p to 7p. Come see how this facility expands the training available in the county for our youth. I think you will be impressed. Ribbon cutting and remarks at 5:30p. Light refreshment served. 336-372-5061
Want to start a business? This FREE program How to Start A Business will get your business off on the right foot.
Rep. Sarah Stevens will be at the Alleghany Republican Party meeting to introduce the new state house and senate representatives for the county. The change in representation is a result of redistricting. She will also discuss redistricting.
Friday - Sunday, September 9-11
Agnes of God, John Pielmeier's play that explores the limits of faith, will be performed at 7p in the Sparta School Auditorium on Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30p on Sunday. The play stars Melissa Halsey, Debbie Brady and Dyani Vanhoose in the title role. Admission $8 at the door. The Sunday performance will be followed by a discussion with a panel of clergy on the play's religious implications. 336-359-8000
Saturday, September 10
Noted author and speaker in Bible studies, Beth Moore, will be sharing her insights in this Living Proof Live simulcast at First Baptist Church. This all-day event includes lunch.
A special Saturday Lunch and Learn program at the Alleghany Library on Alternative Medicine. Please RSVP to assure a space: Call 372-5573.
The Village Emporium at Trojan Village Shopping Center hosts the Stratford Oaks Tales author Suzanne Mellow and illustrator Zach Hamm for a book signing.
Sunday, September 11
Second Sunday Mission Meal at Sparta United Methodist Church. Come to the 11a worship and stay for this lunch to benefit a worthy local cause. No charge but donations appreciated.
Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of the Reverend Billy Graham, will challenge the Church to get ready for the return of Jesus at this special program at First Baptist Church.
Tai Chi classes begin at the Wellness Center with instructor Joe Ward. Learn this ancient art of movement and balance.
Plan a Fun Day at Backwoods Bean Coffee Shop.
Downtown Merchants: Sweep in front of your business before you leave. Main Street to be swept early Thursday.
Thursday, September 15
See the classic vehicles at the Cruise-In at JB's.
Enjoy a Free Family Evening Out at the luxurious River Country Estates Club House.
Your Will, Your Legacy is the title of this informative Lunch and Learn Program at the Alleghany Library.
Meeting of the Minds Readers Theater -- a follow up to the July program featuring President U. S. Grant, Marie Antoinette, Sir Thomas More, and Dr. Karl Mark -- will be presented at the Alleghany Senior Center. This free program begins at 7p.
Friday, September 16
The Ole Time Variety Show, an AMH fundraiser, will be held at the Sparta School Auditorium. You never know, you may see your doctor perform on stage.
Meeting of the Minds Readers Theater -- a follow up to the July program featuring President U. S. Grant, Marie Antoinette, Sir Thomas More, and Dr. Karl Mark -- will be presented at the Alleghany Library.
Saturday, September 17
It's Mountain Heritage Festival time again. Come down to Main Street and enjoy the entertainment, demonstrations, great food and craft. Artisans and food vendors: We still have a few spaces available! 336-372-5473
Come out for the jute-box favorites of Big Blues Beat at the Silver Dollar Music Park.
Sunday, September 18
Learn about Native Grasses at this free New River Park program.
Monday, September 19
Learn How to Start a Business at WCC. This is a great program for budding entrepreneurs.
Tuesday, September 20
How to avoid violations when paying employees is a special WCC program for small businesses.
Lunch and Learn how to defend yourself with Sensei Mike Brown at 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: 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.
>> 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.
>>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.
>>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 an informal coffee just for veterans every Wednesday from 8:30-11 a.m. Click to learn more.
Check 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
This email is a weekly update of news and information from your Chamber of Commerce. If you do not receive a fully formatted copy, it can be viewed on the Web at http://www.blogger.com/www.sparta-nc.blogspot.com. If you would prefer not to receive this communication, please just send a return email to Director@Sparta-NC.com with the words Unsubscribe in the subject line, and we will remove you from the distribution list.
Check 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
This email is a weekly update of news and information from your Chamber of Commerce. If you do not receive a fully formatted copy, it can be viewed on the Web at http://www.blogger.com/www.sparta-nc.blogspot.com. If you would prefer not to receive this communication, please just send a return email to Director@Sparta-NC.com with the words Unsubscribe in the subject line, and we will remove you from the distribution list.
