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Events for the week of 06/17/2012
| Grandfather Mountain: The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble |
 Date: 6/2 - 6/17
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
Our staff naturalists can’t wait to share their excitement for the showy rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron that blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes throughout the month of June. Join us for special programs designed to help you get the most out of this memorable sight.
The Catawba Rhododendron is abundant all across Grandfather Mountain, from MacRae Meadows at 4,300 feet in elevation to MacRae Peak at 5,845 feet in elevation. Because the shrub abounds across this broad range of elevations, its purple flowers can be enjoyed at each successive elevation. The first blooms appear at the lower overlooks in late May and the display will arrive at the Swinging Bridge by the end of June.
Join us at 1 pm each day to participate in special programs and activities that celebrate this herald of summer. All programs and guided walks are included in the price of admission.
For details, phone 800-468-7325 or 828-733-2013.
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| Grandfather Mountain: The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble |
 Date: 6/2 - 6/17
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.
Our staff naturalists can’t wait to share their excitement for the showy rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron that blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes throughout the month of June. Join us for special programs designed to help you get the most out of this memorable sight. For details, phone 800-468-7325.
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| Horn in the West: Boone, NC |
 Date: 6/15 - 08/11
The High Country's acclaimed outdoor drama "Horn in the West" returns this summer for its 61st season, but don't expect what you saw last year. This year, they have a totally new cast.
The production will again be directed by Julie Richardson. The script will be similar to last year's adaptation. This time, however, they will tighten up the scene changes and do more with the atmosphere.
Local auditions started on February 11 at 9 AM in the Valborg Theatre on the campus of Appalachian State University.
Horn in the West details pioneer struggles during the Revolutionary War and is a long-standing High Country tradition, attracting actors, technicians and audience members from all over the country.
In addition to local auditions, the show finds actors through the Institute of Outdoor Drama auditions and South Eastern Theatre Conference auditions.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $9 for children. Discounts are available. Check out the website for more information on auditions or to purchase tickets.
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| Roan Mountain Rhododendron Festival |
 Date: 6/16 - 6/17
Time: 10 AM - 5 PM
June 1947 saw the first of the Rhododendron Festivals, conceived and carried out by the Roan Mountain Citizens Club as a two-day celebration to memorialize and perpetuate the most gorgeous display of natural beauty on the North American continent. Thanks to Roger Heschong for this report on June 11: "All those that love the Rhododendron bloom may want to go up either tomorrow or one evening this week unless you just like crowds. Most of the shrubs are almost in full bloom."
This festival has continued uninterrupted for over fifty years.
The festival is held the third weekend or fourth weekend of June, depending on the peak of the rhododendron bloom. Originally the festival was held at the top of Roan Mountain.
In recent years the festival is held in Roan Mountain State Park, located at the foot of Roan Mountain and features handmade crafts, food, and a variety of traditional music, plus an array of old-time folkway demonstrations.
Location: Roan Mountain State Park, Hwy 143, Roan Mountain, Tennessee (Between Asheville, NC, and Johnson City, TN on US HWY 19-E, and only 40 miles from Boone/Blowing Rock, NC, and 20 miles from Banner Elk/Beech Mountain/Linville, NC) Also, the Appalachian Trail, as well as an official Tennessee Scenic Drive, run through our community.
Parking by donation to local civic group, admission, demonstrations, and entertainment all day both days. Over 100 arts and crafts vendors. A variety of food available. Visit the world's largest natural rhododendron gardens atop 6000-ft Roan Mountain. Hike the Appalachian Trail as it runs along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Learn about our nation's history as you relax beside cool streams. Camp or stay in a rustic cabin. Swim. Play tennis.
A Mini-Auction for Scholarships for Cloudland High School Graduates will be conducted between performances. Festival vendors and local businesses have donated items.
Go to the web site for a vendor application, vendor information and an entertainment schedule.
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| Bayou Weekly Summer Concert: The Get Downs |
 Date: 6/20 - 6/20
As you all know that attended last year this is a FREE concert that we put on every Wednesday starting at 6:00 PM throughout the summer. What better way to celebrate hump day then with some live music and ...the coldest drinks in the High Country. So come out, sit on the deck, grab a cold one, and enjoy some music with friends. Our drink specials for Wednesday are Abita Strawberry beer, Hurricanes(on the rocks or frozen), and Wine Amnesty.
This week's music is The Get Downs!
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| Banner Elk Chamber Summer Concert in the Park: ToneBlazers |
 Date: 6/21 - 6/21
Concert starts at 6:30 PM and is held at the Tate Evans Town Park stage off Highway 194 behind the Bank of America. There will be raffle tickets sold for wonderful prizes and a cash drawing. There will be several food vendors from which to choose or you can bring your own. Come unwind with us, "shake a leg" on the dance floor, listen to great music and socialize with wonderful people. Friendly well-behaved dogs are permitted on a leash.
About the Band: ToneBlazers was formed in 2009 by seasoned musicians who love the thrill, buzz and magic moments of playing and performing every type of music – from” Motown to Merle” The music also includes Bluegrass, Country and Americana.
They have a laid back attitude but their sound pulses energy. And make no mistake – they’re serious about music, as the crowd’s response is enthusiastic!! Something for everyone!!!
Individually throughout their careers Randy Gambill, Billy Gee, Dale Meyer, Steve Lewis and Jody Call have played with The Country Gentleman, Marty Raybon, Wayne Henderson, George Shuffler and The Kruger Brothers and Michael Reno Harrell, to name a few!
The ToneBlazers released their first CD on Little King Records “Red Clay Roots “in April 2011.
About the Sponsor: Erick’s Cheese & Wine Shop has been a favorite stop in Banner Elk for over 25 years. From the distinctive, collectible wines you'll find in Erick's temperature controlled fine wine room, to highly rated wines for under $10 a bottle, and everything in between - Erick's inventory is hand picked for your enjoyment. If you don't see what your looking for, Erick's will special order. And they offer discounts on quantity purchases, too.
Whether you're planning an intimate evening with your friends, a special party, need the perfect gift, or want help in making selections for your wine cellar that you'll enjoy for years to come, Erick's trained and knowledgeable staff is there to help.
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| Beech Mountain: Canoe and Kayak Expedition |
 Date: 6/21 - 6/21
Jun 21 – Canoe and Kayak Expedition
Come enjoy the beauty of Buckeye Lake the way it was meant to be enjoyed…via canoe or kayak! Please sign up in advance as space is limited. You are welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak and all ages and abilities are welcome.
We will meet at 4pm at Buckeye. Costs $5 per person. For more information, call 828-387-3003
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| Tweetsie Railroad - Meet Dora the Explorer and Diego from Go, Diego, Go! |
 Date: 6/22 - 6/24
You can meet Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego from Go, Diego, Go! in "Meet and Greets" from 10 AM to 5 PM daily throughout the weekend!
For more information or to buy tickets, go the web site or call 1-877-893-3874.
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| 14th Annual Blood, Sweat & Gears |
 Date: 6/23 - 6/23
This 100-mile route and 52-mile route sold out in 10 hours. The race now supports 750 full century riders and 500 half century riders.
The BSG is a challenging to strenuous full English century — 100-mile loop ride starting and ending at Valle Crucis Elementary School. A 50-mile “half century” is available for those who prefer the sanity of a challenging but shorter route. Both rides are fully supported with aide stations and SAG support.
BSG showcases the mountain communities of Watauga County; highlights of the route include a 21-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous climb over the 4,500-foot gap at Snake Mountain, and a 10-mile “flat” on old U.S. 421.
BSG is more than an event, it’s often a family vacation, which in turn boosts tourism throughout the High Country.
“We are humbled and amazed at how fast the rides filled up. It’s a testament to the tremendous efforts of our volunteers, sponsors, volunteer fire departments, law enforcement agencies and local governments to make BSG an experience for the riders and not just a ride,” said Scott Nelson, event coordinator.
BSG is supported by businesses and groups throughout the High Country. For a complete list of the fundraiser’s gold, silver and bronze sponsors, visit the website at http://bloodsweatandgears.org/.
Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Jeremy Dale Fisher Fund and The Russell Fund, established by the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which provides assistance to local families who are displaced by fire, flood or similar disasters.
Within the past fiscal year (July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011), the local Red Cross chapter responded to 47 disasters (fire, flood, or other natural disaster); helping dozens of families with food, shelter and necessities.
“We trained 4,500 people in lifesaving courses, such as first aid/CPR, lifeguarding, baby-sitting and pet first aid, just to name a few,” officials said. “Donors rolled up their sleeves at hundreds of community blood drives to produce nearly 11,500 pints of blood for patients in local hospitals. Red Cross volunteers also supported our local military men, women and their families through emergency communications and other services.”
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| Beech Mountain: Kiddo Fishing Derby |
 Date: 6/23 - 6/23
Go fish! On June 23rd, you can compete in our annual Beech Mountain Kids Fishing Derby. Try for the biggest fish, the most fish and more! The NC Wildlife Resource Commission will be present with their mobile aquarium to teach us about our waterways and the wildlife in them to add to the fun. Competition is for children 12 and under.
For more information, please call 828-387-9283
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