Local Tidbits

Autumn at Oz

Join the fun at one of the world’s largest Wizard of Oz festivals! Skip down the Yellow Brick Road atop Beech Mountain— one mile high in the sky—where you are literally over the rainbow. This is the only event of its kind where you are immersed into the magical Land of Oz and meet your favorite characters from the classic story. Explore unique arts and crafts vendors, delicious varieties of food and beverages, and eight live performances! Purchase tickets for the weekends of September 17-19, or September 24-26 at www.landofoznc.com/autumnatoz.

A Stompin’ Good Time

Villa Nove Vineyards will host a Grape Stomp event on September 25 from 12-8 p.m. Enjoy live music, a variety of vendors, giveaways, games, a Lucy and Ethel look-a-like contest, food trucks and good ‘ol grape stomping! The event will be held at Villa Nove Vineyards at 1877 Dry Hill Rd. in Butler TN. Purchase tickets in advance at www. wataugalakewinery.com/grape-stomp or by calling 423-763-0345.

Middle Fork Greenway Fundraising Update

The third-annual “Round Up For the Greenway” succeeded in raising over $150,000 for the Middle Fork Greenway (MFG) in July. During the month-long event, local businesses asked patrons to “round up” their purchases as a donation to the project, and many individuals also contributed. These donations will go towards greenway construction, which will connect Boone to Blowing Rock. The MFG is a project of Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC), in partnership with Watauga County, the Town of Blowing Rock, and the Town of Boone. www.middleforkgreenway.org

Strength in Pink

The High Country Breast Cancer Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit in the Blowing Rock area, serving the seven counties of the High Country. Each year, the organization sponsors a 5K walk/run event to raise funds for this important cause. This year’s 5th Anniversary Virtual 5K Walk/Run on October 30 lets you choose your favorite route and enlist friends and family to join in—wear a race shirt from previous years or sport your most creative costume. Then post your race pictures on the Foundation Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hcbcfoundation/. Registration for the virtual event is only $20 and all proceeds go to helping people affected by breast cancer who are in need in the High Country of NC. Learn more and register at hcbcf.org.

Alleghany Writers and Rhapsody

On Saturday, November 6, Alleghany Writers welcomes Mitchell James Kaplan and his acclaimed novel, Rhapsody, to Sparta for a Jazz Age journey through the life of George Gershwin and the woman he loved, Kay Swift. A free book talk will be held at the Alleghany Library at 11 a.m., and at 2 p.m. you can view “An American in Paris” at the Bijou on the Backlot Screening Room. Tickets are available at AlleghanyWriters.com and at A Touch of Grace in Sparta. A 501c3 non-profit arts organization, Alleghany Writers supports local writers, focuses on outreach in county schools, and presents free public events that feature nationally bestselling authors. Follow Alleghany Writers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at alleghanywriters.com.

Autumn Coat Drive

Each fall, the Mast General Store, in partnership with Columbia Sportswear, sponsors a “Share the Warmth” coat drive. Consider giving the gift of warmth by donating your clean, gently-worn coats, jackets, sweaters, hats and gloves. Find out when and where you can drop off your toasty clothes at www.mastgeneralstore.com.

Congratulations to Local Tree Growers

The National Christmas Tree Association and the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association recently named the 2021 and 2022 Grand Champion and Reserve Champion growers. Rusty and Beau Estes of Peak Farms in Jefferson, NC, are the 2021 Grand Champion Grower winners, and the 2022 Reserve Champion Grower winners are Alex Church and Amber Scott of Cline Church Nursery, Inc. in Fleetwood, NC. These growers will continue the 56year tradition of delivering farm-grown Christmas trees to the White House (Grand Champion) and Vice President’s Residence (Reserve Champion). https://realchristmastrees.org/

SmileOn ADG

The Adam Davis Galleher Memorial Fund began in January of 2013 after the sudden passing of a loving son, brother, and friend who touched many lives in his 26 years on the Earth. Eight years later, SmileOn ADG has awarded over $108,000 in grants, scholarships, and charitable gifts in areas that Adam was passionate about. SmileOn ADG will once again be partnering with DEWEY’S Bakery Holiday Store in Blowing Rock for this year’s fundraiser. Look for the red & white DEWEY’S signs in mid-November at Tanger Outlets in Blowing Rock and shop in-store, curbside, or online every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more about this special fundraising effort or make a donation online at https://www. smileonadg.org. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/deweyholidaystoreSmileon/.

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Awards Grants

The BRNHA works to protect and preserve our region’s natural and cultural treasures. Earlier this year, the BRNHA awarded 15 well-deserving organizations across the region with matching grants totaling $185,000. These new projects support craft, music, natural heritage, Cherokee culture, and agricultural traditions. Two projects and organizations in the High Country supported by these grants include: • Junior Appalachian Musicians in Sparta, NC, will have an outdoor stage to host concerts and provide students with opportunities to perform in public. • Citizens and visitors will learn about the impact of African American craft, music, and dance in western North Carolina through an exhibition at the Blowing Rock Arts and History Museum (BRAHM). Learn more about the organization and grant recipients at www.blueridgeheritage.com/.

Toe River Arts Fall Studio Tour

Toe River Arts will host a Fall Studio Tour with both in-person and online elements on November 12, 13, and 14. A Studio Tour Preview Exhibition at the Toe River Arts Spruce Pine gallery will accompany the Tour, on display November 12 through December 31, 2021. The Spruce Pine Gallery is located at 269 Oak Avenue in Spruce Pine. Please note: dates are subject to change. For more information, call 828-765-0524, email info@toeriverarts.org, or visit www.toeriverarts.org.

Blue Ridge Energy – Tips to Prepare for Storms

This time of year, we’re likely to see a fair number of storms and waves of inclement weather in our region. To prepare for a power outage, be sure to have the following emergency supplies on hand in a convenient location: • Flashlight with fresh batteries • Matches, firewood and kindling • Charcoal grill with charcoal and lighter, or a propane grill (use only in a well ventilated area) • Manual can opener, non-perishable food, paper plates and disposable utensils • Radio with fresh battery; wind-up or battery operated clock • Blankets, sleeping bags, quilts • Gallon jugs filled with water for drinking and cooking • Formula and extra diapers for babies • Thermos for keeping drinks and baby formula warm

In addition, Blue Ridge Energy suggests that you fill bathtubs with water that can be used to flush commodes. People should also keep blankets over freezers and refrigerators to help insulate them in the event of an extended outage. Learn more at Blue Ridge Energy’s website at https://www.blueridgeenergy.com.

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