"It started as a general store back in 1920. JJ Hampton bought the store and supplied the new resort areas, but they weren’t called resorts back then. It supplied regular general store items—anything from cabbage and milk to candy and live chickens—just like any general store in the South. There used to be one on just about every corner." - Abigail Sheets
Fire on the Mountain Festival
By Layne Hendrickson
"I feel like people take the tradition of blacksmithing seriously, and they’re grateful to the mentors they worked with, and so you are meeting so many people who are looking to pass that on. I think this is an exciting festival because we do get a lot of young people." - Stacey Lane
Brutal Bike Ride
By Joshua Biggers
"The Blue Ridge Brutal has now become so much more than just a fundraiser, it is a ‘friend-raiser.’ Cyclists return year after year for this event, and they come back for the scenic beauty of Ashe County along with the warm heartedness of all the local volunteers. Ashe County knows how to treat its guests right!" - Jane Lonon 34
Symphony of the Mountains
By Zenda Douglas
"Music is a language we all understand; it brings us together. That’s what the Symphony of the Mountains attempts to do. We believe the symphony belongs to everybody – no matter what demographic, education, background or religion." - Cornelia Laemmli Orth
Zaloo’s Canoes
By Zenda Douglas
"I have no knowledge as to why we’ve been so blessed with where we are on the river. It’s perfect for this type of activity. Most people of any age and ability can handle the waters. If you’re looking for a high class of rapids, that’s not us. Here on the South Fork, you can sit in a canoe, relax and enjoy it." - Mac Cornish
Andy Rein and The Appalachian Trail
By
Tim Gardner
"And I take these same values with me to keep my mindset as it should be as I hike the entire Appalachian Trail. These same traits that are so needed in wrestling are so very much needed to hike such a long distance as the entire Appalachian Trail. It’s a tremendous challenge, but that’s why I’m doing it – I relish conquering challenges." - Andy Rein 16 26 42 52 62
Exploring the High Country
Welcome to the July issue of High Country Magazine! As summer reaches its peak, we are excited to bring you a collection of stories that celebrate the vibrant culture and adventurous spirit of our High Country.
We begin our journey at the Old Hampton Store & Barbeque in Linville, a local treasure where history meets mouthwatering flavors. This establishment offers not just delicious food, but a warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies the essence of Southern hospitality.
Next, we spotlight the Fire on the Mountain Festival, a fiery celebration of creativity and craftsmanship that lights up our community with its vibrant energy. This festival is a testament to the talent and passion that flourish in our region.
For those seeking a thrill, the Brutal Bike Ride in Ashe County offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure through some of the most challenging and scenic terrains in the area. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or an enthusiastic spectator, this event captures the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of the High Country.
Also in Ashe County, we delve into the story of Zaloo’s, a local enterprise that provides unforgettable outdoor experiences. From canoeing to kayaking, Zaloo’s invites you to explore the natural splendor of our waterways and create lasting memories.
We then turn our focus to Avery County, where we highlight the inspiring story of Andy Rein, who is conquering his greatest challenge of hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Finally, we are enchanted by the Symphony of the Mountains, an orchestra that brings the transcendent beauty of music to our hills and valleys. Their performances are a harmonious blend of talent and passion, enriching our cultural landscape with every note.
As you enjoy this issue, may you be inspired by the stories of tradition, adventure, and community that define the High Country. Here's to a summer filled with discovery, joy, and the shared experiences that bring us all closer together.
Thank you for reading and supporting High Country Magazine!
A Public Ation o f
High Country Press Publications
Publisher /editor
Sam Garrett design
Ashley Poore
Advertising d irector
Michelle Harrell
MediA d istribution coordinAtor
Ashton Brumfield
contributing Writers
Joshua Biggers
Zenda Douglas
Tim Gardner
Layne Hendrickson
contributing Photogr APhers
Mckenzie Brookshire
Emily Dawson
Germain Media
cover Photogr APher
Ashley Poore
High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties of North Carolina.
High Country Magazine publisher, Sam Garrett enjoying String Cheese Incident w/ the Wood Brothers as part of the 2024 Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series.
Symphony of the Mountains performs at the 2022 Symphony at the Lake at Chetola Resort. Photo by Ashley Poore.
mountain echoes
Mast Store Expands Business Family with Addition of Locally Owned Partner, M-Prints
COURTESY OF THE MAST STORE
Mast General Store is pleased to announce its purchase of a long-time vendor located in Boone, North Carolina. The Mast Store recently acquired M-Prints, an apparel graphics printer and embroiderer, whose founder and owner, Stuart Mangum, put the business on the market in preparation for the next chapter of his life.
As family-owned businesses, Mast Store and M-Prints have partnered together for nearly four decades. M-Prints has printed over 300,000 t-shirts and sweatshirts for the Mast Store over the course of the businesses’ enduring relationship.
“We are excited to welcome M-Prints to our business family,” said Mast Store President Lisa Cooper.
Also, like Mast Store, M-Prints values community-based organizations dedicated to improving lives and landscapes in its home region. The businesses share a history of mutual support for local nonprofit organizations like Blue Ridge Conservancy, OASIS, and Western Youth Network.
Cooper expressed her esteem for Mangum and looks to carry on his business’s highly regarded reputation of championing community causes through its new place in the Mast Store family.
“I have admired Stuart since I met him,” said Cooper. “His humble personality is endearing, and his work ethic is impressive and obvious. Stuart and his business embody so many of Mast Store’s long-held beliefs about giving back and community involvement.”
Mangum himself welcomes M-Print’s new era with the knowledge that the core of its legacy will persist.
“I couldn’t be happier that the Mast Store family will be continuing the M-Prints tradition of supporting the organizations that make our area the special place it is. I feel that a business that thrives only with local support has a responsibility to give back to the community. Knowing that the business I have spent 34 years developing and growing will now be in the hands of a family and a business I have tremendous respect for is quite satisfying,” said Mangum.
For Cooper, who serves on the board of Blue Ridge Conservancy, maintaining her family- and employee-owned company’s legacy of backing community-focused organizations that promote conservation, human needs, and the arts is a foundational business principle.
“Community groups are the heartbeat of our home. Their work ensures that the places we live are healthy, safe, and vibrant for all people,” said Cooper.
She elaborated, “Stuart certainly understood this. His longevity as a businessperson in the High Country is a testament to his character and a model for how all business owners should advocate on behalf of residents and groups that tirelessly serve local interests.”
Furthering the continuity of their community-minded business practices and philosophies, Mast Store will retain M-Prints’ employees and will be working with Mangum over the next several weeks to complete the business transition and move of its equipment and inventory.
David Still, who has previously worked with locally based Ray’s Weather, has been hired to manage the business and assist with the transition as Mangum steps aside.
The addition of M-Prints also positions Mast Store to expand its current capabilities and offerings. With 11 Mast Store locations and a sister store, Rivercross Made in USA, in its family of stores, the 141-year-old, Valle Crucis-based company’s first-ever, “inhouse” graphics printer and embroiderer opens the door to many possibilities for the future of its business.
Presently, M-Prints has paused order fulfillments as it packs up to move into its new location. It will soon return to serve customers from its new home in Glendale Springs in neighboring Ashe County. Logistical accommodations for existing customer pick-ups and drop-offs are in the works and details will be released soon. t
Stuart Mangum, former owner of M-Prints (left), hands “the keys” to Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store, and David Still, the new manager of M-Prints under Mast Store ownership. Photo submitted.
mountain echoes
Mrs. Danelle Martin Named Mrs. North Carolina 2024
COURTESY OF DANELLE MARTIN
On Sunday, May 5, 2024, Danelle Martin of Banner Elk in Avery County, North Carolina and Charlotte in Mecklenburg County, won the title of Mrs. North Carolina America and the opportunity to represent her state at the nationally televised Mrs. America competition on August 28, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Danelle is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, where she majored in Communications and minored in American Sign Language. She was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority. She has been married to her husband, Chris, for sixteen years and they share three children. Danelle is a third generation carpenter and a second generation contractor. Following in the footsteps of past generations, Danelle puts her skills to use, alongside her husband and business partner, in their joint venture M Five Homes, which is a custom home building company. Danelle also produces and hosts a podcast called Diary of a Queen, which can be found online at www.diaryofaqueen.net. Her book, Do You Know How to Lose? The Art of Losing with Grace, is set to release in late 2024. She is also a proud homeschool parent.
“I am thrilled to be representing the great state of North Carolina in the 48th Mrs. America Competition. The motto of
We are Family is something I hold near and dear to my heart, as I believe that is the heart and the strength of this incredible organization.”
The Mrs. America competition is rich in history. It was first held in 1938 and continued until 1968. In 1977, after a nine year hiatus, it was revived by David Z. Marmel, after his successful career in professional athletics and independent television production. He was instrumental in setting the new direction for the pageant and transforming the pageant into the multifaceted event it is today.
Mrs. America was the first and remains the foremost competition for married women in America. The competition has epitomized excellence, professionalism, the celebration of family values, and is supported by an office and full-time director in every state in America and the District of Columbia.
The winner of the Mrs. America crown will have an exciting year ahead with boundless opportunities to raise awareness for special causes, as well as, represent the modern married woman. The winner of the Mrs. America Competition represents America in the international Mrs. World Pageant. t
Photo submitted.
The secret’s in the sauce Carolina Gal
By Jan Todd
Know what’s a noun, verb, meat, method, social event and a source of heated opinion? If you guessed “barbecue,” you got it right! People are passionate about their ‘cue, and many have strong opinions about how it should be smoked, sauced and served. Here in the Carolinas, barbecue is practically a religion.
Just to be clear, Carolina barbecue is pork. Slow smoked meat, pulled or chopped, served with or without a bun, possibly with slaw somewhere on the plate.
I spent my early years in Tennessee, and “barbecue” was simply the sauce used on grilled chicken. It wasn’t until I moved to North Carolina that I was introduced to the pork phenomenon at a pig pickin’ — held as a wedding reception of all things. I never heard of such.
At the reception, one of the groomsmen was hovering over a smoking oil drum which he’d converted into a grill. As he lifted the top of the drum, I saw it was loaded with meat. Sizzling, succulent, mouth-watering Boston butts. Thus began my love affair with Carolina barbecue — and the groomsman who later became my husband.
Since then, I’ve sampled many styles of barbecue. I’ve dined at dives and BBQ chains, even purchased pulled pork from the Pig Palace on Wheels parked at a gas station. Once, I almost bought a barbecue sandwich at a bowling alley.
I asked the girl at the concession stand, “How’s the barbecue?”
“Well, it’s not the best thing on the menu,” she admitted.
“What’s better?” I asked.
“Everything else.”
I don’t know what I was thinking. Barbecue at a bowling alley? They have no smoker. Proper barbecue takes commitment. Hours of slow roasting, begun before the crack of dawn. Fire and danger. It cannot be produced at a concession stand equipped with nothing but a microwave oven.
Some of the best barbecue joints are found off the beaten path, on the backroads. They have gravel parking lots, tattered booths, and smoke billowing from someplace out back, and a “B” or even “C” rating from the health department. The process can be a little messy, you see.
One of the great debates about barbecue is whether to cook the whole hog, butts, or shoulders. But that debate pales when it comes to discussions about the sauce. Some mix vinegar, salt, pepper and butter, basting the meat while cooking. In the Lexington region, a little tomato paste or ketchup is added to sweeten the vinegar base.
Central South Carolina is the “Mustard Belt,” where honey and yellow mustard are the key ingredients of the tangy sauce. Thousands of other variations exist with differing degrees of heat, along with elusive secret ingredients to keep people guessing.
I know of one man who keeps his sauce recipe in a sealed envelope, only to be opened upon his death.
Whatever the style of barbecue and sauce, it should be plenty juicy and enjoyed to the fullest. If you walk out of a barbecue restaurant without a few stains on your shirt, you need to go back in and eat some more. t
Tony Todd prefers to smoke Boston Butts over a charcoal fire. He adds his secret sauce just prior to serving, and believes a mustard-based sauce is pure blasphemy. Photo by Jan Todd.
Old-Fashioned Good Times Step back in time at the Old Hampton Store
In an era where general stores are fading away and individually owned old school outposts are hard to come by, Linville’s circa-1920 Old Hampton Store Barbeque & Tavern remains more successful than ever. The 104-year-old establishment has passed hands a few times throughout its tenure—and is now helmed under the watchful eyes of the Sheets family, who purchased the spot in 2003.
“It was an opportunity when it came up for sale to be something that really benefited the community,” reflects owner Abigail Sheets. “It’s part of the few historic businesses left in the mountains.”
Previously known as the “Hampton and Perkins General Store,” the centennial (plus four!) building was located nearby a train stop for what has been dubbed “Tweetsie Railroad,” spanning Johnson City, Tennessee to Western North Carolina and eventually Boone. Note: the now-defunct trainway stopped in its tracks due to the Great Flood of 1940. Yet, despite the railway’s long-past halt to travel flow—the Old Hampton Store has persisted to flourish in its original locale.
“We’ve made changes,” says Sheets of the Old Hampton Store since her family has taken the reins. “It’s a successful business now—and we’ve added music and turned it into a venue for that as well.” And that they have. The now-owners have also added a pottery studio, a smithy, woodworking studio and an array of other additional amenities in recent decades.
Not just your classic general store, the widely spanning outfit and surrounding four acres taps into all sorts of markets—it’s a restaurant, bar, art oasis and live music locale all wrapped up into one old school destination. Essentially, your go-to High Country one-stop shop.
“It started as a general store back in 1920,” explains Sheets. “JJ Hampton bought the store and supplied the new resort areas, but they weren’t called resorts back then. It supplied regular general store items—anything from cabbage and milk to candy and live chickens— just like any general store in the South. There used to be one on just about every corner.”
It started as a general store back in 1920. JJ Hampton bought the store and supplied the new resort areas, but they weren’t called resorts back then. It supplied regular general store items—anything from cabbage and milk to candy and live chickens—just like any general store in the South. There used to be one on just about every corner.
- ABIGAIL SHEETS
STORY BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK
Right: Old Hampton Store is a 104-year-old establishment owned by the Sheets family, who purchased the spot in 2003. Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
JJ Hampton started the store as a general store back in 1920.
Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
And the joint stays jiving. From its annual Cornbread Cookoff each June to its autumnal Apple Butter Festival in October and Ramp Fest (a cousin to the leek veggie) in May—Old Hampton Store stays busy hosting locals, part-time residents and tourists alike in its vast—and diverse—environments. “We have locals [come] and lots of summer folk come in,” notes the owner of the spot’s patronage.
Pig Pickins’
Anyone familiar with North Carolina culture knows that quality handpulled hickory-smoked barbecue is a must. And Old Hampton Store has perfected its method via smoking its meat in its original smokehouse over hickory and applewood. Not to mention, patrons enjoying the pulled pork have the option to pair their entree with a slew of housemade sides (sourdough rolls, red or white slaw, hushpuppies, fried okra, housemade pork rinds, collard greens and more). Fun fact: Many of
Staying local, the store showcases a slew of local wares, souvenirs and products. Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
the veggies and herbs found on-menu are grown in a garden on the premises.
Looking for a seat from which to enjoy your treats? Post up and enjoy the Southern comfort fare out back underneath an old oak tree at one of Old Hampton Store’s array of outdoor tables—with indoor eating ops for those electing to enjoy their eats elsewhere while listening to bluegrass tunes. Then wash it all down with a slew of brews and wines sourced from around the area—or a tall glass of iced tea. Not to mention, sip one—or two!—cocktails from the lineup of specialty options shaken up with fresh fruit and handmuddled garden herbs.
Get Arted
With a Southern folk art gallery on-site at the 1920 Hampton homestead, titled 87 Ruffin Street Gallery, the Sheets family ensures that art goes hand-in-hand with the history and goods it offers—spanning from the mountains to the seaside. An artist herself, Abigail originally obtained the artistic outpost prior to the Old Hampton Store. Acquiring it right before the turn of the century, she utilizes the space to both showcase and sell her own artistic creations—and the craftsmanship of other makers from near and far. To wit, the one-stop oasis boasts a smithy, pottery studio and, on occasion, a woodworking shop.
Old Hampton Store merchandise can be found for purchase inside the store.
Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
Many of the veggies and herbs found on themenu are grown in a garden on the premises. Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
Locally sourced wine and beer can be found at the bar as well as handcrafted cocktails. Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
Hungry to check it out? Here’s a few of the mouthwatering items Old Hampton Store offers on the menu:
• Smoked Wings
• Pork Apple Butter Sliders
• Fried Garlic Cheese Curds
• Housemade Pork Rinds
• Fried Okra
• Chicken Tenders
• French Fries
• Hushpuppies
• Chicken Salad Sandwich
• Grilled Cheese
• Fried Bologna Sandwich
• Chicken Salad Sandwich
• Pimento Cheese Sandwich
• Smoked Chicken Sandwich
• Pork BBQ
• Field Pea Salad
• Coleslaw
• Mac and cheese
… and more!
THANK YOU
Quality Wares
Truly a store deep rooted in history and supporting its local mountain community, the store showcases a slew of local wares, souvenirs and products—think: handcrafted pottery, crafts, cheeses, pickles, jams, jellies, country ham and ground edible products (hey, grits and oatmeal!).
Don't Stop the Music
Ready to stomp your feet to a lineup of local and regional bands and musicians? You’re in the right place for that too. Open from April to December, Old Hampton Store operates as a live music venue—and helps elevate on-therise and beloved artists alike on its stage. Find myriad melodies making their way around the atmosphere every day during lunchtime from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.—and each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night during the on-season out in the backyard pavilion from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. To wit, an outdoor church tavern and woodfired pizza oven are up and running during the evening concerts.
“We have so much music that we branched out into regional bands as well,” says Sheets.
The Old Hampton Store offers a variety of spaces with a "back yard" feeling for guests to enjoy their meals and drinks.
Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
It was an opportunity when it came up for sale to be something that really benefited the community. It’s part of the few
historic businesses left in the mountains.
- ABIGAIL SHEETS
“We rotate [bands] as well.” … One such band that often found making music onsite is The Johnson Brothers, who are scheduled to play monthly in the Old Hampton Store courtyard venue.
The venue is truly a cozy and old-fashioned-esque ambiance that elevates musical artists from around the area—imagine a wood platform, string lights and an open air ambiance (Pro tip: It’s where you want to be hanging out during the summer months!).
Itching to experience NC mountain history via tastes, tunes and ambiance? Mosey on over to the Old Hampton Store, nestled right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at 77 Ruffin Street, Linville NC 28646, give them a ring at 828.733.5213 or pop over to the website oldhamptonstorenc.com. Note: The storied spot shutters during the winter months from January to March each year, and typically reopens in early April. t
Old Hampton Store also operates as a live music venue and welcomes many regional bands. Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
A North Carolina culinary staple, the Old Hampton Store offers quality handpulled hickory-smoked barbecue, smoked in the original smokehouse over hickory and applewood. Photo by Mckenzie Brookshire.
Fire on the Mountain Blacksmithing Festival: Keeping the Craft Alive
STORY BY LAYNE HENDRICKSON
Acacophony of laughter and ringing anvils once again reverberates through the mountain town of Spruce Pine. The beckoning aroma of festival food intertwines with the acrid smell of coal smoke — Pure Heaven. It is once again time for ‘Fire on the Mountain.’
Blacksmithing was often decried as being a dying art, but the folk revival of the 1960s and ‘70s breathed new life into the craft and gave birth to the concept of the ‘artist blacksmith.’ Since that time, there has been a groundswell of interest that has now reached a fevered crescendo with wildly popular TV shows such as ‘Forged in Fire.’ Blacksmithing, once the sole purview of the furry and burly, is now gaining in popularity with people of all varieties. And through it all, North Carolina has remained at the epicenter of this resurgence, with Spruce Pine’s ‘Fire on the Mountain’ blacksmithing festival playing a major role for the last 20 years.
I speak with Stacey Lane of the Penland School of Craft, which helped organize the festival.
“Can you tell me a little bit about the blacksmithing festival today?” I ask. “Sure!” Stacey enthuses. “We are approaching our 20th festival sometime in
the next year or so, and it grows each year. It’s a collaboration between Penland School, Discover Spruce Pine, and Toe River Arts. So, we each kind of bring our own expertise to the festival. Discover Spruce Pine really coordinates the festival overall. And Toe River Arts hosts an incredible artist blacksmith exhibition in association with the festival each year. And Penland manages the technical aspects of the ‘forge-offs’ and the demonstration area. We run a hands-on area where the public can try their hand at blacksmithing.”
“I’m a blacksmith myself,” I add. “And I think everything about this festival is insanely cool!”
“Yeah!” Stacey concurs. “So, it’s just a big day for us. You know, we have blacksmiths who come from as far as Illinois to join together! And I would say that there is a lot of generosity in the blacksmithing community. It’s a great time for them to get together and share information and meet one another.”
“How many people do you think are in attendance this year?” I enquire.
“I’ve heard estimates of 3,000 to 5,000,” Stacey relates. “But it feels like a good, busy festival for us, so that’s probably in the range, but I honestly don’t know. It is safe to say that hundreds of blacksmiths are here.”
Discover Spruce Pine really coordinates the festival overall. And Toe River Arts hosts an incredible artist blacksmith exhibition in association with the festival each year. And Penland manages the technical aspects of the ‘forge-offs’ and the demonstration area. We run a hands-on area where the public can try their hand at blacksmithing.
- STACEY LANE
“Could you tell me a little bit about the Penland School?” I ask.
“Penland has teaching studios in 16 different media,” Stacey informs. “But we have a really incredible iron studio where we have everything from beginner to advanced classes. Classes range in length from four days to eight weeks. All of the classes at Penland are curated session by session so we don’t have permanent faculty. People sign up by the session and our faculty comes from all over the country.”
“A real cross-pollination of ideas then.” I offer.
“Yes!” Stacey agrees. “And people can stay on campus, so our students also come from near and far. Like I said, it’s a generous community. I feel like people take the tradition of blacksmithing seriously, and they’re grateful to the mentors they worked with, and so you are meeting so many people who are looking to pass that on. I think this is an exciting festival because we do get a lot of young people. The ‘forge-off’ for the youth was full weeks ago! It’s always the first to fill. It’s encouraging that so many young people want to do it. And we have a lot of university students who come, attend the festival, and volunteer. Last night after Peter Braspenninx’s lecture, he just had a swarm of young people around him. He’s our featured artist blacksmith this year. Each year we have a main featured artist blacksmith who does a registration workshop on
A total of 46 vendors set up for this year's Fire on the Mountain Festival. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
Young blacksmiths compete in the very popular 'Forge-Off' competition. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
I feel like people take the tradition of blacksmithing seriously, and they’re grateful to the mentors they worked with, and so you are meeting so many people who are looking to pass that on. I think this is an exciting festival because we do get a lot of young people. The ‘forge-off’ for the youth was full weeks ago! It’s always the first to fill. It’s encouraging that so many young people want to do it.
- STACEY LANE
Friday, which is a more intimate setting. It’s a full day. Saturday, entry to the festival and watching all the demonstrations is free. And the featured artist blacksmith demonstrates twice on Saturday. And then we have two others in the forging tent who demonstrate. And then we also have a ‘close up area’ where people have the opportunity to see some of the processes that are smaller or more tedious, things like inlay, or anodizing, or we had Will Manning here this morning talking about recycling iron and steel, and his work and how he does that.”
“It looked like the fellow down here below us is demonstrating repoussé (raised in relief in thin metal done from the back by means of hammer and punch).” I observe.
“Yes, Seth Gould is demonstrating repoussé,” Stacey confirms. “And then later we’ll have a sandcasting demonstration. The close-up area is for the sort of things that round out blacksmithing work. It might be like working on the handle of something, or part of a larger piece. We have a lot of people with booths at the festival selling tools and the art that they’ve made. The criteria is that they use a hammer and anvil during some phase of the work that they are selling. So, that keeps it true to blacksmithing.”
“Are there any plans for the future of the festival?” I enquire.
“You know, we’re always talking about expanding,” Stacey relates. “But we’re a small crew, so we want to do it wisely and not dilute ourselves. We are talking about extending into Sunday and
A display of pieces by a master blacksmith and demonstator, Pete Braspenninx. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
Many blacksmiths have now switched from coal to propane fired forges. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
The 2024 Fire on the Mountain blacksmithing festival drew an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 visitors to Spruce Pine. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
having some open studios. We have a lot of blacksmiths who live around here, so having studio visits where people could do a little tour. Maybe do five or six studios in a day. It’s always fun to see how other people are setting up their equipment in their studio. We think there could be interest in something like that. Spencer with Discover Spruce Pine is talking about getting a band to play at night. So, people can hang out and listen to some music. We’ll start planning next year. Rest on Monday, start planning on Tuesday!” (Laughter).
Next, we talk with the new director of Spruce Pine Main Street, Spencer Bost.
“Welcome! I hope you like the festival! I’m the new director of Spruce Pine Main Street. I started back in September. This is my first Fire on the Mountain. I inherited a great festival from my predecessor. We believe this is the largest year. We have 46 vendors in total, so it’s a big festival this year. And we’re having a good time, got set up this morning, had to come in early since it was raining yesterday. Can’t set up in the rain, so we all came in early today and got it all done. Penland has been a huge help. Spruce Pine Main Street volunteers have been a huge help. And I’m just blessed to have that team behind me. It’s a great time and a great festival, and we’re hearing great things. And I hope everyone else is having a fun, profitable
A wide spectrum of young people are now learning to blacksmith. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
day. And great weather today too! Sunny, but not sweating! I’ll take that any day!”
“That kind of weather really helps when you are blacksmithing! I know from experience!” I interject. “Where do you hope to see the festival head in the future?”
“We haven’t really talked about it too much,” Spencer responds. “But we’re coming up on the 20th anniversary of the festival and that’s going to be a blast. And we’re hoping to do some extra fun stuff for that. But every year it grows a little more. This year we had some pretty substantial growth which we’re so fortunate to have. The fact that we’re still growing after 18 years is huge. We hope to just keep having our organic growth, but for our 20th coming up, we hope to do something special.”
I, myself, began my own blacksmithing journey some 25 years ago. I once stood and watched an old blacksmith demonstrating at a festival for a very long time. He eventually relented and asked me if I wanted to try my hand at it. I did. He walked me through the forging of a simple wall hook — and I was hooked from that point on. Over the ensuing years, he and several other Master Blacksmiths took the time, and had the infinite patience, to pass on the age-old tradition to me. I, in
Pete Braspenninx of Phyre Forge demonstrates for an entrhralled crowd. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
turn, built my own forge and began the years-long process of implementing what I had been taught through trial and error. Much to the surprise of those who knew me, I survived relatively unscathed. And eventually I even became a reasonably successful, full-time blacksmith. Now, I am one of the ‘old-timers’ whose turn it is to pass on the tradition. It does my heart good
to go to a festival like ‘Fire on the Mountain’ and see that there are so many young people who are just as eager to learn as I was. Blacksmithing is not only alive and well but thriving as never before. And that first hook I made some 25 years ago? My worn, leather blacksmithing apron still hangs on it to this day, waiting for me, the smell of coal smoke, and the ring of the anvil. t
examples of work created by Pete Braspenninx of Phyre Forge. Photos courtesy of Phyre Forge.
One of the vendors, Wesley Angel, of The Newfound Forge, is an old hand at blacksmithing. Photo by Layne Hendrickson.
Pedaling Perseverance
STORY BY JOSHUA BIGGERS
Conquering the Brutal Bike Ride
The Blue Ridge Brutal isn't just a bike ride — it's an epic adventure through the stunning landscapes of Ashe County. With routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles in length, this event offers something for riders of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist seeking a new challenge or a beginner looking to push your limits, the Brutal promises an unforgettable experience.
The Blue Ridge Brutal has been ongoing for more than 30 years, beginning as a fundraiser for the Ashe Civic Center which was coordinated by Maude Calhoun. Maude Calhoun, a dedicated Board member of the Ashe Civic Center, was on a mission to secure funding for the Ashe Civic Center. Though a generous donor had gifted land and local citizens had raised some money, it wasn't enough to begin construction of the soon the be Ashe Civic Center. Amidst her search for fundraising ideas, a man from Florida proposed she organize a
Cyclists take on the Brutal Bike Ride. Photo by Germain Media.
charity bike ride. Inspired by this suggestion, Maude saw a new path to achieve their goal.
“The Blue Ridge Brutal has now become so much more than just a fundraiser, it is a ‘friend-raiser,’” said Jane Lonon, former Executive Director of the Ashe County Arts Council. “Cyclists return year after year for this event, and they come back for the scenic beauty of Ashe County along with the warm heartedness of all the local volunteers. Ashe County knows how to treat its guests right!”
Dr. Elam Kurtz, a beloved Ashe County physician and avid biker, designed the first 100-mile course. Now, 25-mile, 50-mile, 75-mile and 100-mile routes are all options. The Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson serves as both the starting and finishing point for all rides, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey through the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you pedal through the winding roads and rolling hills, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Participant Vince Flores shared, “It’s a great ride in one of most beautiful places in NC”
Rest stops strategically positioned along each route provide much-needed respite for weary riders, ensuring that you have the support you need to conquer the challenge ahead. Whether you're tackling the 100-mile course with its six rest stops or opting for the shorter 25-mile route with just one stop, you'll find everything you need to refuel and recharge for the road ahead.
For those craving an extra challenge, the Assault on Mt. Jefferson offers a grueling 3.4-mile climb with an elevation gain of 1,476 feet. Limited to just 80 riders, this optional route provides
The Blue Ridge Brutal has now become so much more than just a fundraiser, it is a ‘friend-raiser.’ Cyclists return year after year for this event, and they come back for the scenic beauty of Ashe County along with the warm heartedness of all the local volunteers. Ashe County knows how to treat its guests right! - JANE LONON
People come from near and far to participate in the Brutal Bike Ride. Photo by Harley Nefe. Photos by Germain Media.
The Brutal Bike Ride also promotes a sense of community. Photo by Germain Media.
a thrilling finale to the Brutal ride, testing your strength and endurance to the limit.
But the Blue Ridge Brutal isn't just about the thrill of the ride — it's also about giving back to the community. This annual event serves as a fundraiser for the Ashe Civic Center, with proceeds supporting scholarships for graduating seniors through the Ashe Advantage Project. By participating in the Brutal, you're not only pushing yourself to new heights but also making a meaningful contribution to the future of Ashe County.
As you pedal through the picturesque landscapes of Ashe County, you'll be joined by cyclists from all over the East Coast and beyond, united by a shared love of adventure and a passion for exploration. Together, you'll push your limits, conquer new heights, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, lace up your cycling shoes, grab your helmet, and get ready to embark on the ultimate biking adventure. Whether you're conquering the challenging climbs of Mt. Jefferson or cruising along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the Ashe County Brutal Bike Ride promises an experience like no other. Sign up today and join Ashe County for a weekend of exhilarating rides, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments.
Participant Max Fryar shared, “It’s a wonderful race! I intend to do this one every year!”
Cyclist Christopher Lamb concluded: “It’s one of the best rides in NC! Put it on your list for next year.”
While challenging, each of the rides of the Blue Ridge Brutal travels through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. Photos by Germain Media.
Unveiling the Hellbender
Multi-Surface Bike Ride
In 2023, the inaugural Hellbender Bike Ride made its debut, captivating cyclists with its scenic routes and challenging terrain. Now, as we gear up for the second edition on September 14, 2024, anticipation is building for another exhilarating ride through the stunning landscapes of Ashe County.
The Hellbender offers three enticing options for riders: 35, 50, or 80 miles, each starting and ending in Historic Downtown Lansing. Building on the success of the previous year, the addition of the 80-mile route provides cyclists with an even greater challenge and opportunity to explore the beauty of Western Ashe County.
One of the highlights of the Hellbender is its commitment to giving back to the community.
James Littlejohn and Steve Trinkle along with many others have gone above and beyond to take this event from an idea to becoming an annual event bringing so much to the town of Lansing. All proceeds from the event are reinvested into Lansing and the Creeper Trail Park, supporting initiatives such as the Trash Trout in Big Horse Creek campground which are waterway litter traps that capture and hold stormwater litter, making river cleanup faster. Last year's
FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR’S HELLBENDER
• I very much appreciate the volunteers out on the course! Must have for next year.
• The course distance was fine for me – 30 miles; however, a few riders said they would have liked to have had a 50-mile option.
• Post ride food was excellent!
• Saturday was tough but a great experience as this was only my second bike race/ride. Some more gravel added to the ride would be great if possible.
• Time of year was great. Rest stops were paced out great. Volunteers were great and are your best asset, but I am sure you know that.
• The course route was great, absolutely perfect.
• I did the 70 miler and thought you guys did a great job. There were plenty of volunteers, and everyone was helpful. This event really had a community feel. I hope the local merchants got some extra business.
• First of all, thank you for putting this ride together. I had a great time. The route was quite challenging but what a feeling of accomplishment to complete the route. I would not be opposed to a shorter route option, say like around 50 miles or so. And if there is a way to work in even more gravel, by all means.
• Thank you so much for such a wonderful event! This was one of the best organized rides I have done in some time! Your passion for cycling and community is obvious, and that is amazing! Thank you so much for having us and putting this ride on.
ride saw approximately 80 riders brave the rain, and organizers are aiming to attract even more participants this year, with a maximum cap of 150 riders.
The Hellbender is more than just a bike ride — it's a celebration of community spirit and resilience. Organized by GLAD (Greater Lansing Area Development) with sponsors from across the state, this family-friendly event showcases the essence of Lansing. With around 35 dedicated volunteers, including members of the Lansing and Pond Mountain Fire departments, the Hellbender embodies the collaborative effort of the entire community. The Hellbender
allows riders from all over the country to come to the town of Lansing and experience our piece of paradise while participating in an intense but incredible ride, said James Littlejohn, president of GLAD.
The origin of the Hellbender ride stems from the brainstorm of Walter Clark and organizers of the Brutal, aiming to showcase
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A scenic route from the Hellbender race. Photo by Emily Dawson.
The Hellbender race in action. Photo by Emily Dawson.
the natural beauty of Western Ashe County. Each route takes riders through the backroads of the most scenic part of the county, weaving past old tobacco barns and homesteads rich with history. With a mix of paved and gravel roads, the terrain offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for cyclists of all skill levels.
Lansing, a town of approximately 275 residents, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Once a logging town with a stop on the Virginia Creeper, Lansing has seen a resurgence with many buildings being renovated into new shops and restaurants. GLAD, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, plays a pivotal role in the town's development, working tirelessly on initiatives to preserve its history, foster economic development, and promote its unique culture.
In 2006, GLAD worked to create the Creeper Trail Park, which has become the heart of the town, hosting multiple events that support the local community. The park, home to the Mountaineer Campground and various recreational facilities, serves as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and visitors alike. Proceeds from events like the Hellbender contribute to ongoing improvements, ensuring that Lansing remains a cherished gem nestled in the Ashe County mountains.
As cyclists gear up for the Hellbender, they're not just embarking on a bike ride — they're joining a movement dedicated to the betterment of Lansing and its surrounding areas. With its scenic routes, challenging terrain, and commitment to community, the Hellbender offers an unforgettable experience for riders of all ages and abilities. So, saddle up, pedal with purpose, and discover the spirit of Lansing on the Hellbender multi-surface bike race.
Steve Trinkle who is an instrumental part for the Hellbender success said, “We fashioned our event to be a ‘Rider's Ride’ so we reached out personally to each rider afterwards and sought their thoughts rather than doing the usual survey monkey type of interaction. As a result, we updated the ride with as many of the rider's suggestions as we could for year two. The comments are all within 48 hours of completing the ride, and we heard back from 60% of the participants. Note that "more gravel" and an intermediate distance were two themes. We added both suggestions to the Hellbender ride this year simply because that is the kind of ride we want to be!”
Concluding your Ride
The Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Ride and the Hellbender Multi-Surface Bike Ride are two of the most anticipated annual events in Ashe
The volunteers help make the Blue Ridge Brutal bike ride a success. Photos by Germain Media.
County, and for good reason! These rides bring together cyclists from near and far to experience the breathtaking beauty of our county while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders. From the challenging climbs to the scenic backroads, each event offers a unique adventure that showcases the best of what Ashe County has to offer. Plus, by participating, you're not only supporting local initiatives and organizations, but you're also creating lasting memories and connections with your community. So, whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, mark your calendars and join Ashe County for these incredible rides — it's an experience you won't want to miss! t
Gearing up for the Blue Ridge Brutal.Photo by Germain Media.
Symphony of the Mountains
Filling the air with food for the soul
STORY BY ZENDA DOUGLAS
It is recorded in ancient history that Plato, Philosopher and Political Theorist, said “Music gives a soul to the Universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”
Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Conductor and Music Director of Symphony of the Mountains, seems to share in similar thoughts as she is fond of saying that “music is to the soul as food is to the body.” That belief in the power of music is foundational to her work and guides the 70-plus professional musicians of the Symphony who present their talents on string, woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. World renowned soloists are regular guests with the orchestra.
“Music is a language we all understand; it brings us together,” says Orth. “That’s what the Symphony of the Mountains attempts to do. We believe the symphony belongs to everybody – no matter what demographic, education, background or religion.” Symphony of the Mountains has forged a reputation away from a predictably formal affair entertaining a sophisticated, dressed-up audience. Everyone is welcome - it’s a come-asyou-are invitation.
SOTM Group Performance at Allandale Mansion. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
The orchestra consists of more than 70 professional musicians.
Photo by Ashley Poore.
The stated mission of Symphony of the Mountains is to maintain the tradition of excellence in musical performing arts while enriching the cultural experience of audiences of all ages along the Appalachian Mountains throughout Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and beyond.
Music is a language we all understand; it brings us together. That’s what the Symphony of the Mountains attempts to do. We believe the symphony belongs to everybody – no matter what demographic, education, background or religion.
- CORNELIA LAEMMLI ORTH
Throughout its 78th season, Symphony of the Mountains plans to entertain, educate and enrich wide audiences while performing some of the world’s most celebrated symphonic stories. Starting in July, the year-round Symphony will deliver performances - some indoors, some out in the openpulled from its expansive repertoire that includes European classical, American popular, jazz, country, bluegrass, Appalachian folk, patriotic, movie, contemporary classical, World music, holiday and music for children.
In addition to the professional adult orchestra, Symphony of the Mountains includes two youth orchestras: Primo Strings and Summit Strings. “Primo is for younger children who have most likely not had lots of lessons; Summit is a bit more progressed, having played for longer,” explains Orth. “Our youth orchestras provide needed access to music, music education and nurture budding musicians.” The youth orchestras have opportunities during the year to perform alongside the adult professionals.
Fostering the love of music in the community
Community outreach and music education is as central to the purpose of Symphony of the Mountains as the music itself. Working with numerous organizations, the Symphony provides music lessons, free concert tickets, scholarships and opportunities to get involved.
Partnering with the YWCA, Symphony of the Mountains works through TechGYRLS, an afterschool program, to offer free music lessons. “Over the years, we have seen growth in our partnership, especially in the curriculum and song selection used each year,” said Tonja Leonard, Director of TechGYRLS in Bristol, Tennessee. “Our students are no longer playing the basics, but playing selections that far surpass beginner level. We are left with a winter and spring program that we take on tour in our community and the students and program can shine.”
Area youth musicians rehearse for performance alongside SOTM professional musicians. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
Symphony of the Mountains Musicians Scott Eddlemon on Timpani and Jimmy Stokes on Trumpet. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
The strongest part of the SOTM/ TechGYRLS partnership is the opportunity for our students to go out in the local community and share what they have learned with others in need of engagement.
- TONJA LEONARD
“The strongest part of the SOTM/TechGYRLS partnership is the opportunity for our students to go out in the local community and share what they have learned with others in need of engagement,” adds Leonard.
A significant and impactful program of Symphony of the Mountains is “Paths to Dignity,” a national program visualized by Composer Lucas Richmond and Violinist Mitchell Newman. The aim of the program is to weave homelessness advocacy with music to inspire, educate, bring hope and rekindle dignity to unsheltered people. “Cornelia was one of the first to bring the program in and include it in an orchestra’s activities,” according to Symphony Board Member Julann Warren, who is very involved with the program.
Yearlong efforts culminate in a concert to bring symphony members, at no cost, to people who are unsheltered. “This outreach not only validates the experience of people who are unsheltered but also provides an opportunity to integrate two different audiences: people who regularly go to symphony and people who may have never heard a symphony play,” explained Warren. “The concert shines a light on homelessness, raises awareness and inspires questions about what can be done about it.” “We want to build connections and keep relationships ongoing,” said Warren.
Speaking to all potential audiences, Warren says, “The music is incredible; the performers are amazing. It’s mindboggling that we have such a grand symphony in a fairly small region. All of the concerts are different and Cornelia makes it fun.”
The theme for the 2024 Symphony by the Lake at the Chetola Resort is "Live from Vienna." Photo by Ashley Poore.
YWCA TechGYRLS perform at area hospital. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
All eyes on the conductor
Voices of the Mountains
Aclose and important affiliate of Symphony of the Mountains is a choral group called Voices of the Mountains, led by Chorus Conductor, Dr. Matthew V. Potterton. Depending on the season, the group will have 50 – 80 singers.
The group’s history began, in 1958, as an affiliate chorus with the Kingsport Symphony. When that chorus merged with Bristol Concert Choir in 2003, Voices of the Mountains was created as a regional chorus affiliated with the Symphony of the Mountains.
“The choir is made up of singers as young as high school and, let's just say, much older,” explains Potterton. “I love having a cross-generational choir. It provides many different outlooks on interpreting our music.”
Voices of the Mountain is an auditioned chorus. “Many of the singers have been in choirs throughout their lives. Some have not sung since high school,” said Potterton. “We accept all singers who can sing on pitch and are willing to work hard to create the greatest music possible. We have some with advanced degrees in music and some who do not know how to read music.”
“I try to create the greatest qualitative music that we possibly can. For me, music is about expression and not about getting notes perfect. We strive for both, but ultimately expression must be there,” said Potterton.
Voices of the Mountains sings annually with Symphony of the Mountains at the December holiday concert and one spring concert. The chorus has its own independent concert schedule. It also offers a variety of free concerts
so all people can come and appreciate the arts. “The goal of the chorus is to provide the highest quality choral music to audiences of all ages throughout our region,” said Potterton.
The repertoire of Voices of the Mountains is wide and varied, classical to modern folk songs. Recent performances include Verdi’s Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria.
“We're really excited that a group from the Voices of the Mountains is traveling to Germany and Austria this summer,” said Potterton. “This is the first international trip that I have taken with this group and we are very excited about performing in some of the world cathedrals.”
Potterton, who has performed professionally as a tenor for most of his career, joined Symphony of the Mountains and Voices of the Mountains in 2017.
“I’ve always enjoyed conducting community choirs. I had seen this one perform many times and was very interested in becoming their conductor.”
With a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in “The Literature and Performance of Choral Music” from Colorado University, Boulder, and a Master’s Degree (MFA) in both Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from the University of California, Irvine, Potterton has conducted choirs and taught voice at several schools and universities, working with all ages. He has appeared as a tenor soloist in numerous recitals and on stage and also performs with a male ensemble from Irvine, CA, called Men in Blaque during summers. t
Voices of the Mountains with Dr. Matthew Potterton. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
Symphony of the Mountains is committed to making concerts accessible for those who can’t afford tickets. There are free performances at outdoor venues including farmers markets. Anyone who cannot afford a concert ticket can reach out to the Symphony office. Free regular season concert tickets are provided to
all students in an effort to further music education.
Symphony of the Mountains evolved from deep roots, starting in 1946 as the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra. Over the decades, it grew into a sizeable professional orchestra and, in 2003, was renamed Symphony of the Mountains.
Large crowds of visitors to Kingsport Farmers Market gather to hear Symphony of the Mountains perform. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
The original Kingsport Symphony was also deeply interested in community outreach and started the Education in the Schools Outreach program in the mid-nineteen-eighties. Administration and operations functions are headquartered in the Renaissance Arts Center & Theatre, City of Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts located in Kingsport, Tennessee. The staff of five handles lots of moving parts and musical chairs to keep the Symphony’s business and activities flowing.
The
music
is incredible; the
performers
are amazing. It’s mind-boggling that we have such a
grand symphony in a fairly small region. All of the concerts are different and Cornelia makes it fun.
- JULANN WARREN
Cassidy Lester spends time there in her capacity as the Symphony’s business operations manager and music librarian. She is also a percussion player in the orchestra and is very involved with school concerts. Lester maintains the physical music library. “My job is to make sure that all of the music is ordered or rented from companies with enough time so that music is sent to principal instrument musicians (first chairs on down),” explains Lester. “Once returned to me with their bowing marks (determines the sound details and direction of the notes and rhythm), all music is distributed to the orchestra.”
Lester, herself, has played percussion instruments since sixth grade. “We play anything that’s related to drums and keyboard instruments including marimba, xylophone, timpani, snare and drums. That’s a lot of instruments to haul around – we’re professional movers pretty much,” remarked Lester.
Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth with Tenor Roy Cornelius Smith. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
Right: The 2024 Symphony by the Lake at the Chetola Resort will take place on July 19. Photo by Ashley Poore.
Upcoming Performances
WHEN THE STARS COME OUT
Friday, July 19 | 7:30 PM Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock, NC
Tickets sold separately from Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. Ineligible for SOTM subscription packages
Saturday, July 20 | 8:15 PM Lawn by the Lake, UVA Wise, Wise, VAFREE ADMISSION Sunday, July 21 | 7:00 PM Allandale Amphitheater, Kingsport, TN Tickets: Advance - $25 /DayOf - $30Soar into summertime with the glorious voice of tenor Roy Cornelius Smith, as we continue our popular & patriotic summer series! From his beginnings in Big Stone Gap, VA to his current residence in Vienna, Austria, Smith has regaled opera houses worldwide with beloved tenor arias like O Sole Mio and Granada. “Come out, come out, however you are” and hear the stars come out, too!
REVISITING THE GREAT CLASSICS
Saturday, September 28 | 7:00 PM Eastman’s Toy F. Reid Center, Kingsport, TN
Tickets: Advance - $40 /Day-Of - $45 There’s a reason certain pieces become “classics.” When faced with the familiar strains of Bizet’s Carmen Suite, Gershwin’s An American in Paris, and Ravel’s Boléro, will you be able to resist humming along? As our first traditional symphonic event of the 2024-2025 season, this concert featuring wellknown orchestral masterpieces is sure to delight!
CROSSING TIME: AN AFTERNOON WITH BACH & MOZART
Saturday, October 19 | 4:00 PM Paramount Theatre, Bristol, TN
Music has the power to connect across time and across space. This concert, equally at home at the local Kingsport Farmers Market or the elegant Paramount Center for the Arts, brings together music across three centuries: Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2, featuring Symphony of the Mountains’s principal fluteplayer as soloist; Between Life
and Death, a contemporary piece by Swiss composer Joelle Nagger; and Mozart’s beloved Symphony No. 40, K550.
HOME OF THE BRAVE: VETERANS DAY CONCERT
Sunday, November 10 | 3:00 PM Farmers Market, Kingsport, TN
We welcome one and all to join us in honoring the men and women, past and present, who have answered the call of duty. Voices of the Mountains, under the direction of Dr. Mathew Potterton, will be joined by our Symphony of the Mountains Brass Quintet in a grand celebration of our great veterans. To those who serve and have served, we salute you.
OUR ‘GUESS WHO? ' SURPRISE ARTIST! WITH SYMPHONY OF THE MOUNTAINS (Presented by Jim and Laura Rogers)
November 23, 2024, Eastman’s Toy F. Reid Center, Kingsport, TN
Tickets: Information to come at SyMon.org Roses are red, violets are blue, we know you’ll be thrilled... but we can’t tell you who! At least, not yet... but you won’t want to miss this chance to join Symphony of the Mountains for an exciting and memorable evening featuring a celebrated world-renowned star.
HOLIDAY CONCERTS: BY THE FIRESIDE
Saturday, December 7 | 3:00 PM Eastman’s Toy F. Reid Center, Kingsport, TN
Tickets: Advance - $40 / Day-Of - $45
Sunday, December 8 | 3:00 PM McGlothlin Center, Emory, VA
Tickets: Advance - $40 / Day-Of - $45
Our evergreen and ever popular “By the Fireside” holiday concerts will return this year with traditional participation from our beloved guest groups. We are thrilled to welcome back Academy of Strings, Mountain Empire Children’s Choral Academy, Mountain Mission School Choir, and Voices of the Mountains. Come deck the halls with both classic and contemporary holiday favorites!t
Symphony of the Mountains musicians typically gather for one concert per month and usually provide their own transportation, according to Lester. They travel from residences all across the area.
Symphony of the Mountains is funded, primarily, through grants and donations. “We apply for grants each year from arts councils and foundations,” said Lester. “Individual donations make up an important source.”
The Symphony has enjoyed steadfast support from the Women’s Symphony Committee, originally organized, in 1953, as the board for the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra. WSC members collaborate to create fundraising functions, serve as docents and usher for concerts and other Symphony events.
Its continued mission is to aid in the development and continued success of the Symphony of the Mountains.
For more information about Symphony of the Mountains, Voices of the Mountains, concert schedules, venues, auditions, ticket prices, outreach, sponsors and more, please visit www. symphonyofthemountains.org. t
Members of the orchestra. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
Cornelia Laemmli Orth is in her seventeenth season as Music Director and Conductor of Symphony of the Mountains. Photo by Ashley Poore.
Symphony by the Lake at the Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, a favorite of the summer concerts. Photo courtesy of Symphony of the Mountains.
ZALOO’S CANOES Making Mamie Proud
STORY BY ZENDA DOUGLAS
The fictional Mamie Zaloo would undoubtedly be proud of the 47-year legacy her fictional husband, Jed Zaloo, built for Zaloo’s Canoes. Jed and Mamie were the stars of “Uncle Jed Say,” a song made popular in 1970s folk circles. Of course, in real life, it was Newton Farrington and his then wife, Samantha, who established Zaloo’s Canoes in 1976. Newton and Samantha were quite fond of the song and fancied themselves as the colorful Jed
and Mamie. Mamie gradually receded into the past but the name “Jed” stuck so fast to Newton Farrington that, to this day, only a few people in the area know that his real name is Newton. Everyone knows him as Jed.
The story behind Zaloo’s Canoes is one of family and friends spending youthful time on the New River and family farms, journeying afar and returning to Ashe County to further the culture, protect the river and build community.
Zaloo’s kicked off their 2024 season in late April. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
Jed grew up in Detroit, Michigan. It was his father, Earl, who was born and raised on the dairy farm that occupied the land where Zaloo’s Canoes calls home; land which has a large frontage on the river. After graduating from college and wartime service in the Navy, Earl left for Detroit to work with the Ford Motor Company as an engineer. He served as a scoutmaster in the Detroit area and engaged himself and his son in canoeing rivers there. Over the years, Jed spent much time on his family’s farm as he visited cousins, aunts and uncles and, of course, the South Fork of the New River. He made the permanent move to the farm in 1976 and started Zaloo’s Canoes by renting canoes off the back of his pickup truck. Upon retirement, his parents returned, as well, and worked at Zaloo’s Canoes with Jed.
Zaloo’s Canoes, now in its 48th year, is a landmark destination; still owned by Jed Farrington along with his wife, Deborah (Debbie). Due to Jed’s failing health, the couple has placed day-to-day operations into the able and loyal hands of Gentry Jones and Mac Cornish. Deborah continues with her career in medical
research at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem while continuing to be a strong voice within the enterprise.
Zaloo’s Canoes offers access to one of the very best places to explore the South Fork of the New River. The outfitter company is family focused and friendly and enjoys visitors of all ages. Its headquarters is located at 3874 NC Hwy, 16 South in Jefferson, North Carolina. Zaloo’s Canoes is within hiking distance of the Blue Ridge Parkway and roughly a half hour’s drive each from the towns of Boone, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro.
Last year, 17,000 customers arrived at Zaloo’s Canoes between May and the end of August to enjoy tubing, canoeing or kayaking, according to Gentry Jones.
“About half engaged in tubing; the other half in boating.” All three types of watercraft are available for rent as well as safety wear life preservers and coolers for food and drinks. Standard snacks and beverages such as soda, water, chips and peanuts, t-shirts, water shoes, sweat shirts and water-proof boxes and bags are available for purchase. Visitors can bring their own tube, canoe or kayak.
Newton “Jed” Farrington with his dad, William “Earl” Farrington, in 1988, supporting the New River Race. Zaloo’s Canoes continues to participate in the annual race, now run by the New River Conservancy. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
Tubing trips take guests upstream where they’ll plop into their tube and embark on a 2-4 hour float through the beautiful mountain countryside of Jefferson, NC. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
Kayaking with Zaloo's is a perfect way to explore the New River. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
“For an easy-going tubing experience, we drive people upstream in vans and haul tubes upstream in our self-designed trailers. Visitors then float downstream for a two-hour or fourhour trip. Our staff picks them up downstream,” explained Mac Cornish. Visitors settling into a canoe or kayak put in at Zaloo’s headquarters to embark on a five-mile trip ending at the Wagoner Road access to the New River State Park or a ten-mile trip ending at the J. E. Gentry Bridge. “All travel is downstream and Zaloo’s staff meets boaters at their chosen destination.” No guides are necessary; the water is mild; the direction straightforward. “When you get to the fork in the river, it’s time to get out,” said Mac. “We want our customers to come out and have a good time, to enjoy the beauty of the river,” said Mac.
I
have no knowledge as to why we’ve been so blessed with where we are on the river. It’s perfect for this type of activity. Most people of any age and ability can handle the waters. If you’re looking for a high class of rapids, that’s not us. Here on the South Fork, you can sit in a canoe, relax and enjoy it.
- MAC CORNISH
“Zaloo’s Canoes is a logistics company, said Gentry. “There’s lots of moving parts including eight vans and eight trailers dedicated to transporting people and hauling boats. On a given Saturday or Sunday, there may be 30-plus employees involved.”
“I have no knowledge as to why we’ve been so blessed with where we are on the river,” said Mac. “It’s perfect for this type of activity. Most people of any age and ability can handle the waters. If you’re looking for a high class of rapids, that’s not us. Here on the South Fork, you can sit in a canoe, relax and enjoy it.”
While taking in the beautiful vegetation and keeping an eye out for wildlife, visitors may catch a glimpse of the Sea Sasquatch, charmingly animated by one of Zaloo’s volunteers.
Zaloo’s Canoes also has a campground in Grassy Creek, located 30 miles downstream from its headquarters which caters to groups. Called Zaloo’s Outpost, the camping facility was established in the 1980s and includes a bath house
Zaloo's gives guests the chance to explore the historic and scenic New River on relaxing and fun river adventures through canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals. Photos courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
with hot showers. The campground runs past the confluence of the New River; not just the South Fork.
Humans aren’t the only visitors who take pleasure in being on the river. “Lots of people bring their pets along with dogs jumping right in tubes, kayaks or canoes,” said Mac.
“I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that most people come from what I call the flatlands such as Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Charlotte,” said Gentry, explaining that most people in the immediate area have
their own boats. “Our business comes from elsewhere,” said Gentry. “It’s great to have the tax dollars contributing to the county.” Flatlanders and other visitors often take time to explore Ashe County. Growth in the surrounding area over the past 47 years has led to major changes in what there is to see and do. Many of Zaloo’s customers are individuals and families that have been coming repeatedly for decades, introducing new generations to the river.
“We’re the first stop coming up the mountain as an outfitter,” said Mac. “We
River adventures with Zaloo's are perfect for groups big and small. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
CARLTON GALLERY
Celebrating 42 Years
host large church and youth groups, Boy Scouts and wedding parties. We’re perfect for groups of kids and getting them on and off the river.”
Zaloo’s is proud of the close connection it maintains with Ashe County. “There is a fantastic Chamber of Commerce in this town,” said Gentry. “They do great work.”
We’re the first stop coming up the mountain as an outfitter. We host large church and youth groups, Boy Scouts and wedding parties. We’re perfect for groups of kids and getting them on and off the river.
- MAC CORNISH
Committed to community involvement, Gentry and Mac alternate sitting on the tourism board of Ashe County. The company supports the local schools, sports teams, local charities, booster clubs, Chamber events and the popular MerleFest. Many individuals including teachers, high school and college students, and even first responder workers look to Zaloo’s Canoes for summer employment. Tamara Kearley, a teacher in the Ashe County School System, manages the day-to-day activities for Zaloo’s Canoes during the summer.
Giving credit, Gentry states that, over the years, Jed has meant a great deal to many
Gentry Jones with daughter, Darah. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
Older than the mountains, clean, beautiful and accessible The New River:
The New River is the second oldest river in the world, according to geologists – older than the mountains. It flows in a northerly direction, just a few miles from the Eastern Continental Divide. It’s one of the few places where the rare giant salamanders called hellbenders live. It remains one of the cleanest rivers in the nation. The entire riverscape is naturally gorgeous. South Fork on the New River is easily accessible.
Jed Farrington, founder of Zaloo’s Canoes, was instrumental in getting the New River established as a national river. He played an important role in seeking federal protections so the river could never be dammed. Zaloo’s Canoes remains a strong advocate of the river.
Working closely with the New River Conservancy, the outfitter helps with river cleanups, raises money and implements protections including water veins. Zaloo’s Canoes hosts the Annual New River Canoe Race in the fall. These steps help to mitigate the inevitable challenges that occur as a result of increased growth and development.
“We realize that the river is not only the livelihood of Zaloo’s Canoes but also that we bring a lot of people into the river,” said Gentry. “We try to make the point of enjoying the river but keeping it clean for those that come behind us.” t
people in Ashe County. “He’s given lots of kids jobs; he’s touched a lot of lives.”
Though currently in its off-season, there is always something going on at Zaloo’s Canoes, according to Mac. “We’re never really closed for work.”
Most of the work in the fall and winter has to do with inventory. “We’re placing orders for new tubes, kayaks and canoes and repairing and refreshing our stable of rental boats, as needed,” said Mac. “Plus, we sell a lot of merchandise. During the closed period, people can make appointments to buy boats.”
This is the perfect time to buy what the Zaloo’s crew refers to as “bruised and used” boats.
Family and friends keep the legacy and vision of Zaloo’s Canoes gliding into the future
Both Gentry Jones and Mac Cornish shy away from formal titles though they likely have them. Each of these men, who are responsible for running Zaloo’s Canoes, wears many hats. “We’re just here to keep it going,” said Gentry. “We didn’t build it or design it.”
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Mac Cornish with daughter, Gracie. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
“We keep the business happy and floating,” said Mac. “We run it like summer camp.”
At just 72, Gentry refers to himself as “the old guy that’s here and makes sure the doors are open and going the way they should.” Gentry offers valuable consults. Mac acknowledges that he handles all the money – he keeps the books and manages the payroll and advertising.
Gentry’s mother was born in Ashe County. Her family has been there since 1800 but she married a military man (Army) and traveled the world. Gentry grew up mostly in Germany and Korea. When his father was transferred to Vietnam during the war, his mother brought her children back to the States, to Tennessee.
The whole thing about Zaloo’s is that it is part of the history and culture of Ashe County. I love being part of it. I feel a great obligation to Jed to take care of it. It’s a wonderful business. - GENTRY JONES
Zaloo's first began as a small canoe rental service out of the back of a pickup truck on the side of the road in 1976. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
Zaloo's Canoes has been family owned and operated since 1976.
Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
After the war, the family rejoined his father in Germany but Gentry decided to stay in Tennessee. Over the course of youth, Gentry had spent some summers in Ashe County and developed a strong interest in the history of the family and the farm that is still in the family to this day. “Something always brought me back to Ashe County,” said Gentry. As a professional guitar player, Gentry traveled around with a band out of Memphis. After marrying, he and his wife moved to Ashe County and met Jed, also a songwriter and musician. Gentry didn’t have much of a connection to the river until he met Jed and they became friends. “Jed and I spent a lot of time canoeing. That’s how I got my appreciation for the river.” Gentry helped Jed build the original Zaloo’s Canoes building where new inventory is stored today. But Gentry and his wife followed her parents to the Bay Area in California. There he worked with Live Nation until he retired at which point he returned to Ashe County. Shortly after, Debbie approached him
It was a vision of Jed’s that has lasted 47 years and still going strong. It was done out of respect for nature and desire to protect the river. The reason Mac and I care so much about it is that we want to keep that vision alive. - GENTRY JONES
Zaloo's Canoes is located at 3874 NC Hwy 16 S in Jefferson, NC.
Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
Zaloo's offers the perfect opportunity to cool off in the beautiful New River during the summer months, whether it's canoeing, kayaking, tubing or even fishing. Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
about operating Zaloo’s Canoes alongside Mac.
“The whole thing about Zaloo’s is that it is part of the history and culture of Ashe County. I love being part of it. I feel a great obligation to Jed to take care of it. It’s a wonderful business.” Gentry is still writing music and is nearing completion of a book.
Mac is Deborah Farrington’s nephew. “I floated this portion of New River during family visits for many decades,” said Mac, who was raised in New Jersey. After 25 years of military service, Mac retired as a Colonel from the Army. His wife was born in Watauga County (Boone) and she wanted to return home. As they were building their new home in Fleetwood (between Boone and Jefferson), Deborah asked him to come on board to run Zaloo’s Canoes. Mac’s children have been involved with Zaloo’s, are big fans of their Uncle Jed and know a good bit of the history.
Looking to the future, Gentry and Mac have each expressed their belief that Zaloo’s Canoes will always stay inside the family with local interests and presence. “That’s the big thing, said Gentry. “It was a vision of Jed’s that has lasted 47 years and still going strong. It was done out of respect for nature and desire to protect the river. The reason Mac and I care so much about it is that we want to keep that vision alive.” At present, Gentry and Mac are gearing up to welcome thousands more river enthusiasts.
Zaloo’s Canoes’ official 2024 season began on Saturday, April 27th with four Spring Saturdays followed by its Full Summer Season (May 24 – August 11, open 7 days per week), August 3-day Weekends ending September 1st and September Saturdays ending Saturday, September 21st. Boat sales occur by appointment during off-season.
For more information about Zaloo’s Canoes and its operation, trips, boats, schedule and booking, visit www.zalooscanoes.com or call (336) 246-3066. t
To book a river adventure visit zaloos.com.
Photo courtesy of Zaloo's Canoes.
High Country’s Andy Rein Hikes the Appalachian Trail
STORY BY TIM GARDNER
Much of Andy Rein’s life has been centered around taking on challenges of various sorts and successfully conquering them. Most of these have been in the sport of wrestling; however, Banner Elk resident Rein’s latest and perhaps biggest-ever challenge has been hiking the entire distance of the longest hiking-only trail in the world, the Appalachian Trail.
Rein is generally considered one of the top wrestling personalities of all-time for his feats wrestling on the high school level, next at the University of Wisconsin, then as head coach there, where he established himself as one of the top collegiate coaches in the nation.
“Wrestling provided me a platform to grow as an individual and work towards excellence as a high school and collegiate wrestler, then later as a coach,” Rein noted. “It allowed me to build self-awareness, truly understand who I was as a person – my strengths and weaknesses, my behaviors, habits, commitments, and how to bounce back from any setbacks I may encounter. It was a great journey, and I am thankful to have had the opportunities wrestling presented me.”
Truly, Rein’s wrestling achievements need no elaboration; only facts.
Originally from Stoughton, Wisconsin, Rein was a silver medalist at the 1984 United States Olympics in Los Angeles after being an alternate for the 1980 Olympics. He captured a gold medal at the prestigious Tbilisi (Soviet Union) International Tournament in 1983 and was a silver medalist at the Super Champion Title Tournament in Tokyo, Japan in 1985. The fourtime National Freestyle champion won a gold medal at the Pan American Championships in 1979 while finishing fourth at the World Championships in 1981 and earning a silver medal at the World Cup in 1982.
He was a National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) three-time All-America (1978, ’79, and ’80), a national champion, and two-time national championship finalist for the University of Wisconsin, capturing the national title at 150 pounds in 1980. He compiled a phenomenal and perfect record of 40 wins and 0 losses during that season.
Rein was national runner-up in 1978 at 142 pounds. Following an injury, he finished sixth in the national championship tournament for the 1979 season, also at 142 pounds.
Additionally, Rein was a two-time Big Ten Conference individual champion (1980 and ‘78). He also won three Midlands Tournament titles and was a two-time East-West All-Star Meet champion.
Rein had a stellar collegiate career wrestling record of 11913-1.
Before his collegiate career, Rein was a two-time Wisconsin prep state champion for Stoughton High School while also
Andy Rein and his dog, Boomer, train for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Photo submitted.
capturing state and national AAU titles in Greco-Roman and freestyle.
Rein was head coach for the University of Wisconsin Badgers for seven seasons, leading them to Top 15 finishes at the NCAA Division I Championships six times. He coached three national champions and 14 All-Americans while compiling a career coaching record of 81-41-3. He was NCAA Rookie Coach of the Year in 1987 and Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year in 1992.
He also was a National Wrestling Coaches Association AllStar Team coach in 1993 and was a member of USA Wrestling's national freestyle coaching staff.
His stellar other sports accomplishments include: University of Wisconsin Athlete of the Century honoree; Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame induction (2002); Area Sportsperson of the Year Award honoree in 1976 and 1980 from the Madison, Wisconsin Sports Hall of Fame; Midlands Hall of Fame induction; George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame induction; and University of Wisconsin Badger Legend Award recipient.
Rein’s pinnacle sports achievement is enshrinement in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2022) as a Distinguished Member – its most prestigious milestone.
A Distinguished Hall of Fame Member can be a wrestler who has achieved extraordinary success in national and/or international competition; a coach who has demonstrated great leadership in the profession and who has compiled an outstanding record; or a contributor whose long-term activities have substantially enhanced the development and advancement of the sport. Wrestlers must have been retired from active competition for a period of five years to be eligible for consideration as a Distinguished Member.
Rein became the tenth and final wrestler of the 1984 United States Olympic freestyle team to be honored as a Distinguished Hall of Fame Member, making it the only Olympic team to
have every wrestler enshrined as such. Other team members and the years they were chosen as a Distinguished Member are Ed Banach (1993), Lou Banach (1994), Bruce Baumgartner (2002), Barry Davis (2007), Joe Gonzales (2015), Randy Lewis (1998), Dave Schultz (1997), Mark Schultz (1995), and Bobby Weaver (2008). Additionally, every member of that 1984 Olympics team’s coaching staff is also a Hall of Fame Distinguished Member with their year of enshrinement as such following their name: head coach Dan Gable (1980) and assistant coaches Bobby Douglas (1987), Stan Dziedzic (1996), J Robinson (2005), and Bill Weick (2007). That also makes it the only Olympics team ever with not only all its wrestlers, but also all its coaches inducted as Distinguished Members.
Wrestling provided me a platform to grow as an individual and work towards excellence as a high school and collegiate wrestler, then later as a coach. It allowed me to build self-awareness, truly understand who I was as a person – my strengths and weaknesses, my behaviors, habits, commitments, and how to bounce back from any setbacks I may encounter. It was a great journey, and I am thankful to have had the opportunities wrestling presented me.
- ANDY REIN
Andy Rein and his family at his 2022 induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. (L-R): Brady & Hannah Rein, Susy & Andy Rein, Jenna & Kit Zipf. Photo submitted.
Rein said being a National Wrestling Hall of Fame enshrinee, especially a Distinguished Member, provides a special elation.
"It's a tremendous milestone of which I'm most proud," he declared. "I owe a lot of people deep appreciation for their part in my journey to this Hall of Fame – especially my family, athletes I've coached who meticulously strived every day to improve and
become the best they could be, my staff members, my teammates who I wrestled alongside, administrators I've worked for, my coaches, and opponents I competed against as a wrestler and as a coach for the challenges, as well as lessons learned, from the wins and losses. To have the opportunity to be in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with such other outstanding contributors to the sport is a thrill.”
Rein’s newest challenge – one unlike any other he has attempted and among his most monumental – is hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail.
The spry 66-year-old set out in early April to hike the entire 2,197.4 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which he is currently in the process of doing. He is dedicating this hike to “Power Beyond,” the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s first-ever endowment campaign to help secure its future.
Rein chose to benefit the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with his hike because one of its goals is to inspire future generations.
“In the future, I’d like to get involved more with youth wrestling, as I believe I still have some advice and help to give to make really young wrestlers better at the sport,” he stated. “I got my start in third grade. Without youth wrestling, who knows where I would
In the future, I’d like to get involved more with youth wrestling, as I believe I still have some advice and help to give to make really young wrestlers better at the sport,” he stated. “I got my start in third grade. Without youth wrestling, who knows where I would have been. And it’s very important to me, both professionally and personally, to give back to the sport, which helped me so much and has been such an integral part of my life for a long time.
- ANDY REIN
Andy Rein wrestles in the 1982 World Cup. Photo by Dennis Bronte.
1984 USA Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Team. Kneeling (L-R): Andy Rein, Dave Schultz, Randy Lewis, Barry Davis. Standing (L-R): Coach Bill Weick, Coach Dan Gable, Mark Schultz, Ed Banach, Lou Banach, Bruce Baumgartner, Coach Stan Dziedzic, Coach Bobby Douglas, Coach J Robinson. Not pictured: Bobby Weaver and Joe Gonzales. Photo submitted.
Andy Rein was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member in 2022. Photo submitted.
have been. And it’s very important to me, both professionally and personally, to give back to the sport, which helped me so much and has been such an integral part of my life for a long time.”
Those who desire can help Rein as he dedicates his “Thru-Hike” of the Appalachian Trail to secure the future of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame by making financial donations to its endowment campaign. Details about doing such can be obtained by going to nwhof.org/exhibits/powerbeyond-2024.
Donors who give to the "Power Beyond" Endowment Campaign in recognition of Rein’s Appalachian Trail thru-hiking efforts can elect to receive an email each Sunday from the Hall of Fame which features photographs and narrative from the previous seven days of Rein’s hiking experiences.
Also, those who want to can follow Rein’s Appalachian Trail journey via Instagram @ nationalwrestlinghof or @andyrein84, as well as on Facebook @andyrein84 or @nwhof.
“I’m most grateful for the support I’ve received and will receive in the future in this hiking journey through the well-wishes and prayers of all who give them and for the donations given to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Rein stated.
The history of the Appalachian Trail is “unique and fascinating,” Rein declared. It was first proposed in 1921 and was completed in 1937. Improvements and changes to it have continued since. It became the Appalachian National Scenic Trail under the National Trails System Act of 1968. It is maintained by 31 trail clubs and multiple partnerships, and managed by
Andy Rein is using his epic hiking adventure to raise money for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s “Power Beyond” Endowment Campaign to help secure the Hall of Fame’s future. Photo submitted.
the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, and the nonprofit Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Most of the trail is in forest or wildlands, although some portions traverse towns, roads and farms. From south to north it passes through the states of Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
The Appalachian Trail extends from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. The section that runs just below the summit of Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is along the North Carolina and
Tennessee state line and is the highest point on the trail at 6,643 feet above sea level, while the lowest, Bear Mountain State Park in New York, is only 124 feet at such.
From some of the trail’s tallest peaks, 80 to 100 miles, as many as seven states are visible. But from some of the lowest peaks, less than a mile or so, just that same state is visible.
Rein estimated that he will hike an extra-colossal “five million steps” during his venture through the fourteen states that the Appalachian Trail encompasses. He added that this mammoth journey will take him at least five months and maybe more to complete, which will happen “likely in the end of August into September, or maybe even into October.”
In 2016, after reading Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods,” Rein told a group of his friends and fellow, poker-playing neighbors that he wanted to hike part of the Appalachian Trail. When they met to play poker again the following month, Rein’s friends told him they would join him on the hike, but they thought he only intended to do a 40-to-50-mile section hike, not the whole trail. Over the next several years, the hiking buddies, known as the “Stick Snappers,” hiked together for a week each year on challenging and beautiful trails across the country.
Rein shared, “We had a lot of fun doing so. As we did, I was often in the lead ahead of my buddies, which earned me the trail name ‘Blazer.”
On their 2018 hike, various medical issues kept some of Rein’s same friends from hiking again with him, so he spent three days then hiking alone, covering parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia.
“That’s a whole new and unique experience, being by yourself on such a long hike,” he noted.
The Stick Snappers on their first of many section hikes (L-R): Andy “Blazer” Rein, Cliff “Krinkles” Wright, Mike “Flash” Chirnside, and Bernie “Talking with Someone” Holicky. Photo submitted.
Fortunately, others are planning to join him for a day or more during this year’s hike, including his son-in-law, Kit Zipf, a Marine and an airline pilot. Susy Rein, Andy’s wife and a Strategic Initiatives Consultant for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame & Museum based in Stillwater, Oklahoma, is going to guest hike with him approximately 70 miles in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia as well as another 120 miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, through a bit of Maryland and into Pennsylvania this spring and summer.
Also, making this grand trek is Boomer, Rein’s 8-yearold GoldenDoodle, who will start out for “perhaps 70 miles and possibly later another 120 miles,” Rein said. Boomer has been trained to carry his own food and water on the hike.
“Boomer hikes up a mountain road, carrying cans of beans and other items in his saddlebag to become accustomed to a load that will gradually increase,” Rein said.
The Reins enthusiastically proclaimed that other friends and Hall of Fame supporters will also join Andy for part of the Appalachian Trail hike.
“We rookie or not-to-experienced hikers all tend to pack too much when starting such a long journey hiking, but I’ve learned that you can get by with fewer clothes, food, and accessories than you ever may have thought,” he said.
Following his coaching career, Rein worked for a quarter century as a Strategic Accounts Manager at SKF USA, Inc. SKF USA is a subsidiary of Swedish ball bearing giant AB SKF and a global supplier of bearings, seals, lubricants, linear motion components, and condition monitoring systems. It also specializes in related services, from repair and rebuilding to consulting, logistics, and training. Its repair stations also provide bearing inspection, repair, and overhaul services. With
I don’t want to be held back from doing anything I want to do because of being overweight or from a lack of being physically fit in other ways. I’m going to stay physically fit and within the weight considered to be a healthy number of pounds the rest of my life. Hiking such a long distance would be nearly, if not totally, impossible had I not lost weight and got my body in better physical condition.
- ANDY REIN
hundreds of manufacturing, sales, and authorized distribution locations across the United States, SKF USA's offerings are geared at a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, machine tooling, and alternative energy.
Seven years prior to his retirement from SKF USA, Rein said he realized that he needed to change a lot of his routines while also adopting new ones.
“When you get involved with another professional career, as I did with SKF USA, you have to stay focused on it,” he stated. “I didn’t take time to do a lot of physical workouts like I did as an athlete and even during my coaching career. At one point when I worked for SKF USA, I weighed 195 pounds. I realized I needed to lose weight for health purposes, so I made a commitment to reprioritize health and physical fitness in my life then, which I have continued to focus on.”
Andy Rein takes in the long-range views from 6,643 feet above sea level atop Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Photo submitted.
Rein proudly proclaims that he weighed 168 pounds when he began his Appalachian Trail hike this spring, which is much more near what he weighed when he was a star collegiate wrestler in his late teenage and early twenties years.
“The physical lifestyle change has been very important to me,” he said. “I don’t want to be held back from doing anything I want to do because of being overweight or from a lack of being physically fit in other ways. I’m going to stay physically fit and within the weight considered to be a healthy number of pounds the rest of my life. Hiking such a long distance would be nearly, if not totally, impossible had I not lost weight and got my body in better physical condition.”
Because of his extensive expertise in wrestling as a wrestler and a coach, Rein well knows a hiker’s need for what he terms “rest and recover.”
He explained, “An ability most wrestlers have is to push through pain. And through wrestling, many valuable lessons are learned. One is ‘Listen to your body.’ That is of major importance as I’m taking on hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. An incline taxes your lungs, a decline taxes my knees and my knees aren’t as good as they used to be years ago. So, I’m mindful of not overextending myself too much physically as I make the hike and to take my time as I do it. I can’t hurt myself physically as I’m hiking or it would be very detrimental to me finishing the hike.”
The Appalachian Trail is relatively safe. Most injuries or incidents that have been reported on it are consistent with comparable outdoor activities. Most hazards are related to weather conditions, human error, plants, wild animals, diseases, and hostile humans encountered along the trail.
“I know there are many obstacles to always be on alert for while hiking the Appalachian Trail, some of which, like the weather, are beyond anyone’s control except the Almighty’s,” Rein noted. “But I‘m taking all precautions to try to avoid any problems I might encounter as I hike the trail. I keep the necessary supplies with me to handle any emergencies that might happen.”
“Of course, I keep food, drink, clothing, and sleeping items like blankets and pillows with me. I usually sleep in a tent or a shelter that has been built for hikers along the trail, eat and drink what I have, and use outhouses that have been constructed or installed on the trail. Sometimes, I eat and drink what some ‘Trail Angels’ as they’re known, have left along the trail for hikers. I also go into towns, cities, and communities off the trail to eat at restaurants, rent a hotel room to shower and sleep in, and shop at stores to buy food, drink, clothing, and any supplies I need as I hike.
And I eat, sleep, shower, and use restroom facilities in the homes of some more ‘Trail Angels’ in cities, towns, and communities off the trail who invite me to do so.”
He added, “Wrestling has many allimportant core values such as work ethic, discipline, commitment, self-awareness, perseverance, and humility. And I take these same values with me to keep my mindset as it should be as I hike the entire Appalachian
Andy Rein hikes the Appalachian Trail. Photo submitted.
Wrestling has many all-important core values such as work ethic, discipline, commitment, self-awareness, perseverance, and humility. And I take these same values with me to keep my mindset as it should be as I hike the entire Appalachian Trail. These same traits that are so needed in wrestling are so very much needed to hike such a long distance as the entire Appalachian Trail. It’s a tremendous challenge, but that’s why I’m doing it – I relish conquering challenges.
- ANDY REIN
Trail. These same traits that are so needed in wrestling are so very much needed to hike such a long distance as the entire Appalachian Trail. It’s a tremendous challenge, but that’s why I’m doing it – I relish conquering challenges.”
“Just like in every match I wrestled, I started out somewhat nervous hiking the Appalachian Trail. But after I took that first step, it’s been one step after another, one mile after another, and one state after another, until I finish hiking the whole trail. Even though it will take five months to do it, before you know it, it will be done. That provides me with great excitement, which also translates into great self-satisfaction. And both will be at their zeniths once I finish this hike. And God-willing, I’m going to finish it. There’s an old adage that ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ And I have the ultimate will and desire to finish the trek and with God’s help, I’m making a way.”
Andy Rein has been married to Susy for nearly 41 years and proclaimed that hiking part of the Appalachian Trail with her is his “favorite part of the whole excursion.” They have a daughter, Jenna, and a son, Brady. Andy and Susy Rein have three grandchildren: grandson, Willson, and granddaughter, Tenley, born to Brady and his wife, Hannah, and another grandson, Roland, born to Jenna and her husband, Kit Zipf. Jenna and Kit
are also expecting another child.
“I truly cannot express how blessed I am,” Andy Rein declared. “I have so much to be thankful for. Among the foremost include God allowing me the opportunity to grow up in such a wonderful family and on a farm in Wisconsin. My parents taught me the value of hard work, which was especially helpful as I worked on our farm, in my wrestling career, later in my coaching career, and certainly in my life in general.
“And I got to marry a beautiful, magnificent, and talented woman. She and I have two wonderful children and three awesome grandchildren with another grandchild on the way. I’m happy that my wife and I will celebrate another wedding anniversary and will have our fourth grandchild around the same time that I complete hiking the Appalachian Trail. Of course, all my sports achievements have been a blessing. And having the opportunity to live in the North Carolina High Country of Banner Elk and Avery County, which are among the most beautiful places on Earth and has some of the greatest people anywhere, is another tremendous blessing. And now, having the opportunity to hike one of the most majestic trails from one end to the other is yet one more amazing gift to me from God.” t
The 66-year-old Rein must navigate all sorts of weather, terrain and elevation changes as he thru-hikes the entire Appalachian Trail. Photo submitted.
Andy Rein began thru-hiking all 2,197 miles of the Appalachian Trail in April. He estimates that the hike through 14 states from Georgia to Maine will take him five months and 5 million steps to complete.Photo submitted.
ADVERTISERS
Looking back at Boonerang 2024! Parting Shot...
“The Festival was a huge success. Thursday night's Boone's Got Talent showcase was amazing, and we have definitely instigated a new High Country tradition. Friday was the biggest yet, with a full South Depot and a great silent disco. Saturday felt a lot like last year in the busiest places, but the places on the further edges of the festival (dance lot, vintage market, extended vendors area) reported
busier foot traffic, and there were many more auxiliary and after-party events (Daniel Boone Garden's Thursday night was well-attended, Southend's Beer and Banjos was well-attended - both new additions). So, we definitely had a strong increase in attendance over the weekend. And, we were blessed with beautiful weather once again. Could not ask for a better weekend.” - Mark Freed t
Photos courtesy of Boonerang Music & Arts Festival.
