Here! Summer 2018

Here!

Summer

Celebrating Alleghany & Ashe Counties N. Carolina • Grayson County Virginia

MER SOnUM the New

Art • Concerts

Log Jam Locally Harvested Treasures

Wild Places

Quilts

2018 Summer

HERE! |1

Wilkes Community College Your life. Your college. Your future.

! e g e l ol c E E R F t ou b a s u o t Talk “By completing my first two years of college and earning my Associate in Arts degree at WCC, I feel that I have dramatically increased my chance for success! I will be attending ASU in the fall with zero college debt and knowing that I am prepared and confident in my chosen career path. Every Alleghany High School student has the opportunity for a free education through the Alleghany County Educational Foundation!” ~ Hunter Cole Osborne Alleghany High School ‘16 Wilkes Community College ‘18

2 | HERE!

For more information and eligibility, call Talina Pipes at 336-903-3144 or email at tlpipes811@wilkescc.edu.

Summer 2018

115 Atwood Street • Sparta, NC • www.wilkescc.edu

Call today to start planning for tomorrow!

833-372-6555 or info@paglenlaw.com

Family Centered Law Practice Elder Law & Special Needs Trusts, Wills & Estates Adoption, Divorce, & Custody Louise M. Paglen, Attorney at Law Licensed in NC and Virginia Alleghany Office: 114 South Main St., Sparta, NC Surry Office: 124 W. Kapp St., Dobson, NC www.paglenlaw.com 2018 Summer

HERE! |1

Contents

Features

4

14

Summer Concerts

Outdoor Concerts Here!

HERE! is published by Kate, Ink publisher@heremagazine.pub 2 | HERE!

AlleghanyCounty Ashe County North Carolina Grayson County Virginia

The New River ............... 4 Summer Art .................. 10 Summer Concerts ........ 14 Wild Places ................... 18 New Look for Sparta.... 23 Feeding Hummers ....... 24 Log Jam ........................ 26 Quilts History & Art...... 31 Good Food................... 35 Calendar of Events ...... 36 Advertiser Index........... 37

Wild Places

18

Bugs of Summer Design: Kate Irwin Design Assistant Isabel Engel

Log Jam

26

The Art & Craft Contributing Writer: Scott Jackson-Ricketts

Summer 2018

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summer on the

New River

The right way to tow your cooler

Do we know these guys?!

4 | HERE!

Summer 2018

A

day on the river is time well spent, whether you’re kayaking, swimming, wading, tubing, fishing, or just cooling off in the water. This same river, and these same pleasures we relish and share, are timeless and have been enjoyed by generations before us!

Through the centuries, the New River has been many things to the people who have lived near it, on its banks, enjoyed it, and depended on it.

The New River has been recorded through time on various maps and legends as the Wood, Wood’s, Woods, Kanawhan, The Great Kahnaway River and the Cohnaway rivers. While mapping uncharted territory in Virginia, explorers Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam discovered a river they had not seen before. Drawing it on their map they noted it as a “new river”. Without editing their notes, they delivered their map to the mapmaker and from then on it has been the New River.

Beginning in the mountains of North Carolina, the New River flows mostly northward through Virginia into West Virginia merging with the Gauley River to form the Kanawha River, a tributary of the Ohio River that flows into the Mississippi.

Flowing through spectacular scenery, the New River takes you through stretches of rugged and rocky outcroppings, breathtaking gorges, exciting rapids, and calm flatwater. Along its route wildlife is abundant and fishing is some of the best you’ll find.

2018 Summer

HERE! |5

The song of the river ends not at her banks, but in the hearts of those who have loved her.

Buffalo Joe 6 | HERE!

Summer 2018

Protecting the river has been important through generations of people who love the river, and value its importance not only in their lives, but the ecosystem it is and the life it supports.

In 1997, the New River was designated as an American Heritage River by President Bill Clinton on a sweltering summer day in Todd, North Carolina. The criteria for this designation is broad: • The characteristics of the natural, economic, agricultural, scenic, historic, cultural, or recreational resources of the river that render it distinctive or unique; • The effectiveness with which the community has defined its plan of action and the extent to which the plan addresses, either through planned actions or past accomplishments, all three American Heritage Rivers objectives; • The strength and diversity of community support for the nomination as evidenced by letters from elected officials; landowners; private citizens; businesses; and especially State, local, and tribal governments. Broad community support is essential to receiving the American Heritage River designation; and • Willingness and capability of the community to forge partnerships and agreements to implement their plan to meet their goals and objectives.

Folks living in counties through which the New River flows freely call it "our river". Its a playground on which our ancestors played with some of the same "toys" we use today.

Lessons learned on and from the river enrich our lives and many good memories made there last a lifetime.

2018 Summer

HERE! |7

June 8 - Fries, VA Sept 8 - New River State Park Section in Ashe County New River Conservancy Protecting the waters, woodlands and wildlife of the New River Watershed

"River Clean-ups are a great way to help the health of the river." says George Santucci, president of New River Conservancy. "Sign up on our website so we can have boats and life jackets for everyone!"

21

Grayson County, NC

newriverconservancy.org

Independence, VA

Wilson Hwy eek Rd. Bridle Cr

58 Public Boat Landing

58

Mouth of Wilson, VA

Public Boat Landing

Mouth of Wilson Dam portage on left

Class I

Class I

Molly Osborne Shoals Class II Penitentiary Shoals Class II

Low Water Bridge

Class I

21

Cox’s Chapel

Class I

Big Island Falls Class II

93

16

Class I

Alleghany County, NC

Round House Rd.

Class II

Public Boat Landing

Garvey Bridge

Rd.

93

North Fork New River

16

Alleghany County Access 58

Garvey Bridge Rd.

Kings Creek Access

ek Cre gs Kin

Farmers Fishcamp Access dedication and opening late May 2018

South Fork Church Road

Rd.

113

George McMillian Rd.

16

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To Sparta Bill Cooper Rd.

. l Rd Hil

South Overpass Ramp Rd.

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t nu est Ch

y Hw Old

How ard Colv ard Rd

ACCESS THE NEW RIVER

River Clean-up!

221

Eas t Sh atle y Sp ring s Rd

US 221 Access

16 221 Fulton Reeves Bridge

J.E.Gentry Rd

221

113 Rd eek k Cr Pea Little

Wagoner Access Rd. NC 88 Bridge

8 | HERE!

16 To North Wilkesboro

88 To Sparta

Rd. Gap Low

88

Summer 2018

Public B Landing

for guaranteed home delivery SUBSCRIBE

Online: heremagazine.pub

Public Boat Landing

58

Trails Explore the diverse riparian habitat found along the New River at any of the state park access areas. Walk through open fields, rhododendron thickets and oak/ hickory woodlands for a beautiful view of the cliffs across the river.

2018 Summer

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Right across from the Historic 1908 Courthouse.

Your “Get On The River” Retail Outfitter For All That Floats!

to Sparta, NC

Picnicking Each of the park’s access areas includes a picnic area. There are two covered shelters with grills and fireplaces, available by reservation. The community building located at the 221 Access features a large meeting room, kitchen facilities and restrooms.

Contact the park office for reservations and a fee schedule.

ghany

112 E. Main Street Independence, VA

Alleghany County, NC

Camping New River State Park offers three access areas that total more than 750 acres. Both Wagoner and US 221 Access offer walk-in/canoe-in campgrounds. Alleghany Access, along with the River Bend Campsites, offer canoe-in only primitive campgrounds. Visit the website or contact the park office for more information about amenities, facilities, and accessible campsites.

(4 ISSUES)

g

ing Alle

276-237-7148

Class I

21

9

Sprin

Celebrat

rs Marke

$ 00 FOR A YEAR

58

Class I

Boat g

By Mail

to Galax, VA

Here! magazine 115 Atwood St. Sparta, NC 28675

Here!

Her e!

Fishing The south and north forks of the New River provide some of the best smallmouth and redeye bass fishing in the region. Anglers 16 years of age and older are required to possess a valid North Carolina fishing license.

All regulations of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commision apply.

Paddling Easy paddling and spectacular scenery make the New River a natural canoe trail for inexperienced paddlers. Its shallow, gentle waters and mild rapids are perfect for beginners, families and groups, but even expert paddlers return again and again to experience the river’s beauty and tranquility.

Paddlers may leave their vehicles and launch canoes at any of three accesses (see map). All vehicles must be registered for overnight parking. Canoes may also be launched from several bridges and roadways that cross the river. Parts of the river are suitable for tubing at times.

Contact the park office for more information about outfitter tube and canoe rentals.

FIND US ON

THE BEST BEEF STICKS IN THE WORLD Made in Grayson County, VA from local cattle.

Find them at Food City or many local convenience stores.

You can also purchase them directly on Amazon.com Distributed by Grayson Natural Farms, LLC 276-773-3712

MORE PRODUCTS COMING SOON..

LANDCRAFTEDFOOD.COM HERE! |9

SUMMER ART Studio Redwood, owned and operated Summer classes include:

by Chris Davis, is the creative space for art June 12 Summer Landscape/Acrylics, 5:30p.classes for ages six and up in Sparta. Lo- 7:30p. $40. At Studio Redwood, Sparta cated in the lower level (off Main Street) June 14 Still Life/Mixed Medium/Drawing of 16 South Main, Chris teaches classes in & Painting 5:30p.-7:30p. $25. At Studio acrylics, oil pastels, watercolors, drawing/ Redwood, Sparta charcoal, pencil/colored pencil, faux finishJune 21 Painted Chair/Paint the Masters! es, Italian plasters, furniture painting, and (bring wooden chair) 5:30-7:30p. $45. At mixed media.

Studio Redwood, Sparta Teaching art since 1975, Chris is passionate June 23 Chair Caning Class/Michael Dees and enthusiastic about her work and help- (bring wooden chair) 9:30a.-3p. $60. At ing others achieve their artistic aspirations. Studio Redwood, Sparta

“I didn’t become an artist by accident—my June 28 Simple Block Printing for Art and need to create with color has been there Greeting Cards 5:30-7:30p. $35. At Studio since I was a child” says Chris. “Living in Redwood, Sparta the Blue Ridge Mountains has had a great June 29 Simple Block Printing for Art and impact on my work. I love to realistically Greeting Cards 5:30-7:30p. $35. At Olde portray rural life in our area.”

Beau, must be an Olde Beau Member Studio Redwood will host your art party for July 9-11 Summer Art Camp/Teenbirthdays, team building, scout projects, brid- Adult, 9:00a.-Noon, $69., Papier Mache al parties, date night and more. Class costs Dogs. At Studio Redwood, Sparta average $35, which usually includes supplies. July 16 & 17 Summer Art Camp/Ages 6-12, Chris teaches not only in her studio but "on $45., Paint a FUN and Colorful Giraffe on location" at Olde Beau Golf and Country Canvas! At Studio Redwood, Sparta Club in Roaring Gap, and Chestnut Creek For more info email redwood@skybest.

School of the Arts in Galax. com or 336-372-1777.

10 | HERE!

Summer 2018

Chestnut Creek School of the Arts (CCSA) is a yearround art school in Galax, Virginia that believes that art is for everyone and everyone is an artist.

Offering classes in yoga, music and dance CCSA is more than an art school. Home of the Galax Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program it is a lively place on Mondays and Thursday afternoons with classes in traditional music for young musicians.

The CCSA roster of instructors is rich with talented local and regional artists that teach on a regular basis.

Offering a wide variety of classes and workshops, In addition, artists visiting or traveling through the year round programming includes heritage and con- area often offer classes or workshops as guest artists. temporary art and traditional music. Classes are offered in Appalachian music and dance, drawing & painting, weaving, basket making, felting, sewing, dyeing, jewelry, pottery, wood & stone carving, and more. Classes are offered for adults, teens, and children.

The CCSA summer schedule includes two summer workshops/camps for children ages four to six. Explore the Arts is a 3-day art safari where campers explore different mediums of art - painting, printmaking, clay jewelry, dance, song, and more.

An innovative approach at CCSA is Class by Design.

If a teacher or group of people have an idea for teaching or taking a class the idea can be shared with CCSA administration and they will reachout to instructors and/or students and create the class.

Studio space is an integral part of Chestnut Creek School of the Arts. Their "Open Studios" include sewing, jewelry, stained glass, woodworking, and pottery.

These spaces cultivate creativity by providing the room and equipment along with an opportunity for experimentation and encouragement.

Studio Redwood Chris Elliott-Davis Owner/Artist

Original & Commissioned Fine Art, Home Portraits, Faux Finishes, Framed Prints, Art Instruction, Painted Furniture, Murals, Design & Consultation

Combining Current Trends with Vintage Moxie Refinish • Repurpose • Reinvent!

16 S. Main, Lower Level, Sparta, NC 28675 redwood@skybest.com• 336.372.7111

2018 Summer

24 S. Main St • Sparta, NC Cater Pots

336-657-0990

Mangum Pottery

336-200-3099

HERE! | 11

CCSA hires instructors based on the excellence of their craft as well as their ability to teach. “Ever changing and evolving with subjects and artists," says Marketing Director, Amy Jackson, "there is always something new happening. Our ultimate goal is to promote the arts and make a creative impact in our communities.�

For more information: (276) 236-3500 or www. chestnutcreekarts.org.

The Florence Thomas Art School is a sunny gal-

lery and studio space at 10 Jefferson Avenue in West Jefferson, North Carolina. It offers workshops and classes in the fine arts and heritage crafts for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students.

With instruction in all media of fine arts, Florence Thomas Art School offers a rich selection of classes and workshops throughout the year for adults and children.

Providing quality instruction with accomplished artists from the region and across the United States, classes include painting with oils, watercolors, and alcohol inks; basket weaving, jewelry making, broom making, calligraphy and more. Classes are small, limited to 12, and provide an enriching and creative environment for students and teachers alike.

Alleghany County, NC

2018

Studio Tour July 20, 21 & 22 October 19, 20 & 21 Tour Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ncmountainartsadventure.com 12 | HERE!

Summer 2018

ESDAY

19 E N JU 1

Wayne C. Henderson & Friends

8

For more information: www.florenceartschool.org or 336-846-FTAS (3827)

DINNER CONCERT

Alleghany Junior Appalachian Musicians

TU

The mission of the Florence Art School is to provide resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. Through these artistic opportunities, Florence Thomas Art school promotes and preserves the Florence Thomas legacy and preserves the cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

20

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55 S. Main St. Sparta, NC 28675

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The Harris Brothers

Alleghany

JAM Students

HIGH MEADOWS GOLF � COUNTRY CLUB

1288 Country Club Rd • Roaring Gap, NC

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5121 NC Hwy 88 W. Warrensville, NC 28693

336-384-3900

Locally owned, locally loved 2018 Summer

HERE! | 13

s

Ricky Skagg

Gibson Brothers

oury Band

The Del McC

The C S

Rachel Eddy

Richard Smith

SUMMER CONCERTS Outdoor summer concerts are a great way to spend a day – or two – relaxing, playing, or volunteering.

The weather can be "iffy" but the music is great. Pack a picnic and get out there this summer!

On the third Saturday of every June at Grayson Highlands State Park in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, the Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition features some of the region’s best traditional musicians.

is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family, and neighbors in Grayson County, Virginia. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar and The event takes its name from Nation- in seven nations of Europe, Asia and al Heritage Award recipient Wayne C. Africa.

Henderson, a musician and instrument In addition to the guitar competimaker who lives in nearby Rugby, Virgin- tion, this years performers are Ricky ia. Henderson’s top-notch finger-picking Skaggs & Sharon White, The Gibson

Brothers, Richard Smith, Jane Kramer Band, and Rachel Eddy along with Wayne Henderson and Friends.

Wayne and many of his musical friends are featured performers at the festival, with bluegrass and old-time music dominating the program. The Festival was established in 1995 to express appreciation for this living legend. A portion of the proceeds from the festival are placed into a scholarship fund to aid local young musicians in continuing their educations.

More than $198,500 has been awarded through the 2017 festival.

Tickets are $20 for adults, and available at the gate to the festival. Children ages 12 and younger are free when accompanied by a paying adult. The Virginia state park parking fee is $5 per in-state vehicle, $7 for out-of-state vehicle.

The festival is held at Grayson Highlands State Park, just off U.S. Hwy. 58 between Damascus and Independence, Virginia.

For more information visit: www. waynehenderson.org.

14 | HERE!

Summer 2018

Cane Mill

Carson Pet ers & Iron

Church Sisters

Held June 8 & 9, 2018, at Felts Park in Galax Virginia. Tickets are available in advance (until June 2nd) or at the gate. Tent and RV camping is allowed and a great way to enjoy the festival.

Proceeds from HoustonFest go to the Galax Volunteer Fire Department with discretionary contribution to be made to local youth music and service education programs. Individual applicants are selected to receive a scholarship that may apply the funds to tuition fees for classes, training programs, workshops, camps, or private lessons.

The 2018 musical line-up is full of talented local, regional and nationally known musicians and bands:

Massage Therapy Swedish • Reiki • Deep Tissue • Facials Body Wraps & Scrubs • Reflexology Sinus Drainage • Lymphatic Drainage

take time for yourself…

make an appointment today!

336-928-5233 • ClaraChastain56@gmail.com 115 Atwood St. #412 Sparta, NC 28675

2018 Summer

gs

Mountain

Shadow Grass Houstonfest celebrates the memory of Houston Caldwell, who passed away on April 30, 2010.

Just 18 years old, his musical legacy, passion for the continued growth of our musical heritage, and spirit of community service will live on as we continue to fulfill his vision. Join us as we use the power of music and community service to transform lives as well as provide inspiration and avenues for regional youth to pursue their artistic endeavors preserving the musical heritage of this region. Nonprofits and local artisans to participate in HoustonFest as a venue to both sell their products and demonstrate the arts and crafts of this region.

Relax Renew Refresh

Flatt Lonesome

Loose Strin

Jimmy "Duck" Holmes

Clara Chastain LMBT 9465

Johnny & the Jambusters

Del McCoury Band Travelin’ McCourys The Church Sisters The Sherman Holmes Project Wanye Henderson & Virginia Luthier Band Lary Sigmon & Martha Spencer Crooked Road Ramblers Flatt Lonesome Blue Highway HogSlop String Band Six-String Soldiers Dave Adkins Band Loose Strings Jeff Little Trio ShadowGrass Jonny & The Jambusters White Top Mountain Band Wolfe Brothers String Band

Dave Adkins Band

Mountain Highway Mountain Park Oldtime Band JAM The Harris Brothers New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters Carson Peters & Iron Mountain ClayBank Cane Mill Road Mimmy Duck Holmes Silas Powell Family Band One Fret Over The Jones Sisters Burnett Sisters Slate Mountain Ramblers The Trailblazers Blue Devisl Stringband Twin Creeks Stringband Changing Lanes

For more information visit: www.houstonfest.com.

Smoke on the Mountain Virginia’s 14th Annual State BBQ Championship

JULY 20 & 21, 2018

8 pm Friday, July 20

Will Jones Band

Live Music & DJ before headliners!

8 pm Saturday, July 21

The Catalinas

Beer & Wine Garden

Fri & Sat, Noon – Midnight Downtown Galax, VA – For info, call (276) 236-2184 or visit: www.smokeonthemountainva.com

HERE! | 15

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A Touch of Grace

SHOES APPAREL

GIFTS HOME DECOR 336-372-5551

38 S. Main St • Sparta, NC 28675

Email: atouchofgracenc@yahoo.com Facebook: A Touch of Grace

On the first Friday of the month, June through October, Music on Main comes to life in downtown Sparta. Performers on four seperate stages (Traditional, Songwriter, Americana, and Local) fill the mountain air with a wide variety of music from traditional to original. Shops and restaurants are open throughout downtown for your enjoyment. Bring a chair and stay for the evening!

June 1 Rain Check (Americana/Bluegrass) 6:00-8:00pm Nick Bullins and the Crooked Saints (Americana/Folk) 6:00-8:00pm Blackwater (Southern Rock/Country/ Blues) 6:00-8:00pm Backwater (Country) 6:00-8:00pm Time Sawyer (Americana) 8:00-10:00pm July 6 Jonah Riddle and the Carolina Express (Bluegrass) 6:00-8:00pm Carson Mac (Rock) 6:00-8:00 pm Rodolofo Lopez (Mariachi) 6:00-8:00 pm Gap Civil (Bluegrass) 6:00-8:00 pm Karen Click and the Hot Licks 8:00-10:00 pm August Crabgrass (Bluegrass & Bluegrass Gospel) 6:00-8:00pm

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Ashley Heath (Folk) 6:00-8:00 pm Bedroom Sessions (Jazz) 6:00-8:00 pm Rise and Shine (Old Time, Bluegrass, Country) 6:00-8:00pm Big Daddy Love (Americana) 8:00-10:00 pm September 7 Mason Via and Hot Trail Mix (Progressive Bluegrass) 6:00-8:00 pm Shiloh Hill (Rock/Americana) 6:00-8:00 pm

Songwriters’

Workshops

WORKSHOPS

John McCutcheon

SATURDAY

JUNE 23

2018 9AM TO NOON

June Rise (Classic Rock/Beach) 6:00-8:00 pm Big Ridge Old Time (Old Time) 6:00-8:00 pm Redhead Express (Country) 8:00-10:00 pm October 5 Trailblazers (Bluegrass) 6:00-8:00 pm Chad Elliott (Folk/Americana) 6:00-8:00 pm Corey Hunt Band (Americana Soul) 6:00-8:00 pm Tim Lewis and Lonesome Willow (Bluegrass) 6:00-8:00 pm Big Ron Hunter and Band (Blues) 8:00-10:00 pm

Gretchen Peters

TWO GREAT SONGWRITING WORKSHOPS! Wikes CC Alleghany Campus Songwriting Contest & Performance

PERFORMANCES Fri, June 22 | Sat, June 23

Muddy Creek Cafe 60 South Main Street Sparta, North Carolina For info and tickets: BackwoodsBeatMusicFestival.com 16 | HERE!

Summer 2018

The concerts are sponsored by the Todd Community Preservation Organization, a nonprofit that works to preserve the Todd heritage, support the Todd community and businesses and owns and maintains Cook Memorial Park and Todd Island Park. The concerts are free but we pass the pickle jar during intermission. Contributions in any amount are welcomed to help offset the cost of the bands.

15th annual Todd Summer Concert Series begins June 16th and we’ve got another exciting lineup of six returning bands and one new band in store this summer

The

June 16, 6-8:00 pm: Amantha Mill June 30, 6-8:00 pm: Wayne Henderson & Friends July 4, 11:30 am–1:30 pm: The King Bees July 14, 6-8:00 pm: Angela Easterling & The Beguilers July 28, 6-8:00 pm: Strictly Strings August 18, 6-8:00 pm: The Lucky Strikes The family-friendly concerts are held outside in beautiful Cook Memorial Park in downtown Todd, NC, next to a babbling creek and mere yards from the New River. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Large tents will be set up to protect concert goers from sun or rain. We’ll fire up the grill and hamburgers, veggie burgers, hotdogs, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase – or feel free to bring your own picnic.

Back Street Park Summer Concerts are free summer concert series held every Friday evening June through - Labor Day weekend in West Jefferson.

Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional, old time, and bluegrass music for all generations to enjoy. 2018 Schedule Includes:

1: Wayne, Helen & Herb

Visit toddnc.org, for our calendar of events and to sign up for our blog posts Find us on Facebook. Email info@toddnc.org or call 828-263-6173.

MUSIC ON

August 11, 6-8:00 pm: Melissa Reaves

June

Cook Memorial Park is located at 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Road in Todd, NC. Parking for the concerts is generously provided by South Fork Baptist Church next to Cook Park.

July 27: Elkville String Band

June 15: Dollar Brothers

Aug 3:

Sheets Family Band

June 22: Crooked Road Ramblers

Aug 17: Mountain Laurels

June 29: Cabin Creek Boys

Aug 24: Backporch Bluegrass Band

July 20: King Bees

Aug 31: Zephyr Lightning Bolts

(866) 607-0093 or www.visitwestjefferson.org

MAIN

Music Food Friends Shopping

FREE EVENT JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT

1 6 3 7 5

First Friday of each month

June through October Downtown Sparta, NC

FOUR STAGES

Traditional • Singer/Songwriter

Local/Headliner • Americana BEER • WINE • FOOD

6 to 10pm AVAILABLE

High Country Living

The Blue Ridge, The Mountains, The New River...

Come for a Visit, Stay for a Change...

“Welcome Home to Simpler Times” 336 -846-6875 info@highcountryrealtync.com www.highcountryrealtync.com HERE! | 17 2018 Summer

Wild Places

18 | HERE!

Summer 2018

F

irst let’s define our terms. When we speak of wilderness or wild places, we often think about landscapes, waterscapes, or ecosystems that are set aside for safe-keeping. There is great truth in that perception, but ‘nature’ can be found just about anywhere we look. Consider your backyard, rummage under rocks and fallen logs, inspect life found in the cracks of your sidewalks and driveways. These are all ‘wild places’ that offer something strange and different. Let’s go there.

Surrounding and threading through the our region are state, national, city and county parks, hundreds of miles of trails, and wonderful opportunities to explore.

Butterflies charm everyone, with their graceful flight, the variety of sizes, colors and patterns, and associations with flowers. Butterflies spend their ‘childhood’ as caterpillars, eating voraciously on their host plant, which varies as much as the critters themselves.

Monarchs are specific to milkweed; black swallowtail to the carrot family such as Queen Anne’s lace; Eastern tiger swallowtail to cherry and tulip trees; red admiral to nettles, for example. Moths are in the same order, Lepidoptera (meaning scale winged), but are not seen as often because most are nocturnal.

by Scott Jackson Ricketts

2018 Summer

HERE! | 19

Chilly Water Farm, LLC sits on 175 acres along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Sparta, North Carolina. Founded in 2011 by Kim Brown and daughter Sara Davis, Chilly Water has evolved into a family-run farming operaton that raises grass fed beef. Adhering to organic practices, the cows never receive hormones or antibiotics and are raised with love and respect.

Our signature Chilly Water Burger includes all premium cuts of meat. Enjoy every bite of this tender succulent meat. It makes an excellent hamburger, spaghetti sauce, chili & meatloaf.

Chilly Water Burger is sold by the pound.

For pricing & info: chillywaterfarm@gmail.com

20 | HERE!

Then there are the beetles! There poop) beneath plants. One are thousands of beetle species, tactic is to lay a sheet under and equally fascinating are spia bush or tree limb and shake ders (not an insect but of the out the caterpillars. This larval Arachnida class), bees, ants, form of the butterfly or moth grasshoppers, dragonflies and can be just as amazing as the more. All of these are inverteadult flying form. (Some catbrates, animals without backerpillars can sting, so do not bones and all come in astoundhandle them without gloves.) ing variations on a theme.

2) Upon discovering a caterpilBefore I get ahead of myself and lar, you might consider crethe reader, I would like to offer ating a butterfly house where some fun and educational activa captured caterpillar is daily ities that transcend all ages, and given fresh leaves of its host can offer insights into the lives plant until it fattens up and of some of our insect/inverteforms a chrysalis. Keep the brate friends. plant stems and leaves in a 1) Inspecting young native small vase with a paper towel plants for caterpillars can be covering the water. Then the fun sleuthing. Signs of catwaiting begins as the transerpillar activity are damaged formation into a butterfly leaves and frass (caterpillar is just a matter of time and

Summer 2018

patience. (Moths form cocoons.) Be sure to free your butterfly or moth as soon as it’s ready to fly.

3) Speaking of moths, if you want to see them up close, hang a sheet beneath a light on a side of your house, preferably the side closest to trees or woods. Black lights are recommended, but any light will attract quite a few species. Sneak out quietly in the morning and take a look! You’ll also find other insects along with the moths.

4) For general insect and spider investigations, invest in a good butterfly net or two, and go sweep a field. Bring along clear sided containers with lids.

The sweeping motion is left to right to left to right, keeping the net close to the tops of the weeds at first, then working your way down. Keeping your catch in the bottom of the net is a learned skill, but won’t take long. Then, close off the net with one hand, and with assistance, try to force the bugs into the container by simultaneously releasing your grip and shaking the contents of the net.

5) The last activity is not as specific to the summer season as the other four, but adds to our chances of seeing and studying an even greater variety of invertebrates. Inspecting leaf litter brings us close to many shyer insects, crustaceans, and other surprises. A

2018 Summer

field microscope or a decent magnifying glass is a must. Moist wooded areas offer the best leaf litter.

Just scrape down beneath the upper layer of leaves and keep your eyes keen.

The wild places found in set-aside public lands, such as national and state parks, exist in part to promote and conserve the bio-diversity of our native fauna and flora, so it stands to reason that for grand explorations these are wonderful destinations. But don’t forget that your backyard, school yard, vacant town lot, and that little creek that runs through your neighborhood are also full of life just awaiting your careful attention.

I am just scraping the surface here regarding the natural wonders that await the curious mind. Taking field notes, documenting your discoveries through sketching and photography adds another dimension to the explorer—young and not so young. Also, the experience is more firmly etched in your mind if you take these extra steps.

For assistance with ‘bug’ identification I refer you to: www.bugguide.net. For birds check out: www.allaboutbirds.org

Happy summer, Scott

HERE! | 21

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Peanut butter glazed French Toast, with fresh bananas & chopped peanut brittle.

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21

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Sparta, NC

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LUNCH • DINNER • WEEKEND BRUNCH 21

Writers At The Bistro!

Local Talent• Regional Names • National Best Sellers Spoken word programs of writers, poets, & storytellers right here in downtown Sparta!

July 7 – 3pm: Ashe County poet, Kimberly Becker, introducing her third poetry collection, “Flight” followed by book signing.

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ass

18

Ample parking and easy access during the summer Main Street construction.

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LUNCH: TUES - SAT 10:30AM - 4PM DINNER: WED - SAT 5 - 9PM BRUNCH: SUN 11AM - 2PM

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Aug. 4: Best selling author & Playwright Charlie Lovett 12:30pm: Lunch with the author $15/person. Limited seating, Reservation required.

3pm: On The Bistro Stage, book talk & discussion. Titles available for sale and signing.

Food & beverage service available. No cover.

Brought to you by Alleghany Writers

Sept. 22: Dinner at the Bistro with award-winning writer and food blogger, Georgann Eubanks. She will introduce her latest book, The Month of Their Ripening, NC Heritage Foods Through the Year, & work with Chef Garrison to create a dinner menu featuring local & regional specialties. Call for details.

Accepting reservations now.

336-372-7444

Summer 2018

BEFORE

AFTER

A New Look For Sparta, NC 2018 is an exciting year for Sparta! A strategic renovation is in the works for the downtown corridor through the Sparta Downtown Streetscape & Waterline Project. This important initiative includes updates and improvements that will strengthen the infrastructure, support economic development goals, and benefit the town for generations to come.

Construction is expected to take place between June and November of 2018. The process will be carefully planned to minimize, to the extent possible, any impact on parking, traffic flow, and pedestrian access to local businesses.

Some of the changes include: • Overhead powerlines and utilities will be converted to underground lines.

• Forty-one on-street parking spaces will be preserved and 4 spaces lost due to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations concerning proximity of on-street parking to intersections. There will be approximately 163 total parking spaces on or near Main Street, including the future parking lot on W. Whitehead Street.

• The traffic light at Whitehead and Main will be transitioned from a wire-mounted light to a pole-mounted light with a mast arm. The actual traffic light will reside overhead on the arm, as opposed to the pole. Street names will also be mounted overhead on the mast arms.

• New lamp poles will have energy efficient light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs, dark sky compliant coverings, and electrical outlets for decorative seasonal lighting.

• At the main intersections, curb extensions and bump outs will create greater safety for pedestrians walking near passing traffic.

• Thornless Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos variety inermis) will be planted in grates along the sidewalk.

• Benches will placed at key locations along the downtown sidewalks. Each bench will be 6’ long with a back. The style is called “Everett” by Keystone Ridge Designs. The color of the benches will match the metal of the light poles, receptacles, and sign poles.

• In addition to street signs, the streetscape will include 3 wayfinding signs (directing motorists and pedestrians to significant landmarks) and a business directory (to help pedestrians find specific businesses).

• Widening, regrading, and reconstruction will make sidewalks safer for pedestrians, especially disabled and senior downtown patrons.

A dynamic team is working behind the scenes to ensure this important initiative runs as smoothly as possible. This team, which focuses on both construction design and communications design, is made up of representatives from the Town of Sparta, Alleghany Chamber of Commerce, Sparta Revitalization Committee, Blue Ridge Business Development Center, Destination by Design, McGill Associates, and Versado Foundation.

• There will be clearly marked crosswalks at main intersections and one mid-block crossing near the Chamber of Commerce.

More details and information about the project can be found at www.townofsparta.org/streetscape.

• The center turn lane will be preserved. Lane size will be slightly narrower to comply with DOT standards.

2018 Summer

HERE! | 23

The ruby throat is the most common hummingbird in our area. Arriving in our area after migrating from Mexico and Panama for the summer, they are very hungry and need all the help they can get, so feel free to feed these hungry little creatures. Here are some tips and tricks for feeding them properly.

Hummingbirds have no sense of smell, so they rely completely on sight when finding food. Use a hummingbird red feeder – this will let the hummingbirds know that they can find food there. Keep in mind when hanging feeders that they also prefer sunny spots when eating.

Audubon recipe for Hummingbirds: • 1/4 cup refined white sugar [Please use refined

white sugar. Honey can promote dangerous fungal growth. Organic, natural, and raw sugars contain levels of iron that could be harmful. Plain white table sugar is sucrose, which, when mixed with water, very closely mimics the chemical composition of natural nectar.]

• 1 cup boiling water, a bowl and a spoon (Note: Red coloring is not necessary. The chemicals could prove to be harmful to the birds.)

Mix sugar & boiling water until sugar is dissolved. Cool and fill feeder. *** You Can Help! Use Audubon’s free Hummingbirds at Home app or website to submit your observations on when hummingbirds feed on your DIY nectar or the nectar-bearing native plants in your yard or community. This will us protect these flying gems.

Did you know: Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop, though their feet can be used to scoot sideways while they are perched. They are also the only birds that can fly backwards.

Written by Isabel Ingel • Photo by Sarah Facemyer

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Summer 2018

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2018 Summer

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Summer 2018

LOG JAM Five friends – down-to-earth men, brought together from varied walks of life, with knowledge, experience and insites — creating beautiful things from carefully harvested local wood.

Photo was taken before Will Osborne joined the crew.

2018 Summer

HERE! | 27

A

fter hearing about Log Jam and expressing my interest in what they do, they welcomed me to catch up with them on a sunny Saturday morning where they were cutting up a huge tree to use in the roof construction of a new sawmill building. Working as a team, using a Huskavarna 3120, the largest saw made for cutting slabs and milling, they cut a very large log, turned it and cut it again making long, straight beams to support the roof. Sawdust filled the air and it was clear that they were enjoying their work.

They, Log Jam, are Don Call, Rick Cavey, Don Pridgen, Scott Jackson-Ricketts, Will Osborne, and Lukas Burgher. All are Grayson County residents (Lukas recently moved to Roanoke) who work with wood for utilitarian and creative purposes.

Project alerts go out via email when help or input is needed. Project priority is not strict and “we all owe each other,” Rick Cavey said with a smile.

A starting point of the formation of Log Jam was the restoration of a 19th century home belonging to Rick and Jen Cavey. It has been a huge undertaking with an inspiring goal and is now receiving its final touches. This labor of love (blood & sweat too) is a snapshot of the collaborative thinking, skills, and efforts of the team that includes locally milled lumber, handmade cabinetry and furniture.

Another impressive project they have undertaken is the restoration of an 1840’s log barn in the Summerfield community of Grayson County. They were tasked with selecting and milling replacement logs, rafters, flooring, sheathing and siding for the old and failing barn. The project has grown in scope, as many restorations do, and they Summerfield Farm B have worked with the contractor to locate and provide the needed timber. Using an Alaskan sawmill to slab 30' timbers they successfully searched the woods for 2 top plate timbers to measure 10x12x60'. The 20' timbers and rafters were prepared on the Lucas mill, the siding, purlins and loft flooring were sawn on their traditional circle mill.

Each of the men brings varied skills and experience to their projects. When studying a standing or fallen tree, they consider what section to use and how the grain will appear in a final product along with consideration for future projects, interests of clients, and their personal tastes. Honoring the wood and where it comes from they use every bit they can.

On a smaller scale, the Log Jam guys create beautiful tables, benches, cutting boards and more. …continued on pg 30

You’ll always receive our best, and that’s a promise.

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Summer 2018

Barn Restoration

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continued from pg 29

Often using live edge selections of slabs, their projects speak of the trees from which they have been made. The natural curve can dictate the project – table, bench, desk – and it is clear that they listen to the wood.

Imperfections, if you can call them that, are not disguised or removed but often accentuated with joinery that compliments and stabilizes the piece.

Log Jam has an inventory of a variety of woods: White Ash, Butternut, Black Cherry, Kentucky Coffeetree, Black Walnut, Eastern White Pine, Red Oak, and Red Maple. Along with slabs they can provide solid sawn lumber, architectural millwork, specialty or structural timbers, or other wood products – just let them know.

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Summer 2018

Quilting: History & Art Held together with countless stitches creating patterns, strength and stability, quilts have been, and continue to be, necessities, history and art. Some tell stories of their creators through the bits of fabric pieced together from clothing no longer wearable; others are artistically created.

A

mong the many types of quilting there are three common types identified as whole cloth, piecing, and appliqué.

The whole cloth technique uses only one piece of solid colored fabric for the top of the quilt – usually, to highlight the quilter’s fine stitching. Piecing refers to sewing pieces of cloth together to make the quilt top.

Appliqué is the sewing of small cutout fabric shapes onto a background of another fabric laid down in a decorative design. This technique, often used to depict stories and ideas, has been used for hundreds of years.

2018 Summer

Ashe, Alleghany, and Grayson counties are home to very active and generous quilters and quilting guilds. Creating quilts for themselves and others, many have made “Quilts of Valor” for people touched by war, baby quilts for pregnancy centers, lap quilts for seniors, and more.

In 1996 the Alleghany Quilters Guild had their first quilt show in the Emerson Black building at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds. Founding members Delta Peterson, Betty Boyer, and Jo Seagle organized the show that displayed 12 quilts. Over the years this annual event has grown. This year the show

is scheduled for July 13 & 14, with expectations of approximately 100 quilts entered in more than 12 categories.

There will be vendors, a silent auction of small quilted items, miniature quilts, wall hangings and table runners.

A very special part of the show will be a display of Quilts of Valor (QOV).

In support of that effort, a Christmas quilt will be raffled to raise

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funds to purchase quilting fabrics to continue the program. Many hands participate in and make the QOV program possible, including Jim Peterson, the long armer who quilts them.

Meeting days, work days, classes and workshops keep this vibrant group is a community of more than 50 women and men. Each year the entire guild collaborates on a quilt that is raffled for as a fundraiser to support the guild and the community they love. This quilt will be on display at the quilt show with tickets available for purchase.

In Grayson County, Stories of the Stitch the Twin County Arts Council’s 13th annual outdoor quilt show and fiber arts showcase. It will held at Matthews Living History Farm Museum on Saturday, September 8th (rain date is Saturday, September 15th), 10am to 3pm. The stars of the day are the beautiful quilts hanging in the sunshine. However, demonstrations from many different fiber arts disciplines are held in historic farm buildings with area musicians playing on the porch of the turn-of-the-century farmhouse.

The Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild is a “fun group of ladies and gentlemen who meet to sew and socialize.”

Meeting on the second Thursday of the month they are an energetic group with a full calendar of quilting projects and activities.

On June 13th, the Piecemakers hold a Quilt Trail Quilt Turning – a story telling event revealing history seen through the lens of quilts revealing the story of the heart that designed it, the hands that stitched it and the family who was warmed by it. Additional dates include a quilt expo in Raleigh, NC; quilt workshops, and small quilt groups. Their July quilt fair includes a silent auction and vendors with quilting needs and wants.

Summer 2018

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Quilts are judged in several categories including Hand-Pieced & Hand-Quilted; Half & Half (handpieced & machine-quilted & machine-pieced & quilted); Appliquéd (hand or machine); Other (art, clothing, pillows, etc.); Classic Quilts (created before 1940); and Youth (for quilters under 20). Additional ribbons will be awarded for People’s Choice & Best Story (include the “Story Behind The Quilt” to be entered in this category). There is

no fee to enter a quilt in the show, but quilters are asked to keep their quilts hanging until 3:00pm for viewing purposes.

Quilts can be entered in the show up through the morning of September 8th. Demonstrations scheduled include spinning, weaving, and felting, as well as many other fiber related disciplines. The showcase has something for all ages and admission is free.

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Advertiser Index

Tick Season Is Upon Us! protect your pets & family

Dr. Michelle Tompkins Sparta Pet Vet

Our area is home to several species of ticks that carry bacterial disease. These diseases profoundly affect our pets, particularly our canines. Lyme Disease is recognized most often, but we also see Anaplasma and Erhlichia.

Ticks are not only a dan- As a veterinary ger to pets, but also peo- professional and pet ple. Pets can bring ticks owner, I encourage: into the home and drop Vaccination them off on furniture, Strengthen your dog’s beds, and any other immune system and spaces we share. When fight off the infection an infected tick attaches with the vaccine for to a human, we too, can Lyme Disease. contract some of these Monthly prevention plan diseases.

Stop ticks from attaching to your dog by usWhat are the ing a tick prevention symptoms? therapy.

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• General lethargy There are many • Intermittent fevers. products for tick prevention. Some are better What about cats? than others. We’ve They may be less like- done the research ly to succumb to some and can give you the lowdown. Bring your of these bacterial dispet to our office. Learn eases, but cats are just about these products as likely to bring ticks and how they work. We into the house. For the will match you with the safety of- those in your right brand and get you household, we recom- started on the path to mend season-long pre- prevention with a free ventatives for cats and sample. Supplies are offer a variety of prod- limited, so call today ucts at our office. for an appointment!

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Alleghany High Country Realty......................22 Alleghany Inn .................................................31 Ashe Arts Council ..........................................12 Backwoods Beat Music Festival ...................16 Budget Blinds ................................................30 Caldwell Construction ...................................24 Carolina HVAC ...............................................24 Carolina Solar Experts .....................................3 Chestnut Creek School of the Arts................11 Chilly Waters Farm ........................................20 Clara Chastain ...............................................14 Jay Woodruff .................................................13 Junior Appalachian Musicians ......................13 Landcrafted Food ............................................9 Halsey Drug ...................................................13 High Country Realty ......................................17 Horizon Bistro ................................................22 Horizon Bistro Stage .....................................22 Mangum/Cater ..............................................11 Mindy Hall......................................................16 Morton Realty ................................................33 Mountain Dreams Realty ...............................25 Music on Main ...............................................17 NC Mountain Arts Adventure Studio Tour .....12 Paddleyaks ......................................................9 Paglen Law ......................................................1 Skyline Bank (all 3 counties) ..........................24 Smoke on the Mountain BBQ Festival ..........14 Sparta Pet Vet ...............................................34 Touch of Grace .............................................11 United Country FoxfireRealty ........................40 Warrensville Drug ..........................................13 Wilkes Community College ... inside front cover Alleghany County

Ashe County

Grayson County

www.HereMagazine.pub For advertising info: info@heremagazine.pub To subscribe: subscribe@heremagazine.pub All other inquires: publisher@heremagazine.pub

HERE!

This is why we love it.

Summer 2018

Pecan Pancakes with Butter Pecan Ice Cream!

2 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. salt 4 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 3/4 cups sifted cake flour 1/4 cup fine cornmeal Fresh peach slices 2 cups milk 4 tsp. baking powder 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans 2 Tbsp. oat bran Butter Pecan ice cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and oil. Add the next six ingredients and whisk until smooth. Stir in the pecans. Ladle the batter on a greased hot griddle.

Place pancakes on serving plates and surround with the peach slices.

Use hot syrup. Garnish with toasted coconut.

Serve with bacon.

From Harmony Hill Bed & Breakfast Sparta, North Carolina

2018 Summer

HERE! | 35

Calendar of Events Alleghany County Mon. 6 pm: Crouse House Oldtime & Bluegrass Jam. Crouse Park, Sparta (corner of Hwy 18 & Grayson St.). Email: fiddler@ls,net.

Sat. 9a -12p, Tues. 3:30-6p: May-Oct. - Alleghany Farmers Market, East Whitehead Street (NC Highway 18) next to Crouse Park. Info: artompkins@ncsu.edu; Veggies, pastured meats & cheese, baked goods, artisan crafts and more.

First Friday of the month June-October, Music on Main.

June 1-2: Get Outside Mountain Relay. NC’s premier team relay. 208 miles of gorgeous scenery. 336-363-4984. getoutsidemountainrelay.

June 2-3: Blue Ridge Fiber Fest. Sheep, goats, alpaca, llama, angora rabbits & products from fleeces. Workshops, demos and prizes. 336-648-6586. www.Blueridgefiberfest.com.

June 10: Tour de Mountains. Mountain Cycling Adventure.

Sparta, NC. tourdemountains.com or 336-372-2944.

June 22 & 23: 4pm - Backwoods Beat Music Festival & Songwriting Workshops. .backwoodsbeat.com.

June 30, 2pm: Sparta Independence Day Parade. Main Street, Sparta.

July 4: Fireworks: Alleghany High School, Tailgate at 6pm.

800-372-5473.

July 5-7 10am: 4pm - Art in The Barn. Motsinger’s Barn, 336-657-1779. www.artinthebarn.us July 13-14: Alleghany Quilters’ Guild Quilt Show.

Emerson Black Building Alleghany Co. Fairgrounds, Sparta, NC. 336-372-1779.

June 20-22: NC Mountain Arts Adventure Studio Tour.

Artisans & crafts people open their studios for demonstrations. NCMountainArtsAdventure.com.

July 20-21: Alleghany Fiddlers Convention. Alleghany County Fairgrounds, Sparta, NC. AlleghanyFiddlersConvention.com.

July 27-29: US Hwy 21 Road Market. More than 100 miles of yard sale treasures. 800-553-2322.

Aug. 5: 7:30 am to 2pm: VFW Annual Car Show, Trojan Ave, Sparta 336-657-2036. Admission $5.

Grayson County June 14: 6:30–9p.m - Mountains of Music Super Jam. Historic Fries Theatre, Fries, VA. 276-744-2231. www. friesfestivals.com, willowhaus@yahoo.com.

June 14: 5–8:30pm: “Kick Back the Rug” Old Time Community Social. matthewsfarmmuseum. org. 276-773-3080. matthewsfarm@gmail.com.

June 16: Horse Show Benefit for Fries Volunteer Fire Dept.

Providence School. 56 Bainbridge Rd. Begins at 5pm. Game & Pleasure Classes. Contact: friesfire. com or call 276-744-2131.

June 16: Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival & Guitar Competition. Grayson Highlands State Park. waynehenderson.org.

June 22 & 23: Grayson County Fiddlers’ Convention.

Elk Creek Ball Park, Elk Creek, VA. www. ecvfd.net or email ecvfd@ls.net.

June 23: Noon-6pm - Brew Fest. “Go With The Flow”.

Fries Town Park. 276-233-1104.

June 29: 9am-1pm - Farm Fresh Kids Day. Indepen-

36 | HERE!

dence Farmers Market. Free Family event with animals, games & more. independencefarmersmarket.org, 276-7680597 July 4th: 10pm. Town of Fries Fourth of July Celebration. Fries Ball Park, Fries, VA. Friesfestivals.com, willowhaus@yahoo.com.

July 4: 9am-3pm - Independence 4th of July Celebration. Independence. Fireworks at dusk & concert at 7:30pm. maryann@independenceva.com. 276-768-8656.

July 14: 7pm - Square Dance, Matthews Living History Farm Museum. 276-773-3080 matthewsfarm@gmail.com.

July 20: 9am-1pm: Berry Festival, Independence Farmers Market, independencefarmersmarket.org, 276-768-0597.

July 20 & 21: Morning – midnight. Smoke on the Mountain BBQ Championship. Music Friday an Saturday nights. Main St, Galax, VA, smokeonthemountainva.com, 276-236-2184.

July 27-29: Take A Break from the Interstate- US21 Road Market. Shop or Set up along Hwy 21 from Harmony, NC to Wytheville, VA. www.takeabreakfromtheinterstate.com.

July 29: 1-7pm – Land Care “Rocks the River”- Fries Town Park, cynthia@graysonlandcare.org, Family event, Free Admission.

August 3: 9am-1pm - Tomato Festival. Independence Farmers Market, independencefarmersmarket.org, 276768-0597, Free & open to public.

August 6-11: Galax Old Fiddlers’ Convention. Felts Park in Galax, VA, Oldfiddlersconvention, 276-236-8541.

August 17-18: Fries Fiddlers’ Convention, www.friesfire. com , 276-744-2131.

August 17-19: Mt. Rogers Summer Naturalist Rally.

Konnarock Community Center, Register online, blueridgediscoverycenter.org/mrnr, 276-293-1232.

August 25-26: Civil War Living History Days. Matthews Living History Farm Museum, Begins at 9am, 276-773-3080, matthewsfarmmuseum.org, matthewsfarm@gmail.com.

August 25: 4pm-dusk - Grayson Wine Festival. Historic 1908 Courthouse, Main St., Independence, 276-773-3711, graysonwinefest.org, Admission includes wine glass.

September 1: 10am–6pm - Albert Hash Memorial Festival.

Grayson Highlands State Park, Henderson Stage, alberthashmemorialfestival.com.

Ashe County June 2: 10am - 5pm- Forty Fest. Ashe Arts Center, 303 School Avenue, 336-846-278, ashecountyarts.org.

June 9: 12pm-6pm- Lansing NC Blues Festival. Tickets $10, Lansing Town Park, 114 S Big Horse Creek Rd, Lansing, lancingnc.us.

June 9: 8-10:00pm - Feast for the Arts. Ashe Arts Center, 303 School Avenue ashecountyarts.org, Ashe County Arts Council.

June 16: 6-8pm - Todd Summer Concert Series- Amantha Mill. Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd, 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC, toddnc.org, 828-263-6174, info@toddnc.org.

June 30: 5-7pm - Prime Rib Dinner. Ashe County High School Gym, acwic.org, Ashe County Wildlife Club, Tickets: $100 for 2 meals, Tickets available from Club members and

Weaver Equipment Company, 102 South Main St. in Jefferson.

June 30: 6-8pm - Todd Summer Concert Series - Wayne Henderson & Friends, Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd, 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC, toddnc.org Todd Community Preservation Organization, Bring lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain, we have tents. 828-263-6174, info@toddnc.org.

July 4: 11:30am-1pm - Todd Summer Concert Series, The King Bees, Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd, 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC, toddnc.org, Todd Community Preservation Organization, 828-263-6174, info@toddnc.org.

Bring lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain, we have tents.

July 6: 6 - 10pm- Christmas in July Festival Kickoff, West Jefferson Backstreet, christmasinjuly.info.

July 7-Jul 8: 8am-5pm - 100/200/300 Yard IBS Shoot.

Ashe County Wildlife Club, 3220 Big Peak Creek Road, Laurel Springs, acwic.org, This is a 2-day event.

July 14: 10am-5pm- Sporting Clays Shoot, Ashe County Wildlife Club, 3220 Big Peak Creek Road, Laurel Springs, acwic.org, Ashe County Wildlife Club, Meet at Clubhouse.

July 14: 6-8pm - Todd Summer Concert Series - Angela Easterling. Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd, 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC, toddnc.org, 828-2636174, info@toddnc.org.

July 21: Jul 22: 9am- 5pm - OSP Shooting School, Ashe County Wildlife Club; 3220 Big Peak Creek Road, Laurel Springs, NC, acwic.org, Shotgun shooting school with Gil & Vicki Ashe $525/day. Info: www.ospschool.com.

July 27: Jul 28: 10am - 4pm - Ashe County Piecemakers’ Annual Quilt Fair Ashe County High School, 184 Campus Dr., West Jefferson, NC 28694, ashequilters.org Ashe County Piecemakers Quilt Guild.

July 27: Jul 28: 7-10pm - Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Ashe Park, ashefiddlersconvention.org, www.ashefiddlersconvention.org.

July 28: Jul 29- 9am -1pm- 50 Rounds each of 12 & 20 Guage Skeet. Skeet Field, 3220 Big Peak Creek Road, Laurel Springs, NC, acwic.org, $35/day for Club Members and Non-Members. Sunday shoot.

July 28: 6-8pm - Todd Summer Concert Series - Strictly Strings, Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd, 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC, toddnc.org, Todd Community Preservation Organization, 828-263-6174, info@toddnc.org.

Aug 11: 6 - 8pm - Todd Summer Concert Series Melissa Reaves. Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd, 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC, toddnc.org, Todd Community Preservation Organization, 828-263-6174, info@toddnc.org.

Aug 18: National Sporting Clays Assn. Shoot 8am - 5pm.

Club House. 3220 Big Peak Creek Road, Laurel Springs, NC acwic.org. The first of two Nat. Sporting Clays Association sanctioned sporting clays shoots held at the Club in 2018. It is suggested shooters bring an ATV or golf cart as the shooting stations are scattered around the Club's hilly terrain.

Adults $65, youth $30.

Aug 18: Todd Summer Concert Series - Lucky Strikes.

6-8pm. Cook Memorial Park - Downtown Todd. 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Rd, Todd, NC. Todd Community Preservation Organization. Family-friendly events. Bring lawn chair or blanket. In case of rain, we have tents. Food & beverages available for purchase. info@toddnc.org, 828-263-6174

Summer 2018

“

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

“

John Lubbock

2018 Summer

HERE! | 37

Foxfire Realty

“Find Your Freedom”®

MLS# 206617 • 3BR/3.5BA 66+ acs. Multiple outbuildings. Perfect for horses & your mountain retreat! Views! $875,000

MLS# 201831 • 30Acs +/- Long range & pastoral views. • Multiple homesites • Pasture & wooded Spring, creek & shared pond. $225,000

MLS# 206801 • 5BR/3.5BA French Country • High Meadows Country Club Section K • Many beautiful features. $899,900

MLS# 207486 • 4BR/3.5 BA Absolutely gorgeous home on 8+ Acres • Pond • Beautiful views • $399,000

MLS# 205793 • 3BR/2BA One level • Large great room rock fireplace $234,000

MLS# 207188 • 3BR/2.5BA One level living • Updated kitchen 11.25 Acres +/- • $378,000

MLS# 207265 • 3BR/3BA Log Cabin in town limits Nice views! $179,000

MLS# 202186 • 4BR/3.5 BA Stunning mountain home • 2 stone fireplaces • $294,900

MLS# 207119 • 1BR/1BA The getaway you’ve been dreaming about • 3+ Acres • $149,900

MLS# 39206443 • 3BR/2BA Ranch in Olde Beau Golf & CC • Gas log Fireplace. Nice views! $150,000

Foxfire Realty & Auction Services 2760 US Hwy 21 S • Sparta • NC • 28675

Ph 336-372-5773 • Fx (336) 372-7694 Sparta-NC-Real-Estate.com 38 | HERE!

Summer 2018