Welcome to WinterFest!
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elcome to Blowing Rock, recently named by a panel of professional journalists as “North Carolina’s prettiest town.” While Blowing Rock is indeed pretty all year long, many people believe it is at its most magical during the winter, when the pace of life slows down and the town is frosted with snow. To show off our town during this special time of year is just one of the reasons the village hosts its annual WinterFest celebration. Another is to shake off the winter doldrums, get outside and socialize. After all, WinterFest’s motto is “Don’t hibernate … celebrate!” Blowing Rock’s WinterFest 2012 will take place Thursday through Sunday, Jan. 26-29. If you like live entertainment, WinterFest is the place to be. The Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock will host two live music concerts this weekend. Local blues band The King Bees will bring its unique blues revue to the Hayes Center stage on Friday with special guest Beverly “Guitar” Watkins. Americana artist John Cowan will tear it up on Saturday night. Both shows start at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are on sale now. If audience participation is more your thing, Ensemble Stage will be presenting a live stage version of the popular game show “Minute to Win It” at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. And the competitors will be chosen from the audience. The old WinterFest favorites are back, of course. Thursday’s taste-bud tickler, WinterFeast, will be held at the Evergreen Room at Chetola Resort and will feature more
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than a dozen of our area’s finest restauants. On Saturday, be sure to watch the brave divers of the Polar Plunge at er to Chetola Lake before heading over asium the Blowing Rock School Gymnasium to warm up with the annual Chilii Challenge Cookoff. Family events are always a big ride draw at WinterFest. Enjoy a hayride through downtown Blowing al Rock, a bonfire in Memorial Park or kids’ games at the American Legion Hall. This year’s WinterFest celebration has a few new features this year, including the addition of an ice carving demonstration by the U.S. Army Special Operaam, tions Command 2012 Ice Carving Tea Team, a Little Miss and Teen Miss WinterFest er Tasting pageant, a Winter Ales Craft Beer at Foggy Rock, a wine dinner at the Green Park Inn and a scavenger hunt.
Scavenger Hunt
Everybody who is at WinterFest on Friday and Saturday is invited to participate in the inaugural WinterFest Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your search forms at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce on Park Avenuee (see map featured in this publication). Hunters will have to visit participating downtown Blowing Rock merchants to find the ll items listed in the search form. The form will Fest contain questions about winter and WinterFest ng and the answers will be found at participating merchants. ack Once you are done, just bring your form back to the Chamber of Commerce. Winners will be n an drawn from the competitors’ forms and given assortment of valuable prizes. For more information, call the chamber at (828) 295-7851.
WINTERFEST SPONSORS O O Sponsors of the 2012 WinterFest celebration include Our State magazine, Chetola Resort, WNC Magazine, Lake Norman Currents, Charleston Magazine, the Blowing Rock Visitors Center, Green Park Inn, Ensemble Stage, Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue, 107.9-FM The Link, Charlotte Living magazine, Wine to Water and Mountain Times Publications. Photos by Amanda Lugenbell, Jim Greene and Jeff Eason.
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The Four Days of WinterFest! Annual Blowing Rock festival runs Jan. 26-29
By Frank Ruggiero
frank@mountaintimes.com
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he town of Blowing Rock is offering some winter advice: Don’t hibernate; celebrate! It’s time for the 14th annual Blowing Rock WinterFest, hitting the High Country Jan. 26 to 29. As the town encourages folks to explore the “fun side of winter,” WinterFesters can enjoy top-notch dining with Winterfeast, the sense-defying Polar Plunge, precocious pets at Winter Paws and more. The activity-filled schedule is as follows:
Day One Thursday, Jan. 26
Shop ’til You Drop Every day Shop in Blowing Rock boutiques and specialty gift stores and at the Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway throughout the day.
and are available online, at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and Chetola Resort. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $30, based on availability. Seatings are 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Winter Ales Craft Beer Tastings 6:30 p.m. and on Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub (8180 Valley Blvd.) Following each WinterFeast seating, Foggy Rock has dessert on tap, namely an assortment of regional beers to sample, including selections from Catawba Valley Brewing and Olde Hickory Brewery, all paired with the eatery’s eclectic cuisine.
Day TWO Friday, Jan. 27
Free Hot Chocolate 3 p.m. Downtown Blowing Rock Warm up a tad with free hot chocolate, courtesy of Blowing Rock WinterFest.
Blowing Rock School PTO Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo
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5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Chetola Resort (500 Main St.) An assorted array of culinary delights from Blowing Rock’s finest eateries come together at Chetola Resort (in the Evergreen Room on the second floor). The annual dinner serves as WinterFest’s official kickoff. Participating restaurants include Timberlake’s (formerly the Manor House) at Chetola, Rowland’s, The Table at Crestwood, The Gamekeeper, The Best Cellar, Six Pence Pub, Canyons of the Blue Ridge, Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub, The Green Park Inn, Bistro Roca, Woodland’s Barbecue, Meadowbrook Inn, Kojay’s Café and Ooh La La Cupcakes. Advance tickets cost $25
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5 to 7:30 p.m. Blowing Rock School Cafeteria and Gymnasium Blowing Rock School’s Parent Teacher Organization invites WinterFesters to a $5 spaghetti dinner with bingo on the side (cards cost $1 apiece), located in the Blowing Rock School Cafeteria and Gymnasium, accessible from Morris Street, just off Main Street.
Bonfire Dusk Memorial Park (weather permitting) S’mores and all supplies provided — what more can you ask for? The bonfire is hosted by Blowing Rock Boy Scouts.
Appalachian Ski Mountain WinterFest Special Event 5 p.m. to midnight Appalachian Ski Mountain Encouraging folks to “come and make the most of snow,” Appalachian Ski Mountain celebrates WinterFest with special pricing on ski and snowboard lessons (reservations are required).
WinterFest Blues 7:30 p.m. Hayes Performing Arts Center Beverly “Guitar” Watkins and Boone’s own King Bees bring the blues to the Hayes Center, located at 152 Jamie Fort Road, just off U.S. 321. Tickets cost $20 and are available online, at the Hayes Center box office (828-295-9627) or the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce (828-295-7851).
WinterFest. Face-painting, dancing, snowflake decorating and more await them and their parents at the American Legion Hall, with activities sponsored by the High Country Cloggers.
Day THREE Saturday, Jan. 28
Raffle and Silent Auction 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blowing Rock School Cafeteria For the modest price of a raffle ticket, WinterFesters earn the chance to win an avalanche of prizes, including vacation and ski packages, ski equipment, restaurant gift certificates and more. There’s also an ongoing silent auction. Proceeds benefit Mountain Alliance, a Boone-based nonprofit that promotes leadership and outdoor appreciation to area youths.
Children’s Activities 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. American Legion Hall (behind Memorial Park) It’s all fun and games for children at
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The Polar Plunge 10 a.m. Chetola Lake Taking a dive is one thing. Taking a dive into the icy waters of Chetola Lake is another. Sponsored by Chetola Resort, the popular Polar Plunge returns, drawing plungers young and old to make a splash for charity. This year, proceeds benefit Wine to Water, a Boone-based nonprofit that provides clean drinking water to impoverished countries around the world.
Free Hot Chocolate 10 a.m. Downtown Blowing Rock No go on a cup o’ joe? Try some free cocoa instead. Continued On Page 7
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Ice Carving Demonstration Noon Memorial Park Members of the U.S. Army Special Forces come to Blowing Rock on special assignment: ice carving. The Army’s ice carving team invites spectators to watch its elite soldiers turn blocks of ice into works of art.
WinterFest Wine Tasting ‘Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie’ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. American Legion Hall on Wallingford Street Author and resident Jonathan Graves hosts a special reading of his new children’s book, “Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie,” the tale of a young girl in Blowing Rock who takes to the air in a high-flying adventure. Graves will also sign copies of the book.
WinterFest Chili Challenge
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Blowing Rock School Gymnasium WinterFest heats up with its annual Chili Challenge, a CASI-sponsored event for both amateurs (freestyle) and pros. Not keen on cooking? Enjoy all-you-can-taste chili from the High Country’s finest instead. Tickets are available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, online or at the door.
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2 p.m. Green Park Inn The Green Park Inn (9239 Valley Blvd.) uncorks this year’s WinterFest Wine Tasting, offering festivalgoers samples from a wide selection of local, regional and international wines, with experts on hand to describe the varieties and answer questions. The tasting is followed by a wine auction at 4 p.m., and organizers are expecting a crowd. Tickets are available online or at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Snowflake Parade 3 p.m. Downtown Armed with snowflakes and winter spirit, kids are invited to take part in a dance down Main Street in a short, winterthemed parade, starting at the Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation building (145 Park Ave.). Continued On Page 9
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SHUTTLE
‘Minute to Win It’ 3:30 p.m. Blowing Rock School Auditorium Got a minute? Ensemble Stage does, as the High Country’s professional theater company invites WinterFesters to participate in a live, staged version of the popular game show, “Minute to Win It,” for a variety of prizes. The fun takes place in the Blowing Rock School Auditorium, located on Sunset Drive. Tickets cost $5 and are available at the door.
SERVICE I
f you see a trolley rolling down the streets of Blowing Rock during WinterFest, you might think you have been magically transported to San Francisco. WinterFest provides a free shuttle service with Blowing Rock’s trolley. Festivalgoers are encouraged to park their cars at Tanger Outlet Shoppes on the Parkway or at one of the two public parking decks in Blowing Rock. One is located next to the American Legion Hall behind Blowing Rock Memorial Park and the other is behind the new Blowing Rock Art and History Museum on Chestnut Street. Shuttle stops are located on Main Street in front of Memorial Park, on Sunset Drive near Crippen’s Country Inn, Chetola Resort, at the Green Park Inn, in front of the Holiday Inn on Valley Boulevard and at the parking lot of Tanger Outlet Shoppes on the Parkway. Shuttle service will run Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.
Bonfire Dusk (weather permitting) Memorial Park Return to the park for a second round of complimentary do-it-yourself s’mores.
John Cowan Band 7:30 p.m. Hayes Performing Arts Center If John Cowan promises a “jam-filled musical journey,” then that’s what you’ll get, as the celebrated rocker — who has performed with New Grass Revival and The Doobie Brotehrs — returns to the Hayes Center. Tickets are available online, at the Hayes Center box office or through the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.
Day FOUR
‘Minute to Win It’
Sunday, Jan. 29
WinterFest Pancake Breakfast 8 to 11 a.m. Blowing Rock School Cafeteria You bring an appetite, and Knights on Main will bring the pancakes. The WinterFest Pancake Breakfast delivers syrupy goodness for a cause, with proceeds benefiting Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue. Tickets are available at the door.
Ice Carving Demonstrations 1 p.m. Memorial Park Carve some more memories on the last day of WinterFest, with more ice carving demonstrations taking place in Memorial Park.
Winter Paws Dog Show 1:30 p.m. Blowing Rock School Gymnasium Call it a case of paws and effect, when the pups of WinterFest take the stage in the annual Winter Paws Dog Show. Registration starts at 1 d by b the th Watauga W t H p.m., and the show is sponsored Humane Society. For more information on the 14th annual WinterFest, including updates and ticket prices for certain events, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.
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e g n u l p
Calling all polar bears - It’s time to take the F
or many of us, a frozen lake signals such wintertime activities as ice skating, ice fishing and staying inside where it’s warm. However, for a different group of people (think cold-blooded adventurers), a frozen Chetola Lake is the siren call of the Polar Plunge, the wild and crazy spectator event at Blowing Rock’s annual WinterFest. This year’s WinterFest will be held Jan. 26-29, with fearless contenders taking an icy dip at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Each year around this time, contestants are submitting registration forms and preparing increasingly outlandish costumes — which have ranged in the past from a pair of elderly
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rubber ducks and a girl in a duct-tape dress to a dude playing Spartacus and another sporting nothing but a good old-fashioned Speedo — all in the hopes that their eye-popping, water-friendly duds will land them the coveted Golden Plunger Award f Best Costume for ( (decided on by the u unscientifi c audience a applause-o-meter). Hundreds of en enthusiastic spectators be begin lining the la lake’s perimeter early Sa Saturday morning, sta staking out the best sp for viewing and spot ch cheering on the aqua daredevils of all ages. And neither air nor water temperature is a deterrent. In fact, chances are, if you ask both
jumpers and spectators, the hijinks and the foundational support that the High hilarity hit accelerated boisterous levels Country community gives us,” Marion with rising snowfall and falling temps. said. Chetola Lake, on the grounds Both he and founder Doc Hendley are of Chetola Resort, remains frozen “thrilled and honored to be part of this throughout the majority of winter. About year’s Polar Plunge,” Marion said. a week before the big plunge, Chetola In fact, Hendley is so honored that staff starts carving out a sizable hole for he’s going to take the plunge himself and jumpers — some of whom be part of a group of jumpers plunge solo; others who leap that will hopefully break last together in solidarity. year’s record-setting number And, in particularly frosty of 67. And it’s a number that ‘Every person who jumps needs to be exceeded for winters, Chetola’s staff has will have a tremendous been known to resort to many reasons. wielding chain saws in order “With the proceeds from impact in the life of to slice through ice, so thick all the plungers coming back another in need. We are penguins might consider to Wine to Water, we hope hoping to fully fund a relocating. new well for an Ethiopian to support our Ethiopian This year, all proceeds projects with clean water village, at a cost of will benefit Wine to Water, for hundreds in desperate $10,000.’ a nonprofit aid organization need throughout the Horn Jessup Marion focused on providing clean of Africa, a drought-stricken water to needy people around the world. area that is in the midst of what could The longevity of this small, grassroots become one of the worst humanitarian organization’s mission “depends on our crises in our lifetime,” Marion said. community,” said Wine to Water wine “Every person who jumps will have a director Jessup Marion. tremendous impact in the life of another “We truly would not have been able in need. We are hoping to fully fund a to provide more than 65,000 people in new well for an Ethiopian village, at a need with clean water if we didn’t have
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cost of $10,000. That’s a lot of plungers. We are calling all plungers to join in and support our efforts,” Marion said. Presiding once again over this year’s plunge is Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority executive director Tracy Brown, dressed up as a circus ringleader and cracking wise, tossing off-the-cuff oneliners. Equally as entertaining and ridiculous are the hilariously dressed leapers. Out of the event’s 14 years, Brown has taken the bone-chilling dip himself a dozen times. This year will be no exception. And, Brown says, he seems to be one of those rare fools who keep returning. “After someone does it once or twice,” he said, with a laugh, “you rarely ever see them again. When you hit that water, natural instinct kicks in and you can’t get out of there fast enough. For a minute you actually think you might be able to walk on water.” But, he adds, it’s totally worth it. “We don’t call it freezing for nothing,” Brown said. “It’s great to always have a lot of fun while doing something good
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for someone else.” Wine to Water will have a table on the grounds of Chetola with information about the organization. The nonprofit also will be accompanied by local beanery Bald Guy Brew, which will be selling cups of its Ethopian blend, with all proceeds going to Wine to Water. If you’re interested in plunging, make sure to get your registration and liability forms in by Friday, Jan. 27. Forms are available at www. blowingrockwinterfest.com. Submit forms to: Chetola Resort, c/o Allison West, 500 North Main St., Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605. Last minute “hold-outs” can sign up at Chetola the morning of the event. All registrants must meet at Chetola’s Recreation Center at 9:30 a.m. for a brief safety orientation on the dos and don’ts of plunging. For more information, registration forms and a complete schedule of WinterFest events, visit www. blowingrockwinterfest.com, or call (828) 295-7851.
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Sampling the Best of the Best WinterFeast at WinterFest
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ne of the hardest things for a WinterFest visitor to do is sample all of the great restaurants in the Blowing Rock area in three or four days. Not a problem. Winterfest’s popular WinterFeast dinner offers a solution to this dilemma. WinterFeast will be held at Chetola Resort’s Evergreen Room on Thursday, Jan. 26. Seatings will be at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. WinterFeast features a buffet-style service where diners can visit with local restaurateurs and sample their wares. Participating restaurants at WinterFeast 2012 are Timberlake’s at Chetola Resort (formerly The Manor House), Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow Resort & Spa, the Table at Crestwood, the Gamekeeper, Six Pence Pub, the Meadowbrook Inn, Foggy
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Rock Eatery and Pub, Kojay’s, Bistro Roca, the Laurel Room at the Green Park Inn, The Best Cellar and Ooh La La Cupcakes. In a new twist to WinterFeast this year, diners are invited to come to Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub (8180 Valley Blvd.) after dinner for the first ever Winter Ales Craft Beer Tastings. Following each WinterFeast seating, Foggy Rock has dessert on tap, namely an assortment of regional beers to sample, including selections from Catawba Valley Brewing, all paired with the eatery’s eclectic cuisine and for an affordable price. Admission for WinterFeast is $25 in advance and $30 at the door if available. Winterfeast admission does not include the Winter Ales tasting. For reservations, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.
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Buck Haggard Band
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he Buck Haggard Band brings classic country and 1950s rock to Canyons in Blowing Rock Jan. 27. The show starts at 9 p.m. and runs until midnight, featuring the bluesy harmonica bends of special guest Morris “Big Mo” Hampton of Aho as part of the lineup. Regular members of the Buck Haggard Band are George Wilson, lead and harmony vocals and rhythm guitar; Ed Main, lead and harmony vocals, lead guitar and piano; Tracy Brown, lead and harmony vocals and bass; Jimmy Cannon, steel guitar; and Greg Russell, drums. The Buck Haggard Band derives its name from the combination of two heroes of classic country, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, with harmonies on classic songs like “Silver Wings” by Haggard and “For the Good Times” by Ray Price showing off the band’s combined years in country music. Wilson formed Buck Haggard several years ago in response to the need for a classic country band in the High Country. He has performed since childhood, making appearances on WBTV’s “Arthur Smith Show” as early as 1948. “Folks in this area wanted to hear classic country music, and they weren’t getting it on the radio,” Wilson said. “Whenever I played somewhere, folks said I should get a country band together. I started calling players I knew, and we finally got this bunch together, and we’ve had a great time ever since.” The members of Buck Haggard have all played and worked in other bands and around each other for years. “We’ve all known each other a long time but just have
to rock the Canyons
The Buck Haggard Band will perform a free show during WinterFest weekend at Canyons in Blowing Rock on Friday, Jan. 27. PHOTO SUBMITTED never had an opportunity to play regularly together, so when we get a chance, we have a great time,” said Main, who’s also a member of the Wolf Creek Band. “This has been a lot of fun, playing music we love with great friends. We love to throw folks like Big Mo into the mix, and you just never know what will happen. What I do know is that it’ll be fun.” The Canyons show begins at 9 p.m., and there’s no cover charge. Canyons is located at 8960 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock. For more information, visit www.canyonsbr.com or call (828) 295-7661.
WinterFritz
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fter a full day of WinterFest fun on Saturday, be sure to save some energy to get your groove working on the dance floor. Asheville-based funksters The Fritz will perform a free show at Canyons of the Blue Ridge in Blowing Rock beginning at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28.
The Fritz
Infectious grooves, intoxicating guitar lines and a relentless drive of soul and passion are words used to describe one of the Southeast’s newest sensations, The Fritz. As schooled musicians, the members of The Fritz draw inspiration from a variety of musical traditions and techniques. This fusion of styles is rooted within improvised funk and rock, but also builds in elements of jazz, classical, world and electronic music. Jamie Hendrickson’s versatile guitar style and innate sense of melody first blended with Jake
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Funky band to perform at Canyons Saturday
O’Connor’s funky bass lines in 2007. From there, they met drummer Michael Tillis, who brings a strong driving energy to the ensemble. Jamar Woods’ virtuosic keyboard solos and soulful vocal abilities propel the band into exciting musical jjourneys. With the recent addition of percussionist Mike Evans, The Fritz has developed a one-of-a-kind sound in the Southeast music scene. In their young career, success is no stranger. In just a few years, the band has performed at popular music festivals (Bear Creek, Blackwater, Swamptown), been featured in RELIX magazine and has received accolades from a multitude of media outlets. Relocating to Asheville, The Fritz PHOTO SUBMITTED maintains a rigorous touring schedule around the Southeast. They are preparing to record their second studio album. For more information, call Canyons at (828) 2957661.
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WinterFest concerts heat up the night
Blues on Friday, John Cowan and friends on Saturday
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he Hayes Performing Arts Center hopes to heat things up this January, as it welcomes an acclaimed bluegrass star and two blues bands to WinterFest, Blowing Rock’s annual winter festival. John Cowan — a pioneer in the “newgrass” and “jamband” musical genres and a fixture at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival — will headline WinterFest at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Cowan first burst onto the music scene as part of the well-known band New Grass Revival (with Sam Bush, Bela Fleck and Pat Flynn), and has since gone on to work with such musical greats as The Doobie Brothers, Steve Earle, Wynonna and Garth Brooks. Tickets for the John Cowan Band performance are $26 and are on sale at www.Hayescenter.org. But Blowing Rock begins to buzz at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, as Boone’s own The King Bees return to the Hayes Center for the Winter Blues Festival. Also featuring Atlanta blues celebrity Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, the Winter Blues Festival is sure to get your heart a-thumping and your feet a-stomping. Tickets are $20, and are on sale at www.Hayescenter.org.
PHOTO O O SSUBMITTED Located in Blowing Rock, just off U.S. 321, the Hayes Performing Arts Center seeks to bring a wide range of world class entertainment to the High Country. The Hayes Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit organization that depends on the support of patrons and the community at large. For tickets and additional information, visit www. hayescenter.org.
‘Minute to Win It’ with Ensemble Stage
By Frank Ruggiero
frank@mountaintimes.com
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ot a minute? Ensemble Stage does, and so might some lucky WinterFesters. The High Country’s only year-round professional theater group hosts “Minute to Win It,” a staged version of the popular game show, at Blowing Rock WinterFest at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Tickets cost $5 at the door. “We sold out (last year) and had standing room only,” managing director Lisa Lamont said. “It was a blast, so we decided to do it again.” Ensemble’s staged version is based on the nationally televised game show of the same name, in which contestants compete through a variety of “fun and wacky” tasks, Lamont said. Using audience members’ ticket stubs, host and artistic director Gary Smith will pick contestants from the audience to come on stage and take part in oneminute challenges, usually feats of dexterity. “I probably shouldn’t say what the challenges are so people can’t practice, but we pulled most of them from past episodes of ‘Minute to Win It,’ like stacking cups without knocking things over,” Lamont said. “And there’s a time limit, obviously, which makes it even more challenging to concentrate, while the audience laughs at how silly they look.”
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There will be four challenges, with each lasting about 15 minutes, Lamont said, adding that there will be a couple of individual games toward the end. And, of course, there will be prizes, including day passes to Tweetsie Railroad, free stays at area hotels and gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses. “Last year, we had young kids and adults playing, so we try to get a variety of prizes that any age can enjoy,” Lamont said. “And we’re doing several challenges, so if you’re not chosen right off the bat, that doesn’t mean you won’t get chosen later.” Ensemble Stage has produced live game shows for the last few WinterFest events, and Lamont said they’ve grown in popularity each year. “We did a concert, ‘The Match Game’ and the ‘NotNecessarily-Newlywed Game,’ just for something fun to do during WinterFest,” she said. “They were such a huge hit that people call us six, seven months in advance, asking what game shows we’re doing this year. They’re fun to do — and you get to watch people make silly fun of themselves.” Ensemble Stage’s “Minute to Win It” takes place at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium, located on Sunset Drive in downtown Blowing Rock. Tickets cost $5 and are only available at the door. For more information, call (828) 414-1844 or visit www.ensemblestage.com.
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U.S. Army Ice Carving Team to wow audiences during WinterFest
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ou probably know that the U.S. Army has its own big band (the Jazz Ambassadors) and its own college football team. But did you know that the Army also has its own ice carving team? The U.S. Army Special Operations Command 2012 Ice Carving Team will demonstrate its considerable skill at Blowing Rock Memorial Park during WinterFest. The demostrations will take place near the gazebo, from 11 a.m. to sunset on Saturday, Jan.28 and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The USASOC Ice Carving Team consists of Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeff Lein, Master Sgt. Travis Jones and Sgt. First Class Fred Pierceall. In addition to masterfully turning huge blocks of ice into works of art, the USASOC Ice Carving Team will engage in some fun audience participation events, including a unique take on a wet T-shirt contest. “This is something new in the ice carving shows,” said Lein. “I competed in Tennessee this past weekend and
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the wet T-shirt contest was a total hit. No, no, no … not the wet-T-shirt contest that you were thinking of during spring break.” “This one is family friendly, we dip T-shirts in a bucket of water, wrap them in plastic wrap and drop them in a bucket of dry ice. The shirt becomes as hard as a rock. For the competition, we have three volunteers at a time come up and try to unwrap the frozen T-shirt and put it on. It is very hard to do and is hilarious to watch. The first one to do so wins,” he said. According to Lein, the group will hold three or four of these contests during the day. The USASOC Ice Carving Team will also create a “liquor luge” at the Green Park Inn for the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Auction event on Saturday.
CW3 Jeff Lein Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeff Lein started carving ice in 2003 as an apprentice under Chef Rene Marquis. Lein carved for the military dining facilities during special events for a few years and decided to seek formal training. His formal training was conducted with the 17-time World Champion Ice Sculptor Steve Brice in Alaska studying human anatomy, animals, faces, logos, competition carving and abstract and realistic designs for two weeks at a time during the next few years. In 2006, Lein was selected to serve as the Hawaii State Team Captain for the World Ice Art Championships in Alaska and placed 19th out of 41 international teams. Since then, he has honed his craft and earned numerous gold and silver medals in military and civilian ice carving competitions. Lein currently serves as the USASOC Ice Carving Team captain 2010-2012 and works full time as the regimental food advisor for the U. S. Army Special Forces Command. In his spare time, Lein sculpts ice in his basement studio and prepares for ice carving competitions.
Master Sgt. Travis Jones Master Sergeant Travis Jones started carving ice in 2004, like most carvers, as an apprentice. Jones carved as an apprentice for about a year and than attended formal ice carving classes in San Diego under the strict tutelage of Mark Donovan. He studied the ice carving basics in San Diego and spent about a week every year with Donovan for four years to gain more experience and prepare himself for competitions. During the next few years, Jones perfected his technique, structure, fusing and presentation to go on to amass 15 top ranking medals and become one of the best ice carvers in the military and voted “Best in Show” for 2011. In his spare time, Jones teaches ice carving classes and serves as a supply sergeant for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. He is a lead carver for the USASOC 2012 Ice Carving
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Master Sgt. Travis Jones of the Fort Bragg Culinary Team uses a rotating tool to cut grooves in an ice sculpture. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE U.S. ARMY
Team and mostly enjoys doing a sculpture that will be on display for people to enjoy.
Sgt. First Class Fred Pierceall Sergeant First Class Fred Pierceall started carving ice in 2005 as an apprentice. Pierceall also carved for the military dining facilities during special events for a few years and started his formal ice carving training with David Russ in North Carolina. He honed his craft and perfected banquet sculpture design, fusion, competition carvings, presentation, and structure. During the next few years, Pierceall perfected his skills during competition and has single-handedly earned the most gold and silver medals for his team during the 2011 competition year. Pierceall currently serves as a senior food operations manager for the U.S. Army Special Forces Command and is a lead carver for the 2012 USASOC Ice Carving Team. During his spare time on the weekends in the winter, he enjoys sculpting ice in his backyard for his neighbors and his kids to watch and assists Travis Jones in teaching ice sculpting classes.
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This photo from ‘Wine to Water: A Bartender’s Quest to Bring Clean Water to the World,’ shows Doc Hendley, center, with a group of rebels during his yearlong work, 2004 to 2005, in Darfur, Sudan. PHOTO BY TIM HOLMES | SUBMITTED TO THE WATAUGA DEMOCRAT
Wine flows with Boone man’s
JOURNEY to deliver clean water worldwide By Tom Mayer
tmayer@mountaintimes.com
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hree weeks ago, the Boone-based nonprofit Wine to Water entered a new chapter. On Jan. 5, its founder Doc Hendley published “Wine to Water: A Bartender’s Quest to Bring Clean Water to the World” — a raw and honest portrayal of Hendley’s journey from a life centered on himself, to one centered on the world.
Doc Hendley, through his nonprofit, Wine to Water, helps fix a pump in Peru.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 23
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January 26, 2012
Journey Continued From Page 22
It wasn’t an easy story to tell, Hendley said during a recent interview. It’s also a story that probably wouldn’t have been told had he not been tapped as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2009 for his work on the international water crisis. “Following that, I got a phone call from a literary agent in January 2010 wanting to write about the water crisis,” Hendley said. There was a catch: Hendley’s story would be in contention with others. He would have to submit a proposal to earn the privilege of sharing his mission with the world through a book. “That made me nervous,” Hendley said. “My life isn’t squeaky clean.” Not squeaky clean is what agent Mark Anders wanted, Hendley said. Anders plucked his proposal, and went on to help the new author structure the book. The story, Hendley said, is in
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his own words. And it’s as honest as he could make it. “Before it was published, I was worried about that,” Hendley said. “I grew up in a fairly conservative family. From Day 1, I was against the system. With the book coming out, I knew the family was going to read it. I was very, very nervous.” That feeling didn’t change, Hendley said, until his 90-year-old grandmother read an advance copy — twice. “Grandma said she didn’t like the language in the beginning of the book, but she understood why it was there,” Hendley said. “In the end, she told me, ‘It’s not so much how you talk, but that you walk the walk.’ “After that, anybody can say anything now: Grandma said it’s all right — so it’s all right.” That’s high praise, Hendley said, for a book written by a tattooed rebel who decided he wants to change the world. It’s even higher praise, he said, for a story that begins in a biker bar.
Doc Hendley brings a water filter to a family in Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake, which left more than 1 million in the country without access to clean water. PHOTO BY LISA BALLANTINE
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Doc Hendley helps Cambodians pump a well supported by Wine to Water, which has developed aid projects in 12 countries and has brought access to clean water to nearly 100,000 people. Approximately $7 from every bottle of wine sold by the nonprofit supports Wine to Water efforts. Hendley takes no salary to head the organization, operating full time as a volunteer. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Book details danger faced by aid workers By Tom Mayer
tmayer@mountaintimes.com
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oc Hendley’s new book is no dry read. “Wine to Water: A Bartender’s Quest to Bring Clean Water to the World” (Avery, $26) not only details the founding of the Boone-based international aid organization designed to bring clean water to a needy world, it tells the tale in sound and fury. The sound: “The bullets continued ringing out in spurts of three. I IN REVIEW could hear them skimming past my head. The rear window shattered.” That’s the sound of a tribal war zone as Hendley recalls the year he spent involved in an area filled with Sundanese genocide, attempting to bring clean water and sanitation to a country determined to poison itself. The fury: “The ragtag (town) of Marla, 30 miles southeast of Myala, was controlled by the Sudanese Liberation Army, and smackdab in the middle of a UN ‘no-go zone,’
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which means it was deemed too dangerous to allow aid workers in to help. Without outside aid these people were in desperate need of water. That’s why I chose to start my work there.” That’s the fury that more than 1 billion people in the world lack access to adequate water through no fault of their own. Doc Hendley is an unlikely savior — and whether or not he deserves the title is for the reader to decide, but know this: a drifting bartender — or you, or me — can change the world. That’s the real story behind Hendley’s book. Hendley’s improbable visit to Darfur in 2004-2005 came to pass after a wild youth misspent behind dive bars in Raleigh and handlebars on the seat of a Harley. That tour of duty, actually a year’s contract with Samaritan’s Purse, helped blossom the seed that was Wine to Water — and a lifetime commitment to flooding an entire world with the water it needs to survive. Part memoir, large-part action thriller, lesser part metaphysical guide to turning your life’s dial from rewind to fast-forward,
“Wine to Water” is an important read that will make you think every time you turn on the tap. You’ll meet children with no childhood — they were too busy being soldiers — and see your children in their place. You’ll discover that in Africa, women and children spend 40 billion hours walking for water. You spend 40 minutes running the dishwasher. Maybe you’ll discover you want to help — which is easy because the organization behind the story is located at 783 West King St. in Boone. Maybe you’ll support Hendley’s work by simply reading a good story and making small changes in your life. Or maybe — and this is what ties Page 1 to Page 280 — you’ll advance the work of the man who inspired Hendley to craft the reverse of that first miracle. And if so, Hendley writes, maybe you’ll discover your own Darfur, and leave it better than you found it. For more information on Wine to Water, visit winetowater.org.
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D Hendley Doc H dl is i in i his hi King Ki Street, S Boone, Wine to Water organization headquarters. PHOTO BY TOM MAYER
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Celebrating the Red, White and Blush WinterFest Wine Tasting and Charity Wine Auction to be held at Green Park Inn on Saturday
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here’s a time to dine and a time to wine. The annual Wine Tasting and Charity Wine Auction events are two of the highlights of the annual WinterFest celebration. This year’s events look to be the best ever and will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, in the newly refurbished Green Park Inn. The WinterFest Wine Tasting begins at 2 p.m. and the WinterFest Charity Wine Auction will start at 4 p.m. The Wine Tasting will feature a wide selection of whites, reds and blush wines, as well as a few bubbly champagnes. Wine experts from Western North Carolina vintners and wine distribution companies will be on hand to lend the expertise during the tasting. Best of all, if you happen to find your new favorite wine, bottles will be on sale at the event. The U.S. Army Special Forces Ice Carving Team will have a “liquor luge” set up for the
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event. Wines or other beverages are poured into the top of the ice sculpture and come out at the bottom frosty and delicious. At the Charity Wine Auction, folks will be able to bid on a wide variety of wines and wine-related items. There will also be a Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival package that includes a festival basket, lodging, tickets to WineFest events and more. The Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival will be held in Blowing Rock April 11-15. Tickets for the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Charity Wine Auction are $20 in advance and $25 at the event. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851. Guests at the event are invited to stay at the Green Park Inn for a special Wine Dinner created by award-winning Chef James Welch. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, or to make reservations, call the Green Park Inn at (828) 414-9230.
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Chili Challenge 2012 Wi te Fest’s 14th annual WinterFest’s ann al cooking competition competitio attracts att acts professional p ofessional and amateur amate chefs
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othing warms the body quite like a delicious bowl of piping hot chili. After traipsing through the streets of downtown Blowing Rock, visitors to WinterFest will definitely want to stop by the Blowing Rock School gymnasium to watch the action, as professional and amateur chefs compete in the 2012 WinterFest Chili Challenge. The Chili Challenge takes place from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Tickets are $7 per person and are available at the door. Admission grants WinterFest visitors permission to meet the dozens of chili competitors, sample their creations and judge some categories during the Chili Challenge.
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Want to compete? The 2012 WinterFest Chili Challenge is still accepting competitors in both the professional and amateur categories. The entry fee is $20 per table in advance, or $25 at the door. This year’s WinterFest Chili
Challenge is a Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) sanctioned event, meaning that traveling CASI members will be present trying to earn “chili points” to be invited to the International Chili Cookoff in Terlingua, Texas, later this year. For competitors, doors to the cafeteria open at 8 a.m., and table set-up needs to be complete by 10:15 a.m. A panel of celebrity chili tasting judges will decide which batches win in each of the three categories. What’s at stake in this year’s Chili Challenge? The first place chili chef in the freestyle (amateur) competition takes home $350. There are also prizes for second place ($200) and third place ($100).
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There are also prizes for best decorated table display and a “People’s Choice” award for the chili that earns the most votes from the tasting public. The professional category winner will take home the coveted Traveling Chili Trophy, a handmade sculpture by Blowing Rock artist Alex Hallmark, to display in their business until next year. Last year’s professional winner was Chef Guy Thomas of the Meadowbrook Inn. WinterFest Chili Challenge entry forms are available at www. blowingrockwinterfest.com or by calling the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.
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New museum up and running BRAHM a hit since it opened October 2011
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he six galleries of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, located in the heart of Blowing Rock, offer WinterFestgoers a warm respite from the High Country cold and a chance to learn more about the region. A special weekend display, “Exhibit Revisit,” will feature objects from community members relating to the museum’s three current exhibits: “Elliott Daingerfield: Art and Life in North Carolina,” “The Blowing Rock: A Natural Draw” and “The Historic Hotels of Blowing Rock: The Green Park Hotel and Mayview Manor.” The weekend will allow overlooked or unknown pieces to be viewed by the public The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum opened in October 2011 and both the building and its exhibits enhance the town’s beauty and cultural opportunities. The main exhibit, “Elliott Daingerfield: Art and Life in North Carolina,” celebrates the early 20th century artist who lived and worked in Blowing Rock for 46 summers. Like many others, Elliott Daingerfield visited the tourist town seeking the restorative qualities of the clean, mountain air. Enamored with the region’s natural beauty, he would go on to build three homes here, including the small cottage and studio that sits on the grounds of the museum that he called “Edgewood” (1891) and the Greek
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revival mansion named “Westfrom 10 a.m. to 5 glow,” now Westglow Resort and p.m. Saturday and Spa (1916). from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A second exhibit features the Sunday (closed on unique rock outcropping that Mondays). gives the town its name. “The General admission Blowing Rock: A Natural Draw” is $8 for adults; $5 tells the story of the famous geofor children 5 and logical feature, from its formaolder, students and tion, to the romantic legend that active military; and surrounds it, to its development $6 for groups of 10 as the region’s oldest tourist or more. Children destination. younger than 5 get The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum also features a gift The third exhibit, “The Historic shop. in free. Hotels of Blowing Rock: The For more inforPHOTO BY JEFF EASON Green Park Hotel and Maymation, contact the view Manor,” highlights the historic hotels in Blowing museum at (828) 295-9099 or visit the website at www. Rock, which evolved as the village became an increasingly blowingrockmuseum.org. popular tourist destination at the turn of the 20th century. The mission of the Blowing Rock Art and History MuAmong the hotels to be included will be the stately Mayseum is to promote the visual arts, history and heritage view Manor, the Green Park Inn and the Blowing Rock of the mountains through educational programs, exhibiHotel. tions and significant permanent collections. For more The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesinformation, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org or call day and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, (828) 295-9099.
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A Treasure Trove
Saturday’s Silent Auction and Raffle to raise money for Mountain Alliance
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his year’s WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle benefits Mountain Alliance, an adventure and leadership program for high school-age youth in Watauga County. It will be held in the Blowing Rock School Cafeteria (beside the Chili Cookoff) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Sucessful bidders will be able to pay for and pick up their items between 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Mountain Alliance serves 150 to 170 youths annually, offering the students several field trips per week, after school and on weekends. The trips are provided by trained staff at no cost to the students. On the outtings, youths perform community service and take part in special adventures, such as backpacking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, caving, mountain biking, and all sorts of other outdoor activities. A sailing program is also in the works for the spring. Check out Mountain Alliance’s website at www. mountainalliance.org. More than $10,000 worth of items will be featured in the Silent Auction and Raffle. Raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 each. There are plenty of auction items available in the event to make many visits to the High Country fun and enjoyable. Items up for bid include a fly-fishing outing for two, led by a well-known veteran fisherman and guide, which makes for great outdoor fun. For another successful bidder, invite five of your best friends to join you for a cooking lesson with Tina Houston of Reid’s Catering. Other silent auction items include a week at Sunset Beach and lodging packages from inns and hotels throughout the High Country. Bidders can choose offerings from the Inn at Crestwood, Crippen’s, Holiday Inn, the Village Inns, Green Park Inn, the Best Western in Banner Elk, and others. Jay Winston, an area painter, has donated a contemporary painting for the fundraiser. His work is on display and available for sale at Rustic. Other pieces of art and crafts from local talent will also be up for bid. Also, those attending the event can bid on a round of golf for four at the Robert Trent Jones course at
Rock Barn; a round for two at Mountainaire Golf Club; a golf lesson at Hound Ears; skiing at Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain; rental equipment from Extreme Snowboard and Ski; a massage at 7th Heaven Day Spa, Lori Whyte Massage, or the Wellness Center; a Spa Day-Cation at Chetola; and a six-month pass at Deer Valley Fitness. All sorts of family activities will be auctioned and raffled, with donors including Blowing Rock (a family pool pass), Mystery Hill, Grandfather Trout Ponds, outdoor drama “Horn in the West,” Doc’s Rocks Gem Mine, River and Earth Adventures, Wahoo’s Adventure, and MerleFest. When you’re tired out from your day, enjoy a night out at one of the fine restaurants, which have donated gift certificates for the auction, including Beef O’Brady’s, Bistro Roca, the Best Cellar, Canyons, Crave, Foggy Rock Eatery, Outback Steakhouse, Papa Joe’s, Pats Almost Famous Cheeseburgers, Six Pence Pub, Mellow Mushroom and Vidalia Restaurant. Also, bidders will have a chance to pick up their cheese and fruit for a year at Earth Fare in Boone. Get up the next morning and shop until you drop at merchants which have donated items for bid: Mast General Store, Footsloggers, Misty Mountain, Winterfire Craft Gallery, Gregory Alan’s, The Last Straw, Rustic, Cabin Fever, High Country Candles, Village Hardware, MtnFire, Sister Act Boutique, Revive, Arts & Artifacts, B’Dazzled, Capel Rugs, Christmas in Blowing Rock, Doncaster Outlet, the Incredible Toy Company, J. W. Tweeds, Tatum Galleries, Monkee’s of Blowing Rock, NEACO, and Sunset Tees & Hattery. One item up for bid will be for a group Civil War-type photo made at Harmon’s Dixie Pride in Boone. And last, but not least, bid on the services offered throughout the High Country: a simple will estate package from Andrea Capua, Esq., Boone Bike & Touring, Studio M, Victoria’s Pet Spa, Appalachian Music Shoppe, Blue Ridge Vet Clinic, Blue Ridge Vision, Blue Ridge Carpet Care, Calloway Chiropractic Care, Boone Podiatry and from Dr. Adam Hill. Make sure to spend some time at the auction and raffle; by the time it starts, there will be even more to buy than is mentioned here.
Chilly Pops the Question (And We Hope Krystal Says ‘Yes!’)
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ast year, WinterFest regulars were excited to find out that Chilly the snowman, the official mascot of WinterFest, had finally found a girlfriend. Her name was Krystal and she accompanied him to just about every single WinterFest event last year. The pair seemed inseparable … and, of course, the rumors started to fly. “Are they serious?” “What does she see in Chilly?” “Will they spend the summer together up North?”
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Twelve months later we have our answer. Chilly and Krystal are engaged to be married. And who knows? We might have some cute little snow-children running around WinterFest in a few years. Chilly the snowman is the creation of graphic designer Dana Willett, owner of Advertising Design Systems in Boone. Each year she has added a little bit more magic to the Chilly design. First, it was a hat and a scarf, then some little birds and finally what has turned out to be a fiancée, Krystall the h snowwoman. There is no word yet on whether Chilly and Krystal have set a date. Stay tuned.
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Winter Paws Dog Show
set for Sunday
ails will be a-wagging at WinterFest’s Winter Paws Dog Show and all dog owners are invited to bring their special furry friends to the event. It’s a great way to show off your beloved pet and have it compete for valuable prizes. The fourth annual Winter Paws Dog Show has been scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 29, as part of Blowing Rock’s WinterFest celebrations. The event is co-sponsored by The Pet Place at the Shops at Shadowline in Boone and the Watauga Humane Society
to benefit the homeless animals in the community. The show, which begins at 1:30 p.m., will be held in the gymnasium of Blowing Rock Elementary School, 165 Morris St. in downtown Blowing Rock. An afternoon of light-hearted competition and canine fun has been planned, with ribbons and prizes to be awarded in 10 categories, including Owner/Dog Look-Alike, Best Handshake, Most Mysterious Heritage, Most EAR-ristible Ears, Best Smile and others. Winners from each category will go on to compete for The People’s Choice
Award, with the grand prize of a $50 gift certificate to The Pet Place. The Humane Society plans on showcasing several shelter dogs currently available for adoption, and the event will also include a raffle for a oneyear supply of dog food. Registration begins at 12:45 p.m., and all dogs must be on a leash and current with rabies vaccinations. A registration fee of $10 allows participation in two categories of choice, while a $15 registration fee entitles participation in any or all 10 prize categories. Free samples of dog food and free doggie treats are provided with each registration. Visit the WinterFest website at www. BlowingRockWinterfest.com for full details, or phone Ellen Jo at (828) 2646468.
Hey, kids! Hayrides Free family-friendly activities
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ith all of the fancy food and wine events associated with WinterFest, it is easy to forget that this is basically a family-friendly festival with plenty of things for the kids to do. Of course, if you’ve been to Blowing Rock with your kids before, you know that Blowing Rock Memorial Park and Kilwin’s Ice Cream are mandatory stops. During WinterFest weekend, there are plenty of other required stops along the way.
Bonfires and S’mores
When Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, nothing feels finer than a roaring bonfire. WinterFest bonfires will be held in Blowing Rock Memorial Park beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. The bonfires are presented by Boy Scout Troop 101, and supplies will be on hand for those who want to toast marshmallows or make s’mores (sweet treat sandwiches made by pressing toasted marshmallows and chocolate between two graham crackers). The bonfires will not take place in the event of high wind or heavy rain or snow.
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Kids’ activities
On Saturday, the Blowing Rock American Legion Hall on Wallingford Street will be your one-stop location for nonstop fun. Children are invited to attend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids’ activities at the hall include games with prizes, dance lessons, snowflake crafts and more. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., children’s book author Jonathan Graves will be signing copies of his new book, “Isabella Propeller and the Magic Beanie.” At 3 p.m., all the kids are invited to participate in the Snowflake Parade down Main Street.
Hayrides
Hayrides are a great way to see the points of interest in Blowing Rock and to get to know some fellow travelers. The departure point for WinterFest hayrides is the parking lot on Main Street between the Speckled Trout and Knights on Main in downtown Blowing Rock. Hayrides will be running continuously from 3 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Hayrides continue until around sunset.
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There Will Be bingo!
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WinterFest Food Drive
oin your friends for an early evening of fun, spaghetti and bingo. The Blowing Rock School Parent Teacher Organization will sponsor a spaghetti dinner in the school’s cafeteria from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. The cost is $5 per person and includes spaghetti (meat or vegetarian), salad, bread, tea or soda and homemade desserts.
igh Country Dance Studio is having a food drive for the Watauga County Schools Food Pantries in conjunction with WinterFest. Boxes will be placed for food and monetary donations at the Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation building next to Blowing Rock Memorial Park during the WinterFest Kids
After dinner, mosey on down to the Blowing Rock School Gymnasium to play bingo for prizes. Bingo callers Sherri Docteroff Jaquays and Heidi Merendino-Wierback will make sure that everyone has a fun time. Bingo cards are $1 per card, and participants can play multiple cards at one time. Bingo will continue until 8 p.m.
Games event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. At 3 p.m. Saturday, individuals, business and civic organizations that have contributed to the cause, and the children who have made their own personal large snowflakes during the Kids Games, are invited to march down Main Street in Blowing Rock in the Snowflake Parade to boost
Park in the school parking lot on Morris Street. All proceeds from the WinterFest spaghetti dinner and bingo go to the Blowing Rock PTO to be used for special projects and events for the students. For more information, call the Blowing Rock School at (828) 295-3204.
awareness for the WCS food pantries and to celebrate the contribution to the community. The march will begin in the parking lot of the American Legion Hall.
50 Years and Going Strong Appalachian Ski Mountain celebrates golden anniversary with WinterFest
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kiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina was once just a dream. Fifty years ago the Moretz family made that dream a reality when they opened the area’s first ski resort right here in Blowing Rock. Today, Appalachian Ski Mountain is one of the most popular winter destinations in
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the Southeast. To help celebrate App Ski Mountain’s golden anniversary, it has teamed up with WinterFest for some special events this weekend. On Friday, Jan. 27, Appalachian Ski Mountain and French-Swiss Ski College are offering a special package that includes ski
and snowboarding lessons. The event takes place from 5 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, Jan. 29, Appalachian Ski Mountain is hosting a family-friendly snowman-making contest. For details, call the resort at (828) 2957828.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Nothing starts off a winter’s day quite like a steaming plate of hot pancakes. Join your friends for WinterFest’s annual Pancake Breakfast to benefit Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue. This year’s event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Blowing Rock School Cafeteria (Morris Street entrance). The breakfast includes pancakes and syrup, bacon or sausage, juice and coffee. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children younger than 12, and free for all children younger than 2. For more information, or to reserve tickets, call (828) 295-7851.
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