Fall Festivals

Guests at the Fair enjoy the sounds of bluegrass, country and traditional mountain music performed by half a dozen top local bands.

PHOTO BY TED MOREE Entertainment at the fair includes an activity area for the kids that features face painting, storytelling, pumpkin carving and pumpkin bowling.

PHOTO BY TED MOREE

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crisis.

“The origins of the Valle Country Fair are deeply rooted in supporting the community,” said Heiss. “The growth and popularity of this annual event takes the involvement of the entire community. It is not simply a local church event — from exhibitors and musicians, to individual volunteers and donations from local businesses — it takes a village (a community) to generate the joyful celebration that is the Valle Country Fair.”

The single-day harvest festival is held in a large pasture located beside NC Highway 194 between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. Admission to the Fair is free and parking is available in the adjoining field for $10 per car, $25 for a small bus or van, and $50 for a motor coach. No pets are allowed.

The event is sponsored by Holy Cross Episcopal Church in cooperation with the Valle Crucis Conference Center. All proceeds are used to help the community’s most vulnerable citizens. For more information, contact Holy Cross Church at (828) 963-4609 or visit www.vallecountryfair.org.

“This Fair provides a perfect venue for the people of our community to come together, talk, smile, laugh and enjoy the camaraderie of neighbors, friends and visitors with a common goal — supporting those in need within our community.”

- John Heiss

Fall fun for everyone

BY LILY KINCAID

Each autumn, the High Country comes alive with festivals and fairs. From family-oriented events such as the Woolly Worm Festival to more niche events such as Autumn at Oz, there’s a festival for every taste in the High Country. As with all outdoor events in the mountains, be sure to dress in layers and be prepared for rain, as the weather changes quickly.

ANTLERS & ACORNS SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

From Sept. 5-11, various venues around King Street and Howard Street in Boone will host the Antlers & Acorns Songwriters Festival. The event will kick off with an evening of music and unveiling of the Antlers & Acorns beer at Lost Province. From there, each day holds a unique lineup of food, drinks, music and conversations with songwriters and musicians. Regular ticket prices start at $65, but vary depending on which day they are purchased for.

AUTUMN AT OZ

One of the world’s largest “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” events is Autumn at Oz, which takes place at the Land of Oz on Beech Mountain. For the last three weekends in September, patrons can browse vendors, watch live performances, get their faces painted and explore the site of the original 1970’s Oz-themed park. Tickets are $55 and children 2 years and younger get in free.

ART ON THE MOUNTAIN

Downtown West Jefferson will host the Ashe County Arts Council’s Art on the Mountain on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 30 artists and craft makers will set up at the Ashe Art Center at 303 School Avenue in West Jefferson. Along with music and food, several artists will be doing live demonstrations of their artwork, such as basket weaving, quilting and wood working.

FILE PHOTO For three weekends in September, fans of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” can explore Beech Mountain’s Oz-themed attraction during Autumn at Oz.

OKTOBERFEST AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

Sugar Mountain Resort’s 32nd annual Oktoberfest will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 9. Harbour Towne Fest Band and the Avery County Cloggers will perform at the festival, and more than 30 vendors are scheduled to attend. Patrons can also enjoy the Bavarian costume contest, inflatables, hay rides, corn hole, water balloon toss and pumpkin bowling. Admission, parking and shuttle services are free.

VALLE COUNTY FAIR

The Valle County Fair will take place on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair is a perfect way to explore mountain culture, from helpings of Brunswick stew and BBQ to entertainment from cloggers, square dancers and bluegrass groups. Exhibitors attend the event to sell handmade art, crafts, jams and jellies. Kids and adults alike can visit the alpacas, try out pumpkin bowling or get their faces painted at the fair. Admission is free and parking is $10 per car. The fair takes place across from Holy Cross Church at 122 Skiles Way in Banner Elk.

SEE FESTIVALS ON PAGE 135