Fall Festival Guide 2006

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Fall Into Fall

³'HOLFLRXV DXWXPQ 0\ YHU\ VRXO LV ZHGGHG WR LW DQG LI , ZHUH D ELUG , ZRXOG IO\ DERXW WKH HDUWK VHHNLQJ WKH VXFFHVVLYH DXWXPQV ´ a*HRUJH (OLRW The essence of Eliot’s words couldn’t be captured any better than right here in western North Carolina’s High Country where every autumn is delicious.

Whether you prefer the whimsy of worm-racing, the crisp nostalgia of a country fair or the simple serenity found in a colorful pastiche of Blue Ridge scenery, October in Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties welcomes you with something to please every taste.

Consider the Fall Festival Guide your menu to a veritable feast of autumn fun and relaxation. Since 1978, travelers and longtime residents have turned to The Mountain Times as their premier source for event planning and enjoyment in the High Country and this year is no exception.

Within these pages, you’ll find an easy-to-navigate handbook covering some of the area’s most captivating autumn events.

Our first stop will be in Banner Elk, where thousands gather once a year to witness a unique and fuzzy occasion. Pamplona, Spain may have the “Running of the Bulls,� but we offer the must less dangerous “Crawling of the Woolly Worm.�

The Woolly Worm is celebrating its 29th year and the winner of the two-day series of races acts as the official meteorologist for the winter.

Worm “trainers� competes for the glory of the title and cash prizes up to $1,000. Those not racing can sample some downhome music, tasty treats and the works of some the area’s most skilled crafters.

Homespun crafts will be the subject of our next stop at the Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis. More than 130 craft vendors will cover a hay field in the small community to celebrate and raise money for several worth local causes.

What about the fruits of the harvest? In other words, show us the food!

To quote one fair organizer: “The fragrance of Brunswick Stew, barbecue, chili and sausages and onions will be in the frosty fall air to stimulate appetites.�

Our last stop can really be anywhere in the High Country as we guide you on your way to capture the very essence of fall — the millions of vivid leaves and foliage that draw thousands to the region every year. In our Leaflookers section, you’ll find tips on where to look and what to know about our gorgeous autumn tapestry.

In addition to comprehensive event insights, you’ll also find valuable information about some of fine local businesses — each of them made this guide possible.

We hope you’ll bring along the Fall Festival Guide as a trusted companion through your autumn journey through the High Country. And like George Eliot, we hope you’ll return every year “seeking the successive autumns.�

FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE ï October 19, 2006 ï Page 3

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.” ~John Ruskin

Photo by Jason Reagan

It’s A Fun, Fuzzy Festival For All 3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

07 ),/( 3+272

%\ 6FRWW 1LFKROVRQ What’s fuzzy, fun and the focus of one of the longest-running festivals in the Southern mountains?

It’s the woolly worm, the wriggling harbinger of winter that drives thousands of fans into a frenzy each fall. The Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk is celebrating its 29th year on Oct. 21 and 22, from humble beginnings to a nationwide phenomenon to pick the fastest worm as the official meteorologist for the winter. The woolly worm is technically a larva of the tiger moth and also has

been dubbed the “woolly bear.�

The festival features a series of elimination races to narrow the field on Saturday, with worm enthusiasts sending their chosen caterpillars up the string to glory and fame. The “trainers� of the winning worm receive $1,000 and cash prizes are awarded for the winners of each heat as well.

The festival was launched in 1973 as a way for Banner Elk merchants to prolong the tourist season. That first year only 63 worms vied for top dog, with a few hundred people in attendance.

Along the way, it became featured by Willard Scott on the “Today Show� and continued to gain in prominence, sparking meteorological challenges between official prognosticators and nature’s fuzzy folklorists. Winning worms boast an 85 percent accuracy rate for their predictions, with black stripes representing cold weather and brown stripes predicting warm, mild weather. Since 1973, the festival has grown to 25,000 visitors and several hundred worms, with a number of craft vendors and a plethora of festival food choices on the menu.

Worms can be brought from home (no steroids allowed for performers, as the “worm medics� may conduct random testing) or bought at the event. Worm trainers are expected to name their competing critters, as the media needs to know which moniker to attach to the speediest creature. And the winning worm’s 13 stripes are “read,� correlating to the 13 weeks of winter.

Race entries are $5, with 20 worms racing per heat. The initial races, determined by assigned heat numbers, begin just after the festival starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The final round is usually held just after 4 p.m.

Races continue on Sunday, where the grand prize winner receives $500. Festival hours for both Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the festival (for humans, that is) is $5, and children get in for $2 if they are 6 to 12. Children under 5 get in free.

The event is held in downtown Banner Elk, and free parking is available at Lees-McRae College. Live music and performances are held on a stage in front of the Banner Elk Elementary School.

The festival is sponsored by the Avery/Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce and the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club. A portion of the proceeds go to numerous children’s charities and projects in Avery County. For more information, contact the Avery/Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at 898-5605 or visit www.averycounty.com.

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Woolly Worm Race: Official Rules And Regulations

By JoAnna Klein

Surely everyone in the area has heard about the annual Woolly Worm Festival held in Banner Elk, NC. Believe it or not, this festival has grown into an international success. Mr. Woolly Worm himself, Roy Krege, has had reports of hearing festival news on the radio in places as far away as Instanbul, Turkey! Since Jim Morton founded the festival as an official way to predict the weather in 1978, visitors have grown in numbers from 60 the first year, to over 20,000 last year. Every year, the third weekend of October is reserved for this kooky festival, and this year, it will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 21 and 22.

The highlight of the festival is the ridiculously silly, yet highly important woolly worm race. Beginning just after 10 a.m. on Saturday, the races run until 3 or 4 p.m., depending on the weather and sunshine. The winning woolly worm from the Saturday race wins a grand prize of $1000 and the honor of predicting the weather for the upcoming winter season. The winner of the Sunday race, which also begins around 10 a.m., will receive a $500 prize.

There are a few rules, as in all competitions, that must be followed during the race proceedings. First, entrants must register their worm. After paying an entry fee of $5, entrants must also name their worms. Remember to be creative. The woolly worm must be a real woolly worm. Mr. Woolly worm, the announcer, will accept no imitations. The scientific name of a woolly worm is the pyrrhactia isabella. To know if your woolly worm is not just your average caterpillar, it should have thirteen bands of brown and black, any combination of the two colors will do. Just remember one thing- everyone wants to be a woolly winner, so register your worm early. Everyone cannot be guaranteed a spot in the race.

Next each contestant is assigned a heat. Twenty-five worms compete in each heat, and the number of heats is determined by the number of contestants and the weather. At the time one’s heat is called to go, each contestant must be ready with their worm in hand. Worms must race 42 inches up a vertical string attached to cardboard on the backboard of a flatbed trailer. When Mr. Woolly Worm shouts “Go,� human contestants must not touch the worm, string or race board. People are, however, allowed to holler, whistle, or say just about anything to get their worm to move. “It’s a real frantic race,� said Krege.

The first worm to reach the top of the string is announced the winner. Former North Carolina State University and Olympic basketball player, Tommy Burleson judges the race. It is only natural that this seven foot four inch athlete do so, because he has the advantage of seeing the top of the strings.

The winner of each heat receives a $20 prize, and enters into a semifinal, where the winner will receive $100. You all know what the prize is for the finals, good ol’ Appalachian fame and fortune.

You gain the reputation, honor and prestige of having one heck of

a fast wooly worm, one fast enough to win you one thousand big ones and the gratitude of thousands of people waiting on your worm to determine their winter weather. Don’t be a woolly bully!

A veterinarian will check the winning worms for any steroids or other stimulants. Contestants who come up positive will be disqualified.

What is it about a furry little worm that can predict the weather? The secret lies in the number thirteen and the colors brown and black. There are 13 segments on the woolly worm which correspond with the 13 weeks in winter. The head of the woolly worm represents the first week of winter and the tail represents the last. The winter weather is determined on a scale from light brown, which indicates a mild winter, to dark black, which indicates severe winter weather. “We’ll challenge any official...you can’t beat nature when it comes to predicting weather,� said Krege. The judge will read each worm to come up with a forecast that is accurate 87% of the time.

Page 6 誰 FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE 誰 October 19, 2006

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

3KRWRV E\ 0DULH )UHHPDQ

TEN WAYS To Assure A Woolly Winner

By JoAnna Klein

If you enter a woolly worm into the 29th Annual Woolly Worm Festival race, you don’t want a woolly wimp or a woolly bully, you want a woolly winner. Whether you bring your own worm, or buy one on site, there are a few ways to boost your chances of picking the right worm.

1. A frisky woolly worm, is a fast woolly worm. Pick out a woolly worm that moves around a lot, and you can bet your buttons he’ll be fast on a string.

2. Keep your woolly worm moving before the race. Keep him in a container with lots of sticks and things to climb.

3. The biggest does not mean the fastest. According to race announcer, Roy Krege, a woolly worm not even an inch long was a heat winner last year.

4. Keep your caterpillar close to home. When picking a woolly worm, make sure you notice what kind of plant you find him on. Take a piece of that plant, and put it in his container.

5. Make sure your woolly worm has plenty of moisture. No one can win a race thirsty.

6. Keep your woolly worm energized with plenty of fresh greens. Try feeding him the plant you found him on, or dandelion leaves.

7. Keep your woolly worm warm. Many contestants in the past have done this by cupping the woolly worm in their hands and blowing in air to keep them heated. It’s like a worm sauna!

8. Name him something fast, fierce or lucky. If your superstitious at all, the name is quite important. Creativity is key. If you can’t think of your own name, try something like Woolly Mammoth, Woolly Mayes, Woolly Nelson or Woollywinyes.

9. Wish for sunshine. The fastest woolly worms always perform best in bright sun. If the sun is shining directly on the board, a woolly worm can race three feet in less than a minute. As the sun goes down and temperature drops, the caterpillars curl up to keep warm.

10.Age doesn’t matter. Whether you are five or 85, you can pick a quick woolly worm.

Everyone has their own strategy. Think of what you would want if you were the worm, and make it work.

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Woolly Worm Festival

By The NUMBERS %\ )UDQN 5XJJLHUR

There can be only one.

At the Woolly Worm Festival, whichever woolly worm is deemed grand champion of the woolly waces... err, races, receives the distinguished honor of predicting this winter’s weather.

Since 1978, the worms have competed in the races, and each year holds its own surprises.

Herb Isaac, chairman of the festival, expects this year’s to the best ever. “We’re ready,� he said. “Based on the (leaf) color change we’ve got started, with gas prices going down, and with the general economy in our area and with all that our local business people have done this summer, I think this year’s would be an all-time high attendance.�

Though this may be so, the festival’s beginnings were rather humble. What follows are some fuzzy — or woolly — numbers that illustrate some of the festival’s highlights.

*

26

— the number of years

*

* $1,000 — the grand prize for Saturday’s races. In addition, the winning worm predicts the weather for winter. *

$500 — the grand prize for

Sunday’s races, though the worm does not get to predict the weather *

$5

— the entry fee for each

race *

58

— the percentage of

times the winning worm is either right, or close to right, on weather predictions * 42 — the length in inches of the nylon string, or race track, on which the worms climb

in 1978 *

— the number of

annual visitors at recent festivals

the Woolly Worm Festival has been

held, having started as a small event

20,000

63

— how many worms that

“ran� in the inaugural race

*

25

— the number of worms

racing in each heat

— the number worms

* 67 — the approximate number

that inched their way through last year’s

of heats needed to determine a woolly

races.

winner

*

1,675

or 4 — the number of arts,

* 13 — the number of alternating

crafts and food vendors that participated

bands of color on the woolly worm,

in the first festival

representing 13 weeks of winter

*3

*

190

— approximately how

many vendors will attend this year’s festival.

* 1 — only one woolly worm can wear the woolly crown

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

/DXUD %ODNHO\ %DQG

First Ever Woolly st Music Fest October 21

%HQHILW &RQFHUW 7R 5DLVH 0RQH\ )RU /RFDO 9)'V %\ -HII (DVRQ The Heart Rock Amphitheatre in Banner Elk is preparing for the biggest event in its short history. The luxury venue, located three miles south of downtown Banner Elk, will host a benefit concert in conjunction with the 29th Annual Woolly Worm Festival on Saturday, October 21st from noon to 9 p.m.

The first Woolly Music Fest at Heart Rock Amphitheatre will feature the John Cowan Band, the Lonesome River Band, Laura Blackley and the Love Handles, Lance Mills and the Hillbilly Angels, The Carburetors and several local musical acts.

Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.

Proceeds from the event will help raise funds for a new fire engine for the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire Department. Funds from the event will also be used to continue a scholarship established in the name of four firefighters who lost -RKQ &RZDQ their lives in a boating accident off the southern coast of North Carolina earlier this year, and to raise money for the Beech Mountain and Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as several other local charities.

According to Ashley Turchin, an organizer for the Woolly Music Fest and other Heart Rock Amphitheatre events, the new venue held its first concert on July 1, 2006. The amphitheatre seats approximately 1,500 people and features both open and sheltered seating. “There is a covered pavilion with dueling smokers, bar, food service area, restrooms, tables and fireplace,� said Turchin. “There is also a Cliff Edge Library where you can also see the stage and hear the performers.�

Turchin stated that the four annual events are planned for the new venue: An annual “Red, White and Blue Celebration� on the 4th of July, an August show, a Labor Day Concert and the Woolly Music Fest. “In addition to the big shows, every Saturday during the summer we have a barbecue with local bands playing,� said Turchin.

The Music Lineup

The John Cowan Band has been a favorite of MerleFest in Wilkesboro since the early days of the festival. Cowan himself was the lead vocalist and bassist of the innovative band New Grass Revival, along with Sam Bush and Bela Fleck.

The current lineup of the John Cowan Band features guitarist Jeff Autry, mandolin player Wayne Benson, fiddler Shad Cobb, and banjo player Noam Pikelny. They play a mixture of new compositions and favorites from Cowan’s

vast repertoire. “For me it’s coming back to something I know really well,� said Cowan. “It’s been a coming home of sorts. We’ve had this lineup of the band for over a year now and the response from the crowds has been overwhelming.�

One of the reasons for that response is that the JCB is first acoustic outfit to fill the void left by the breakup of New Grass Revival. “It’s pretty darned difficult what we were up to back then,� said Cowan of his former group. “We weren’t really playing bluegrass. We were playing contemporary music on traditional instruments. Our vision was to take acoustic music somewhere new. This incarnation of my band is the first time since New Grass that I’ve felt we could get back to that special place and make magic happen.�

The band’s latest album, 1HZ 7DWWRR, was produced by Jay Joyce and has enjoyed strong radio play since it was released in June. The JCB also recently contributed a track to the new bluegrass tribute to Van Halen called 6WUXPPLQœ ZLWK WKH 'HYLO. For the past 15 years the Lonesome River Band has been one of the most popular and influential acts on the bluegrass festival circuit.

The original lineup featured Sammy Shelor, Dan Tyminski (now with Alison Krauss & Union Station), Ronnie Bowman and Tim Austin. After many personnel changes and IBMA awards, the current lineup includes Shelor, Barry Berrier, Shannon Slaughter and Jeff Parker. Although the quartet has only been together since the beginning of 2006, it retains many of the essential ingredients

&217,18(' 21 1(;7 P$*(

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Woolly Music Fest C217,18(' F520 3AGE

of the original combo. “These guys have the same muscular sort of rhythm we had back then, and our trio singing is just as strong,� said Shelor. “Like the early days, we fit together well from the start, and each player quickly finds what needs to be played on every song.�

The Laura Blackley Band has been cranking out bluesy rock for the better part of the last decade. This western North Carolina act’s latest album, /LTXLG &RXUDJH, has been described as “like a rock tumbled by a cool Appalachian stream, honed smooth, but with enough rough edges to give it character.� “This record is based on the songs, stories, and way of life of the people I grew up with in the rural Northern Neck Peninsula of eastern Virginia—with a few sketches of folks I’ve met since I left home,� said Blackley. Citing writing influences as disparate as Barbara Kingsolver and Hank Williams, Blackley has become a storytelling songwriter with a unique and strong voice.

The Carburetors formed in early 2002 and the quartet features Jay Goree, Mark Warwick, Bill Munoz and Duke Domingue. The band blends

7KH /RQHVRPH 5LYHU %DQG

western swing, rockabilly, Latin rhythms and sweet three-part harmony singing. The band started out playing in clubs around their Asheville home but has now widened their circle of touring to include the entire Southeast. The Carburetors recently released their debut album, 7HOO 0\ 0DPD , :DV +HUH, on the Chicken Fried Music Label.

Lance Mills and the Hillbilly Angels is a new western North Carolina band featuring former members of the bands the Greasy Beans, High Windy and the Emma Gibbs Band.

Woolly Music Fest

The Woolly Music Fest is part of a series of weekly barbecues John and Susan Turchin have been hosting at The Lodges of Eagles Nest every Saturday throughout the summer. The festival is open to the public and folks are encouraged to “bring family and friends to explore the charming town of Banner Elk, attend the 29th Annual Woolly Worm Festival, and to enjoy the majestic beauty of The Lodges at Eagles Nest where the mountains will come alive with live music, featured artists, and lots of fall surprises and fun.�

For more information, visit www.eaglesnestbe.com, or call (828) 898-8645 ext. 245.

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

3KRWR E\ 0DULH )UHHPDQ

The Weather Wisdom Of The Woolly Worm

%\ &DUROLQH 0RQGD\

Before the simple press of a button or click of a mouse was all you needed to obtain the latest weather forecast for the next ten days people found other ways to predict the weather. If the groundhog saw its shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. If cows lay on the ground it will snow. Rather than watching cows or consulting with a groundhog, we here in the High Country turn to the woolly worm.

As the legend goes, Native Americans were the first to recognize the weather wisdom of these fuzzy insects, though I doubt their predictions where as spectacular as the Woolly Worm Festival held in Banner Elk every year. But, the basic belief remains the same.

The woolly worm, known scientifically as Isabella Tiger moth larvae, has a body made up of thirteen segments, or stripes.

Each segment represents one of the thirteen weeks of winter. The head of the worm is the first week and the tail is the thirteenth.

You can determine the by studying the colors of each segment. If that segment is black, it will snow. If it is a rich chocolate brown, there will be no snow but the weather

will be bitterly cold. If the strip is a lighter shade of brown, that portion of the winter will have what is known as “normal mountain weather.� The weather will be cold but not bitterly so, and not cold enough to snow during the day.

This form of weather forecasting, however, has one problem. During the fall there are lots of different woolly worms, each with different coloring. How would one know which worm to believe?

The merchants of Banner Elk figured out that one in 1973 when they met to discuss forming a merchants’ association. During that meeting they came up with a solution that would put the matter of conflicting woolly worm predictions to rest and help the economy of Banner Elk. They agreed that only the strongest — or rather, the fastest – worm should be trusted to predict that winters weather. They would race the worms annually. And thus the Woolly Worm Festival came to be.

Of course, scientists have challenged the ability of woolly worms to predict the weather, but the 20,000 people who attended the festival last year know who to believe.

Woolly Worm Woad Wace

The Woolly Worm Woad Wace is a 10K footrace that takes place on the Friday afternoon before the Woolly Worm Festival (always the third weekend in October). The beautiful mountain course takes runners through in a park-like setting at the peak of the autumn foliage season in Banner Elk. Traveling across both paved and graveled roads, the route includes a short mountain trail.

All 10K participants receive the official race t-shirt, and access to post race refreshment area. Prizes are awarded to top male and female runner and to the top three finishers in each division. Championship

Timing ensures everyone receives an accurate time (awards are based on gun time).

The 2006 Woolly Worm Woad Wace happens Friday, October 20 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The race begins and ends at the LeesMcRae College track in Banner Elk. The entry fee is $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the race. (Entry fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.) Race-day registration begins at 1:30 p.m. at the Lees-McRae track.

The Woolly Worm Woad Wace is sponsored by the Avery Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. For more information call 828-898-5605.

FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE • October 19, 2006 • Page 13

Roy Krege . . . “Mr. Woolly Worm” . . .A Man For All Seasons

By Sherrie Norris

This is one of the most exciting times of the year for Roy Krege, Banner Elkís own ìMr. Woolly Worm,î who has been involved with the Woolly Worm Festival since its onset, nearly three decades ago.

Few people have been able to surpass Royís elation over the furry, crawling creature, but itís not just the woolly worm itself that excites Roy, itís the community spirit that is involved . . . before, during and after the festival.

Having received such titles as Mr. Woolly Worm and The Woolly Worm King, Krege considers it a great honor to be associated with such an event that has attracted both national and international attention, but one that, in turn, helps folks on the local level, as well.

What began as a small-town gathering of approximately 50 people has escalated to a festival attracting 15,000-20,000 people from all over the country; thousands of people who patronize local businesses while here: motels, gas stations, restaurants and area tourist attractions, to name a few. (Not to mention young children who bring their wagons loaded with Woolly Worms and sell them for $1 a piece!)

During the festivalís first year, Krege did little more ìexcept attend,î however, from that point on, it would be difficult to list all the things he has done to assist with the growth and success of the event.

Sources tell us that it was Roy Krege who suggested ìpromotingî the festival and was willing to ìannounce the races,î putting his own brand of excitement and ìanimationî into it. He borrowed a sound system from Lees McRae College, developed his own style and ìpersonalizedî the Woolly Worm Races, which

has become the central focus of the two-day festival.

Krege remembers when the festival originated in the college parking lot, then moved inside the gym, later to the Banner Elk Elementary School Gym and with continued growth, to the outside of the school, where even yet, things get a bit crowded, but manageable. ìWe have discussed moving it, but any other site in town would not be as centralized. The current site draws the crowd and once in Banner Elk, thereís no way around it, except through it,î Krege concurs.

The popularity of the Woolly Worm Festival has gone way beyond the expectations of its promoters, having been featured on The Today Show, Paul Harvey, and now gracing the pages of the world-famous Farmerís Almanac .In 1993, The Kiwanis International Magazine featured the festival on its front page, in addition to a four-page centerfold lay-out.

In years past, a syndicated show from Los Angeles, featuring ìthe unusualî, learned of the festival through Bristolís WCYB and featured the festival.

As Master of Ceremonies for the 29th Annual Woolly Worm Festival, Krege will again expect at least 1,200 worms to be racing come Saturday. There are usually 50-plus heats (another name for races), with 25 worms in each heat; and semi-finals after every 8th heat. The grand-prize winner will have raced in at least three major heats before itís over. Krege describes, ìThough exhausted from its efforts, the winningest woolly worm will then be read by the Woolly Worm committee, continuing the long tradition of Banner

SEE ROY KREGE ON NEXT PAGE

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Roy Krege . . . “Mr. Woolly Worm� . . .A Man For All Seasons C217,18(' )520 P5(9,286 P$*(

Elk’s beloved late mayor Charles VonCanon. The worm will forecast the coming winter weather, as the committee reads the 13 body segments of the woolly worm,� (representing as many weeks of winter); the darker lines “telling the tale� as to the severity of winter weather in store for the High Country.

Krege notes that a group of medical professionals from Florida (real doctors and nurses!) have scheduled their vacations for the past several years for the third week in October, setting up a “Woolly Worm Hospital� on festival grounds, complete with crutches, beds, an ambulance, and operating room, all miniaturized for the furry little creatures who may need medical assistance during the strenuous event. “The docs also check the racomg worms to make sure they are free of illegal steroids and stimulants . . .We gotta be fair,� states Krege with a smile.

Krege is often joined by Avery County’s 7’4� celebrity, Tommy Burleson, who has served as the official “Race Master� for several years, “and awfully handy when a stubborn worm refuses to come down off the high wire.� Many other volunteers will assist with the races and announcing.

A 38-year resident of Banner Elk, Krege has helped make the Woolly Worm Festival what it is today . . .from the early days when its creator, Jim Morton was just getting it off the ground (no pun intended) Mr. Woolly Worm himself is to be commended for his tireless efforts. An incredible individual whose life is centered around “service,� to his church, community, numerous organizations and individuals, Krege believes, “If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, you must learn to be the servant of all.�

Since childhood, Roy has had a personal mission to serve. The Buffalo, New York native was just a toddler when his parents, two brothers and a sister moved to Florida. In his high school newspaper, Roy was described as one of the hardest working members of his senior class. He recalls his favorite “pastime� was simply searching for ways to help others. His winning personality and giving spirit were attributed to such honors as Prom King, receiving his senior

class superlative title of “Most Friendly,� in addition to being recognized for “Outstanding Contributions to the Senior Class.�

Becoming a Christian at a young age was instrumental in the path he chose as a public servant. A fellow church member once said of Roy, “I have never met any one gentleman in my life who has the desire to live and do for others, and not for himself, as Roy Krege.�

Following high school, Krege received his BS in Elementary Education from CarsonNewman College, and soon afterward, he, his wife Marion and their first child, Kim, moved to Banner Elk, where he began “a long and illustrious career,� wearing many hats during his 26 years at Lees McRae College,� Simultaneously, his family grew to include son DeWayne and daughter Michelle, while he made advancements in his personal education, taking a sabbatical from Lees McRae in the early ‘70’s to obtain his MA in Administration and Supervision of Higher Education from Tennessee Technological University, in addition to completion of studies at the College Business Institute of the University of Kentucky.

The “rest,� as the saying goes, is history.

Following retirement from Lees McRae College, Krege moved on to Grandfather Home for Children, and Grandfather Academy, retiring “again� two years ago. However, those who know him realize the words “Roy� and “retirement� just do not go together. As parents today of three adult children and grandparents of six, Roy and his lovely wife, Marion, reside on the outskirts of town, in a fascinating log home, featured in Country Magazine.

Whether he’s wearing the hat of Mr. Woolly Worm, the local auctioneer, Santa Claus or working behind the scenes at local fund-raisers for the numerous civic organizations to which he belongs, he is a friend to all. He has been named Avery County’s Man of the Year, Kiwanian of the Year, Outstanding Young Man of America and has received other accolades too numerous to mention. Known far and wide for his smile and unselfish giving, Roy Krege, a man for all seasons, Mr. Wooly Worm himself . . . is ready for action one more time, in one of his favorite roles.

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Woolly Worm Predictions: What The Record Shows &RPSLOHG E\ 0RXQWDLQ 7LPHV 6WDII

Just how good are woolly worms at predicting weather?

Woolly worms have 13 bands, each, potentially, of a different color. These correspond to the 13 weeks of winter, from December to March. The darker a band, the colder and snowier the weather.

It is as simple as that. Here are some of the most accurate predictions from those woolly prognosticators. Weather figures are those reported at the mile-high U.S. Weather Service Reporting Station on Grandfather Mountain. Note that the forecasts cover the season that follows, so that “1978� covers the winter of 1978-79.

1978 ~ Brown Sugar ~ Prediction: Only a very brief description of the prediction survives, simply “A mild winter.�

The average mean temperature for winter was 33.1 degrees, slightly above normal (which is 32.4). There was, however, 65.5 inches of snow, 9.3 inches above average.

1980 ~ Feets ~ Prediction: Bad weather at the start and end of winter with mild conditions in late January and early February.

What happened: December had fairly mild temperatures, but there was 5.5 inches of snow. March was colder than normal, with 33.5 inches of snow. The prediction for milder weather in January and February proved true, with below normal snowfall.

1981 ~ Fido ~Prediction: Early, cold winter with a mild spell in February. What happened: On target. The snow started in November (with eight inches), then a record 29.5 inches of snow fell in December. That was about what fell the rest of the winter.

February temperatures were 4.4 degrees above normal.

1983 ~ Blinky ~ Prediction: Cold and snowy during the first four weeks of winter, warm conditions in February with more snow but less severe conditions. The winter will end with a bad snowstorm. What happened: The first four weeks of winter were not much for snow, but cold - and how! Record cold was reported on Dec. 24 through 26 and 30 and 31, with bitter cold the rest of the end of December. February was above average in temperature, with almost all the snow (23 inches) of the winter. There were substantial snows in March.

1985 ~ Flash ~ Prediction: Cold, snowy winter. A mild spell starting in February and continuing to mid-March, followed by a rough cold snap at the end of the season. What happened: There was 49.5 inches of snow. February and March were milder, and there was a cold snap at the end of season: a record of 8 degrees was set on March 22.

1986 ~ Ghost ~ Prediction: Cold and snowy weather, particularly during the first month and the last three weeks of the season. What happened: The snow was there, with 85.5 inches falling. That included a blizzard in the first days of April. Heavy snow in early January.

1987 ~ Pretty Cougar ~ Prediction: Colder than normal temperatures during the first five weeks of winter. A short lull, followed by two major snow storms. What happened: January was colder than normal, while February was warmer. There were several late snow storms.

1989 ~ Hugo ~ Prediction: The first week of winter will be colder than normal, followed by a week of normal conditions. The next three weeks will be colder, followed by six weeks of normal conditions. What happened: There was only 33 inches of snow, the least since 1975-76. Temperatures for the season were at or above normal.

1992 ~ Santa’s Helper ~ Prediction: Four weeks of below normal temperatures, followed by three weeks of normal winter weather. Warmer temperatures in the eighth week of winter, then three weeks of average conditions. The last two weeks will have the worst weather of the winter. What happened: They call it the Blizzard of ’93 - and it happened when the woolly worm predicted.

Temperatures were colder in December than normal, then warmed up in January. February temperatures were just below average.

1995 ~ Casey ~ Prediction: Below normal cold and snow for the first five weeks. Normal conditions for five weeks, with three weeks of snow and below normal temperatures to end the season.

What happened: Another woolly winner. The heaviest snow on record was reported, with 116 inches spread over a whole, long season.

1998 ~ Staley’ s Comet ~ Prediction: The first week will be cold and snowy, with below normal temperatures during the second week. Weeks three and four will be cold and snowy, with normal to above normal temperatures for weeks five to 10. Weeks 11 to 13 to be cold and snowy. What happened: The worm did a good job of prediction this time. The winter began cold and snowy, followed by a cold snap in the second week. A warm-up followed, however, contrary to the worm’s forecast. Then, however, the critter got back on track, calling the continued mildness – and the fierce return of winter in week 10 of the season. A unique blend of black and brown stripes at the end was borne out in a series of snow and rain storms.

Page 16 • FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE • October 19, 2006

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” ~George Santayana

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Step Into The Past At The Valle Country Fair

The colors, flavors, sights and sounds of harvest season in the Blue Ridge Mountains all come together at the Valle Country Fair in scenic Valle Crucis, North Carolina, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on October 21st. Started as a fundraiser for a little country church, it has grown into an annual happening that attracts thousands and raised more than $35,000 for High Country charities in 2005.

Always held on the third Saturday in October, the Valle Country Fair takes over a large hay field on the grounds of the Valle Crucis Conference Center on NC Highway 194 Admission is free and parking is available in the adjoining field for $5 per car.

The tents of 135 craft vendors line wide lanes that meander back and forth between a picturesque red barn and a cultivated field. Bales of hay are stacked in the intersections of these alleys to offer fairgoers a spot to sit as they ponder which craft booths to visit next.

Craft vendors submit to a jury process that is designed to bring together the highest quality handmade crafts available, and to insure fairgoers that there will be a wide variety of unique products to choose between. And as a show of support, vendors participating in the event donate at least ten percent of their earnings back to the charitable work of the Fair.

Two stages are set up to provide entertainment throughout the day. The stage located near the dining tent features musical performers. A second stage located among the crafts booths features cloggers, magicians and more.

Food is central to any celebration of the harvest season, and the members of the Church of the Holy Cross cook for days to be certain that there will be lots of flavor for their guests to enjoy.

The fragrance of Brunswick Stew, barbecue, chili and sausages and onions will be in the frosty fall air to stimulate appetites and tables and chairs will be available under a large tent next to the music stage to give guests a comfortable and entertaining place to chow down on all the home cooking.

Other home-made goodies available at the Fair include homebaked breads and cakes, jams and jellies, fresh-pressed apple cider, and hot-out-of-the kettle apple butter. Concessions operated by the church return 100 percent of their earnings to Fair charities.

The 2006 Valle Country Fair grant recipients are ACADA, OASIS, the Hunger Coalition, Watauga Child Service Coordination Program, Volunteer Avery County & Community Service, Watauga Humane Society, Sugar Grove Developmental Day School, Parent to Parent Family Support Network, Watauga County Red Cross and Lees-McRae College New Opportunity School for Women.

All remaining profits are distributed to individuals and families in crisis by the outreach committee at the Church of the Holy Cross.

To help fair goers avoid traffic congestion on NC 105, fair sponsors are encouraging guest to take the “scenic� routes to the Fair. Signs will be out along the alternate routes and detailed, printable directions are available on the Fair website. For more information, visit the Fair on the Web at www.vallecountryfair.org.

A toy pop-gun purchased at the 2004 Valle Country Fair keeps Jack Thomas of Blowing Rock occupied while his mother shops.

Maynard Hamblin stirs a pot of apple butter while Bob Moore is on hand to lend his advice at the Valle Country Fair in 2005.

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Valle Country Fair

28th Annual

Food • Crafts • Music

Saturday, October 21 • 9 am to 4 pm Hwy 194, Valle Crucis Free Admission • $5 Parking 2006 VALLE COUNTRY FAIR VENDORS 1. Frank Young - Photography 2. Elizabeth McAfee - Acrylic paintings 3. Kathy Whitley - Pottery 4. Max Whitley - Leather items 5. Kelly Frazier - Baby blankets, lotions, jewelry 6. Ken Curtiss - Handblown glass 7. Pebbles Bryson - Pottery 8. Carole & Townsend Macfie - Fabric children’s toys 9. Barbara Cook - Jewelry 10. Rick Murray - Woodturning 11. Joyce Albrecht - Gourd bowls, birdhouses 12. Susan Crouch - Watercolors 13. Erika Holtzclaw - Jewelry 14. Susan Hayden - Garden sculptures 15. Robin & Daniel Cater - Pottery 16. Jane Dicus - Dried flowers/herbs/books 17. Joan Webber - Dolls, animals, knitting 18. Alan & Allison White - Pottery 19. Jerry Jones - Wooden toys 20. Barbara Greenberg - Wooden toys, games, etc.

21. Melissa Shepard - Baskets, gourds 22. Sherry Scull - Wreaths, leaf castings, walking sticks 23. Kay Tuttle - Handwoven scarves, hats, jackets 24. Robyn Wilmann - Jewelry & tree chimes 25. Tara Belk - Pottery 26. Debbie Clineff - Clay Christmas ornaments, jewelry 27. Floyd & Patsy Townsend - Art prints and frames 28. Chris Scarborough - Woodcrafts & artwork 29. Ron & Linda Bledsoe- Rugs, gourds, pinecone crafts 30. Susan Musilli - Dried Flowers 31. Marsha McManus - Aluminum sculptured flowers 32. Zoe Nelson - Jewelry 33. Brenda Schramm - Pottery 34. Debi Dwyer - Stained glass 35. Donald Haywood - Jewelry 36. Melissa Grady - Watercolors, gift baskets 37. Ron Fesperman - Lathe turned woodcrafts 38. Paul Ray - Pottery 39. Tom Payne - Color landscape photographs 40. George Nelon - Jewelry 41. New River Quilts - Quilts 42. Chris Behre - Woodcrafts – boxes, games 43. Fran VonCannon - Baskets 44. Barbro Bengtson - Jewelry 45. Fredrick Marshall - Oil paintings 46. Robin Beckett - Pottery 47. Johnny Olive - Woodcrafts – trays, chairs, tables 48. Sylvia Forward - Photography 49. Dianne Radford - Stained glass 50. Barbara Sox - Baskets 51. Cindy Pacileo - Whimsical clay sculptures 52. Debbie Ordan - Jewelry 53. Leslie Wright - Handwoven women’s clothing 54. Chrissie Callejas - Pottery 55. Gail & Roger Marcengill - Handforged iron & copper 56. Mike Calhoun - Pottery 57. Roger & Sherry Ellis - Furniture, folkart 58. Jenny Nash - Jewelry 59. Glenn Gottfried - Furniture 60. Nessa Warner & Melanie Atkins - Handwoven clothing 61. Melanie Spicher - Jewelry 62. Tim Frain - Pottery 63. Carolyn Glazener - Handwoven scarves, hats 64. Cathy Walling - Pottery 65. David Smith - Adirondack chairs 66. Jerry Southers - Woodcrafts, rocking horses, etc.

67. High Country Conservancy - Pottery 68. Dave Radel - Chainsaw bears 69. Noyes & Suzie Long - Original art 70. Les Smith - Handcarved walking sticks 71. Jody Temple - Pottery 72. Joyce Outlaw - Birdhouses 73. Ralph & Jan Miller - Woodcrafts & photography 74. Lee Heminger - Pottery 75. Kenny Glenn - Watercolors 76. Shelly & Bud Swann - Copper & steel sculpture 77. David Mezynski - pottery, woodcraft 78. Charles Tedder - Wooden boxes, chests

79. Patricia Sims - Counted cross stitch items 80. Thomas Whitson - Wooden lazy susans, cutting boards 81. John Dean - Wooden birdhouses, feeders, etc.

82. Gena Van Dyke - Pottery 83. Bruce Rosen - Furniture 84. Betsy Brey - Soap 85. Courtney Tomchik - Raku clayworks 86. Robert Bondi - Canoes 87. Walter Panek - Woodturnings 88. High Country Writers - Books by local authors 89. Parkway Publishers - Local & regional books 90. Wendy Riley - Children’s personalized music 91. Ron Dowdy - Woodcarving 92. Joseph Bua - Woodcarving 93. Bill Abernathy - Woodcarving 94. Cale Williams - Pottery 95. Bebby Weigand - Handwovens 96. Pam Watkins - Baskets 97. Audrey Young - Acrylic paintings 98. Jean McCamy - Stoneware mosaics, music boxes 99. Linda Hamilton - Whimsical metal designs 100. David & Lena McFalls - Handmade knives, soap, candles 101. Jim Lakiotes - Wooden stools, spoons, boxes 102. Drew & Amy Aycock - Photography 103. Patrick & Maria Stegall - Jewelry 104. Ray & Sophia Munger - Ceramic tile birdhouses 105. Women Helping Other Women - Holiday cakes 106. Diane & John Baker - Pressed florals-in glass, pictures, jewelry 107. Patti Carmen - Pottery 108. Lee K.Varner - Beaded bracelets & serving pieces 109. Bob & Bette Whitley - Baskets, Santas, angels 110. Mtn. Laurel Quilt Guild - Quilts 111. Jackie Ford - Beaded jewelry 112. Janet Warner - Etchings 113. Cindy Trisler - Pottery 114. Buck Thornton - Decoys made from golf clubs 115. Sylvia Day - Watercolors 116. Frank Freer - Woodcarving 117. Donald McHugh - Woodcarving 118. Eugene Parham - Woodcarving 119. Willie Houch - Wooden Bowls, birdhouses, etc.

120. Rita Steidle - Braided rugs 121. Maggie Black - Pottery 122. Robert Banzhaf - Caning & chairs 123. Bob Litchfield - Wooden toys 124. Boone Lions Club - Brooms, etc.

125. Jeffery Thomas - Herbal products 126. Jimmy Savely - Pottery w/ plant impressions 127. John & Terrie Travers - Folk art; wood & glass 128. Ruth Ann Hollar - Baskets 129. Cynthia Walker - Photography 130. Christine Carlin - Fabric bears, angels, dolls, etc.

131. Scott Deming - Wooden shelves, mirrors, tables 132. Mary Curtin - Stoneware Baskets 133. Paul & Mary Reavis - Caning, stools, baskets 134. Sukey Pratt - Stoneware garden ladies 135. David Bowers - Wooden bowls, pens, lamps 136. Patsy Bossenberry - Fabric Santas, dolls, scarves 137. Janet Arnold - Baskets 138. Alice Peters - Homemade fudge

5RQ %URZQ SOD\V WKH EDQMR ZLWK WKH ³7KURZQ WRJHWKHU %DQG´ DW WKH 9DOOH &RXQWU\ )DLU

FOOD (in addition to Holy Cross Church food booths): Jon Bost - Apples Don Cox - Coffees , Espresso Beverages Cub Scout Pack 123 - Popcorn, foilpacks of chicken or beef w/ vegetables cooked over coals Wayne & Peggy Hawn - Funnel cakes, cotton candy, lemonade, etc.

Dean Hines, Holy Smoke - Turkey legs, beef brisket sandwiches, etc.

Jonas Ridge VFD - Ham & sausage biscuits, hamburgers, French fries Kevin Jones - Kettle corn, drinks Stick Boy Bread Co. - Carrot cake, pumpkin bread Robert Townsend - Fresh roasted corn Valle Crucis Community Park - Beans & rice, hot dogs Valle Crucis Elementary School - Applesauce, water, T-shirts

Sponsored by the Church of the Holy Cross A Litter Free Event Please, No Pets

0DUJDUHW %HFNPDQ VWLUUHG D SRW RI JROGHQ %UXQVZLFN 6WHZ IRU WKH OXQFK FURZG DW 9DOOH &RXQWU\ )DLU LQ

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Valle Country Fair Is “People Helping People In Need�

Holy Cross Episcopal Church hosts the Valle Country Fair to raise funds that are invested back into the community to help provide services for people in need. All of the proceeds from the food concessions operated by church members go to Fair charities. Craft vendors and others with booths at the Fair are asked to “tithe� their proceeds, to give back ten percent of what they make at the Fair, to be used for church charities.

Last year the Fair raised $35,000, all of which was plowed back into the community through grants to eight human service agencies in Watauga and Avery Counties and through emergency assistance to individuals and families in need during the year.

The 2006 grant recipients are OASIS, ACADA, the Red Cross of Watauga County, Sugar Grove Developmental Day School, Child Service Coordination Program of Watauga County, the Hunger Coalition, Volunteer Avery County & Community Service, Hospitality House, LeesMcRae College New Opportunity School for Women, Watauga Humane Society and Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country.

What these organizations plan to do with their grants will touch lives at very deep levels and will impact a significant percentage of the households in the High Country. The projects being funded range from a program that provides nutritious food for kindergarten-age children to a program that helps empower middle-aged women of the Appalachians to improve their social and economic circumstances.

The mission of the Hunger Coalition is to relieve poverty and hunger in a compassionate manner for families and individuals who are experiencing immediate but temporary economic hardship and food shortages. Fair funds will be used to purchase nutritious foods appropriate for children to be distributed through the Head Start Outreach Program and the Pantry Program of the Food Assistance Services.

The Parent to Parent Family Support Network of the High Country is dedicated to providing support to families of children with special needs. Funds are expected to help with basic operating expenses and continue with programs such as Early Intervention, Mental Health, public schools, informational brochures, and others.

The Child Service Coordination Program of Watauga County serves children birth to three who are at risk for developmental delays or social/ emotional disorders and children birth to five who have been diagnosed with developmental delay or disability, chronic illness, or social/emotional disorder. Many of the families visited have incomes that are below the poverty level and many have minimal education. The Fair grant will be used to purchase developmental toys and books to encourage parent/child interaction and appropriate stimulation and/or developmental activities, as well as safety items for families who need but are unlikely to purchase them.

The mission of the Sugar Grove Developmental Day School is to provide quality daycare to meet the needs of families of western Watauga County and surrounding areas. Funds will be used to replace the windows in the classrooms to provide improved safety and better climate control.

ACADA (Avery Citizens Against Domestic Abuse) is an organization of concerned citizens committed to breaking the cycle of violence, abuse and sexual assault through education, advocacy, and housing assistance. The Fair grant will be used to expand ACADA’s educational component by having materials translated into Spanish, distributing materials through elementary schools, and adding billboards to the organization’s communication program. It is hoped that these strategies will help ACADA reach more Hispanic victims and that the billboards will encourage more individuals to seek service.

OASIS Inc. (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information, and Shelter) is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga County. OASIS works toward this mission by providing comprehensive emergency services, transitional support, and a safe environment for survivors. It also provides education and skill development and works to create a community that supports survivors through advocacy and education. The Fair funds will support fall volunteer training and the SART (Sexual Assault Response Team).

The mission of Volunteer Avery County & Community Service is to recruit and match volunteers with service opportunities, focusing on the needy, assisting agencies and organizations by utilizing volunteer services and by responding to unmet community needs. These funds will be used for basic necessities, to help a child attend a special school or camp, or to help in getting a person to his or her job.

Funds awarded to the Watauga County Chapter of the Red Cross will be used to support the establishment of the largest shelter for disaster relief operations in Watauga County. This shelter, to be set up at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, will be fully equipped and staffed to handle any disaster relief operation required for the residents of Watauga County.

The Watauga Humane Society shelters, feeds and provides medical care for homeless animals while they await permanent homes. The Fair grant will help fund the KIND News Project which targets 12 elementary school classes and aims to increase school children’s understanding of pet care, teach kindness and humane treatment of animals, and promote respect for wildlife and the environment.

The mission of the New Opportunity School for Women at Lees-McRae College is to improve the educational, financial, and personal circumstances of low-income women – usually between the ages of 30-55 – who live in or hail from the Southern Appalachian region.

At no cost to the participants, a selected group of women engage in a self-esteem boosting curriculum over a three-week residential program at the college. The women explore career options, educational goals, and broaden their horizons through field trips to museums and cultural events.

Graduates go on to pursue college or find meaningful jobs. Funds will be used to help pay for the purchase of text books for the participants.

Guests who attend the Valle Country Fair in 2006 should feel warm inside about spending freely on food, crafts and gifts, knowing that they are a part of this community of “people helping people in need.�

Affectionately known as the Valle Country Fair’s “Jelly Lady,� Dee Dee Traver displayed a jar of her popular “Pittsburg relish� during the 2004 fair. She has worked each fair for the past 25 years.

Local artist and member of Holy Cross Church Noyes Capehart, spoke with customers about one of his paintings during the 2005 Valle Country Fair.

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Back Roads Lead To More Scenery, Fewer Traffic Hassles

The trick to making a visit to the Valle Country Fair a memorable seasonal ramble rather than an annoying autumn gridlock lies in taking the scenic route.

The back roads between Boone and Valle Crucis wind past farmhouses, barns, cultivated fields and pastures filled with livestock before passing in front of one of the High Country’s most historic landmarks, the original Mast General Store.

One out-of-the-way way to get from Linville to Valle Crucis crosses the ridge from Foscoe via Clark’s Creek Road.

Winding through a multicolored woodland as it climbs, the lane opens onto rolling meadows as it crests the ridge. In addition to showcasing the dazzling flush of fall, this not-so-beaten-path winds past half-a-dozen quintessential mountain churches.

And perhaps the most scenic “scenic� route leading into Valle Crucis starts in Banner Elk. Although the ride is down hill, the driving excitement escalates through a twisting succession of pastoral places.

Some curves open onto postcard-perfect farm scenes while others overlook the ethereal expanse of the Valle of the Cross.

So make the most of the leaf-looking

season by traveling the back roads to the Valle Country Fair. There you can start your Christmas shopping, savor Brunswick Stew with a side of bluegrass, and set aside a few jars of apple butter to remember autumn’s spice on the long cold nights to come.

The Scenic Route From Boone

From the intersection of NC 105 and US 321 at Wendy’s, travel 2 miles south on NC 105 to the third stoplight (immediately past the Exxon station). Turn RIGHT on the NC 105 Bypass (signs read “Trucks to US 421/321 North�). Go 1.8 miles to the stoplight. Turn LEFT toward Mountain City on NC 194 South.

Travel 2.9 miles to where NC 194 takes a 90-degree LEFT hand turn toward Valle Crucis across from the Vilas Grocery & Hardware. Travel 3.6 miles on NC 194 into Valle Crucis.

At 3.6 miles, NC 194 will take a 90degree turn to the RIGHT at the Valle Crucis Elementary School (just past the original Mast General Store). Turn right and travel one mile on NC 194 to the fair entrance.

Turn LEFT into the fair, where parking attendants will assist you.

The Scenic Route From Linville

Take NC 105 9.1 miles north to Foscoe. Turn LEFT on Clark’s Creek Road across from Staffordshire Antiques.

Drive 2.3 miles on Clark’s Creek until you reach the stop sign just past the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Turn RIGHT and travel 1.4 miles to NC 194.

Turn LEFT on NC 194 and drive 0.4 miles to the Fair entrance. Turn LEFT into the Fair, where parking attendants will assist you.

The Scenic Route From Banner Elk

Head North from the Banner Elk stoplight on NC 194 for 6.2 miles and you’ll wind you way through Matney to Valle Crucis.

As you near the valley floor, you’ll pass a stone church with a red door on your left. This is Holy Cross Episcopal Church, sponsors of the Valle Country Fair.

Continue on NC 194 around the curve below the church and you will see the Fair spread out across a huge field to your right.

Turn RIGHT into the fair, where parking attendants will assist you.

FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE • October 19, 2006• Page 21

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”

~Albert Camus

~Elizabeth Lawrence

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

3KRWR E\ 5RE 0RRUH

Conditions Are Prime For Color Delights

%\ 6FRWW 1LFKROVRQ

This year’s autumn color show should be one of the best of the past decade, according to a local biologist.

Dr. Gary Walker, a professor of biology at Appalachian State University, said conditions are primed for primary color delights over the coming weeks, barring a major storm. Walker, whose leaf predictions are used by various regional media sources, said it should be the best color display of recent years, with gradual color change that should result in a “peak week� coinciding with the area’s top fall festivals on the weekend of Oct. 21.

Walker said a nice spring that ended wet, along with precipitation continuing into early summer, set the stage for optimal ocular conditions. The summer was mild, followed by an early cold snap which Walker said trapped the sugars in the leaves. Cool nights and warm, clear days allow the sun to break down the chlorophyll, revealing the fall colors, which in most cases are already present in the leaves and are revealed as the green fades. “I think the freeze Saturday and Sunday will cinch it,� Walker said. “We should see rapid color change after that.�

Walker said the color change in the higher elevations should creep down the slopes to

3KRWR E\ 0DULH )UHHPDQ

Boone’s altitude of about 3,300 feet. He predicted the color show will continue into the last week of October, barring the hurricanes or major windy storm events that wiped out the leaves the last few autumns. “It’s sad that I had to give less than optimistic predictions the last few years, but the conditions have been poor,� Walker said.

Walker noted that sourwood leaves and Virginia creeper vines have come out in brilliant yellow, a good harbinger for coming color.

However, the difference this year is that sugar maples and red maples should exhibit brilliant scarlets, purples and reds, something that has been lacking in past years and accents the overall scenery. Walker said the maples will offer the kind of vividness usually associated with New England autumns.

Thousands of visitors to the Woolly Worm festival and Valle Fair in Valle Crucis on the weekend of Oct. 21 and 22 should be the beneficiaries of autumn’s splendor on the slopes.

Weekly leaf alerts and fishing forecasts from across North Carolina will be featured on the state’s travel website, VisitNC.com, as part of the “Fall Color Experience.� Every Wednesday, www.visitnc.com/experience/no4_nc_fallcolor/ will be updated to track the progress of color across the state.

The Science Of %\ &DUROLQH 0RQGD\

The explaination for how leaves change color is simple enough. When the weather turns cold and days grow shorter, the green chlorophyll molecules begin to breakdown, revealing other pigments like yellow or orange xanthophylls, yellow carotenoids and red or blue anthocyanins. However it has only been within the last couple of decades that have scientists begun to consider why this color change happens,

3KRWR E\ -DVRQ 5HDJDQ

Leaves

to look into what purpose these pigments serve plants.

As they began to look into the subject scientists discovered that not only are these anthocyanin pigments unmasked come cool fall weather, the plant actually begins to produce more of them. Sunny days, which are great for photosynthesis, are followed by cool nights, preventing the movement of sugar from the leaves. Anthocyanins form from these trapped sugars.

There are several theories about how this accumulation of pigments benefits the tree.

As the weather turns cold the leaf can no long process sunlight into food, or perform photosynthesis, as efficiently as during the warm-weather months. Despite the drop in weather, during the fall the sun still shines brightly, overwhelming the leaf with light and potentially damaging it. By absorbing light other parts of the leaf, such as the chloroplasts where photosynthesis takes place, can’t handle, anthocyanins protect the leaf.

Another consequence of absorbing intense light that leaves face is the increased production of reactive oxygen species and free radicals. Anthocyanins are great antioxidants, which explains why anthocyanin-rich fruits like blueberries are so good for you. Scientists think antioxidants may be just as good for plants as they are for animals.

But why protect a leaf that is just going to die in a few weeks anyway? Because these leaves aren’t just hanging there for us to view, the tree is busy reclaiming nutrients in the leaves.

The chloroplasts contain a lot of nitrogen, which would otherwise be wasted when the leaves detach.

Some biologists speculate that red colors in leaves may have ecological functions.

Anthocyanins themselves are not poisonous to insects and animals, but they are members of a class of plant compound that are. Scientists think that the bright red colors may deter aphids from laying their eggs on that plant and protect the tree from being eaten when the eggs hatch in the spring.

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Page 24 誰 FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE 誰 October 19, 2006

Got Apples? %\ 6KHUULH 1RUULV

We’ve all heard the clichÊ...but it’s true.

Apples provide an important source of nourishment (potassium and pectin, a fiber that may be helpful in reducing cholesterol levels!)

Nutritionists and dietitians rate them high on any list for eating right and staying fit. They are good for your teeth, stomach, your skin and complexion, your nerves, your smile and overall good health. The Apple is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruit, grown on every continent except Antarctica, and are by far America’s favorite fruit. because of their universal flavor appeal, versatility and convenience for use Since way back in the Garden of Eden, the apple has been the source of conversation, pleasure and sustenance, bringing fame to the “first couple,� Adam and Eve, and other notables such as Sir Isaac Newton, William Tell, John Chapman (aka Johnny Appleseed) and Snow White.

There are literally thousands of varieties of apples; with colors ranging from various shades of red to green and yellow and their flavor varying

Apple Festival At Hickory Ridge Homestead Come join the fun in celebrating all things apple at the 22nd Annual Apple Festival at Hickory Ridge Homestead on October 28 at the Horn in the West grounds.

Fresh apples, craft and food vendors, apple peeling competitions and the Apple King and Queen.

Hickory Ridge Homestead is the 18thcentury living history museum adjacent to the amphitheater where Horn in the West is performed. Many period log cabins are located here in the "settlement" which illustrates the lifestyles of the original pioneers. Call 828264-2120 for details.

from tart to sweet.

Did you know that apples belong to the rose family? I wasn’t too surprised when learning this. I have always thought their beautiful white flowery blossoms in Spring do in fact, look like tiny roses. North Carolina typically ranks seventh in apple production in the United States, with over 300 commercial apple operations comprising of 10,000 bearing acres of apple orchards. Eight million bushels of apples can be produced in a given year. Forty percent of the state’s crop is marketed as fresh apples through packing/ shipping operations and direct marketing outlets, while the remaining 60% is utilized in the processing industry, mainly as apple sauce and juice.

Apples are produced in five areas of the state and are identified as follows: ¡ Haywood Area: Haywood, Jackson, and Macon counties. ¡ Henderson Area: Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties. ¡ Mt. Mitchell Area: Avery, McDowell, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties. ¡ Northwest Area: Alexander, Ashe, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties. ¡ South Mountain Area: Burke, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln counties.

Grown since ancient times, experts can only estimate the number of varieties that have existed (anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000). Early

SEE A33/(6 2N NEXT 3AGE

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Got Apples?

C217,18(' )520 P5(9,286 P$*( American colonists are responsible for developing quite a few different types of apples. The four major varieties which make up the bulk of North Carolina’s production are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome, and Stayman. Over 40 other varieties are grown on a limited basis. These include new cosmopolitan varieties such as Empire, Fuji, Gala, Ginger Gold, Jonagold, and Mutzu. Antique varieties such as Arkansas Black, Grimes, Limber Twig, Virginia Beauty, and Wolf River are still available at road-side stands throughout the area.

Why Makes North Carolina Apples Unique? ¡ Warm days and cool nights here in the mountains are perfect for growing firm, crisp juicy apples. ¡ Our apples have excellent color and a high sugar content for an exceptional crisp, sweet, and juicy flavor. ¡ North Carolina apple production areas are within 24 freight hours of 65 percent of the United States population. ¡ North Carolina’s apple crop has not been hit as hard by weather problems as the crop in other areas of the Eastern United States.

It is estimated that more than half of the apples grown each year are eaten fresh. There are many ways to use this versatile fruit in the kitchen, where apple pie has become an American tradition; apples are used in making jelly, juice, applesauce, cider and vinegar, not to mention countless ways for baking and cooking.

Listed below are a few of my favorite ways to use the apple, tried and true

Martha Jean’s Apple Pie Filling

8 quarts sliced apples (in jars) Mix together: 6 cups sugar 1 cup cornstarch 8 cups water 6 tsp. cinnamon Bring to a boil and pour over apples. Cook 5 minutes at 10 lbs. pressure.

You will never be caught without dessert when you have this on your pantry shelf. Mix up a little batter, plop on top, bake until lightly browned. Sprinkle on a few pecan pieces, a spoonful of whipped topping, sit back and gracefully accept the rave reviews!

Or, drizzle a little butterscotch or caramel topping, then the pecans and whipped cream...out of this world when served warm!!

Fresh Apple Cake

Blend well: 2 cups sugar 1 Âź cup oil 3 eggs Then add: 3 cups plain flour 1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup pecans 3 cups chopped apples Mix well. Bake at 350 for 1 hour in a tube pan or 45 minutes in a 9 x 13" pan.

Baked Apples in Cider

Remove cores of 6 good-sized apples. Plug up the bottom of each and cut out V-shape at top. Insert into the top about 1 tablespoon of cinnamon Imperials (the little red-hot candies) and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Place the apples in a dish and pour around the apples about 2 ½ cups cider. Bake at 350 degrees, basting occasionally with the hot cider, until tender. Grate nutmeg on apples, and if you like, top off with whipped cream or ice cream.

Just Enough Apple Crisp (for 1)

In glass pie plate, combine one Golden Delicious apple, peeled and chopped, 2 Tbs.. maple syrup, 1 tsp. lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon. Cover and microwave on High for 3 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle with 2 Tbs.. granola or nuts.

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

3KRWR E\ 5RE 0RRUH

Fall Colors: Catch’Em While you Can

Best Places To View The Leaves In Watauga And Avery County

By Andrew Hill

Without question October is one the best months for enjoying High Country living. The Pioneers go 8and 0, the air is crisp, the days lingering and warm, the nights clear and cool. The mountains surrounding us are splashed in brilliant hues of crimson, purple and gold. Yep, fall is in full color here in the High Country. Now is the time to get out and admire the foliage as it casts its reminder of the changing of the seasons. So don’t let the season go by without taking a moment to stop and take a gander up at Howard’s Knob and wonder why the leaves make such a ruckus before curling up and falling away for the year. Listed below are a few of the best places to admire the foliage. Whether you’re looking for a good hike or a scenic drive there is a way for everyone to enjoy the magnificent autumn colors. %OXH 5LGJH 3DUNZD\ A perennial favorite for leaf lookers, this stretch of highway offers unparalleled views, spectacular vistas and great hiking. The Parkway from Highway 321 south to the Linn Cove Viaduct offers spectacular views on this historic scenic roadway. A leisurely drive affords breathtaking scenery with the option to utilize the many overlooks and pull offs such as the Cold Prong Pond Overlook, the Pilot Ridge Overlook and the Wilson Creek Overlook. For those who desire a more adventurous leaf viewing experience a hike might be in order. The Tanawha Trail from Wilson Creek overlook to Rough Ridge offers some of the most fantastic views that the area has to offer. The trail rises from the parkway and winds past the boardwalk among exposed boulders to the summit. From the summit unparalleled views of the Wilson Creek Wilderness Area and Pisgah National Forest with the backdrop of Calloway Peak. :LVHPDQÂśV 9LHZ Located on the rim of Linville Gorge accessible by N.C. 183 off 221 south Wiseman’s View offers spectacular views of the Linville Gorge, Sitting Bear Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill. Autumn paints its colors on this stunning backdrop where native hardwoods mingle their colors with rhododendron and evergreen spilling down into the blue brilliance of the Linville River. Linville River Gorge is also known as “The Grand Canyon of the Eastâ€? and harbors rare and endangered plant species in a 12- mile long narrow valley shielded by walls that reach up to 3400 feet in elevation.

Linville Gorge offers strenuous hiking, backcountry fishing and rock climbing; all are excellent ways to experience an Appalachian fall in a unique setting. For those interested in exploring the wonders of Linville Gorge the Babel Tower Trail is a classic area hike leading the intrepid down through the rhododendrons to a stunning monolith known as Babel Tower. This trail rewards hikers with dramatic views of the surrounding peaks, the Linville River and sheer walls of the gorge. Permits required for camping in Linville Gorge.

9DOOH &UXFLV &RPPXQLW\ 3DUN Tobacco curing in barns, beautiful old homes, horses grazing in rich pastures characterize this sleepy mountain vale. Take a step back in time and enjoy the natural beauty of this beautiful park. Located on Broadstone Road south of Boone off N.C. 105 Historic Valle Crucis holds a High Country treasure worthy of a stop on any leaf looking list. This local favorite has walking trails, picnic tables, a playground and comfortable benches for whiling the time away. Located in a scenic valley nestled amongst rich farmland along the banks of the Watauga River this park offers ample recreation opportunities. Whether enjoying a picnic lunch or doing a little fishing in the river any afternoon spent in this quiet park is reflect on simpler things in life. Hardwoods line the banks of the Watauga River and visitors can watch yellow alder leaves drift lazily in the current between rising trout besieged by joyful park goers playing catch with their dogs and kids braving that last late season swim. *UDQGIDWKHU 0RXQWDLQ At 5,964 feet in elevation Grandfather Mountain is the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains and billed as “Carolina’s Top Scenic Attraction�. An obvious choice but one that not be ignored when listing the best places to view fall colors. The variety of plant life and great number of hardwoods allow for extraordinary color variations. The contrast between the dark evergreens, the sheer granite rock faces and brilliant yellows, reds and purples of the tulip polar, sugar maple and red oaks create a dazzling mosaic of color. Grandfather Mountain offers miles of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, a mile high swinging bridge and much more.

Grandfather Mountain’s main entrance is located on 221 but those wishing to hike only may also access the trails via 105 or the Blue Ridge Parkway.

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

LEAF LOOKERS INFORMATION From The Mast General Store

7KH 0DVW *HQHUDO 6WRUH SURYLGHG WKLV JUDSKLF /RWV RI LQIRUPDWLRQ LQFOXGLQJ WLSV RQ WDNLQJ EHWWHU IDOO SKRWRJUDSKV

IXQ SX]]OHV IRU NLGV DFWLYLWLHV IRU \RXQJ DQG ROG D JXLGH WR IDOO FRORUV DQG DQ XS WR GDWH OHDI ZDWFK ZLWK SHULRGLF SKRWRV IURP WKH PRXQWDLQV RI :HVWHUQ 1RUWK &DUROLQD DUH DYDLODEOH DW ZZZ PDVWJHQHUDOVWRUH FRP IDOOFRORU

%HHFK WUHHV WXUQ \HOORZ UHGGLVK EURZQ DQG EURQ]H

%LUFK WUHHV IHDWXUH VWURQJ \HOORZ DQG SDOH UHG KXHV

'RJZRRGV DUH LQ WKH ³XQGHUVWRU\ RI WKH IRUHVW´ DQG WXUQ GHHS UHG DQG DOPRVW SXUSOH

5HG 0DSOHV IHDWXUH WKH PRVW VWXQQLQJ VKDGHV RI FULPVRQ

6LOYHU 0DSOHV DUH HDV\ WR GLVWLQJXLVK LQ WKH VXPPHU EHFDXVH RI WKHLU ³VLOYHU´ XQGHUVLGH LQ WKH IDOO WKH\ WXUQ UHG RIWHQ EULJKW UHG

+LFNRU\ WUHHV KDYH VHYHUDO GLIIHUHQW YDULHWLHV YDU\LQJ QXPEHUV RI OHDYHV DQG WXUQ \HOORZ

/RFXVWV KDYH URXQGHG OHDYHV RSSRVLWH HDFK RWKHU RQ D VWHP DQG WXUQ VRIW \HOORZ

3RSODU WUHHV WXUQ EULOOLDQW \HOORZ

6XJDU 0DSOHV WXUQ D PL[WXUH RI \HOORZV DQG UHGV DQG DUH QRW TXLWH DV VWULNLQJ DV 5HG 0DSOHV

:KLWH 2DN OHDYHV DUH ODWH LQ VKRZLQJ WKHLU FRORUV DQG DUH RIWHQ PXWHG WKH\ WXUQ UHGGLVK RUDQJHV DQG VRIW EURZQV

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU ‡ 3DJH

Perfect Front Row Seats . . .

A pair of chairs sit on the lawn of the Mast Farm Inn in Valle Crucis inviting leaf lookers to have seat and watch fall happen . 3KRWR E\ 0DULH )UHHPDQ

Turn Over A New Leaf With High Country Bank

As the leaves change their colors, maybe it’s time for you to consider changing banks. At High Country Bank, we combine an extensive range of banking services with unmatched personal attention. Come to High Country Bank today! We show our true colors all year long.

• Saturday Hours • Internet Banking • Identity Theft Insurance • Investment Services • Mortgage & Personal Loans • Equity Lines • Checking & Savings Accounts • Traditional & Roth IRAs • On-Site ATMs

Member FDIC

Boone Jefferson Rd. 828-265-4333

Boone Shadowline Dr. 828-263-8900

Boone West King St. 828-263-8943

Foscoe Inside Foscoe Pharmacy 828-263-8950

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Linville Hwy. 181 (In Linville Village) 828-733-9903

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

PERFECT

PICTURE MOMENTS The following suggestions will help you get the most of your vacation photographs.

Test Equipment Before Leaving on Your Road Trip

It is extremely disappointing to discover that, due to defective equipment, the photographs failed to “turn out.� Your camera needs to be in good working condition. Take time to shoot a test roll, and examine the results to be sure your camera equipment is in good working order. A camera strap is a wise investment that will help keep the equipment close at hand, ready for the many North Carolina photo opportunities.

Pre-Visualize

As you look through the view finder, think about what the final photograph is going to look like.

Lighting, object placement, and camera angle are a few of the factors that should be previewed before the shutter is released.

Experiment with unusual camera angles. Professional photographers sometimes stand on top of a car or van in order to delete foreground clutter. Conversely, a picture of a monument or attraction may appear more dramatic if a low viewpoint is chosen.

Tell a Story

One good way to construct an interesting photograph is to include a center of interest. Wildlife, people, boats, buildings, or anything imaginable can be found in North Carolina to build a photograph around. Although one of our crystal-clear, cold mountain streams may make for a good shot on its own, if you include an angler with a fly rod, the shots tells a better story.

Fill the Frame

Don’t hesitate to get in close to a subject. Select portions of a North Carolina landscape that catch your attention, then concentrate your vision more closely on details rather than “the big picture.� As you get in tighter on a subject, be sure to explore textures and detail which may not have been apparent from a distance. —Tips provided by professional photographer Bill Russ.

Adapted from VISITNC.COM with permission

FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE • October 19, 2006 • Page 31

FALL FOLIAGE Photos by Rob Moore

3DJH ‡ )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( ‡ 2FWREHU

Mabel Elementary Schools 30th Annual Fall Festival October 21, 2006 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come join us for a day of good ole fashion food, fun and games!

BINGO BEGINS AT 6 p.m.

Celebrity Follies, Dunking Booth, Costume contest for all ages, Air Rides, Country Store

Calendar Of Events

October

2FWREHU ‡ &UXLVLQ¶ -DPPLQ¶ LQ %ORZLQJ 5RFN SP &ODVVLF FDUV FUXLVH GRZQWRZQ OLYH EOXHJUDVV LQ WKH JD]HER )UHH &DOO

‡ :LONHV 3OD\PDNHUV SUHVHQWV Grease! DW %HQWRQ +DOO LQ 1RUWK :LONHVERUR )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO 2FWREHU ‡ $QQXDO 9DOOH &RXQWU\ )DLU DP SP 9DOOH &UXFLV MXULHG FUDIW ERRWKV IUHVKO\ SUHVVHG DSSOH FLGHU KRW RXW RI WKH NHWWOH DSSOH EXWWHU KRPHPDGH MDPV MHOOLHV EUXQVZLFN VWHZ FKLOL EDUEHFXH DQG PRUH &DOO ‡ $VKH &LYLF &HQWHU SUHVHQWV Okrafolk Opry %OXHJUDVV DQG PRUH IURP 2NUDFRNH ZLWK 0RODVVHV &UHHN &R\RWH VLQJHU VRQJZULWHU 1RDK 3DOH\ EOXHV DUWLVW .DW\ 0LWFKHOO DQG RWKHUV SP &DOO ‡ 0RXQWDLQKRPH 0XVLF SUHVHQWV David Johnson and the Studio Band DW WKH %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6FKRRO $XGLWRULXP SP ([SHFW D VOLFH RI RI SLDQR FODVVLFV DQG VRPH VZLQJ FRXQWU\ DQG JRVSHO )RU LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WLFNHWV YLVLW ZZZ PRXQWDLQKRPHPXVLF FRP ‡ $68¶V 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV 6HULHV SUHVHQWV Emmylou Harris in Concert DW WKH +ROPHV &RQYRFDWLRQ &HQWHU SP *HQHUDO $GPLVVLRQ )RU WLFNHW LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO $576 RU

2FWREHU Â&#x2021; $QQXDO :RROO\ :RUP )HVWLYDO DP SP %DQQHU (ON )HDWXUHV HQWHUWDLQPHQW IRRG FUDIWV DQG ZRUP UDFLQJ 7KH FKDPSLRQ ZRROO\ ZRUP LV WKH RIILFLDO ZHDWKHU IRUHFDVWHU IRU WKH FRPLQJ ZLQWHU &DOO 2FWREHU 1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6WDJH &RPSDQ\ SUHVHQWV Always Patsy Cline D SOD\ DERXW WKH TXHHQ RI FRXQWU\ PXVLF KHU PXVLF DQG KHU OLIH +D\HV 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV &HQWHU %ORZLQJ 5RFN &DOO 2FWREHU Â&#x2021; 'RZQWRZQ %RR &HOHEUDWH +DOORZHHQ ZLWK WKH ORFDO PHUFKDQWV RI GRZQWRZQ %RRQH &DOO IRU GHWDLOV Â&#x2021; %ORZLQJ 5RFN +DOORZHHQ )HVWLYDO DW %ORZLQJ 5RFN 0HPRULDO 3DUN )HDWXUHV ³%RQH´ ILUH KD\ULGHV 0RQVWHU 0DUFK WULFN RU WUHDWLQJ FRVWXPH FRQWHVW SXPSNLQ SDLQWLQJ FRQWHVW DQG PRUH &DOO Â&#x2021; 0RXQWDLQKRPH 0XVLF SUHVHQWV BlueRidge Bluegrass DW WKH %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6FKRRO $XGLWRULXP SP )RU LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WLFNHWV YLVLW ZZZ PRXQWDLQKRPHPXVLF FRP Â&#x2021; $SSDODFKLDQ )RRWEDOO KRPH JDPH DJDLQVW )XUPDQ DW .LGG %UHZHU 6WDGLXP %ODFN 6DWXUGD\ *DPH WLPH LV SP 2FWREHU Â&#x2021; +DXQWHG +RUQ DW +RUQ LQ WKH :HVW %RRQH 6ROYH D VSRRN\ P\VWHU\ DV \RX ZDON WKH KDXQWHG WUDLOV <RXQJ YLVLWRUV PD\ WULFN RU WUHDW DW WKH +LFNRU\ 5LGJH +RPHVWHDG 0XVHXP FDELQV ,QFOXGHV SXPSNLQ FDUYLQJ DQG FRVWXPH FRQWHVW IRU FKLOGUHQ DQG XQGHU DGXOWV FKLOGUHQ DQG XQGHU &DOO Â&#x2021; +DXQWHG +RWHO DW *UHHQ 3DUN ,QQ LQ %ORZLQJ 5RFN IURP SP )LQG \RXU ZD\ WKURXJK WKH \HDU ROG &KDULW\ +DXQWHG +RWHO DGPLVVLRQ FKDUJHG WR EHQHILW WKH 6DQWD¶V 7R\ %R[

1R DJH OLPLW 5HIUHVKPHQWV ZLOO EH VHUYHG &DOO 2FWREHU 1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6WDJH &RPSDQ\ SUHVHQWV Always Patsy Cline D SOD\ DERXW WKH TXHHQ RI FRXQWU\ PXVLF KHU PXVLF DQG KHU OLIH +D\HV 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV &HQWHU %ORZLQJ 5RFN &DOO

November

0LG 1RYHPEHU WKURXJKW 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; &KRRVH &XW VHDVRQ 9LVLW D &KULVWPDV WUHH IDUP LQ WKH +LJK &RXQWU\ DQG VHOHFW D UHDO KROLGD\ WUHH )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO 1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; $68¶V 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV 6HULHV SUHVHQWV Preservation Hall Jazz Band DW )DUWKLQJ $XGLWRULXP SP )RU WLFNHW LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO $576 RU

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; $VKH &LYLF &HQWHU SUHVHQWV Hunt Family Fiddlers $ZDUG ZLQQLQJ IDPLO\ RI ,ULVK VWHS GDQFHUV ILGGOHUV DQG VLQJHUV SP &DOO 1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; $SSDODFKLDQ )RRWEDOO KRPH JDPH DJDLQVW 7KH &LWDGHO DW .LGG %UHZHU 6WDGLXP $68 )DFXOW\ 6WDII $SSUHFLDWLRQ 'D\ *DPH WLPH LV SP

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; /HHV 0F5DH &ROOHJH 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV SUHVHQWV The Laramie Project D WKHDWULFDO SLHFH WKDW FKURQLFOHV WKH OLIH RI WKH WRZQ RI /DUDPLH LQ WKH \HDU DIWHU WKH PXUGHU RI 0DWWKHZ 6KHSDUG 1RY DW SP 1RY DW SP +D\HV $XGLWRULXP +Z\ 0DLQ 6W %DQQHU (ON $GXOWV FKLOGUHQ VWXGHQWV &DOO

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; :HVW -HIIHUVRQ +ROLGD\ 3DUDGH QRRQ &DOO

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; $QQXDO /LJKW 8S 'RZQWRZQ LQ 1RUWK :LONHVERUR 0DLQ 6WUHHW ZLOO EH ILOOHG ZLWK WKH VLJKWV DQG VRXQGV RI &KULVWPDV LQFOXGLQJ D OLJKWLQJ FHUHPRQ\ DIWHU GXVN )RRG FUDIWV DQG PXFK PRUH &DOO

Â&#x2021; $VKH &LYLF &HQWHU SUHVHQWV Sanders Family Christmas 7KH 6DQGHUV )DPLO\ VKDUH JRVSHO DQG EOXHJUDVV VRQJV VWRULHV DQG ODXJKWHU LQ WKLV KLW PXVLFDO SP &DOO Â&#x2021; $68¶V 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV 6HULHV SUHVHQWV Ailey II Dance Company DW )DUWKLQJ $XGLWRULXP SP )RU WLFNHW LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO $576 RU

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; +ROLGD\ 0DUNHW DW WKH $VKH &RXQW\ )DUPHUV¶ 0DUNHW IURP DP SP /RFDO SURGXFH IORZHUV SODQWV KRPHPDGH WUHDWV DUWV DQG FUDIWV %DFN 6WUHHW LQ :HVW -HIIHUVRQ &DOO

1RYHPEHU WKURXJK 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; :LONHV 3OD\PDNHUV SUHVHQW Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Henry Christmas DW %HQWRQ +DOO LQ 1 :LONHVERUR )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW WKH %R[ 2IILFH DW RU YLVLW ZZZ ZLONHVSOD\PDNHUV FRP

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; &KULVWPDV LQ WKH 3DUN DW %ORZLQJ 5RFN 0HPRULDO 3DUN YLVLW ZLWK 6DQWD KD\ULGHV IUHH KRW FLGHU FKRFRODWH FDUROLQJ OLJKWLQJ RI WKH WRZQ )UHH &DOO Â&#x2021; &KHWROD )HVWLYDO RI /LJKWV LQ %ORZLQJ 5RFN &KHWROD OLJKWV XS ZLWK VSHFWDFXODU GLVSOD\ RI RYHU OLJKWV &DOO IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ

6(( C$/(1'$5 21 P$*( 35

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( Â&#x2021; 2FWREHU Â&#x2021; 3DJH

Page 34 誰 FALL FESTIVAL GUIDE 誰 October 19, 2006

)$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( Â&#x2021; 2FWREHU Â&#x2021; 3DJH

Calendar Of Events C217,18(' F520 3AGE

1RYHPEHU Â&#x2021; $QQXDO :RRG .LOQ 2SHQLQJ DW %ROLFN 3RWWHU\ 7UDGLWLRQV 3RWWHU\ DP SP &DOO IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ GLUHFWLRQV

Â&#x2021; $ 1RUPDQ 5RFNZHOO &KULVWPDV 3DUDGH 0DLQ 6WUHHW LQ %ORZLQJ 5RFN SP &DOO Â&#x2021; +ROLGD\ 'pFRU /LJKWLQJ :DWFK WKH WRZQ FRPH DOLYH ZLWK OLJKWV &DOO IRU GHWDLOV 'RZQWRZQ %RRQH Â&#x2021; +ROLGD\ 0DUNHW DW WKH $VKH &RXQW\ )DUPHUV¶ 0DUNHW IURP DP SP /RFDO SURGXFH IORZHUV SODQWV KRPHPDGH WUHDWV DUWV DQG FUDIWV %DFN 6WUHHW LQ :HVW -HIIHUVRQ &DOO

/DWH 1RY 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; &KRRVH &XW %HJLQ D QHZ IDPLO\ WUDGLWLRQ E\ YLVLWLQJ D &KULVWPDV WUHH IDUP LQ WKH PRXQWDLQV DQG VHOHFWLQJ D 5($/ WUHH

1RYHUPEHU 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; 7KH %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6WDJH &RPSDQ\ SUHVHQWV The Best Christmas Pageant Ever +D\HV 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV &HQWHU %ORZLQJ 5RFN &DOO Â&#x2021; $68¶V 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV 6HULHV SUHVHQWV A Scottish Christmas with Bonnie Rideout DW )DUWKLQJ $XGLWRULXP SP )RU WLFNHW LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO $576 RU 1RYHUPEHU 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; 7KH %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6WDJH &RPSDQ\ SUHVHQWV The Best Christmas Pageant Ever +D\HV 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV &HQWHU %ORZLQJ 5RFN &DOO

December

'HFHPEHU WKURXJK 0DUFK Â&#x2021; 1$67$5 &RPSHWLWLRQ DW 6XJDU 0RXQWDLQ 1DVWDU LV D SXEOLF UDFLQJ SURJUDP WKDW SURYLGHV UHFUHDWLRQDO UDFHUV ZLWK WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR FRPSDUH WKHLU DELOLWLHV WR WKH IDVWHVW PHPEHU RI WKH RI WKH 86 6NL 7HDP 1DVWDU UDFHV DUH VFKHGXOHG IRU HYHU\ 6DWXUGD\ DQG 6XQGD\ DW QRRQ RQ %LJ 5HG ZHDWKHU VORSH FRQGLWLRQV DQG RWKHU YDULDEOHV SHUPLWWLQJ 5HJLVWUDWLRQ DW 6NL 6FKRRO RU RQ KLOO SULRU WR WKH VWDUW RI WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ ZZZ QDVWDU FRP 6XJDU 0RXQWDLQ 5HVRUW )HHV RU &RVWV SHUVRQ PLQRU XQGHU

SHU UHUXQ

'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; 6QRZVKRH *XLGHG 7RXUV DW 6XJDU 0RXQWDLQ $ JUHDW ZD\ WR VWD\ ILW GXULQJ WKH ZLQWHU PRQWKV 7RXUV RIIHUHG HYHU\ 0RQGD\ :HGQHVGD\ DQG )ULGD\ DW SP DQG 6DWXUGD\ DW DP DQG SP 3URJUDP LQFOXGHV D KRXU WRXU DQG WRS RI WKH OLQH VQRZVKRH UHQWDOV &RVW LV ,QTXLUH IRU DGGLWLRQDO GHWDLOV

'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; /HHV 0F5DH &ROOHJH 3HUIRUPLQJ $UWV SUHVHQWV D Candlelight Christmas Concert 'HF DW SP 'HF DW SP +D\HV $XGLWRULXP +Z\ 0DLQ 6W %DQQHU (ON $GXOWV FKLOGUHQ VWXGHQWV &DOO 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; +ROLGD\ 3DUDGH LQ GRZQWRZQ %RRQH &HOHEUDWH WKH KROLGD\ VHDVRQ &DOO Â&#x2021; &KULVWPDV &RQFHUW DW WKH %ORZLQJ 5RFN 6FKRRO $XGLWRULXP RQ 6XQVHW 'ULYH (QMR\ WKH VRXQGV RI 'U &KDUOHV ,VOH\ DQG WKH :DWDXJD &RPPXQLW\ %DQG )UHH Â&#x2021; 0RXQWDLQKRPH 0XVLF SUHVHQWV An Appalachian Christmas D IUHH FRPPXQLW\ FRQFHUW WKDW FHOHEUDWHV WKH VHDVRQ 0XVLFLDQV ZKR KDYH SHUIRUPHG WKURXJKRXW WKH \HDU UHWXUQ IRU WKLV VSHFLDO FRQFHUW DW *UDFH /XWKHUDQ &KXUFK $ FROOHFWLRQ LV WDNHQ ZLWK SURFHHGV JRLQJ WR %RRQH¶V KRPHOHVV VKHOWHU DQG WR 6DQWD¶V 7R\ %R[ &RQFHUW VWDUWV DW SP )RU LQIRUPDWLRQ RU WLFNHWV YLVLW ZZZ PRXQWDLQKRPHPXVLF FRP Â&#x2021; :LONHV &RXQW\ $QQXDO &KULVWPDV 3DUDGH $ SDUDGH ZLWK DOO WKH ORFDO WULPPLQJV LQFOXGLQJ 6DQWD ULGLQJ LQ RQ D ILUH WUXFN 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; $VKH &LYLF &HQWHU KRVWV WKH Choral Society SUHVHQWLQJ LWV DQQXDO KROLGD\ FRQFHUW RI VDFUHG DQG VHFXODU IDYRULWHV SP &DOO 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; UG $QQXDO &KULVWPDV 6KRZ DW WKH %RRQH 0DOO )HDWXUHV ILQH DUW ILQH FUDIWV DQG FRXQWU\ FUDIWV 6SRQVRUHG E\ 0RXQWDLQ 7RS 3URPRWLRQV )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FDOO 'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; 9LVLW ZLWK 6DQWD LQ WKH *D]HER DW %HHFK 0RXQWDLQ DW 30 DQG WKHQ FRPH WR WKH &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH RIILFH DW 30 IRU +RW &KRFRODWH DQG FRRNLHV %ULQJ D &KULVWPDV WUHH RUQDPHQW SUHIHUDEO\ KRPH PDGH DQG KHOS GHFRUDWH WKH WUHH /LJKWLQJ RI WKH WUHH ZLOO EH DW 30 )RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW WKH %HHFK 0RXQWDLQ &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH DW

'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; $Q DQQXDO HYHQW RQ %HHFK 0RXQWDLQ ZHDWKHU SHUPLWWLQJ RI FRXUVH -RLQ XV IRU KRW FKRFRODWH RU FLGHU DQG ZDUP \RXUVHOI DW WKH ERQILUH +D\ ZDJRQV ZLOO WDNH \RX RQ D WRXU RI %HHFK 0RXQWDLQ E\ VWDUOLJKW 7XQH XS \RXU YRFDO FKRUGV IRU VRPH VHDVRQ FDUROLQJ +D\ULGHV DQG ERQILUH EHJLQ DW 30 DQG LW LV )5(( )RU DGGLWLRQDO LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW WKH %HHFK 0RXQWDLQ &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH DW

'HFHPEHU Â&#x2021; 7KH :DONHU &HQWHU LQ :LONHVERUR KRVWV WKHLU DQQXDO 1HZ <HDU¶V (YH &HOHEUDWLRQ )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDFW WKH %R[ 2IILFH DW

An Appalachian Mountain Experience

Valle Crucis Original - Circa 1883

S ince 1883, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional housewares, comfortable clothing, custom-fit footwear & quality outdoor & travel gear for all mountain seasons.

Historic Valle Crucis 963-6511 â&#x20AC;¢ Downtown Boone 262-0000 Shop Online at MastStore.comâ&#x20AC;¢Open Daily

3DJH Â&#x2021; )$// )(67,9$/ *8,'( Â&#x2021; 2FWREHU