Festivals, events and more!

BY JORDYN DANIELS

Blowing Rock holds events for tourists and community members that draw thousands of people. With so much to do, there is never a stale moment in the High Country.

WinterFest

WinterFest is a four day long event celebrating winter festivities such as polar plunges, ice carving contests, and more.

WinterFest draws visitors every year to Blowing Rock in late January.

Trout Derby

Blowing Rock celebrates the beginning of Trout Season annually in April with anglers at every skill level. The event takes place on Broyhill Lake, Bass Lake, Trout Lake, and on the Middle Fork of the New River. Prizes and trophies are awarded to a variety of categories including first caught, largest catch and more.

Easter Festival

Blowing Rock’s Park and Recreation celebrates Easter with the town of Blowing Rock. Aimed at the younger citizens, games and pictures with the Easter are available during this event.

Art in the Park

A staple in the town’s summer events, Art in the Park is a juried art showcase where you can purchase the work of local artisans and artists. 80 to 100 local artists are showcased from May to October in the monthly event. Art in the Park is hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Farmers Market

The Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market opens in May and runs until October, on every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy shopping the market stalls for fresh produce, and locally made goods.

Concert in the Park

In concurrence with Art in the Park, the summer concert series Concert in the Park is a free program hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. Starting at 4 p.m., these shows always attract a crowd with their featured musical artist.

Charity Horse Shows

The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Shows is home to the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 longest continually running annual horse show in the eastern half of the country, running strong for 100 years. This show brings horses lovers to town for three weeks each summer starting in June.

Artist in Residence

For the last several years, the Blowing Rock Historical Society has hosted a summer

Events

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 42 artist-in-residency program at the Edgewood Cottage on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock starting in late June. Chat with the artist of the week, and have the chance to take their work home with you.

Fourth of July

The annual Fourth of July festival and

Blowing Rock My Hometown

parade shuts down Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock with holiday fun. Live music, games and an old fashioned horse shoe tournament are available for community members looking to join in on the fun.

Highland Games

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are held the second weekend of July. The annual gathering of the Scottish clans sees thousands of tourist and community members alike observing the traditional games dancing and music.

Symphony by the Lake

Symphony by the Lake at Chetola is held on July 21 this year. This event brings world-class music to an outdoor stage at Chetola Resort. The perfect backdrop for picnics with the family in the park.

Memorial Day

Over 100 people gather in Blowing

Rock to listen to the stories of local veterans and the sacrifices they made for our freedom. The event is complete with the community singing patriotic songs.

Monster March

Blowing Rock’s Halloween festival and Monster Mash is a spooky, annual close to Halloween hosted by Parks and Recreation. Family fun is to be expected at this sweet treat event.