Christmas in July 2018

32nd Annual

Christmas in July Join us

July 6 (Afternoon Kickoff)

& July 7 (All Day)

Downtown West Jefferson

Music, Crafts, Food, Children's Activities, Christmas Tree Growers’ Contest & Demonstrations and much more!

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CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

Road Closures planned for CIJ Festival

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

The 32nd annual Christmas in July Festival returns Saturday, July 7, to take to the streets of West Jefferson in celebration of mountain heritage and the Fraser fir tree industry.

The festival begins with live music Friday, July 6, starting at 3 p.m., and will continue Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A number of streets will be closed before and during the weekend of the Christmas in July Festival. Road closures begin Thursday, June 5 at midnight and continue through Saturday, as follows: Thursday, June 5 at midnight: • Backstreet between Ashe Street and West Main Street • West Main Street between Jefferson Avenue and Backstreet Friday, July 6 at midnight: • West Main Street from Jefferson Avenue to Church Street • Backstreet from Ashe Street to Second Avenue • State Street at Jefferson Avenue • College Avenue from West Main Street to First Avenue Saturday, July 7: • All streets in the festival footprint closed to vehicle traffic

PARKING

PHOTO SUBMITTED No Christmas in July festival is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus — both of them take a break from the North Pole during this time of the year to attend the celebration and mingle with festivalgoers.

Parking is available at several lots close to the festival and throughout downtown West Jefferson on a firstcome, first-served basis. New public parking lots have been added around town this year; see the map for more details.

Some privately-owned parking areas are used by local organizations for fundraising the day of the festival. Parking fees may be charged to park at these locations, such as bank and church lots, so it might be a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Handicap parking is located on both sides of the open portion of Backstreet, and on both sides of the main stage off Jefferson Avenue.

RESTROOMS Public restrooms will be available at six locations: • Near the Civil War reenactment area in West Jefferson Town Park • Near the community stage • At the end of the crafts section on Backstreet • At the end of the crafts section on West Main Street • By the food vendors • On Jefferson Avenue between West Ashe Street and State Street

ATMS Several ATMs are available downtown. See the festival map for locations.

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PHOTO SUBMITTED A pair of Fraser firs seen on both sides of the stage at the 2017 Christmas in July Festival. Fraser fir trees are a $12 million industry in Ashe County, and a primary reason for the Christmas in July season.

Best of the Best Christmas Tree Competition pits tree vs tree July 7

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

M

onths before citizens of Ashe take to the polls to vote in North Carolina’s November 2018 elections, Saturday, July 7, is also an important day for people to get out to vote — in the Christmas in July Festival’s annual Best Christmas Tree Competition from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Christmas tree growers from around Ashe County and the region will pit their finest Fraser firs against each other in an arboreal beauty contest, leaving it up to festivalgoers to cast votes on the best-in-show tree.

The trees will be displayed and votes can be cast from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, and the winner will be announced at 4 p.m.

The 2017 Christmas tree competition champion was a tall, lush tree grown by the farmers at Peak Mountain Farms, who took home the coveted Christmas in July People’s Choice Award.

If previewing a row of fresh Fraser firs months before Christmas is not motivation enough to inspire festivalgoers to vote in the Best of the Best Christmas Tree Competition, all voters will be eligible for a chance to win a free choose-n-cut Christmas tree this holiday season.

Christmas trees are a cherished commodity in Ashe County. Trees, roping and wreaths are an industry that harvests more than 700,000 trees annually, at a value of more than $12 million, according to the Ashe County Christmas

Tree Association.

The Fraser fir tree is the most commonly grown type of Christmas tree in Ashe County, as it is endemic to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southern Appalachia.

The Ashe County Christmas Tree Association refers to the majestic Fraser fir as the Cadillac of Christmas trees due to its highly-prized aroma, shape, dark green color, excellent needle retention and strong branches capable of carrying heavy ornaments.

More than 50 million Fraser firs are grown as Christmas trees on some 25,000 acres of North Carolina soil, representing more than 90 percent of all Christmas trees grown in the state, according to the ACCTA. From North Carolina, trees are shipped to every state in the country,

all over North America, to the Caribbean Islands, Japan and other parts of the world.

Fraser firs can reach a maximum height of 80 feet if left to grow, but on average it takes between 7 and 10 years for a tree to hit the ideal Christmas tree height of 6 to 7 feet, according to the ACCTA. The species is named after John Fraser, a botanist from Scotland who explored the High Country in the late 1700s.

A contest sponsored by the National Christmas Tree Association judged the North Carolina Fraser fir as the nation’s best Christmas tree, and a North Carolina Fraser fir has been chosen as the official White House Christmas Tree 12 times —more than any other species, according to the ACCTA.

PHOTO SUBMITTED A Fraser fir from Peak Mountain Farms won the coveted Christmas in July People’s Choice Award during the 2017 Best of the Best Christmas Tree Competition, and Peak Mountain Farms took home the trophy.

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2018 Christmas in July

Schedule of Events FRIDAY, JULY 6 MAIN STAGE LINEUP 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Restless 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. — 421 West 6:30 p.m. to8 p.m. — Rocker’s Band 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Blue Country

SATURDAY, JULY 7 MAIN STAGE 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. — Backporch Bluegrass Band 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. — Crooked Road Ramblers 11 a.m. — Noon — Presley Barker & ShadowGrass Band Noon — 1 p.m. — Wayne Henderson & Friends 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. — Clay Bank 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Amantha Mill 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Lonesome Willow 4 p.m. to5 p.m. — Cane Mill Road Band 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Lucky Strikes Band

SATURDAY JULY 7 COMMUNITY STAGE 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. — JAM 10 a.m. — Noon — Dancin’ Debbies Noon — 1 p.m. — Faith River 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Patty M 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Fleet Feet Cloggers 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. — Henry Doss & the Turning Point 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Molasses Jam 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Fleetwood Folk

SATURDAY, JULY 7 BEST OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS TREE COMPETITION 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Voting times 4 p.m. — Winner announced

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FILE PHOTO Allison Brown participates in the 2016 Ashe County Livestock Show located at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs.

Ashe County Livestock Show to display top Ashe industry July 7

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

LAUREL SPRINGS — A few miles outside of West Jefferson and the Christmas in July Festival grounds, the Ashe County Livestock Show at Upper Mountain Research Station is July 7 at 5 p.m.

Ashe County Agriculture Extension Agent Micah Orfield said the livestock show is open for all ages to enter, but adults tend to leave it to the youth of Ashe County to participate in.

“We set up panels and a show ring for them to come and bring the animals that they’ve been working with since the spring and summer, and compete in category classes to show their animals off,” Orfield said.

Orfield said there are 75 entries so far from 28 youths, who sometimes show off more than one SEE LIVESTOCK ON PAGE 5

Agent: ‘Agriculture is very important to this county, it’s our No. 1 industry in Ashe.’

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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

LIVESTOCK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

animal between the following categories: sheep, goats, dairy calves, beef calves and poultry.

Within the categories, there are awards for sub-categories, including showmanship by animal age and size, and whether the stock is for breeding or for market, with prizes for first, second and third place. Once all the sub-category winners have been decided, a grand champion is decided.

Orfield said the livestock show used to be held on Backstreet in West Jefferson during the Christmas in July Festival, but has since been moved to the Upper Mountain Research Station because it is a better

venue for the event.

This year, in addition to the livestock show, there will be a new event called the Skill-a-thon for youth to demonstrate their knowledge of livestock and farming, beginning at 4:30 p.m., Orfield said.

“Agriculture is very important to this county,” Orfield said. “It’s our No. 1 industry in Ashe.”

According to the Ashe County Cattlemen’s Association, agriculture is indeed the top industry in not only Ashe, but North Carolina as a whole. The industry is estimated to bring around $145 million to Ashe County each year.

Furthermore, Ashe ranks 13 out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for cattle, with about 20,000 heads of cattle in the county, representing some $12 million annually in business, according to the Ashe Cattlemen.

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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

FILE PHOTO Mya Roten, center, gets her face painted at a past Christmas in July festival. Face painting is just one of the many ways the festival caters to children.

Christmas in July offers kid-friendly activities

BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@ashepostandtimes.com

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Registration . . . . . 7 a.m.-Noon Judging begins . . . .12:15 p.m.

Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 p.m.

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Mail application & check to: Heritage Iron Club, P.O. Box 1727, Jefferson, NC 28640.

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For more information, call Tony Lyall (828) 406-6459.

Not only does the Christmas in July festival provide entertainment and fun for adults, it also engages kids of all ages in many ways.

According to Jane Lonon, vice president of the Christmas in July Festival Board of Directors, the arts council coordinates an area for children to participate in handson activities and crafts.

Children will make buttons and draw Christmas-themed artwork. The arts council also offers face painting for kids. All children’s activities with the arts council are free.

“It’s just a chance for kids to sit down and be creative with a variety of hands-on arts and crafts,” Lonon said.

Beyond that, the festival will feature multiple inflatables. Those activities will require tickets. A bounce house, a slide and more will be available. West Jefferson Park will also be available for children to play.

Festival performers will also be walking around the town. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand with many photo opportunities

PHOTO BY CARI CARSON Professor Whizzpop is one of the many street performers who make Christmas In July fun for all ages.

available. InterACTive Theater of Jef will be roaming around juggling, miming and doing other comedic street theater, according to Lonon.

A magician will be in attendance, along with the Balloon Lady making balloon sculptures. Mark Lippard will be riding around on his unicycle, as well as skying above the attendees on his stilts throughout the festival.

Community stage performers are an attraction for many children. There will be many child performances on the community stage, in-

cluding performances by the Junior Appalachian Musicians, Fleetfeet Cloggers and more, according to Lonon.

“It’s nice for kids to see kids their own age performing as a legitimate part of the festival,” Lonon said.

Lonon added that kids are a big focus of the planning that goes into creating and sustaining the Christmas in July festival.

“It makes mom and dad happy,”Lonon said. “It needs to be family-friendly, and that’s what Christmas in July tries to be. It tries to be an event with something there for everybody.”

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

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Civil War to return for reenactment during Christmas in July

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@ashepostandtimes.com

While the Christmas in July Festival rages on in downtown West Jefferson July 7, West Jefferson Park will be temporarily turned into a raging Civil War battlefield by reenactors.

According to West Jefferson Town Manager Brantley Price, Civil War reenactments are a tradition at the Christmas in July Festival.

Two artillery units of Civil War reenactors will likely be riding into town for the Christmas in July Festival, Brantley said. In the past there has been a Friday skirmish, ladies’ tea and battles throughout the day during the festival Saturday.

Gen. Robert E. Lee is even rumored to be making an appearance on the battlefield at West Jefferson Park, as he has in years past, Brantley said.

FILE PHOTO Members of the 26th and 37th regiments of North Carolina troop reenactors demonstrate how to load and fire guns from the Civil War era.

PHOTO BY CARI CARSON Civil War reenactors showcase a piece of American history at the Christmas in July Festival.

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Enjoy Christmas in July and Experience the Scenic Splendors and Stunning Views

FILE PHOTO Thousands of people will fill Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson to experience the tradition of Christmas in July.

A historic look at Christmas in July

BY LEE SANDERLIN lee.sanderlin@ashepostandtimes.com

For the 32nd time, the citizens of Ashe County and people from across the state will gather in West Jefferson to celebrate

Christmas in July. Scheduled this year for July 6 and 7, Christmas in July is a celebration of local heritage.

The festival first began in 1987, when

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Christmas in July Festival Map

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

HISTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Christmas tree growers in Ashe County came together to develop an event that would promote a top industry in the county. It has since grown into the premier summer event in Ashe County.

Originally a three-day event spanning an entire weekend, the festival is now a two-day event, with live music Friday afternoon and evening, and vendors, contests, Civil War reenactments, local entertainment and more live music throughout the day Saturday.

Christmas in July Festival Committee treasurer and Ashe County native Wesley Barker remembers the festival in the mid-1990s, with the vendors stretching the entirety of Jefferson Avenue and Main Street.

Vendors at the festival in the 1990s numbered in the hundreds, with Barker estimating that more than 25,000 people attended those iterations of Christmas in July in a given year.

While the festival was well-attended, the popularity brought along an increase in the commercialization of the event. Barker said that he remembered a hot tub vendor at one festival.

According to West Jefferson Board of Aldermen minutes from 2004, the festival changed its ending date to Saturday evening for the first time since its inception. In retrospect, this signaled the beginning of a transition period for Christmas in July. In 2006, the committee was at a crossroads deciding whether to dissolve the festival or reorganize it.

According to WJBOA minutes from 2006, several organizers for the event resigned and a motion was made before the board to shift the festival toward local heritage and away from commercial products.

About this time, the festival also relocated off of Jefferson Avenue to the Backstreet, where it’s currently held. Vice president of the Christmas in July Festival board of directors, and executive director of the Ashe County Arts Council, Jane Lonon, said that the festival has transformed during the years into a celebration of arts, music and the local mountain heritage.

The 2018 festival will be held in downtown West Jefferson Saturday, July 7 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. As always, the festival’s offerings will remain the same with a main stage featuring a variety of live music from local and regional bands and performers.

A few first-time festival performers will be welcomed to the stage this year.

In total, more than 100 handmade arts and crafts vendors will fill the “craft row” area of the festival, offering a variety of items ranging from pottery, woodworking, jewelry, art, décor and more.

The food court vendors will offer a variety of food, including funnel cakes, deep fried Oreos, chicken on a stick and cotton candy.

Back by popular demand, the annual Civil War reenactments plan to be set up throughout the duration of the festival at the West Jefferson Municipal Park. These include demonstrations, battles, a meetand-greet with the generals and wives of the generals and a tour of their campsites.

Children’s activities, local and regional nonprofits and the Ashe County Farmers Market are also part of this year’s festival.

The farmers market vendors will be on hand, and their products are Ashe County’s homegrown and handmade items including jams, jellies, produce, homemade candles, landscaping plants and more.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

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Wednesday, June 27, 2018

PHOTO BY COLIN TATE 421 WEST performs in Lansing for the third installment of 2018’s Music in the Barn concert series. The band will perform at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 6, at the Christmas in July festival.

Christmas in July festival offers 13 unique bands

BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@ashepostandtimes.com

The Christmas in July festival is a music-lover’s dream, providing performances across multiple genres for those in attendance. This year’s music roundup highlights 13 bands, including Restless, 421 WEST, Rockers Band, Blue Country, Backporch Bluegrass, Crooked Road Ramblers, Presley Barker & ShadowGrass Band, Wayne Henderson & Friends, ClayBank, Amantha Mill, Lonesome Willow, Cane Mill Road Bluegrass Band and Lucky Strikes Band.

RESTLESS Restless has played together for more than 12 years in more than 100 gigs. Drawing influ-

ence from Creed, Tom Petty, Joss Stone, Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson, Three Doors Down, Eric Clapton, Keith Anderson and more, Restless covers a wide variety of music from classic rock, southern rock, funk, pop, blues and some new country.

Members include John Littlewood on guitar, lead vocals and backup vocals; Richard Edmondson on the drums, lead vocals and backup vocals; and Angela Tate singing lead vocals and backup vocals.

Restless will be the first band to perform at the festival, kicking things off Friday, July 6 from 3-4:30 p.m on the Main Stage.

421 WEST Made up of bassist Scott Per-

ry, drummer and vocalist Tony Shelton, keyboardist Chuck Womble, vocalist Dorinda Walters and guitarist Lenny Sheets, 421 WEST plays all the classic rock hits.

Check out their set on the Main Stage from 4:30-5:45 p.m. on Friday, July 6.

ROCKERS BAND Playing “piles” of classic rock, pop and blues, the Rockers consist of Steve Hodge playing bass, Brad Bennett on the guitar and keyboards and Dale Wright also on guitar and keyboards. Additionally, all three members provide vocals.

Hailing from the hometowns of Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Yadkinville, Rockers Band will perform from 6:30-8 p.m.

Friday.

Blue Country Blue Country was created and developed in Boone, playing Top-40 country music throughout the High Country.

Band members include Lee Hodges singing lead vocals and playing bass; Keith Shew on the keyboards, fiddle, banjo and guitar, while also contributing vocals; Elisha Hodges providing vocals; Randy Combs on guitar; Greg Reece on guitar and contributing vocals; and Greg Russell on the drums.

Blue Country will close out Friday’s Main Stage performances, holding down the stage from 8- 10 p.m.

BACKPORCH BLUEGRASS Since coming together in SEE BANDS ON PAGE 15

CHRISTMAS IN JULY BAND SCHEDULE This year the 2018 Christmas in July festival lineup features 13 bands performing a wide range of music on the Main Stage. All concerts are free and open to the public.

July 6 3-4:30 p.m. — Restless 4:30-5:45 p.m. — 421 West 6:30-8 p.m. — Rockers Band 8-10 p.m. — Blue Country July 7 9-10 a.m. — Backporch Bluegrass 10-11 a.m. — Crooked Road Ramblers 11-12 p.m. — Presley Barker & ShadowGrass Band 12-1 p.m. — Wayne Henderson & Friends 1-2 p.m. — ClayBank 2-3 p.m. — Amantha Mill 3-4 p.m. — Lonesome Willow 4-5 p.m. — Cane Mill Road Bluegrass Band 5-7 p.m. — Lucky Strike Band

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PHOTO SUBMITTED Kilby Spencer, Wayne Dye, Karen Carr, Kelley Breiding, John Perry and Donald Hill of Crooked Road Ramblers will perform at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 7 as part of the Christmas in July festival.

BANDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

2005, BackPorch Bluegrass has slowly grown to becoming the hard-driving and highly sought after North Carolina based band it is today.

The band is led by vocalist and guitar player David Culler, who provides a high, lonesome sound with one of the strongest bluegrass voices in the region. It was back in 2004 when his love of bluegrass music first inspired him to pick up the guitar.

Banjoist Tony Joines is a superb musician who has played with many music groups in the past. Wes Tuttle plays many roles in the band. Aside from taking care of the mandolin and fiddle duties of the group, Tuttle provides the tenor harmony of the group, as well as leading vocals on occasion. Jim Matthews plays the upright Bass and brings a smooth baritone harmony to BackPorch Bluegrass.

BackPorch Bluegrass will be playing on the Main Stage from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, July 7.

CROOKED ROAD RAMBLERS An old-time band from southwest Virginia, the Crooked Road Ramblers are steeped in the traditional music of the Blue Ridge. Providing a unique mix of instrumental and dance music, old ballads and the traditional bluegrass and country, the Ramblers are a notable band that have

played at many venues throughout the region.

The band was started by fiddler Kilby Spencer from Whitetop, Va. He started the band in hopes of carrying on the driving southwest Virginia big band sound that makes people want to dance. Known for winning many blue ribbons for her banjo playing, Kelley Breiding, of Crumpler, propels the band forward with her clawhammer banjo playing and high-powered vocals.

On guitar and vocals, John Perry is a retired welder from Independence, Va. Perry’s individualistic guitar style gives the band much of its unique driving sound.

Donald Hill lives in Fries, Va., and comes from a musical family. He is one of the foremost rhythm guitar players in the Blue Ridge in addition to being a wonderful vocalist.

Karen Carr of Galax, Va., plays bass and also sings for the band, while Wayne Dye of Cleveland, Va., plays mandolin. A retired coal miner from the coal fields of Russell County, he can play anything with strings, in addition to singing many vocal parts.

The Crooked Ramblers will take to the Main Stage at 10 a.m. July 7.

PRESLEY BARKER & SHADOWGRASS BAND At age 13, Presley Barker has been playing acoustic guitar for six years. Living SEE BANDS ON PAGE 17

MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB 1396 FAIRWAY RIDGE DRIVE • WEST JEFFERSON 336-877-4716 • MOUNTAINAIRE.COM

Mountain Aire Golf Club is an unbelievable place to golf and live. This well-maintained, public course is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Ashe County, just 25 miles from Boone. Eighteen holes of challenging elevations and spectacular views will make this one of your favorite places to visit.

For tee times, call the Pro Shop at 336-877-4716 or visit our website at mountainaire.com

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208181. GREAT LOCATION w/privacy yet so close to all amenities West Jefferson has to offer.

3/2.5 home w/over 2700 hsf located on 3.20 acres w/lovely gazebo, wraparound porch & open sun deck…great mtn views! $394,000.

204027. SOUTHERN FARM – Nice 3/2 home on 77+ acre tract for the horse lovers among us. Also includes pond, old barn, run-in shed for the horses & equipment shed. Must see and walk the land to appreciate. $695,000

205218. OVER 6+ ACRES w/ 3BR/3BA HOME Features open floor plan for entertaining, Full unfin bsmt, 1 car garage, open front deck & back covered porch, beautiful stream that flows into a small cascade water fall, pond w/ ducks, privacy & mtn views.. $359,900

208008. BEAUTIFUL ACREAGE ADJACENT TO BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY. 85 acres includes old homestead bldg site w/septic & well, nicely landscaped w/springs & ponds. Nic pastures w/ 2 barns & knoll overlooking Parkway w/layered mountain views beyond. Rental cabin included on the Wilkes Co side. $1,000,000.

206160. ASHE LAKE: The ideal home for a place to live & income producing property on lower level.

Both levels of home are currently being leased.

This property has had several upgrades & improvements within the last year. Also, enjoy the lake privileges at the beach and dock area . $149,900

39204239. GREAT VACATION COTTAGE OR STARTER HOME. 2 BR home w/nice front & back porch. There are 3 outbuildings & detached garage. Very peaceful and quiet setting with mountain/pastoral view. $79,000

202187. GETAWAY W/VIEW AND 6+ ACRES 3/3 log home has open floor plan, unfinished basement offers potential for a great rec room w/finished bathroom already in place. View is beyond breathtaking. Optional furnishings already in place. No rat race traffic here! $325,000

203557. BEAUTY IN BRICK – 3/2 HOME OFFERING 18 +/- ACRES, pond, small creek, gurgling brook, panoramic views from ridge top, tranquil woods, barn with stalls and outbuilding.

Home w/large master suite, full unfin bsmt, fireplace & more. Fruit & nut trees included! $229,900

207628. GORGEOUS HOME W/AWESOME VIEWS OF THE MOUNTAINS. 3/3 home on 5 acres w/wraparound porch on all four sides and a pretty view from any side. Corner sun room with really beautiful mountain views. Lower level offers large storage room, full bath, game room and a garage area . Large pond too! $364,900

208198. VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS FROM THIS 34 ACRE TRACT w/easy access from York Ridge road in Rugby, VA. Electric on property this former tree farm would be great for trees or cattle. Great building site with tremendous view! $129,500.

Adjoining tract also available.

208335. WEST JEFFERSON – Neat older 2 BR, 1 BA farmhouse located close to Mtn Aire Golf Course & near Boone. 2.0 acres with nice yard & room for a garden. Large barn and easy road frontage. $189,000

206529. LIVE IN ONE - RENT THE OTHER or use as overflow guest house, in-law home or kids hangout. Consists of 3 BR/2 BA brick rancher w/detached 2-car garage; & 2 BR/2 BA studio apartment with basement garage with lots of storage space. All this situated on 1.5 acres located only minutes from town $229,900

207976. CAN'T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS 3/2 DOUBLEWIDE. Spacious floor plan & nice flat yard.

Even though it has been used as a 2nd home over the past 13 years, this home would make an excellent full time residence. Very well maintained for its age, plus having lake access is a plus! $125,500.

205502. BOLD CREEK - Serene 6.86 acre setting with a 2014 Keystone Lite Camper that stays with the property. Camper offers 1 large BR, bath w/shower, living/kitchen area & furnished, several outbuildings. New bridge over the creek w/gravel road to the camper. $120,000

39206772. CHRISTMAS MOUNTAIN - with easy access from main Hwy. 15 lots available ranging from 1.0 acre to 1.5+ Acres. Gated & only minutes to West Jefferson Shared well, underground utilities. Prices begin at $25,900.

206476. ONE OF A KIND 45.264 ACRE TRACT that lays very nicely & would make an awesome home site or really great hunting tract. The terrain for the most part is very gentle & there are 2 small streams on the property. $279,900

11 Beaver Creek School Rd., West Jefferson, NC 28694 336-246-2664 or 1-800-865-4221 • C21HeritageRealty.com

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PHOTO SUBMITTED ClayBank will perform July 7 at the Christmas in July festival. The band will hit the Main Stage at 1 p.m.

BANDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

in the North Carolina mountains and listening to Doc Watson on the radio inspired Presley to begin picking fiddle tunes and bluegrass music. He has been influenced and mentored by Steve Lewis, Wayne Henderson and Bryan Sutton.

Performing with Barker will be Clay Russell, 17, Kyser George, 13 and Luke Morris, 18.

Morris has always been surrounded by bluegrass music. When he was 12, he got his hands on a mandolin while taking a guitar class and quickly fell in love with the instrument. He enjoys playing and singing anytime he is given the opportunity individually and with the band ShadowGrass.

Russell has lived in Grayson County, Va., his entire life. He received his first banjo when he was four years old and learned to pick out song melodies using his thumb.

At around age 10, he began using the three finger method. A few years later he started entering local competitions and collaborated to help form the band ShadowGrass.

George, of Westfield, grew up steeped in the musical heritage of Stokes County. Kyser received his first instrument, a

mandolin, at the age of six and it quickly became evident that the rhythm section was his niche.

Although they have their own style, ShadowGrass is honored to be playing in the shadow of great bluegrass legends.

Holding to their bluegrass roots, fast-picking and fresh arrangements have earned the band numerous awards in youth and adult competitions across the region. Their foot-tapping music and charming personalities continue to draw a crowd and gain encouraging fans with each new place they visit. ShadowGrass is looking forward to contributing to the heritage of bluegrass music for years to come. They’ll take the Main Stage Saturday, July 7, at 11 a.m.

WAYNE HENDERSON & FRIENDS Wayne Henderson’s top-notch fingerpicking is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family and neighbors in Grayson County, Va. His guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar, and in seven nations in Asia.

Some of Henderson’s instruments are intricately decorated but are most respected for their volume, tone, and resonance.

Blues guitarist John Cephas said that

Wayne Henderson “is probably the most masterful guitar maker in this whole United States.”

Henderson will be on the Main Stage at noon on Saturday, July 7.

CLAYBANK Formed in January 2015, ClayBank is comprised of Gary Trivette on bass, Tyler Thompson on banjo, Jacob Greer on guitar and Zack Arnold on mandolin. Proof that raw young talent combined with a wealth of musical experience and expertise can prevail, this four-piece band has combined dynamic instrumentation and powerful vocals to produce an award-winning show.

Arnold is a musician who has been around bluegrass music his whole life, joining his family in song at the local church and singing before he was two years old. As a child he took mandolin lessons, and fell in love with the guitar as he grew older.

Forming his music at a young age, Greer learned to play electric guitar when he was 8 years old. He was introduced to bluegrass music a couple years later and soon began taking flatpicking lessons, studying the techniques of guitar greats Kenny Smith and Tony Rice.

Thompson was introduced at an early

age to bluegrass music by his father, who also plays bass. His primary instrument in ClayBank is the banjo, and he is also an accomplished songwriter and singer, performing both harmony and lead vocals.

Trivette began playing bass at the age of eight. He is known for his rock-solid bass playing and vocal range, along with his song writing abilities.

Claybank will be taking to the Main Stage at 1 p.m., July 7.

AMANTHA MILL A community oriented old/bluegrass act based out of Boone, Amantha Mill brings bluegrass, swing, cowboy, country and Americana roots music to West Jefferson for Christmas in July.

The band was formed by Rebecca Eggers-Gryder, who formed the name from the small mill community of Amantha, from which her family comes from.

Eggers-Gryder is the bass player of the band. She has a keen interest and love for folk and bluegrass music and spends much of her time crafting songs and lyrics that dabble in the genres of bluegrass, country and blues.

Bill Helms started his music career after SEE BANDS ON PAGE 18

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336-846-4900 www.A1MountainRealty.com Don’t Make A Move Without Us!

1 N. Jefferson Ave., PO Box 828, West Jefferson, NC 28694

This is an entertaining paradise for your friends and family. Relax on the front deck or basement patio with firepit allowing views of the surrounding mountains and Elk Knob!

Home can be used as one level living with level entrance. The 3 bed, 3 bath home boasts 3400sqft on 4.47 acres and has too many custom features to list! Main floor has sunken living room, showcasing a custom gas fireplace. Huge master suite has vaulted ceiling with tiled master bath, shower/jetted tub and access to screened in porch. $439,900 MLS#201648

Affordable charming mountain get-a-way in a gated community. This cozy cabin features a wood burning, stone, floor to ceiling fireplace. Open floor plan for the great room, kitchen, and dinning. One bedroom and bath on the main level. Upstairs enjoy a huge master bedroom with setting area and bath. Full unfinished basement with lots of storage for your river equipment. This gated subdivision features a large common river area for your water activities. $199,900 MLS#207863

Breathtaking Riverfront Estate: Come see this one of a kind home with mature landscaping that provides year round color. Home REDUCED!!! Charming cottage nestled in has a 2 car Portico, 2 Floors: Both floors the woods over-looking a creek and the have open and airy living areas with stone Mountain Aire Golf Course. This great property has tons of curb appeal while offering floor to ceiling fireplaces & separate kitcheasy access to anywhere in the High Country ens, with formal dining areas. Excellent hmaking this one a prime find. This home has ome for the extended family or additional charm inside and out, open living space with guest to enjoy their own privacy. Enjoy matongue and groove ceilings in the living and gnificent river views from any room in the upstairs loft area giving a touch of mountain home on either floor. Both levels have covered rocking chair porches to enjoy the view feel to this well-kept cottage style home.

Bring nature indoors with the multiple wind- of the New River. Very quiet setting, excellent for company functions and family ows also offering a large amount of natural entertainment. $949,900 MLS#207841 light. $259,900 MLS#203717

Custom built, well maintained, up to date 4BR 2 ½ BA log home in town limits of Lansing! Open floor plan with vaulted tongue and groove ceiling, floor to ceiling fireplace, hardwood floors with both log and drywall interior walls. Covered front porch and open back deck with access ramp.

View from kitchen/dining area, loft and front porch. Enjoy living on the hillside above Lansing Creeper Trail Park with Greenway walking trails, fishing the stocked Delayed Harvest Trout stream of Big Horse Creek and convenience to amenities in this small friendly mountain town. $369,900 MLS#207207

Gorgeous log cabin with beautiful landscaping! Relax on the rocking chair front porch and enjoy the long- range views from the deck! This house offers an open floor plan to enjoy the large living room with stone fireplace, dining room and kitchen with wood floors throughout. Imagine sipping your morning coffee in the large sunroom while enjoying the beautiful mountain views.

Everyone will love the huge fenced in backyard and the great neighborhood where this home is located! $299,999 MLS#39205588

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BANDS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

hearing the famous banjo theme from the movie “Deliverance.” Helms has performed at Carowinds, co-fronted half of the country duet “Marshall and Vaughn” and performed at Tweetsie Railroad.

Bringing a smooth and stylistic flare to the group is John Cockman on fiddle, who always finds a way to produce interpretations of the band’s music while also providing a harmonic singing bass.

Kevin Eller has been playing banjo since he was a teenager and has been involved in bluegrass since he was a child. Eller is a man of many talents, playing banjo and guitar while providing harmony and lead vocals.

Raised singing in church while also playing and singing Bluegrass and Gospel music since he was a child, Dustin Petrey brings energy and passion into the band.

Petrey started learning mandolin when he was 13 years old and soon followed with guitar.

Amantha Mill will be taking to the Main Stage at 2 p.m. July 7.

LONESOME WILLOW Bringing some more bluegrass to the festival is Lonesome Willow, made up of Jim Trivette, Tim Lewis, Evan Moore and Dean Bledsoe. Trivette plays bass, Lewis plays the banjo, Moore plays guitar and Bledsoe contributes with his mandolin.

The band has many influences, from Flattt and Scruggs to Blue Highway. Most importantly, they try to play bluegrass the way they hear it, by making it their own while still paying homage to the pioneers of the genre.

Lonesome Willow will perform at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 7.

CANE MILL ROAD BLUEGRASS BAND Growing up just down the road from

Doc Watson, Billboard-charting artists Cane Mill Road rock the traditional bluegrass standards they grew up on, yet they boldly tackle progressive grass interpretations of the Beatles, Gordon Lightfoot and more. Honoring the past, the band looks to the future with a blended set of traditional and progressive music that walks the lines between bluegrass, old-time, americana, and folk leaving audiences glad they stopped on Cane Mill Road.

The band’s debut album hit No. 9 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Album chart. Cane Mill Road’s album, Five Speed, was produced by two-time Grammy award winner Cathy Fink and by Tom Mindte of Patuxent Studios in Maryland. The band just finished recording its second album, this time with 12 originals and three classic covers.

Band members range in age from 15 to 20 and include: 15-year-old Liam Purcell on vocals, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and clawhammer banjo; 20-year-old Eliot Smith on guitar and bass; 18-year-old Trajan Wellington on bluegrass banjo and guitar; and 20-year-old Casey Lewis on guitar, mandolin and vocals.

Cane Mill Road will perform on the Main Stage at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 7.

LUCKY STRIKES BAND The Lucky Strikes Band is a classic jazz band that prides themselves on professionalism, creativity and versatility. Whether it’s conversational background music, esoteric jazz selections, toe-tapping swinging dance tunes or golden oldies, the goal is to complement any event with some of the finest music ever written.

Band members include Jim Fleri playing piano, Doug Brantz playing guitar, Steve Roark on saxophone and Jamie Blanton on the drums.

The Lucky Strikes Band will close the festival, performing from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 7.

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19

Scenes from the 2017 Christmas in July

PHOTOS BY CARI CARSON Old-time music, musicains and more fill Chirstmas in July with the sounds of the mountains.

Left, festivalgoers fill Backstreet while, above, vendors offer their works at a past Christmas in July festival.

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Bedding

15,000 Square Ft. Shabby Chic Reclaimed Wood

Lift Chairs Serta Bedding Capel Rugs

Areas Best Selection of Recliners and Living Room Furniture

Available in Leather or Fabric

Craftmaster chair

High leg recliner Sale $399

Designer fabrics

Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 to 5:00 & Sat. 9:00 to 3:00 l 336-384-2929 Thru West Jefferson on 194N – 6 miles to Warrensville, NC