FESTIVALS

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Ashe County Bluegrass and OldTime Fiddlers Convention (July 28-29)

The Ashe County Arts Council is committed to preserving and honoring the musical heritage of the community, and what better way to do that than with a super weekend of music! Any proceeds from the Fiddlers Convention are used to support the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program. JAM provides instruction at the Ashe Civic Center in fiddle, banjo and guitar for students in grades three through eight.

The annual Fiddlers Convention will be held at Ashe County Park July 28 and 29, rain or shine. The weekend will be filled with individual instrumental and band competitions with $4,350 in prize money for the winners, a Friday evening concert with local groups, food, craft vendors and instrument makers, and good times for musicians and audience members alike.

For more information, visit www. ashecountyarts.org/fiddlers-fest/.

NC Mineral and Gem Festival

(Aug. 3 to 6)

The North Carolina Mineral and Gem Festival is celebrating its 64 year as one of the oldest and most popular mineral and gem shows in the country from August 3 to 6. The festival takes place in the area of Spruce Pine, and features gem, jewelry and mineral dealers from across the country showcasing various merchandise. The event also offers mine tours.

The festival takes place Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Festival admission tickets are sold at the door on the day of the event, with a discounted cost of only $1 on Sunday for Mitchell County residents.

For more information, visit www. ncgemfest.com.

High Country Beer Fest (Aug. 26)

The 16th Annual High Country Beer Fest will host 25 breweries and an anticipated 1,700 people on August 26 at the High Country Fairground.

Two ounce samples will be given out with the only payment needed is to enter the festival. Merchandise and food will be available for purchase and three bands will take the stage to set the mood for the fun-filled day.

For more information, visit www. hcbeerfest.com.

Mile-High Kite Festival — Beech Mountain (Sept. 2-3)

DuringLabor Day weekend, children of all ages are invited to cover Beech Mountain’s blue skies with kites of all shapes and colors. Located at more than 5,000 feet in elevation, the mead- ow behind Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria makes it easy to sail kites a mile above sea level.

This free, family friendly event features craft and food vendors, music and contests with prizes awarded for the biggest kite, smallest kite and best decorated. Other activities include races with kids pulling parachute kites, face painting and kite-flying demonstrations given by the professional kite flying clubs.

For more information, visit www. beechmountainresort.com.

Engineered to Protect

More homes and businesses in the U.S. are protected by a GAF roof than any other products. Why?

GAF is always working on new and better ways to protect homes. We are committed to making our products better, stronger, safer and in more sustainable ways that are faster and easier to install.

Boone Location

3148 Hwy. 105 South Boone, NC 28607

828-264-5650 www.newriverbuilding.com

Banner Elk Location

2340 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk, NC 28604

828-898-5660

Yes, GAF shingles are made in the USA! Ever since GAF was founded as the Standard Print Company in 1886, it has been based in the United States. Now, GAF is considered the leading roofing manufacturer in North America, and plants are located throughout the United States.