WinterFest 2016

2016

WINTER INTERFEST EST CHILLY CHILI COOKOFF POLAR PLUNGE

THURSDAY THURS TO SUNDAY SUN

WINTERFEAST WINTERTASTING & CHARITY AUCTION

JANUARY JAN ARY 28-31

SNOWFLAKE PARADE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES ICE CARVING

BLOWING BL WING

ROCK WINTERFEST

A SUPPLEMENT TO

SPONSORED BY

real estate since ce 1976

WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

WELCOME TO

WinterFest ‘MORE FIRE, MORE ICE’

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

“D

on’t hibernate, celebrate.”

That’s been the official WinterFest slogan since the annual event began in 1998.

Now, 18 years later, WinterFest has grown into one of Western North

Carolina’s biggest winter events, annually attracting thousands of visitors to Blowing Rock for a five-day weekend of fun, food, music and adventure.

This year, WinterFest takes place from Thursday, an 31 Jan. 28, through Sunday, Jan. i presented by the Blowing and is Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Highlights of the celebra-

t tion include the Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake, the Chilly Chili Cook-Off, Little Miss WinterFest P Pageant, WinterFashions Show and Luncheon at Meadowbrook Inn, WinterFeast at Chetola Resort, Wine Tasting and Auction at th Green G the Park Inn and Winter Paws D Show.

Dog For more information, visit www. blowingrockwinterfest.com or call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

January 28, 2016

WinterFest

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WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

Bonfires and hayrides

e on y’s Bo gelr Ba

By Jeff Eason HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6am - 5pm Sun. 7am - 3pm

HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6am - 3pm Sun. 7am - 3pm

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eason@mountaintimes.com

T

he WinterFest experience is not complete without a trip through downtown Blowing Rock on the town’s hay wagon.

Free hayrides will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

The hayrides will depart from in front of the 1888 Museum, next to Blowing Rock Memorial Park on Main Street.

The hayrides are presented courtesy of Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation.

Another great outdoor event is the bonfires in Memorial Park. Presented by Boy Scout Troop 101, the bonfires will take place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29.

Materials will be provided so that you can make your own roasted marshmallows and s’mores. Area musicians will provide music so that the whole bonfire gang can sing along.

Please note, the bonfire will not be held in severe wind or rain.

For more information on the hayrides and Friday bonfire, call Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at (828) 295-5222.

Chetola Resort will host a free bonfire by the lake from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. Live music will fill the air and folks will be able to purchase drinks and s’mores kits at an outdoor open bar.

For more information, call Chetola Resort at (828) 295-5500.

WHAT TO DO WINTERFEST SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Ongoing (all four days) Shop Till You Drop High Country Small Plate Crawl

Thursday, Jan. 28 • WinterFeast: 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• WinterFeast After-Party: 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 29 Fireplaces & Stoves

Patio Furniture & Fire Pits

®

• WinterFashion Show: 11 a.m. to noon • Cork & Canvas at BRAHM: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• WinterFest Family Night at Appalachian Ski Mtn.: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Bonfire in Memorial Park: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30

Outdoor Kitchens & Grills

Indoor Kitchen Appliances

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See map on page 31.

• Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake: 10 a.m. to noon • Chilly Chili Cookoff: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Arctic Art at BrrrAHM!: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

• Little Miss WinterFest Pageant: noon to 2:45 p.m.

• Silent Auction and Raffle: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• WinterFest Snowflake Parade: 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

• Collegiate Ice Carving Competition: noon to 4 p.m.

• Hayrides: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• WinterTastings and Wine Auction: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• WinterFest Firewalk: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Bonfire at Chetola: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 31 • WinterPaws Dog Show: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

January 28, 2016

WinterFest

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WinterFest mascots Chilly and Crystal pose with a fan near frozen shores of Chetola Lake.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Pan Seared Foie Gras Flame Torched Eel Sauce, Our House Ponzu, Garnished with Scallions and Red Tobiko (Foie Gras is French For Fat Liver. We Are Serving MonkFish Liver, Not Goose Liver)

January 27-31

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WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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WINTERFEST HOSTS

fire walking

demonstration in the park

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

S

ome things have to be seen to be believed.

WinterFest 2016 will host a special fire walking demonstration from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, in Blowing Rock Memorial Park.

Dave Albin of Firewalk Productions will walk barefoot on hot coals to the amazement of everyone.

Albin, formerly associated with legendary motivational

speaker Tony Robbins, will demonstrate how you can overcome fear and change your life for the better.

The event is free and open to everyone.

Included in the demonstration will be a variety of breathtaking experiences, including board breaking, rebar bending, arrow breaking and more.

If the wind is too gusty to have a fire in the park, the firewalk will be replaced by a glasswalk — yes, walking on pieces of broken glass.

“If you want to make changes within your life, you must do something to shake up and wake up the nervous system,” said a spokesman for Firewalk Productions. “Experiences like fire walking and glass walking will do just that.

“Come spend a little time with Dave Albin and Firewalk Productions. It may just be the fire you have been looking for.”

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

THE ART OF ICE:

WINTERFEST TO HOST THE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL INVITATIONAL COLLEGIATE ICE CARVING COMPETITION

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

F

or the first time in the 18-year history of WinterFest, the event will host the Southeast Regional Invitational Ice Carving Competition.

The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 30, in Blowing Rock Memorial Park and is free for all spectators.

Artisan Ice Sculptures’ Travis Dale has joined forces with Blowing Rock’s WinterFest to bring the area the finest ice carving event ever witnessed in the High Country.

Dale is a certified master ice carver, one of only five in the United States. He will bring some of the best ice carving students to Blowing Rock for a competition unlike any other.

In addition to the competition, Dale will hold several special ice-carving demonstrations.

The Homestead Inn and Alpine Village Inn in Blowing Rock will assist the ice carving teams during their stay.

WinterFest Ice Stroll In conjunction with the Southeastern Regional Invitational Collegiate Ice Carving Competition, Artisan Ice Sculptures will present the first-ever WinterFest Ice Stroll.

Dale will create custom ice sculptures at several businesses around Blowing Rock. Come see these unique creations before they melt.

A map of sculpture locations will be available, so you will be sure not to miss any of them.

Duration of the ice art is dependent on the weather, so put this on your early schedule.

Ice carving in Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park is always a WinterFest highlight.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

The WinterFest Ice Stroll takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29.

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

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WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

A trio of plungers leap off of the pier at Chetola Lake during last year’s WinterFest Polar Plunge.

Daring dippers TAKE THE POLAR PLUNGE

By Jeff Eason

S

eason@mountaintimes.com

ome say that you really haven’t experienced WinterFest until you’ve participated in the annual Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake.

When signing up for the Polar Plunge you are taking a gamble on the unpredictable winter weather of Blowing Rock.

In the 18-year history of the Polar Plunge, we’ve seen years when the water was just a bit chilly. Then there are years when they literally have to use chain saws

to cut through the thick ice on the surface of the water so that the plungers can take an icy dip.

WBTV news anchor John Carter will serve as the Polar Plunge emcee this year, announcing the names of the daring dippers as they jump off of the pier at Chetola Lake.

With more than 100 brave souls taking the plunge this year, we’re sure to see some great costumes as plungers vie for the “Golden Plunger” award for best attire.

Admission for spectators is free and the

registration fee for plungers is $9 to $25.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Watauga Youth Network and the Hospitality House.

To sign up as a plunger, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

Polar Plunge Buffet Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort will host the Polar Plunge Buffet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

The buffet menu will include eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, hickory-smoked bacon, smoked salmon and accompaniments, quiche, sliced pork loin with maple-bourbon glaze tomato bisque and house salad.

The price for the buffet is $22 for adults and $16 for children ages 12 and younger (gratuity and beverages not included).

Regular breakfast will be served at Timberlake’s from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

For more information or to make reservations, call (828) 295-5505.

January 28, 2016

WinterFest

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Hula girls take the plunge.

Mary Margaret O’Brien jumps into Chetola Lake.

Diving head first.

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

A group of three plungers hit the icy lake.

Billy Chick leaps into the lake.

WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

Chilly Chili Cookoff HEATS UP WINTERFEST

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

W

arm up from the inside out at the 18th annual WinterFest Chilly Chili Cookoff.

The event features dozens of professional and amateur cooks presenting their favorite chili recipes for cash, prizes and a dubious amount of local fame.

This year’s Chilly Chili Cookoff is presented by the Blowing Rock School PTO and will take place at the school’s gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Admission is $7 per person and grants you unlimited tasting opportunities.

All of the chili will be judged by a panel of local celebrities. Amateur chili cooks will

compete for cash prizes ($500, $250 and $100), while the winner of the restaurant competition will leave with the illustrious Traveling Chili Trophy handcrafted by local sculptor Alex Hallmark.

The chili cooks will also compete for the best decorated table award and the People’s Choice Award.

The Chilly Chili Cookoff will also feature live music from the new band Handlebar Betty. The band features Meris Gantt, Anna Huffman, Chad Berry and Jordan Lamb and plays an upbeat assortment of acoustic roots music, rock and soul.

For more information or to register to compete in the Chilly Chili Cookoff, call (828) 295-3204.

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

Cooks serve up the famous Tailgate Chili.

Chefs from the Table at Crestwood scoop up some chili.

1127 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 266-0205 • Toll Free (877) 295-0776 www.vrenc.com Deborah McDowell serves up chili with a smile.

WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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A High Country Favorite All ABC Permits • Nightly Food and Drink Specials Reservations Taken, but Not Required

SMALL PLATE CRAWL

Open All Day - Everyday 970 Rivers Street, Boone, NC • 828-264-7772 • www.CafePortofino.net Follow us on Facebook & stay up to date on special events and daily specials!

PROVIDES TASTY SAMPLES IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

By Jeff Eason

F

eason@mountaintimes.com

or the second year in a row, WinterFest will be held in conjunction with the High Country Small Plate Crawl.

Dozens of independently owned restaurants in Blowing Rock, Boone and the rest of the mountain area will feature special small plate menus so that guests can sample a variety of dishes for a reasonable price.

The High Country Small Plate Crawl is from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (breakfast, lunch and dinner, depending on the restaurant) and takes place from Wednesday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 31.

Blowing Rock area restaurants taking part in the HCSPC include The Gamekeeper, Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers and the Table at Crestwood.

Other participating restaurants are Black Cat Burrito, Boone Bagelry, Casa Rustica, CoBo Sushi Bistro and Bar, Makoto’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, The

Local, Joy Bistro, Proper, Lost Province, Red Onion Café, Stick Boy Bread Co., Sunrise Grill, The TApp Room, Pepper’s Restaurant, Primo’s Italian Restaurant, the Waterwheel Café, McKethan Brothers Barbecue and Over Yonder.

For a complete list of plate crawl restaurants, visit www.platecrawl.com.

Diners participating in the HCSPC can go online and acquire a “passport.” With it, they can scan QR codes at the individual restaurants, accumulate points and be entered in a prize drawing.

If anyone in a group purchases a plate, everyone in the group gets to scan the QR code for validation. Servers will present “crawlers” with the QR code for validation when paying at each restaurant. Free QR codes applications are available for download.

Crawlers are automatically entered into prize drawings each time they scan a QR code or enter a code manually based on the number of restaurants they visit. Winners will be contacted by email.

For more information, visit www.platecrawl.com.

The Only Pharmacy in the Village.

Full retail pharmacy, personal care items, gift items, Hallmark cards and much more!

828-295-3482 379 Sunset Drive | Blowing Rock | Mon-Fri 9-5 | Sat 9-2

WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

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WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

WinterFest food lovers find something for every palate at WinterFeast.

WinterFeast kicks off WINTERFEST 2016 ON JAN. 28

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

S

ampling all of the High Country’s great array of restaurants can be a time-consuming affair ... except for one night a year.

WinterFest kicks off its four-day celebration with the annual WinterFeast buffet dinner, held in Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. More than a dozen area fine dining restaurants will have dishes to sample

at WinterFeast.

The dinner includes tasty finger food-style appetizers, entrees and even desserts.

WinterFeast will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Participating restaurants at this year’s event are Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Canyons of the Blue Ridge, Blowing Rock Ale House, The Best Cellar, Roots Restaurant, the Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn, the Meadowbrook Inn,

the Table at Crestwood, Bistro Roca, Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge, the New Public House, Ugga Mugga Bakery, Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow, Six Pence Pub, the Town Tavern, Twigs and Woodlands Barbecue.

Seating and tickets WinterFeast usually sells out in advance and folks interested in attending are urged to buy their tickets as soon as possible.

The event will feature

three seatings from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Advance tickets are $29 per person and do not include beverages, tax or gratuity.

A select group of special tables seating eight to 10 people for the entire evening is available for $600.

For more information or to reserve your WinterFeast tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Main dishes and desserts are served up at WinterFeast.

WinterFest

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JAZZ at WinterFest

We stay open no matter the weather!

Stop By to Enjoy our Excellence in Courtesy and Customer Service.

at the Green Park Inn

Todd Wright Jazz Trio Friday, January 29th

Charlie Ellis Jazz Trio Saturday, January 30th With dining in the

Chestnut Grille Serving 6:00-9:30pm with music from 6:30-9:30pm

14 Drafts Import & Micro Brews New Patio Open (Weather Permitting) Serve Menu: Sunday-Saturday 11a.m. - Midnight Bar Open: Sunday-Wednesday ‘til Midnight Thursday-Saturday ’til 2a.m.

ESTD. 1882

Divide Tavern will also be open 5:00pm-until

Chestnut Grille

Divide Tavern

9239 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.414.9230 | www.greenparkinn.com

1121 Main Street • Blowing Rock

828-295-3155

January 28, 2016

WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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SPECIAL SAVINGS GOING ON NOW!

Expires March 31, 2016

Page 18

WinterFest

January 28, 2016

Twigs to host

WinterFeast after-party A WinterFeast after-party will be held at Twigs Restaurant and Bar from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28.

The event will include drink specials, live music and giveaways. The Jacob Johnson Band will perform.

For more information, call Twigs at (828) 295-5050.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Jacob Johnson Band.

BEST D E T VO TS BAR SPOR 2015!

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40 HD TVs 36 Bottled Beers • 20 Draft Beers Visit us during the Small Plate Crawl!

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January 28, 2016

WinterFest

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PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Newlyweds Crystal, left, and Chilly, right, pose with WinterFest visitors in Memorial Park.

WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

PAINTING AND SIPPING:

BRAHM

to host Cork and Canvas event Saturday

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

W

161 Howard Street Suite B Boone, NC

hat could be more fun on a chilly winter

afternoon than enjoying a couple of glasses of wine while creating your own work of art?

If that sounds like a good time to you, then you should make plans to

828 386 1201 Mon - Sat 5pm - close

attend the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum’s “Cork and Canvas” gettogether.

The event takes place at the museum from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29. The cost is $30 for BRAHM members and $40 for nonmembers and space is limited.

Cork and Canvas is an evening of wine and painting in a relaxed atmosphere facilitated by a trained instructor. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art.

All materials, including canvasses, are provided.

Wine and snacks will be served.

For January’s Cork and Canvas, students will celebrate WinterFest by creating art based on Wassily Kandinsky’s “Winter Landscape” (1909).

The instructor for the event, Carole Childers, formally studied art as an undergraduate at Ohio University, where she earned her bachelor of fine arts degree.

She did graduate work in art education and worked as an art instructor for 34 years in public and private schools and universities.

She currently teaches private lessons and adults with disabilities at Caldwell Community

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Wine enthusiast Lynne Lear pours a glass of vino during the wine tasting event.

College and Technical Institute.

What she said she enjoys most about being an artist and teacher is that she is constantly involved in learning ever more about art and improving her skills as an artist, while bringing joy to her own life

and the lives of others.

She is former president of the Brush and Palette Club and a current member of the High Country Water Media Society, Foothills Art Guild and the Brush and Palette Club.

Her art has been exhibited throughout Caldwell

and Watauga counties.

For more information or to reserve your spot at this special WinterFest edition of Cork and Canvas, call Leila Weinstein at BRAHM at (828) 295-9099, ext.

3006, or email her at Leila@blowingrockmuseum.org.

WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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Grape expectations WINTERFEST WINE TASTING AND CHARITY AUCTION MOVES TO THE AMERICAN LEGION HALL

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

S

ince it reopened last summer, the newly renovated Blowing Rock American Legion Hall has hosted seminars, auctions and even wedding receptions.

Now, the American Legion Hall will host the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Charity Auction beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Tickets to the event are $30 per person and proof of age is required for this 21 and older event.

Wine fans will find more than 100 different labels

from vineyards and wineries located in North Carolina, California, Europe and beyond.

The tasting begins at 2 p.m. and the auction starts at 4 p.m.

In addition to bottles and cases of wine, the charity auction will include gift baskets, wine accessories and lodging for the inaugural Savor Blowing Rock Festival in April.

For more information or to reserve tickets for the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Auction, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Sue Ivey serves up a glass of cheer at WinterFest’s Wine Tasting.

Visit us during the

High Country Small Plate Crawl!

Country Ham Biscuits $4 | Fig and Prosciutto $6 Shrimp Ceviche Toast $7 | Green Tea Tuna $7 Fried Catfish $9 | Banana Pudding $5 All items listed include a 3oz wine pairing for an additional $3 each

831 W. King St (Across from the Courthouse)

828.263.9176

Restaurant and Wine Bar

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WinterFest

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WinterFest

January 28, 2016

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SNOWFLAKE PARADE WINTERFEST’S INAUGURAL PARADE HITS MAIN ST.

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

T PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Snowflake Parade emcee John Carter.

he inaugural WinterFeest Snowflake Parade with special guests from Appalachian State University will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Like the other parades in Blowing Rock, the Snowflake Parade will start on U.S. 221 near the Robbins Swimming Pool Complex, march down Main Street and end at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

The parade will be led by the

“snowflakes,” a group of young artists who have been creating puppets and winter-themed decorations at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum during January.

Other participants will include Little Miss WinterFest Pageant competitors, the Watauga Humane Society and a large contingent from Appalachian State University.

“We are so excited that ASU wants to be in our parade to help celebrate the Mountaineer football team’s first bowl victory,” said Billie Rogers, events

director at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We will have members of the Camellia Bowl-winning Mountaineer football team, along with head coach Scott Satterfield, ASU Chancellor Sheri Everts, Yosef and members of other ASU sports teams in the parade.”

The ASU Mountaineers defeated the Ohio University Bobcats 31-29 in the second annual Camellia Bowl on Dec. 19. The game was decided with a winning ASU field goal as time expired.

Rogers said that she hopes a

lot of ASU supporters and football tailgating fans will take the opportunity to attend the parade and root on the Mountaineers during the official bowl victory celebration.

The Mountaineer Marching Band will provide music for the parade and WBTV news anchor John Carter will serve as the emcee from Blowing Rock Memorial Park.

For more information, contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

LITTLE MISS WINTERFEST PAGEANT RETURNS ON SATURDAY, JAN 30

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

D

oes your little girl want to be a princess? Or even a queen?

The Little Miss WinterFest Pageant turns every little girl into

royalty.

Every contestant will receive a tiara and winners will be awarded a satin, monogrammed banner and a large crown.

The competition will be based on winter wear, so no special apparel is necessary.

The Little Miss WinterFest Pageant will be held from noon to 2:45 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock on Saturday, Jan. 30.

Admission for audience members is $5 per person.

Contestants will be judged on best smile, best personality and beauty.

All children are eligible, residency is not a factor.

An optional Most Photogenic category is also available.

A portion of the registration fees will benefit the Blowing Rock Elementary School PTO program to renovate the playground.

This year, the event is centered around the Disney animated feature film “Frozen,” with our own version of Elsa presiding.

All contestants and young audience members are invited to attend “Cocoa with Queen Elsa” following the event (fee for audience members). This is also special photo opportunity.

For more information, call the Meadowbrook Inn at (828) 295-4300.

A North Carolina Tradition

Iconic Views and Unique Gift Shop theblowingrock.com • 828-295-7111 • 432 Rock Road • Blowing Rock January thru March • 9:00am-5:00pm • Thursday-Monday

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A young contestant at last year’s Little Miss WinterFest Pageant.

January 28, 2016

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Arctic Art at BrrrAHM CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS! WINTERFEST NEEDS YOU

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

T

he Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will host a special event in conjunction with WinterFest called “Arctic Art at BrrrAHM.” The event will take place in BRAHM’s Education Center and is free for all children. It is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30.

During “Arctic Art at BrrrAHM,” kids will make winterthemed arts and crafts under the direction of trained art instructors.

At 3 p.m., all young artists are invited to show off their work during WinterFest’s first-ever Snowflake Parade.

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum at (828) 295-9099 or visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Young artists create colorful works in BRAHM’s Education Center.

WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Skiing and camping equipment available at last year’s WinterFest Silent Auction.

TREASURES GALORE AWAIT YOU AT THE WINTERFEST SILENT AUCTION AND RAFFLE

By Jeff Eason

Y

eason@mountaintimes.com

ou never know what treasures you will find at the annual WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle.

Brought to you by Mountain Alliance, the Blowing Rock WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, with prize pick up later that day.

Come to the Blowing Rock School Cafeteria and bid on the many beautiful items, packages, and gift certificates donated by

area retailers and businesses.

You will find items ranging from lodging at area hotels and inns, spa day packages, packages to area parks, massage and wellness certificates, outdoor adventures, fly fishing lessons, theater subscriptions, artwork by local artists, gift certificates to area restaurants and much more.

In addition, buy raffle tickets for baskets of goodies from your favorite shopping stops.

Last year, we had more than $20,000 worth of items from more than 200 businesses, so there is truly something for

everyone.

The silent auction and raffle is located in the Blowing Rock School Cafeteria on Morris Street. Look for signs on Main Street, Morris Street and Sunset Drive.

The silent auction takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the raffle ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, with prize pickup later that day.

Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to Mountain Alliance.

Mountain Alliance provides Watauga County high school-aged youth with a safe and supportive environment in which

they can develop an increased sense of self and their place in the community, a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Mountain Alliance recognizes these attributes as essential qualities of active and engaged citizens.

The organization is a community of high school students, teachers, professionals, outdoor- and adventure-based educators and supportive local leaders and citizens.

For more information, call (828) 2953204.

January 28, 2016

WinterFest

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WinterFest

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January 28, 2016

FAMILY NIGHT

QUALITY | CREATIVITY | EXPERIENCE

AT

APPALACHIAN SKI MOUNTAIN

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

W

inter sports have always played a big part in WinterFest.

This year, Appalachian Ski Mountain will host a special WinterFest Family Night at the ski resort from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29.

The night is designed for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with instructors from the famed French-Swiss Ski

College on hand to give “newbies” pointers, so that they can quickly learn how to traverse the slopes with style.

Appalachian Ski Mountain’s skating rink will also be open at this time.

This special event will include bonfires and s’mores.

Reservations are required.

For more information, call FrenchSwiss Ski College at Appalachian Ski Mountain at (828) 295-9311 or visit www.skifrench-swiss.com.

DESIGN | SITE PLANNING | BUILDING

828-963-8090 www.MountainConstruction.com

SMOKIN’ MEATS DAILY 1475 Highway 105, Boone, NC (828) 265-2828 www.mckethanbrothers.com catering@mckethanbrothers.com • (828) 964-3530

Come Try The Area’s BEST BBQ Featured in The High Country Small Plate Crawl • Jan. 28-Jan. 31 HOURS: Sunday-Thursday: 11am to 8pm Friday & Saturday: 11am to 9pm (Closed Mondays)

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

A model shows off fashions and accessories at last year’s WinterFashion show.

2016 winter fashion show

By Jeff Eason

McKETHAN Mc KETHAN BROTHERS BARBECUE COUPON

5 off

$ 00

PURCHASE OF $25.00 OR MORE

NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS • EXPIRES 1/28/2016

SMOKIN’ MEATS DAILY

T

eason@mountaintimes.com

he 2016 WinterFashion Show will feature runway models wearing fashions from a variety of Blowing Rock boutiques.

The boutiques include Doncaster, Monkees, TazMaRaz, Almost Rodeo Drive, Celeste’s, J.W. Tweeds, Take Heart, Sister

Act and Sunset Tee’s and Hattery.

Doors open at 11 a.m. with an open bar.

The runway action begins at 11:30 a.m. and the “Winter Warming” lunch begins at noon.

Tickets to the fashion show and lunch are $27 per person.

For more information or to make reservations, call the Meadowbrook Inn at (828) 295-4300.

January 28, 2016

WinterFest

Page 29

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation will host free hayrides through the town during WinterFest. The rides will depart from the 1888 Museum on Main St., next to Memorial Park.

WinterFest

Page 30

January 28, 2016

Clever canines close out WinterFest

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

W

interFest is going to the dogs. Literally.

Closing out the four-day celebration of winter is the seventh annual WinterPaws Dog Show, to begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Blowing Rock School gymnasium.

The WinterPaws Dog Show is your chance to compete with your furry friend for fame and prizes in a variety of contests and trick demonstrations.

The event is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and is a benefit for the Watauga Humane Society.

Attendance to the show is free for spectators, although a cash donation to the Watauga Humane Society is recommended.

A variety of shelter animals will be on hand and will be ready for adoption.

The dog show registration fee is $5 per category or $25 for all six categories. All proceeds will go to house and feed the animals at the Irma Baker Lyons Adoption Center and Shelter at the Watauga Humane Society.

Categories in the WinterPaws Dog Show include: • Best wiggle-butt/tail wagger • Best winter wear • Most mysterious heritage • Best dog trick • Most crooked smile • Best dog-owner look alike The winners of the six categories will receive ribbons and prizes and will go on to compete for “Best in Show” honors and a grand prize.

For more information, visit www. wataugahumanesociety.org or call (828) 264-7865.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

A dog uses a pair of spectacles to more closely resemble his owner in the ‘Best dogowner look alike’ category.

The winner of last year’s ‘Most mysterious heritage’ category.

WinterFest

January 28, 2016

Page 31

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WinterFest Key Locations 1 Tanger anger outlets shoppes on the park arkway y | morris st. s 2 chetola lake | chetola lake dr.

3 chetola resort | chetola lake dr.

4 meadowbrook inn | main st.

5 chamber of commerce | park ark ave. ve.

6 memorial park ark | main st. s 7 american ameri an legion hall | wallingford allingford st. s 8 BRAHM | CHESTNUT STREET 9 holiday holi y inn | valley alley blvd. b 10 blowing bl wing rock elementary elemen ary school | morris st. s

Thursday, Jan. 28 3

7

Children’s Activities ctivities

2

The Polar Plunge

WinterFeast WinterFe st 5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m.

Chetola Resort (500 Main St.)

Friday, Jan. 29 4

8

6

WINTERFASHIONS WINTER SHIONS SHOW SH

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

BRAHM (Chestnut St.)

Chilly Chili Cookoff

6

Ice Carving arving Competition

4

10

Raffle and Silent Auction uction 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Blowing Rock School Cafeteria

7

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Main Street by Memorial Park

Winter Paws s Dog Show Sh 1:30 p.m.

Blowing Rock School Gymnasium

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Blowing Rock School Gymnasium

Noon Memorial Park

Little Miss Winterfest Pageant 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Meadowbrook Inn (Main St.)

Saturday, Jan. 30

Snowflake Parade

Sunday, Jan. 31

10 a.m.

Chetola Lake

10

BONFIRE Dusk (weather permitting) Memorial Park

6

10

11:00 a.m.

Meadowbrook Inn (Main St.)

Cork and canvas

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

American Legion Hall (behind Memorial Park)

WinterFest Wine Tasting sting 2 p.m.

American Legion Hall

Blowing Rock

winterfest

events

Page 32

WinterFest

January 28, 2016

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!

Come visit the most amazing attraction in the High Country for half price this Winter!

Buy One Adult Ticket...

Get One FREE (Of equal or lesser value) From Jan. 28-March 31, 2016.

Mention WINTERFEST or bring this ad in to get your discount.

Can you defy gravity? Visit us and find out.

Mystery Hill • 129 Mystery Hill Ln. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.264.2792 • mysteryhill-nc.com

FIREWALK ADVENTURES...

Creating top-10 experiences in peoples’ lives since 1995!

Over 250,000 walkers and counting!

Mystery Hill is the ONLY place in America where Firewalking is open to the General Public.

Visit our website or inquire within.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see a Firewalk Demonstration

by Dave Albin & David Albin, Jr. of Firewalk Productions, LLC.

WHEN: Saturday, January 30th at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Winterfest at Blowing Rock Park INFO: (888) 611-4677 • blowingrockfirewalk.com