WinterFest 2022

Your Official Guide to Blowing Rock’s

JANUARY 27-30, 2022 SPONSORED BY

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE • CHILI CHALLENGE • WINTERWINE BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM ICE SCULPTURES • SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE • BEER GARDEN CURLING • MYSTERY HILL • OYSTER ROAST

A SUPPLEMENT TO

CHARCUTERIE WORKSHOP • ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATIONS

• Buck Stove Retail Outlet • Sustainable Outdoor Furniture • Jams, Jelly, Candles, Honey • Featuring over 50 Local Artisans Located in the South Marte Complex

1179 Main St #106 Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 385-0657

www.mountaintimeonmainst.com

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Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Jack Frost brings fun Blowing Rock’s Winterfest offers family friendly, seasonal fun for young and young at heart

BY DAVID ROGERS DAVID.ROGERS@MOUNTAINTIMES.COM

A

hhh. Late January in Blowing Rock. Bitter cold. Icy sidewalks.

Maybe even shoveling knee-deep — or deeper — snow from driveways.

Well, it’s a good thing we have Blowing Rock Winterfest from Jan. 27 to 30, 2022, to warm things up with some fun of the season!

Orchestrated and produced by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce in concert with numerous community, civic and nonprofit organizations (with proceeds going to charitable causes), Winterfest is a wintertime experience not to be missed. Thousands come to Blowing Rock on Winterfest weekend to take part in the “mini-events” that make up the whole.

“Winterfest gives our visitors and local residents alike the opportunity to enjoy the fun side of winter,” said Suzy Barker, events director for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Blowing Rock has ice sculptures featured in front of participating businesses and in Memorial Park beginning Friday, Jan. 28, through the weekend. These renowned ice carvers WOW spectators with their live carving demonstration on Saturday, Jan. 29.

FILE PHOTO FILE PHOTO

Entrees such as Hellbender’s Carolina Burger were served up with draft beer or a glass of wine as part of the WinterFest restaurant crawl.

“That’s free and fun, seeing the creativity they bring to those.

And there are several ice carving demonstrations, all free, throughout the weekend, too,” said Barker.

By Saturday, Jan. 29, activities are in full swing.

“Nothing warms the mind, body and soul like a good Chili Challenge, and thanks to The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock, several competing restaurants will be putting up their best efforts,” said Barker. “All proceeds go to Rotary’s various charitable causes, and they range from Hospitality House and the Hunger Coalition to OASIS, and toward a host of other great needs.”

Ever wonder what it would be like as a frontiersman in 1700?

“Mystery Hill hosts the WinterHawk tomahawk throwing competition in which anyone can participate,” said Barker. “Before you holler out a war howl as you

throw at the target and hit a bullseye, imagining that it is the enemy (or tonight’s dinner) coming into view on the trail ahead. Make sure that gentleman throwing in the lane next to you isn’t wearing a hearing aid!”

Mystery Hill has even more features to delight the soul and warm the heart this year. Every day of Winterfest is the Duck Derby and the Frozen Heart Adventure. They even have a murder mystery, a bit of dinner theatre dubbed, “Murder at the Deadwood Saloon.”

There is so much more to Winterfest. The Polar Plunge is back with a splash — into Chetola Lake!

If you’re one of the brave, sign up before it’s too late, as limited space is available.

From the Speckled Trout to Blue Deer Ice Cream & Cookies, many local businesses have special items, at a discount and fashioned just for Winterfest. There are seminars and demonstrations,

Lydia Beaver, left, Denise Beaver, middle, and Anna Beaver, middle back, all of Belmont, make the Polar Bear Plunge on at Chetola Lake during a previous Winterfest in Blowing Rock.

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

A penguin gets some exercise at Southmarke shopping center for Winterfest.

too, including wine features at The Manor Hotel, knife-making at McCoy Minerals — and do you know about charcuterie? You can find out more about these delicacies from the chopping block on Saturday, Jan. 29, at Bolick & Traditions Pottery. And Curling?

Think Winter Olympics, not hair salons!

Winterfest 2022 has something for just about everyone, returning some traditional features like the Polar Bear Plunge and the Beer Garden, but bringing in lots and lots and lots and lots more, too!

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 3

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Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Greetings from the Mayor

Greetings from Blowing Rock Chamber

A

s the old song goes, “Baby, it’s cold outside” — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of warmth and good cheer — and loads of great fun — with the return of Blowing Rock Winterfest in 2022.

I want to officially welcome all Charlie Sellers of you who are visiting Blowing Rock for this wonderful event. We hope you find it fun and worth your while enough that you will share the good times with all of your friends and relatives about it back home so they might be able to visit next year and beyond.

I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible team of volunteers spearheaded by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce for putting this event on. Almost everything about Winterfest is not only fun, but for worthy causes, too. Organizations like Mountain Alliance, Western Youth Network, Hospitality House, Blue Ridge Conservancy, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, and Blowing Rock Art & History Museum are just a few of the non-profit organizations that benefit.

The first Blowing Rock WinterFest was presented in 1998, created to bring celebration to an otherwise sleepy season (unless, of course, you are a skier or

W

PHOTO BY KAYLA LASURE

Jeff Snipes shown a millisecond before impact at the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest Polar Plunge at Chetola Resort.

snowboarder). More than two decades later, the festival continues with a refresh of several past events and some new ones, too.

Lots of festival activities are free; some are ticketed with most or all of the proceeds going to benefit a non-profit.

WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event

by Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented

by Hendrick Luxury Group.

The Town of Blowing Rock thanks them, as well as all of the sponsors, volunteers, and you, our guests, for making Winterfest possible.

Sincerely,

Charlie Sellers

Blowing Rock Mayor

FILE PHOTO

Mary Ann and Walt Baggstrom of Blowing Rock pose for a photo framed by ice at a past Blowing Rock WinterFest.

e are so pleased to offer you a “mostly outdoor” WinterFest event this year.

We have taken great precautions to ensure that your safety is our first priority. Most of our crowded indoor events have been modified or replaced this year. But we have many great activities to share!

On Friday evening, please be sure to stroll around town to see all the beautiful ice sculptures especially after dark. A map of locations can be found online or at the Visitor Center. Many activities will be going on in the Park as well as some great deals in the retail stores.

The Polar Bear Plunge will kick off the Saturday lineup. Chili will be served at most of our restaurants.

Tastes will be offered as well. We hope you will enjoy a hearty bowl of chili at your favorite restaurant.

For those who enjoy a cold brew, the Beer Garden has returned this year.

If you prefer a more intimate wine experience, there are several great wine seminars offered where you can learn from the experts while you enjoy some great wines. You will also find curling, ice carving and snowmaking demonstrations this year.

We are so happy to have you in Blowing Rock and hope that your visit is memorable. The is our time to celebrate the spectacular beauty of Winter and not hibernate! Please let us know if there is anything we can do for your visit.

Charles Hardin, President/CEO Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 5

FREEDOM TO GO ANYWHERE THIS WINTER

New 2021 Jeep Gladiator

New 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Page 6 • Mountain Times Publications

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Tight Budget?

There are lots of free activities for everyone

BY DAVID ROGERS

FILE PHOTO

Beautiful weather makes the hayrides through downtown Blowing Rock one of the more popular events at Winterfest.

On a tight budget while attending the 2022 Blowing Rock Winterfest? Be sure to incorporate some of the fun FREE stuff into your weekend Winterfest stay.

Winter Ice Stroll — A record number of downtown Blowing Rock businesses are sponsoring custom ice sculptures in front of their stores and restaurants this year. Some

are beautiful, some are fun, many are “catchy.”

Stroll up and down Main Street, Park Avenue, and Sunset Drive, as well as make special trips to see the ones at Chetola, and Mystery Hill. When going

by Memorial Park, look for the Ice Carving Demonstrations, too!

Downtown Hayrides — A down home, country style mode of transportation, the hayrides depart

from Memorial Park, on Main Street in front of the 1888 Museum. It is adventurous fun for the whole family and kids love it!

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum — It is free admission, but boy does it stir the imagination. There are seven galleries, each with displays from painting to sculpture to pottery. Don’t SEE FREE ON PAGE 7

WINTERFEST SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, JAN. 27 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Blue Deer on Main Winterfest Special 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Mystery Hill: The Frozen Heart Adventure, An Escape Experience 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Shop Til You Drop 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. —Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (Free Admission) 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Storyland at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 11 a.m. to 12 noon — Black Bears of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. — The Speckled Trout Restaurant: Winterfest Special 12 noon to 8 pm. — Local’s Night at Hellbender 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Mystery Hill: The WinterDuck Derby 4 p.m. ti 6:30 p.m. — Mystery Hill: Winterhawk Tournament, Tomahawk Throwing Competition 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Gide-

Making Demo with Meteorologist Brad Panovich in Memorial Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Knife MakFRIDAY, JAN. 28 ing Demo at McCoy Minerals 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Blue Deer 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Curling on Main Winterfest Special with Charlotte Curling Associa9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Mystery tion SATURDAY, JAN. 29 Hill: The Frozen Heart Adventure, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Storyland 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Blue Deer at Blowing Rock Art & History An Escape Experience on Main Winterfest Special 10 a,m, to 5 p.m. — Shop Til Museum 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Mystery You Drop 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. — The SpeckHill: The Frozen Heart Adventure, led Trout Restaurant: Winterfest 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. —Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (Free An Escape Experience Special 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Shop Til Admission) Noon to 4 p.m. — Ice Carving You Drop 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Storyland Demonstrations in Memorial Park 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.— Polar at Blowing Rock Art & History (Free) Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake Museum Noon to 3 p.m. — Oyster Roast 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Hayrides 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. — The Speckat Blowing rock Market in Downtown Blowing Rock (Free) led Trout Restaurant: Winterfest Noon to 1 p.m. — WinterWine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Silent Special Seminar: Ravenscroft Glass at Auction & Raffle at the American 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Mystery Manor Hotel Legion Building Hill: The WinterDuck Derby Noon to 3 p.m. — Charcuterie 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Chili 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — WinterWorkshop with Boone Boards at Challenge (at participating Wine Seminar: California Wines Bolick & Traditions Pottery Restaurants) at Manor Hotel 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Winter11 a.m. to 5 p.m. —Blowing 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. — WinterFest fest Beer Garden at Blowing Rock Rock Art & History Museum (Free Chamber of Commerce Ice Stroll (Ice Sculptures) 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Mystery Admission) 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Mystery 11 a.m. to noon — Snow Hill: Winterhawk Tournament, Hill: Polar Dunk on Ridge Restaurant, 3-Course Dinner

Tomahawk Throwing Competition 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Mystery Hill: An Evening of Fire & Ice 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. — WinterWine Seminar: European Wines at Manor Hotel

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. — WinterWine Seminar: Ravenscroft Glass at Manor Hotel 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Gideon Ridge Restaurant, 3-Course Dinner 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Saturday Night Concert at Blowing Rock School Auditorium 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. — Mystery Hill: Murder at the Deadwood Stage

SUNDAY, JAN. 30 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — Blue Deer on Main Winterfest Special 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Mystery Hill: The Frozen Heart Adventure, An Escape Experience 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Shop Til You Drop 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. — The Speckled Trout Restaurant: Winterfest Special 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — Mystery Hill: The WinterDuck Derby (Free) 4 p.m. ti 6:30 p.m. — Mystery Hill: Winterhawk Tournament, Tomahawk Throwing Competition 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. — Gideon Ridge Restaurant, 3-Course Dinner

Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

FREE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

miss Storyland, featuring favorite children’s picture books. Have you ever wondered about black bears?

Well, you are in luck with the special presentation, “Black Bears of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” There is a little to a lot of something for everyone at Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (affectionately referred to as “BRAHM”).

Polar Bear Plunge — It costs the brave souls who are telling themselves to “Oh, go jump in the lake” for charity, but costs nothing to line up on the shores of Chetola Lake to watch.

Shop Til You Drop — Blowing Rock is one of the premier shopping destinations in North Carolina, with quaint boutiques and

FILE PHOTO

A trout shaped ice sculpture stands outside the Speckled Trout restaurant at a past Winterfest.

An ice sculpture shaped like a traditional British telephone booth stands outside the Six Pence Pub in downtown Blowing Rock at a past Winterfest.

gift shops, as well as art galleries, antiques, apparel, books, home decor and yard art. Maybe you find locally made provisions, sunglasses to protect your

find the perfect gift idea for a loved one (and that might include yourself!).

Snow Making Demonstration with Meteorologist Brad Panovich —

FILE PHOTO

eyes from the shimmering white snow, or maybe slip your hands into some warm mittens. It doesn’t cost anything to “window shop” — and you might

The chief meteorologist for WCNC Charlotte, Panovich will explain the science behind snow and create a pile of it for all to enjoy!

Knife Making

Demonstration at McCoy Minerals —A couple of 17 year old boys call themselves the The Stonedsmiths and it is a passion for gemstones and metalsmithing. They will demonstrate how to fashion custom knives out of old railroad spikes. They are making something useful while repurposing the railroad spike so it doesn’t end up in a landfill!

Curling Demonstration — It is advertised as the “most watched sporting event of the Winter Olympics around the world. Members of the Charlotte Curling Association are setting up a demonstration inside the Blowing Rock School gymnasium and patrons can learn more about the sport — and even give it their best shot!

EZ Money Band Live at 9:00pm Friday, January 29th

Come Eat, Drink and enjoy LIVE MUSIC!

1182 MAIN ST. - DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK • 828-295-7500 • WWW.TOWNTAVERNBR.COM

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Thursday, January 27, 2022

Living creativity

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Cork and Canvas is a hands-on workshop offering of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

From Storyland and Black Bears, to current exhibitions, Blowing Rock Art & History Museum fires the imagination • Schaefer Gallery — Wildflowers: Glass Sculptures

by Ronnie Hughes. Initially When it comes to creativity, few inspired by an unexpected field of venues or organizations in the Pink Lady Slipper orchids during a High Country surpass the Blowing hike in 1980, Hughes has devoted Rock Art and History Museum. For his studio work exclusively to wildWinterfest 2022, BRAHM brought flowers native to North Carolina. the staff members’ collective imagi- His sculptures use a technique of nations full throttle. flame working durable borosilicate A visit to BRAHM begins with glass that was largely self-taught. free admission, but “free” hardly • Rankin West Gallery implies that there is little of value.

— Emergent Landscapes: Quite the opposite, when you conMountains, Music & Improvisider the available exhibitions. sation in the Paintings of Abie Current exhibitions include: Harris. He paints the mountains,

BY DAVID ROGERS

EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM

but he also paints the equally dynamic landscape of Bluegrass music, often both at the same time.

His pictures arise from repetitive close study of the vistas surrounding his family’s 19th century home in Blowing Rock and the vernacular music traditions that aurally describe the region.

• Fort Gallery — Potters & Patrons: The Gorelick Collection at BRAHM. Gorelick began building her collection of pottery in 1970. Along with her husband

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Black Bears of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a special presentation of SEE BRAHM ON PAGE 10 BRAHM beginning on the first day of Winterfest, Jan. 27.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 9

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BRAHM CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Shelton (1929-2014), the Gorelicks were drawn to the medium’s texture and tactility. They built a substantial collection of predominantly North Carolina pottery and ceramic objects in the decades since.

• Atwell Gallery — Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites.

An immersive adventure through three beloved children’s picture books: The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, and Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill. From idyllic country gardens to urban snowscapes, children and adults alike engage in the joy of literacy. Picture book illustrations are transformed into three-dimensional play

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Ronnie Hughes’ glass sculptures are inspired by wildflowers.

and learning environments highlighting the six major literacy development areas: print motivation, print awareness, letter knowledge,

sound awareness, vocabulary, and narrative skills and comprehension.

• Rankin East — The Janet H. Wilson Collec-

tion. Though she lived most of her adult life in Lenoir, N.C., Wilson was born in New York City and grew up in New Jersey. Her first paintings NYC Central Park scenes by Edward Dufner, inherited from her parents.

That gift began her lifelong interest in local and compelling art. She would walk into a gallery, quietly and unassumingly, dressed in casual clothes and tennis shoes.

With her discerning eye, she would notice paintings hanging in an out-of-the-way spot, often eyeing a striking portrait or landscape. Soon the dealer would be negotiating and the collector would leave, satisfied. She had a particular interest in female painters who had accompanied Elliott Daingerfield to Blowing Rock.

• J Caine & Bales/Garrison Galleries — Philip

Moose. Born in Newton, Moose’s talent was first noticed by his second grade teacher. His first painting was on exhibition by age 15 and he later began taking private lessons with his uncle in New York. As a way to cope with his father’s death in 1939, Moose pushed himself to pursue art professionally.

It was his tool for self-expression.He won the Pulitzer Award for Art in 1949 and two Fulbright Scholarships.

He came to settle in Blowing Rock in the 1950s, helping to form the neighborhood, “Artists Alley.”

• Stevens Gallery — The Village of Blowing Rock: Exploring our History. With a recorded history tracing back to the late 1800s, Blowing Rock’s cultural landscape has been defined for generations.

There are many stories and

many personalities in this permanent display of Blowing Rock’s history.

Winterfest visitors will want to take special note of three BRAHM features during their Blowing Rock stay, including the Storyland exhibit that will be popular with kids of all ages and particularly relevant because of the Keats picture book, The Snowy Day. Beginning on the first day of Winterfest, Jan. 27, BRAHM will present a history and facts entitled, Black Bears of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Want to see what your own creative eye and hand can produce? Don’t miss BRAHM’s Cork & Canvas workshop, where participants try to replicate their vision of a more famous painting. Enjoy the wine, too!

Martin House Gallery BLOWING ROCK, NC

Coffee with Larry:

Live painting from Maine, on the big screen, with Larry Horowitz, from 2pm - 4pm

Chris Bell - Live Painting and Artwork Showcase from 11am-4pm Original work by Chris Bell

Original work by Larry Horowitz

SATURDAY JANUARY 29, 11AM  4PM

Mountain Times Publications • Page 11

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

60th Annual

IN THE PARK MAY 21 • JUNE 11 • JULY 16 AUGUST 13 • SEPTEMBER 10 OCTOBER 1, 2022 Over 90 Juried Artists PARK AVENUE IN DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK 10 AM UNTIL 5 PM • FREE ADMISSION A Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Event WOOD • CLAY • JEWELRY • METAL • GLASS • FIBER • PAINTING • PHOTOGRAPHY

AT CHETOLA

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022 SYMPHONYBYTHELAKE.COM

FOR INFORMATION, CALL, WRITE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PO BOX 406 • 132 PARK AVENUE, BLOWING ROCK, NC 28605 828/295-7851 • www.BlowingRock.com

Page 12 • Mountain Times Publications

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

The Polar Bear Plunge has become a Winterfest mainstay

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM

When more than 100 people are willing to jump headlong, feet first, or belly flop into a lake rimmed with ice and snow, Blowing Rock might well be called “the home of the brave.”

WBTV Chief Meteorologist Al Conklin will announce at the 2022 Winterfest Polar Bear Plunge and this is the real deal, not a late January flop into a seaside hot tub. This is mountaintop plunging, polar bears more than welcome. Next stop: Eskimoland.

Of course, each brave soul takes a dive into the frigid waters for charitable causes, but the Polar Plunge — sponsored by Granite Insurance — at Blowing Rock’s Chetola Lake has evolved as one of the signature (and enduring) events of Winterfest.

The money raised goes to help others in need so how important, really, are a few minutes of discomfort before those taking the plunge are wrapped in a big, fluffy towel and whisked away for a warm shower or a hut tub and maybe a cup of coffee and hot chocolate?

Friends, neighbors and even people not yet known get to marvel at other human beings’ derring-do and their creativity in costumes in which to exhibit their courage.

Each plunger pays an entry fee of $40, and can select one of the local designated non-profits to receive their gift. For spectators, admission is free.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE

From left, Chloe Baldwin, Natalie Bovino, Jordan Thompson, Will Craft, Laurie Martin, Kellie Logue, Beverly Womack, Kimberly McNeil and Sara Moss don hula skirts while leaping into Chetola Lake during WinterFest’s 18th annual Polar Plunge. The group was part of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Anesthesia group of 17 jumpers.

FILE PHOTO

Brad Parrott of Mint Hill, S.C. jumps into Chetola Lake as part of the Polar Bear Plunge at a past Winterfest.

FILE PHOTO

Participants during past Polar Plunges come dressed in a variety of ways. This year’s event will take place Saturday, Jan. 30.29

Mountain Times Publications • Page 13

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Fun, inspiration – and all business

FILE PHOTO

The ice sculpture of a fish drinking a beer bottle in front of the Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop at a past Blowing Rock WinterFest.

FILE PHOTO

The ice sculpture at the Spice and Tea Exchange at a past Blowing Rock WinterFest.

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WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

FILE PHOTO

John Calderon of Mebane jumps into Chetola Lake during the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest Polar Plunge

FILE PHOTO

Karen Ventrone, Kate Fersinger, Allyson Medlin, Bailey Law and Tay Marraro of the High Country Breast Cancer Foundation jump into Chetola Lake as part of the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest Polar Plunge.

FILE PHOTO

One of the highlights of Blowing Rock’s annual WinterFest celebration is the Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake.

FILE PHOTO

Mark Mashburn gives a towel to Leslie Cannon after she climbs out of Chetola Lake at a past WinterFest Polar Plunge.

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Mountain Times Publications • Page 15

Mystery Hill adds multiple features, activities to Winterfest

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM Few Blowing Rock businesses have embraced Winterfest like Mystery Hill, located on U.S. 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone. This year, as par of its “Chill at the Hill” promotion, Mystery Hill offers six special activities to the schedule for which the “Chill at the Hill” ticket gains entry.

WinterHawk Tournament Tomahawk throwing has become hugely popular and Winterfest patrons can hone their skills Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 27-29, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., in the WinterHawk Tournament, a tomahawk throwing competition.

One skilled competitor will become this year’s WinterHawk Champion! Will it be you? To par-

ticipate in the qualifying rounds, register at Mystery Hill ticket office (you can register at the event as well). A heated tent at Tomahawk Hill will provide some warmth, and you can further warm up with Hatchet Coffee.

Daily WinterHawk Competition: Thursday, January 27 through Saturday, January 29, 2022 ADULT DAILY COMPETITION (ages 15-up) • Practice throws: 4:15 – 4:30 p.m.

• Competition: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

JUNIOR DAILY COMPETITION (ages 5-14) • Thursday, Jan. 27 through Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 • Practice throws: 3:15-3:30 p.m.

FILE PHOTO

SEE MYSTERY ON PAGE 16

John Main (left) teaches J.C. Main proper tomahawk throwing technique at Mystery Hill. The family traveled to the High Country from Florida so J.C. could see snow for his birthday.

(828)-295-9703

(828)-295-3466

See the beauty. Taste the tradition. Feel at home.

Page 16 • Mountain Times Publications

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

MYSTERY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

• Competition: 3:304:30 p.m.

WinterHawk Championship Saturday, Jan. 30: Adult Championship • 5:00 p.m. Check In • Practice throws: 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• Competition: 5:30 p.m.

– 6:30 p.m.

• WinterHawk Champion 1st Place Prize: FAMILY Vortex Pass (Annual Pass) • WinterHawk Champion 2nd Place Prize: Individual Vortex Pass (Annual Pass) • WinterHawk Champion 3rd Place Prize: $25 gift certificate to the Mystery Hill Gift Shop Saturday, Jan. 30: Junior Championship • 4:00 p.m. Check In • Practice throws: 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Competition: 4:30 p.m.

– 5:30 p.m.

• Junior WinterHawk Champion 1st Prize: Individual Vortex Pass (Annual Pass) • All Participants will get Alley Stone, Kennedy Joyner, Emily Stone and Sam Banovz enjoy a afternoon of tossing tomahawks at Mystery Hill. a ribbon wood Saloon is Mystery Hill to make s’mores and plunge for a good cause. It which runs from 9 a.m. to A Frozen Heart is included with the Chill at Hill’s interactive Murder 6 p.m. each day, is on a first crafts, listen to live music, Adventure: An Escape come, first served basis.

Mystery Dinner Theater and enjoy fire spinning! the Hill ticket.

This is included with the It’s one of those old fash- experience.

Experience Every day during Winter- WinterDuck Derby For weeks people have Chill at the Hill ticket and is ioned dunking booths and It is free and loads of fun sure to be fun for everyone. anyone taking a dip will be been pouring into the fest, festival goers have an for kids of all ages. Whose opportunity to help “WynDeadwood Saloon for its provided with a thermal Polar Dunk ter” save the kingdom. The rubber duck will be first to blanket, a free cocoa, cider 1st annual poker tournaDid you miss the Polar cross the finish line? Who queen, Persephone, has ment. There is a smattering or coffee.

Plunge at Chetola this year? let her magical heart thaw, will win the grand prize? of bandits, saloon girls, A portion of all Chill at Were you too chicken to The event runs from engulfing the kingdom in the Hill ticket sales are do- and card sharks all coming give it a go? No worries!

2 p.m. to 3 p.m., every day a sleeping curse. Can you nated to St. Jude’s Children together on Saturday, Jan. There’s a Polar Dunk this of Winterfest, Jan. 27-30. help them solve the many Hospital, Caldwell Humane 29, when the winner of year during Chill at the Hill Society, or the Special obstacles and enchantthe tournament will be An Evening of Fire activities on Saturday, Jan. Olympics North Carolina. ments concealing the announced. and Ice 29, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. queen’s heart and save the Come on out for an On Friday, Jan. 28 Polar Dunkers can choose Murder at the kingdom before time runs evening of food, fun, and Deadwood Saloon between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. from a list of charities to out? mystery to see if you can Murder at the Deadgrab a seat by Tomahawk donate to and take the Entry into the activity, figure out “who dunnit!”

FILE PHOTO

The event is on Saturday, Jan. 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and can end earlier, depending on participation. Dinner and drinks are included with ticket purchase Dinner is being served at 6:30 p.m.

Costumes are encouraged and available to rent. There will also be pre-dinner drinks and the Bull Ride Challenge will be open for Deadwood Saloon guests.

Tickets are $49.85 and available for purchase via Mystery Hill.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 17

VISIT OUR MATTRESS GALLERY ON THE 2ND FLOOR!

Page 18 • Mountain Times Publications

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Fun, inspiration – and all business

FILE PHOTO

The ‘Love Blowing Rock’ ice sculpture in front of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce was one of more than a dozen located across the town during a past WinterFest.

FILE PHOTO

Crowds gathered all afternoon to watch Artisan Ice Sculptors of Charlotte work on a giant mural for at a past Blowing Rock WinterFest.

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. NC’s Largest Private Dinosaur Fossil Collection

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Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 19

What if

America didn’t

NOTICE? FILE PHOTO

Madi Moore, 13, from Stanly, takes part in the hands-on ice carving at the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest.

It starts out as a block of frozen water ...

fraud in government! dishonest businesses! unfair competitive practices!

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM

It starts out as a block of frozen water but in short order what started out as a mostly smooth, featureless hunk has been transformed into a thing of beauty.

Ice sculptures are works of art. They may be abstract or realistic. They can be functional or purely decorative. Usually, they have a limited lifetime so are most often associated with special events and Winterfest is that perfect choice.

Consider the challenges for the ice carver or sculptor. If the weather is too

Public notices help expose xpose

Find out about these and much more in your local newspaper!

Participate in Democracy.

Read your Public Notices.

FILE PHOTO

Ava Clyburn, 6, of Monroe, tries her hand at ice carving at SEE CARVING ON PAGE 20 Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park during Winterfest 2019.

Page 20 • Mountain Times Publications

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

FILE PHOTO FILE PHOTO

Grizzy takes part in the hands (or paws) on ice carving at the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest.

Artisan Ice Carvings shows off their skills during a demonstration in Memorial Park Winterfest 2017.

FILE PHOTO

On Saturday, Jan. 29, from noon to 4 p.m., WinterFest participants can chill out — and watch ice carving demonstrations in Blowing Rock’s Memorial Park.

CARVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

cold, it makes for an uncomfortable working environment. If it is too warm, the material on which you are working — your “canvas” — may be changing, second by second, as it

melts. Hopefully, you start with a block of ice devoid of impurities.

For Winterfest 2022, Charlotte-based Artisan Ice Sculptures crafted all of the art works seen around town and representatives of that firm will be on hand for ice carving demonstrations in Memorial Park. It

is a fascinating process, using different tools and saws to cut, shape, mold, chisel, edge, slice, hack, engrave — well, to sculpt the ice into the final masterpiece it will become.

The demonstrations in FILE PHOTO Memorial Park are from noon to 4 p.m on Saturday, Gabby Simon of Raleigh watches while Cathleen Gallagher shows her how to carve an ice sculpture at the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest hands-on ice carving.

Jan. 29.

Mountain Times Publications • Page 21

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Silent Auction brings bountiful values for a terrific cause

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM

A silent auction and raffle have become a mainstay in Blowing Rock Winterfest’s charitable pursuits. This mini-event within the larger Winterfest event is organized by and benefits Mountain Alliance, “... whose mission is to provide transformative experiences and support so that all High Country teens have the opportunity to lead an empowered, adventurous, and service-oriented life, regardless of means or background.”

Past Mountain Alliance silent auctions and raffles at Winterfest have raised more than $20,000 each,

which goes a long way toward supporting the organization’s mission. Many people in the High Country and their businesses recognize the important work of Mountain Alliance and give generously so that there are a large number of value opportunities to win, either by silent auction or by raffle.

They include: • Lodging at area hotels, inns, and vacation rentals • Packages to area parks • Massage and wellness gift certificates • Outdoor adventures • Fly fishing lessons • Theatre subscriptions • Precious artwork by local artists • Restaurant gift certificates

And much, much more.

When it comes to having an impact on young people, few organizations do it better in the High Country. Mountain Alliance provides Watauga and Avery 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. Proceeds from the auction will go towards providing more transformative programming for youth.

FILE PHOTO

One of the many tables of items that was for bid at the 2019 edition of Mountain Alliance’s silent auction during Blowing Rock’s WinterFest.

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Page 22 • Mountain Times Publications

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Winterfest demonstration features knife-making skills

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM BLOWING ROCK — COVID-19 may still be impacting many of the High Country’s special events, but certainly not the creativity of its people.

Railroads have been around in North America since the early 1800s. With the transport of men and equipment during the Civil War and the tying together of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869, adoption of rail transportation really took off and proved a major advancement of the Industrial Age. Thousands of miles of railroad tracks crisscross the U.S. today. Some have been wholly abandoned, but others have been ripped up and replaced as more modern railroad technology put new stresses on the aging infrastructure. What happens to the old stuff?

They call themselves The Stonedsmiths. Tanion McCoy and Isaac Turner, a pair of High Country 17-year-olds, share two passions: working with gemstones and metalsmithing. While they are working on ways to integrate the two artisan crafts, the metalsmithing interest has taken them to a recycling solution for railroad spikes: making knives.

The young duo will conduct a demonstration of their handiwork on Jan. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McCoy Minerals, 537 North Main Street, as part of Blowing Rock’s Winterfest celebration.

“As a mother, I think it is going to be really interesting to see how the boys handle people coming up and asking questions,” said Trina McCoy, who with Randy “Doc” McCoy is co-owner of McCoy Minerals, a business that includes the shop custom jewelry and gemstone shop at 537 North Main

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Stonedsmiths fashion knives out of recycled railroad spikes and will be conducting a demonstration on Jan. 29 at McCoy Minerals, 537 North Main Street in Blowing Rock, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Street, as well as Doc’s Rocks and the Appalachian Fossil Museum at Shoppes on the Parkway, the Tanger Outlet Center.

“It will be interesting to hear them explain how and why they got into this market and the steps to make the railroad spike knives, as well as why they have to go through those steps,” said McCoy. McCoy said that the boys use standard railroad spikes, about an inch in diameter and 6.5 inches long. The entire knife, including the handle, is fashioned from a single spike.

“There is an environmental benefit to their work, too,” said McCoy. “They are repurposing the spikes, which keeps them out of landfills where it might take centuries for them to biodegrade, if ever.”

McCoy explained that the boys heat the spikes, then pound them out to the desired shapes with polishing and sharpening being the final steps.

“When finished, the knives are between six and eight inches long, including the handle,” said

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Stonedsmiths fashion knives out of recycled railroad spikes and will be conducting a demonstration on Jan. 29 at McCoy Minerals, 537 North Main Street in Blowing Rock, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

McCoy. Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce CEO Charles Hardin said that he is really impressed by the way a number of Blowing Rock businesses are stepping up to help make Winterfest even more special, in spite of the adversity of the pandemic.

“With COVID-19, we are not able to have as many of our traditional, indoor events again this year,” said Hardin. “But our members are stepping up with smaller kinds of events, like this knife-making demonstration.

These have really helped to maintain Winterfest. We have

a number of businesses hosting smaller gatherings.”

Winterfest 2022 runs from Jan. 27-30. More information is available and constantly being updated at blowingrockwinterfest.com/.

Admission to the demonstrations is free, custom knives for sale during the event.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 23

Chili Challenge brings out the best in taste buds tion. Winterfest patrons simply visit the participating Winter is not just for restaurant and sample their skiers and snowboarders. chili. Based on the number It’s also for people who of customers trying their like spicy food to warm the chili offerings, each particimind, body and soul! pating restaurant will make The need to keep social a monetary donation to a distancing in mind when local non-profit organization hosting special events of their choice. spurred some creative thinkThis year’s participating ing in the minds of Winterrestaurants and the charitafest organizers in 2021 and, ble cause they are supportsince the pandemic hasn’t ing include: gone away, many event for• Hellbender Bed & Bevmats carried over into 2022. erage — Blue Ridge ConserCase in point: the hugely vancy popular Chili Challenge • Cafe Violette — Blue sponsored by The Spice and Ridge Women in Agriculture Tea Exchange.

• Gideon Ridge — MounInstead of all the chili tain Alliance preparers being in one • Bistro Roca — Watauga place, the new format is a Humane Society restaurant-only competi• Blowing Rock Ale

BY DAVID ROGERS

Look Look what

America TICED! NOTICED!

School district budgets Property auctions Public hearings Local tax changes Adoptions

Find out about these and more in your local paper!

Participate in Democracy.

Read your Public Notices.

House — Blowing Rock Art & History Museum There are two elements to the judging that leads to the eventual 2022 Chili Challenge Champion. First, a panel of esteemed professional judges will sample and score each restaurant’s offering for color, aroma, consistency and taste. They might even throw in a “WOW!” factor.

The defending champion is Bistro Roca with an entry that made Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce CEO Charles Hardin say WOW last year, so much so that he made off with the leftovers!

A good chili can just have that effect on people, especially on a cold winter’s day.

FILE PHOTO

Chili will be the most popular menu item at five Blowing Rock restaurants on Jan. 29, 2022, for the Winterfest Chili Challenge. Participating restaurants include Hellbender, Cafe Violette, Gideon Ridge, Bistro Roca and Blowing Rock Ale House.

Sponsor of Charity Chili Challenge!

Page 24 • Mountain Times Publications

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Thursday, January 27, 2022

The white stuff WCNC chief meteorologist Brad Panovich will demonstrate snowmaking and the science behind it.

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM Weather permitting, WCNC Charlotte’s chief meteorologist Brad Panovich will conduct a snowmaking demonstration in Memorial Park as part of Winterfest 2022.

Panovich returns to Blowing Rock after also performing demonstrations in 2019

and 2020.

During the course of the demonstration, Panovich will talk about the science of snowmaking by Mother Nature and how it is replicated by manmade techniques.

In past years, the WCNC weatherman has broadcast live forecasts from Memorial Park. As of publication time for this Winterfest guide, those details were not yet known.

FILE PHOTO

Brad Panovich, chief meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte, speaks at a snow-making demonstration at Memorial Park in Blowing Rock.

FILE PHOTO

Mary Gatliff Lile meets Brad Panovich during the 2019 WinterFest.

FILE PHOTO

Brad Panovich, chief meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte, speaks at a snow-making demonstration at Memorial Park in Blowing Rock.

FILE PHOTO

Brad Panovich of WCNC Charlotte speaks with festival-goers at Blowing Rock’s Memorial

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Mountain Times Publications • Page 25

Is there a difference between ‘tasting’ and ‘drinking’ wine?

WinterWine seminars at The Manor Hotel explore California and European wines, as well as the glass in which they are enjoyed

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM Oenophiles unite! Rephrased, those are connoisseurs of wine — and Blowing Rock Winterfest 2022 has just the ticket for those folks: WinterWine seminars hosted by The Manor Hotel.

At 567 Main Street, The Manor is almost next door to McCoy Minerals and just a stone’s throw from the entrance to Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock. As one of the town’s newest lodging establishments, it is sure to be a hit in hosting not one, not two, but three wine-related workshops.

The first workshop is on Friday, Jan. 28, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the theme is California wines.

The so-called “Golden State” is one of the prolific agricultural

regions in the world, with every kind of crop imaginable growing there. Its agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities, says the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The “top 10” valued commodities in 2020 were dairy products/milk ($7.47 billion), almonds ($5.62B), pistachios ($2.87B), cattle and calves ($2.74B), lettuce ($2.28B), strawberries ($1.99B), tomatoes ($1.2B), floriculture ($967 million), and walnuts ($958M).

At $4.48 billion, grapes is ranked the third most valuable crop in California, the largest portion of it in wine production and few, if any agricultural products in the state have the panache or reputation for high quality as the

FILE PHOTO

Wine tasting seminars allow wine lovers to develop their palates, learn about unique food pairings, and about SEE WINE ON PAGE 26 what makes a particular region’s wines unique and special.

Be sure to visit The Blowing Rock

“Enjoy the Legend” Rock Road, Blowing Rock NC • 828.295.7111 • TheBlowingRock.com North Carolina’s Oldest Travel Attraction, Since 1933 Winter Hours: January - March, Thursday - Monday 9am - 5pm • November - December, Open Daily 9am - 5pm Weather Permitting Summer Hours: April - October , Open Daily 8:30am - 7pm Weather Permitting

Page 26 • Mountain Times Publications

WINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

wines produced in the state.

Mention the word, “wine,” and the first thought that comes to many connoisseurs respective minds are “Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino,” a few of the most famous wine-growing regions in California.

According to a 2018 book, “Grape and Wine Production in California,” authored

by Julian M. Alston, James T. Lapsley, and Olena Sambucci, in terms of acreage planted, volume produced, and value, wine far surpasses the other primary uses for grapes, raisins and table grapes. They go on to point out that in 2017 there were 566 types of wine grapes grown in California’s four biggest growing

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

FILE PHOTO

The Manor Hotel is at 567 Main Street in Blowing Rock, near the entrance to Chetola Resort.

areas. While the South San Joaquin Valley of Central California that is dominated by large corporate farms has the most acres planted (463,389 acres), the North Coast region (that includes Napa, Sonoma, Menodcino) region has more farms (3,733) and the value of the

wine output was roughly twice as much in 2015 (the focus of their research).

In the U.S., many regions have tried to emulate the success of California wines and while some have come close in states like Washington, Oregon, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Mich-

igan, Kentucky, Vermont, Virginia, Texas, and North Carolina, few have gained the panache of California’s North Coast region wines.

According to wine historian George Taber, California wine production has a rich viticulture history since 1680 when Jesuit priests planted vines native to the Mediterranean region — to produce wines used in their religious services. In the 1770s, Spanish missionaries continued the practice, but the contemporary wine production really began to accelerate after the end of Prohibition. The state’s table wine business grew steadily and it really burst onto the world scene with the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, when renowned French oenophiles, in a blind tasting, ranked California wines higher than the

premier French labels of the time.

WinterWine patrons on Jan. 29, get to experience for themselves what all the fuss is about (if they didn’t already know)!

On the other hand, European wines still have their following. Wine expert Fiona Beckett wrote an article for The Guardian in March 2020 that she boldly headlined, “Why European wines are still number one.” She argues that most connoisseurs still agree that Europe still produces the greatest wines, in a variety of locales including France, Italy, Spain and Greece.

WinterWine patrons get to learn about European wines, too, in a second seminar on Friday, Jan. 28, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

By the end of the second, maybe those attending will

conclude as was reported in 1976, “California wines are best for tasting, but European wines are best for drinking.”

On Saturday, Jan. 29, the WinterWine seminar series concludes with two sessions on Ravenscroft wine glasses, the first from 12 noon to 1 p.m., and the second from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both classes are hosted by Danny Sanford, owner of Fine Wine Trading Company, instructing his guests on the importance of matching the wine with the glass.

For the California and European wine seminars, the cost is $55 each. For the Ravenscroft glass seminar (you get to take home your four glasses), the cost is $65 each.

All guests for the wine seminars must be 21 or older. Photo IDs are required.

Winter Fest Specials

Wednesday: Noah River Night

Thursday:

Friday:

Saturday:

DINE IN SPECIAL:

DINE IN SPECIAL:

30% off all bottles of wine

50% off select bottles of wine

Half Price glasses of Noah River Chardonnay or Cabernet all evening

$4 pints of draft beers 30% off can or bottle beers

30% off all bottles of wine for lunch and Select bottles of wine offered at 50% dinner service for lunch and dinner service; selection changes weekly

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Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Blowing Rock Market hosts annual Winterfest Oyster Roast on Jan. 29 production of natural pearls when an irritant, like a grain Blowing Rock Market will of sand gets inside and the once again host its hugely oyster coats it with layer after popular Winterfest Oyster layer of nacre (a sort of lamiRoast on Saturday, Jan. 29, nate that eventually hardens). from noon to 3 p.m.

Pearls, of course, have proven Oysters as food have a long to be valuable as jewelry. history, dating back more As food, oysters are said to than 10,000 years during pre- be a rich source of Vitamin D, historic times in New South copper, zinc and manganese, Wales, Australia, according to according to WebMD. a 2015 historical study on priConsidering the thousands mary industries in the region. of oysters roasted and served The same study suggests they by Blowing Rock Market have been cultivated in Japan every year, it is a sure bet that since at least 2,000 B.C. a lot of people consider them Oysters have a certain air tasty, whether or not they fess about them, at least one speup to their jewelry interests or cies being responsible for the social ambitions!

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 27

11 Journalists Covering the High Country.

File Photo The Blowing Rock Market will host the third annual WinterFest Oyster Roast from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, on Main Street in Blowing Rock. The event will feature roasted and steamed oysters on the half shell with crackers, lemon wedges and cocktail sauce, beer and wine tasting and more.

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Page 28 • Mountain Times Publications

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Things start hoppin’ Winterfest Beer Garden returns for 2022

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM

The Winterfest Beer Garden returns again for the 2022 special event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 29, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., on the lawn in front of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce on Park Avenue.

IDs required.

“The beer garden is going to be a hoppin’ (pun intended) good time on the Chamber lawn,” said Suzy Barker of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “You’ll be able to sample the products of local craft breweries.”

Live music will be provided and food will be available for purchase, too, served up

by Betty’s Biscuits and Egg Rollin’ food trucks.

Sponsored by The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop, visitors can sample many different types of beer from local and regional breweries.

Tickets are $40 at the door, and you must be 21 or older with a valid photo identification card to sample beer.

Participants will first stop at the check-in table to purchase a wristband after showing their valid photo ID, at which time they will also be given sampling tickets.

FILE PHOTO

Folks sample food and beverages at the first WinterFest Beer Garden event at the Best Cellar.

PARTICIPATING BREWERIES AND VENDORS Mica Town Brewing Blowing Rock Brewing Fiddlin’ Fish Ginger’s Revenge Birdsong Brewing Appalachian Mountain Brewery Community Brewry Venture

Copper Barrel Distillery Broken Shed Distillery NON-ALCOHOLIC: Early Bird Social Betty’s Biscuits Food Truck Egg Rollin’ Food Truck

FILE PHOTO

Ryan McLoughlin of Birdsong Brewing Company of Charlotte pours a glass for a customer at the 2020 Blowing Rock WinterFest Beer Garden on Saturday, Jan. 25.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 29

BEER GARDEN

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Beer Garden at WinterFest is a great way for attendees to warm up, at least on the inside.

FILE PHOTO

Several craft beer breweries and other vendors were on hand for the 2020 Winterfest Beer Garden.

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Page 30 • Mountain Times Publications

Thursday, January 27, 2022

WINTERFEST

Works of wonder

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

People have been saving more during the pandemic, so this piggybank ice sculpture seems to have plenty of room for just that purpose during Winterfest 2021 in Blowing Rock, compliments of First Citizens Bank.

Ice sculptures around town sparks laughs, inspiration

BY DAVID ROGERS EDITOR@BLOWINGROCKET.COM They bring laughs. They bring a sense of wonder. They bring a warm message of joy and warmth to an otherwise chilly landscape.

They are ice sculptures, customized to fit every sponsoring business and they are must-see entertainment as well as inspiration during your visit to downtown Blowing Rock and Winterfest 2022.

Host organization Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce contracted with Artisan Ice Sculptures of Charlotte after previous years’ ice sculptures drew rave reviews. And, as a result, for 2022 a record number of Blowing Rock businesses are sponsoring these unique structures.

“These ice sculptures have become a really important part of enhancing the Winterfest environment in downtown Blowing Rock,” said Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce CEO Charles SEE STROLL ON PAGE 31

PHOTO BY DAVID ROGERS

Twin Creeks Antiques and Southern Market in West Jefferson displayed an ice sculpture outside the store during Witnterfest 2021.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL

An ice sculpture for Sotheby’s at the 2018 Blowing Rock WinterFest.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Mountain Times Publications • Page 31

WINTERFEST

STROLL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

Hardin. “They are fun and they exude winter in creating the atmosphere we are looking for with this event.”

Use this as a checklist of the ice sculptures you see, and be sure and take selfies of your favorites — and don’t miss the ice carving demonstration by Artisan Ice Sculptures in Memorial Park!

ON NORTH MAIN STREET • McCoy Minerals • Chetola Resort ON SUNSET DRIVE • Hellbender Bed & Beverage PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL • Blowing Rock Brewery Nathan Moran and Dante Camia pose in front of their centerpiece ice sculpture in Memorial ON PARK AVENUE • Blowing Rock Chamber Park as part of the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest on Saturday, Jan. 26. of Commerce ON U.S. 321 toward ON MAIN STREET • Blowing Rock Town Hall • Cabin Fever Boone DOWNTOWN • Blue Deer and Bee & • Cafe Violette • Mystery Hill • Blowing Rock Market The Boxwood • First Citizens Bank

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Artisan Ice Sculptures create works of icy art for the WinterFest Ice Stroll, including this one with real hot peppers in front of the Spice and Tea Exchange on Main Street during a previous WinterFest.

• Funky Tulip • J W Tweed’s • NEACO • Premier Sotheby’s • Southmarke • The Speckled Trout Restaurant • Storie Street Grill

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Page 32 • Mountain Times Publications

WINTERFEST

Thursday, January 27, 2022