What’s going on in August!!

There are all kinds of fun and entertaining things to do in the high country this August!!! Here are just a few events going on during the first half of the month:

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre – Oklahoma.
Friday, 8/1 - Thursday, 8/7 - 7 to 7:30 pm Hummingbird Theatre, Lees-McRae College, Banner Elk, NCRodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today. OKLAHOMA! tells of fun, love and romance in the lives of the families living in the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the century. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love’s journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together there is no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant OKLAHOMA! Call 828-898-8709 for details.

Crafts on the Green
Saturday, 8/2, 9 am - 4 pmFred's General Mercantile, Beech MountainOver 60 vendors of fine crafts assemble to display and sell their wares on the green near Fred's pavilion. For additional information, call Fred's Mercantile at (828) 387-4838.
"Music at St. John's"
Sunday, 8/3, 5 pmSt. John's ChurchThe remainder of the series will feature more of North Carolina's special musical treasures: On August 3, Summer Wind, the renowned solo oboist Alicia Chapman of the ASU faculty who will surprise the audience with the choice of her guest musicians. The Music at St. John's events are 'family friendly' with opportunities for member of the audience to meet and interact with artists. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the church grounds following the concert! Please note that pets are not allowed on the property during these events. A minimum donation of $10 is requested for each adult; children under 12 year may attend free of charge.
Directions to St. John's Church, Valle Crucis:
From Linville: take 105 north 12.3 miles to stoplight at Watauga River bridge. Turn left onto Broadstone Rd. Go 4.2 miles to intersection of 194 and Mast Gap rd. Turn left onto Mast Gap Road. Go .4 miles and turn left on Herb Thomas Road. Go 1.5 miles to St. John's Church on the right.
From Boone: Take Hwy 105 south from 105/321 intersection in Boone. Go 4.8 miles to stoplight at Watauga River Bridge. Turn right onto Broadstone Road and go 4.2 miles to intersection of 194 and Mast Gap rd. Turn left onto Mast Gap Road. Go .4 miles and turn left on Herb Thomas Road. Go 1.5 miles to St. John's Church on the right.
From Mast General Store in Valle Crucis: Go 1.3 miles on Hwy 194. From Mast General Store to Mast Gap Road on left. Turn left and go .4 miles to Herb Thomas Road on left. Turn left and go 1.5 miles to St. John's Church on the right. Call 828-963-4609 for details.

Annual Barn Dance
Saturday, 8/16Beech MountainCall 828-387-9283 for details.

Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic
Saturday, 8/16 - Sunday, 8/17, Saturday afternoon through Sunday morningGrandfather MountainTop professionals from the world of news photography gather to share on the hot topics in photojournalism. Free. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Online registration starts July 15. Call 800-468-7325 for details.

Guided Hike on Beech Mountain
Tuesday, 8/19, 8:45amFalls TrailAll guests, residents and neighbors are invited to hike the trail less traveled. Free. Appropriate clothing and footwear are required. Please leave your pets at home as they may disturb wildlife along the trails. For additional information contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. Meet at Fred's General Mercantile or the trailhead at 8:45 on the day of the hike. Call 828-387-9283 for details.

17th Annual fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival
Saturday, 8/23 - Sunday, 8/24Banner Elk Elementary SchoolInternationally and nationally known artists gather for this unique one-a-kind handcrafted juried festival. Call 1-800-972-2183 for details.

Mile High Kite Festival at Beech Mountain
Saturday, 8/30 - Sunday, 8/31, 10 a.m.Across from Town HallA great tradition with lots of color and fun activities for kids of all ages. This is a free event sponsored by the members of the Beech Mtn Chamber of Commerce. Kites can be purchased at the event or bring your own. Be sure to bring your kite making supplies. Free kites Saturday and Sunday for the 1st 100 children. Kite building and decorating clinics are presented for the children as well. Two kite clubs are available to demonstrate flying techniques and also display their kites. The festival begins at 10 AM. Free Parking. Call (828) 387-9283 for details.

New River Blues Festival
Sunday, 8/31, 1- 7 pmJefferson Landing, Jefferson NCInternationally Acclaimed Artists in Paradise! The fabulously scenic setting on The New River at Jefferson Landing plays host to a world-class Festival... THE NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL! Bring lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas. No coolers on lawn please. Great food, soft drinks, beer and wine available! Tickets at Gate the Day of the Show $12.00 Headlining The Fest; Johnny Rawls • Wallace Coleman • Shrimp City Slim • Miss Wanda Johnson • The King Bees • Tampa Blue

Sugar Mountain Charlift Rides
Saturdays and Sundays 10 am- 5:30 pmSugar MountainEnjoy a breathtaking 45 minute roundtrip lift-ride at Sugar Mountain. $10 for a one-time ride, $22 for an all-day ticket. Kids 4 and under ride free with an adult. Call 828-898-4521 for details

Summer Concerts in the Park
Thursdays - 6:30 pmBanner Elk ParkConcerts start at 6 pm at the stage behind Bank of America on Highway 194. Bring your chairs or blankets and coolers. Food will also be available for purchase at the concert. Raffle tickets can be purchased for prizes as well as for the 50/50 split of the "pot."

Fred's Summer Sunday Concert
Sundays All DayBeech MountainCall 828-387-9283 for details.