Press Release – Page 4 – Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock TDA Begins Work on Tourism Management Plan; Public Input Needed

Like many mountain destination towns, Blowing Rock saw a very busy year during the pandemic as people sought outdoor escapes. The sudden growth in visitation prompted the board of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (TDA) to commission another in-depth study of Blowing Rock- this time to create a Tourism Management Plan. What are the best ways for our community to preserve the things that make it special, while being open to growth? What should that growth look like? The TDA wants everyone to be part of this conversation! A professional researcher and facilitator, Roger Brooks of Destination Development Association, has been hired to help the TDA and the Town of Blowing Rock coordinate the effort required to create a plan. Roger Brooks has worked with over 2000 communities across the globe to help them improve the lives of their residents and the experiences of their visitors by finding sustainable solutions to unique challenges. He will be arriving in July to stay in Blowing Rock for a month to learn all he can about the place we call home. It’s not his first visit, however. Mr. Brooks “secret shopped” Blowing Rock earlier this year. The kickoff for this project is a public presentation of his experiences. The public is invited to his Assessment Findings & Suggestions Workshop at the Blowing Rock American Legion building on Thursday, July 1 at 8:30 a.m. These initial suggestions will be based on successes in other communities, and the presentation promises to be engaging and entertaining. Following the presentation, Mr. Brooks will be available for questions. The remainder of July will be spent gathering more detailed input from everyone that is willing to offer it, mainly through resident surveys. These can be accessed electronically, or picked up from Town Hall, starting in early July. In addition, Mr. Brooks will be conducting interview sessions on Tuesday, July 6 and Wednesday, July 7. Each interview is a listening session for small groups of year-round and seasonal homeowners, business owners, organizations, frontline employees, etc. If you would like to be part of these hour-long discussions with Mr. Brooks, sign up by calling the Blowing Rock TDA at 828-295-4636 or emailing Amanda Lugenbell: [email protected]. Blowing Rock has long been a travel destination, and with more people come challenges with parking and traffic flow, pedestrian movement, and strain on local and natural resources. The Blowing Rock TDA seeks to turn challenges into opportunities while helping make the town a better place to live, work, and visit. “The Blowing Rock TDA has always been invested in improving the lives of residents through the local tourism economy, while making efforts to mitigate the impact of visitors,” said Tracy Brown, Director of the Blowing Rock TDA. He noted that occupancy taxes collected by the TDA have funded parking decks and sidewalk improvements, and contributed to community assets like the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum and the Middle Fork Greenway. Since its organization, the Blowing Rock TDA has also worked to spread out visitation by encouraging visitation in off- season months and on weekdays. “A Tourism Management Plan will allow a more measured, proactive approach to ensuring a sustainable tourism economy in Blowing Rock,” Brown said. “The TDA looks forward to building this plan with the entire community, and we’re excited to get started.” For more information about the presentation, study, or the upcoming management plan, contact Tracy Brown at the Blowing Rock TDA, 828-295-4636 or [email protected]. (published June 2021)

Photo of booths and people shopping at the Blowing Rock Art in the Park event.

Art in the Park is an Outdoor Gallery

Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park offers open-air gallery experiences for art-lovers, collectors, and craft enthusiasts each year. The six-show series, which is presented once a month from May through October, sets up downtown on Park Avenue. The show is adjacent to Main Street and central shops and restaurants in Blowing Rock, creating an enjoyable stroll-and-shop experience that always features fresh art. “Artists spent a lot of time this past year in the studio creating, and I am really excited to see their new work,” said Suzy Barker, Art in the Park Director. “We had a lot of new applicants this year, too.” Some show favorites will be returning for 2021 as well, like painter Marcus Thomas and woodworker Andy Costine. Art in the Park artists are jury-selected and each show features a different set of artists, curated to present a wide variety of mediums. Find gifts and works for personal collections, functional beauties like furniture and cutlery, and wearable art like handcrafted jewelry and textiles. Attendees can meet artists and purchase art directly from creators. “My goal as Art in the Park Director is to have everyone who visits be able to walk away with their own piece of art. I think we’ve produced a well-rounded show in terms of different mediums and price points,” Suzy said. Last year, Art in the Park was modified for COVID-19 safety with fewer vendors, mask requirements, and measures to reduce crowding. This season, the show will continue to follow local and state guidelines, and will relax modifications as recommended. However, one change may be here to stay. “In 2020 we implemented one-way walking paths in the show to improve traffic flow. With patrons focused on one side of the show at a time, artists and visitors found that they had more meaningful encounters with each other. It also seemed to help artists’ sales. So we’ll be continuing that this season” Suzy said. “State guidelines may shift as the summer progresses, so please be sure to check the event webpage to confirm expectations prior to attending each show.” 2021 Art in the Park dates are May 22, June 12, July 17, August 14, September 11, and October 2. Show hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some free parking is available downtown. During show hours, a continuous free trolley service provides transportation for easy parking at Tanger Outlets. A Concert in the Park is paired with each show, presented each Sunday following Art in the Park. Blowing Rock hosts more visual arts programs throughout the summer, like Artists in Residence and the Plein Air Festival. For a complete listing of events, see the calendar on blowingrock.com Art in the Park is a Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce event. For more information, call 828-295-7851 or visit blowingrock.com/ArtinthePark.

Conductor in an elegant evening gown directs a symphony at dusk, with a chandelier overhead and a large outdoor crowd seated behind her.

Symphony by the Lake at Chetola: Return of a Summer Tradition

Released May 11, 2021 Symphony by the Lake returns to Chetola Resort for a centerpiece event of the summer on Friday, July 23rd. The theme, Music from Around the World, will be reflected in the musical selections as well as the décor of some of the 20 patron tents that line the lake. With COVID-19 considerations in mind, regular attendees will want to note that a few changes have been made to the event: Availability of tickets is limited, as the number of attendees will be reduced this year. Tickets are available in advance only. All tickets are Will Call, and will be available for pickup ahead of the event, including a Will Call drive thru at the Chamber of Commerce office on the day of the event. Attendees will be required to wear a mask when not seated at their chosen spot on the lawn. In most ways, the 2021 Symphony by the Lake will be the exciting summer tradition attendees have come to enjoy. The much-loved Symphony of the Mountains, directed by Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth, will be featured once again this year. Symphony of the Mountains consists of professional musicians that call a great many places home, including the Tri-Cities, TN/VA; Knoxville, TN; Asheville, NC; Winston Salem, NC; and beyond. Attendees to this year’s performance will be delighted by musical arrangements inspired by musical traditions from across the globe. As always, the Symphony will perform the last musical selections during the thrilling fireworks finale! In addition to the headline guests, the Symphony by the Lake also welcomes an opening act, performing from 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm, with the Symphony beginning at 7:30 pm. The opening performers will be announced soon. Avid music enthusiasts will want to consider the special Audiophile Section. Located just in front of the Symphony tent, this special area encourages quiet enjoyment of the event. Reserved seats and side tables are provided along with a charcuterie box, two beverage tickets and water. Many attendees enjoy a special Symphony by the Lake dinner at Timberlake’s Restaurant prior to the performance; menu details and reservations are available through Chetola Resort. Gates will open at 5:30 pm. Parking at Chetola Resort is limited, so it is recommended to buy passes in advance from the Chamber. Limited free parking is available first come, first served at Tanger Outlets, where attendees can walk directly into the back entrance of Chetola. Abundant free parking is available at Tweetsie Railroad, where complimentary shuttles will take attendees directly to the back gate at Chetola. Special parking and trolley service is available for those with mobility challenges at Food Lion. This trolley will take attendees directly to the lawn for seating. Masks are required while riding any of the event transportation. Guests that prefer to walk in can park downtown at one of the parking decks in Blowing Rock (at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum or the American Legion); sidewalk connection and crossing guard assistance at Chetola’s main gate make the walk safe and enjoyable. Tickets go on sale at 9:00 am on Monday, May 17 and will be available online and at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 132 Park Avenue. All tickets are advance Will Call only. Due to the short sale window and to avoid potential postal delays, purchased tickets will not be mailed this year. General admission tickets are $50 each and Audiophile tickets are $125 each. Parking passes are $10 per vehicle. For more details and tickets, go to symphonybythelake.com. The Symphony by the Lake at Chetola Resort is produced by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by The Kennedy-Herterich Foundation and Hendrick Luxury Group. Additional sponsors include Chetola Resort, Monkee’s of Blowing Rock, 100 West Union Men’s Store, Our State Magazine, WNC Magazine, and Tanger Outlets. Photo by Lonnie Webster.

chilly and crystal the winterfest mascots

Blowing Rock Winterfest: Socially Distanced Edition

Blowing Rock WinterFest was created to celebrate the the fun side of a chilly, sleepy season. As we all look for ways to enjoy the outdoors and find little things to celebrate in 2021, WinterFest invites everyone to do just that! Though the festival will look different from any of its prior presentations, there will still be plenty to enjoy from Thursday, January 28 through Sunday, January 31. “This year, we modified WinterFest to still have aspects of our favorite events without large gatherings,” says Suzy Barker, festival coordinator. “For example, WinterFeast, A Restaurant Crawl and the Chili Challenge are taking place at individual restaurants to spread out attendance. WinterFest is all about celebrating the fun side of winter and that spirit is still present at this year’s festival with ice sculptures, fun activities, and delicious winter treats!” The festivities begin on Thursday with the WinterFeast Restaurant Crawl. Individual restaurants are cooking up something special so you can get the best bites in Blowing Rock during WinterFest. The WinterHawk Tournament begins at Mystery Hill on the same day. Folks can register to compete in the tomahawk throwing competition that continues through the weekend. Plus, you can get a jump on the weekend’s Scavenger Hunt to compete for a special prize package. The Ice Stroll opens Friday, where visitors can view a variety of ice sculptures outside local businesses. Find the participant list online so you don’t miss any of these fun and intricate creations! Saturday brings the annual Chili Challenge, presented at participating restaurants this year. Grab a cup or bowl and contribute to local charities with your purchase: all proceeds from Chili Challenge sales on January 30 go to local nonprofits. The winner of the coveted trophy will be decided by a secret judges’ panel! In Memorial Park, the Carolina Snowbelles will be performing in free shows from noon to 2pm. Though the live ice carving demonstrations will not take place this year, there will still be a centerpiece Ice Sculpture in Memorial Park, ready for photos. Mystery Hill presents the WinterDuck Derby, sure to be a big hit with kids! And don’t forget the Mountain Alliance Silent Auction, which is presented in person and online this year. There are many more specials and activities presented throughout the entire weekend, from kids crafts and s’mores bonfires, to painting workshops and dining features! Drop-in formats and take-away options make social distancing easier. “Those that can’t join in person this year can find fun features posted on our Facebook page during the event weekend. Enjoy a virtual hayride or a video walk down Main Street viewing the ice sculptures,” says Suzy. Clothing retailers will also be sharing what they have available online and in-store in a special set of WinterFest fashion videos. “Many of our boutiques have winter fashion on sale and are stocking up on spring arrivals!” Suzy adds. As we celebrate winter, WinterFest reminds us all to share warmth by partnering with Hospitality House for their Blanket Drive. Make a donation of new or gently used blankets to help those in need! The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and Mystery Hill will both serve as collection sites during WinterFest. For full details and an expandable schedule of events, go to blowingrockwinterfest.com. Follow Blowing Rock WinterFest on Facebook for special online content throughout the weekend: facebook.com/BRWinterfest. Information is also available by calling 828-295-7851. A range of accommodations is available; visit blowingrock.com/lodging for details. Blowing Rock WinterFest is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group. Released January 2021

New Safety Measures at Art in the Park

On Saturday, July 18th the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce will host the first Art in the Park of the 2020 season. The Chamber is grateful for the leadership and guidance from AppHealthCare and NCDHHS regarding the COVID-19 response and this 58-year tradition. What you need to know if you plan on attending Art in the Park: Artists, Chamber staff and visitors will be required to wear a mask on Park Ave There will be a limited number of artists, each artist display will be 10 feet from each other allowing artists to display their work from three open air sides of their 10×10 tent. Artists will sanitize booth surface area periodically There will be stanchions dividing the street allowing for one-way walk paths There will be signage in and around Park Ave and the downtown area of Blowing Rock promoting the 3W’s (wear, wait, wash) and the NC Face Mask Requirement Seniors and more vulnerable patrons will be encouraged to shop from 9-11 and after 3:00 pm Peak hours will be monitored to ensure that the density of attendees does not get too high for proper 6 ft. social distancing. If it “feels” too crowded, we will hold patrons outside the show area or encourage them to come back at another time. Art in the Park will be used as a mask distribution point for masks from AppHealthCare branded with the Show Your Love Watauga logo to promote the partnership between the Chambers of Commerce and AppHealthCare. Chamber staff and volunteers will be on site enforcing these rules for the duration of the show. Art in the Park will be open to the public from 10am-5pm on Park Ave in downtown Blowing Rock. The Chamber will not provide the free shuttle service from Tanger Outlets this season. For more information on Art in the Park or the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce please visit, www.loveblowingrock.com or call 828-295-7851. Announced July 13, 2020

No Spectators at this Year’s Horse Show

For the past 97 summers the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show and the Town of Blowing Rock have attracted horse lovers from across the nation to celebrate the connection between these regal animals and their human partners. The COVID-19 restrictions have placed severe challenges on the show this year, but the event will be held over two weeks beginning on July 21 with a full schedule of Hunter and Jumper classes. There will, however, be no spectators permitted. Only exhibitors, attendants, management and crew will be permitted on the grounds. The Foundation has completed a WHO risk assessment to measure the effects of our COVID-19 planning efforts. By adhering to the plan, it has been determined we will be operating at a low level of risk. To assure the safety of our staff and exhibitors, there are masking requirements, social distancing restrictions, box seats limitations, and other mandatory restrictions. Rain sheltering is also being carefully orchestrated. Please see www.brchs.org for details. In addition, the famed daily exhibitor hospitality, a hallmark of this annual event, will not be available this year. Nevertheless, an extraordinary effort is being made by the sponsoring horse show foundation to accommodate exhibitors and assure the best possible two weeks of competition possible under these extraordinary conditions. With so many summer horse shows being cancelled throughout the country, we are grateful for the opportunity to offer our loyal exhibitors, many of whom have been coming to Blowing Rock for generations, this opportunity to show their horses in the cool of the North Carolina Mountains. We also appreciate the continuing support of the town and its many merchants whose sponsorships, even in these difficult times, make the show possible. With everyone’s understanding and cooperation we will have a safe two weeks at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show and will welcome spectators back to more traditional activities in 2021. Announced July 14, 2020

Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Increased Access to Historic Motor Route

Date: May 8, 2020 Contact: Public Affairs Office, (828) 348-3420 Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Blue Ridge Parkway officials are increasing recreational access to sections of the motor road previously closed to motor vehicle traffic in North Carolina. The National Park Service is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access to the Parkway and park sites across the country. Beginning Saturday, May 9, 2020, the Blue Ridge Parkway will reopen gates providing motor vehicle access to the southernmost 14 miles of the park, from Milepost 454 – 469, in coordination with the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park planned reopening. Beginning Friday, May 15, 2020, the Parkway will reopen gates providing motor vehicle access at the following locations in North Carolina, once initial seasonal mowing and road preparations are complete: Milepost 292-296.5 near Blowing Rock, including Moses Cone Parking Area and Hwy 221 Bass Lake Parking Lot. Milepost 298.6-308 through Grandfather Mountain area, including Rough Ridge and Linn Cove Viaduct Milepost 316.4 Linville Falls Spur Road, including parking at Linville Falls trailheads Milepost 334-342 including Crabtree Falls Area, near Little Switzerland, NC Milepost 355-375.6 from Mt. Mitchell to Ox Creek, including Craggy Gardens Milepost 377.4 Parking areas at Craven Gap (Town Mountain Rd) for MST Trail access Milepost 384.7 Roadside parking at MST Trailheads at US 74A Parkway access ramps Milepost 393-454 from French Broad River Overlook and south to Soco Gap In addition, the following areas continue to be accessible: All Parkway trails, and All other sections of the motor route in North Carolina and Virginia previously accessible to motor vehicle traffic. In alignment with federal and state public health guidance, the following areas remain closed at this time: Road closure from Milepost 0 to 13 in Virginia, Milepost 85.9 Peaks of Otter Visitor Center and Sharp Top Parking Areas closed, Milepost 92.5 Sharp Top Parking Widening closed at Appalachian Trail crossing, and all Seasonal visitor service facilities including campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms and visitor centers. “We are pleased to once again provide motor vehicle access to these popular Blue Ridge Parkway locations. We know the park’s recreation opportunities and scenic beauty provide important ways to connect with our natural environment during this time, and for many a leisurely drive on the Parkway provides solace,” said J.D. Lee, Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Our phased approach to the 2020 visitor season is focused on balancing the enjoyment and protection of this park with the enjoyment and protection of our visitors. I encourage everyone who visits the Parkway in the coming days to recreate responsibly while here, whether that’s social distancing on park trails or driving safely on this beautiful, scenic drive.” The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. In the coming weeks, the operational approach on the Blue Ridge Parkway will be to examine each facility function and service to ensure operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. Park officials will continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders in North Carolina and Virginia, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Park officials will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted at www.nps.gov/blri and the Parkway’s social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. See this release posted at https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/news/covid-5-8.htm

New Catch & Release Categories at 2020 Trout Derby

**CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.Due to the health concerns associated with the Covid-19 virus and efforts to limit the possible transmission, The Town of Blowing Rock has made the decision to cancel all Town sponsored events until April 13, 2020. On or before that date, the Town will reassess this measure and provide an update concerning ongoing cancellations or rescheduling of events or meetings going forward. ** Anglers of all ages and levels are invited to compete for cash and prizes at the 41st annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby! The Derby will take place in Blowing Rock on Saturday, April 4, from sunrise to 4:00pm. No entry fees are required. Pre-registration is not necessary for the Classic Tournament, and the NEW Catch & Release competition features an easy check-in. This event has celebrated the opening of trout season for four decades now, encouraging families to get out together to enjoy the outdoors and friendly competition. Kids are invited to fish right in Blowing Rock at Broyhill Park, next to Derby Headquarters. Trout Derby Headquarters are located at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 108 Lakeside Drive, and open at 7am on April 4. The casual nature of the Derby makes participation fun! Simply catch a trout in Watauga County on April 4, and bring it to Derby Headquarters in Blowing Rock to have it measured to enter it into the Classic Tournament. New this year, Chetola Resort presents Catch & Release categories, featuring Orvis prizes! To participate in the Catch & Release categories, stop by Derby Headquarters first to check in and receive a free official tape measure. To enter a catch into the Catch & Release competition, take a photo with the official tape measure, then submit the photo along with location details. All entries must be recorded by 4:00pm. Also at Headquarters, kids can pick up free “Fish for Fun” bags, which include a tackle box, regulation book, and basic tackle. Free Trout Derby T-shirts will be available as well. Bags and T-shirts are limited, so come early in the day before they run out! While kids are there, they can participate in the Art Contest; all supplies are provided, and the winner’s art is featured on the next Derby poster and T-shirt. Chetola Resort will again present FREE Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Demonstrations at Broyhill Park, next to Derby Headquarters, at 2:00 and 3:00pm. Winners and prizes are announced at Derby Headquarters at 4:30pm. For the Classic Tournament, first-place winners will receive locally-crafted trophies in five divisions: Men, Women, Girls and Boys (12-16), and Small Fries (11 and under). Cash prizes will be awarded to largest trout in each species and for tagged fish, which are stocked in the lake at Broyhill Park. Prizes in the Catch & Release categories are all provided by Orvis, and include items like fly fishing rods, youth waders, and casting clinics! “We’re excited about the new categories, and hope that even more people will join us to celebrate trout fishing this year,” says Kim Rogers, longtime coordinator of the Trout Derby. “Everyone is welcome, from first-time anglers to seasoned fishermen, and we love to hear all about everyone’s fishing adventures! We can’t wait to see your catch!” There is plenty of free parking available at Broyhill Park, where the lake will be stocked with hundreds of fish in the days leading up to the Derby, with some fish tagged for special prizes, and even a few trophy fish! Fish include brown, speckled and rainbow trout. Broyhill Park is reserved for fishing by children and persons with disabilities. Fishing licenses are not required at Broyhill Park, but anglers will need to have a current fishing license and obey posted fishing regulations in all other locations. Additional details on the Blowing Rock Trout Derby can be found at BlowingRock.com/TroutDerby

Blowing Rock WinterFest: A Classic Continues Into the New Decade

The first Blowing Rock WinterFest was presented in 1998, created to bring celebration to a sleepy season. More than two decades later, the festival continues with a refresh of past events and a reprise of the newest ones. At the 2020 edition of Blowing Rock WinterFest on Thursday, January 23 through Sunday, January 26, everyone is again encouraged: don’t hibernate; celebrate! The newest events include the K9 Keg Pull and the Snow Making Demonstration, which both debuted in 2019. The first K9 Keg Pull was an instant hit, and this year’s event will be relocated to a venue with greater crowd capacity to accommodate anticipated attendance. Exciting and whimsical, the family-friendly event will be set up along Park Avenue on Saturday, January 25. The street will be closed to traffic for the Pull. You can register your pup to compete! The Snow Making Demonstration returns on Saturday as well, hosted by Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist at WCNC Charlotte, in Memorial Park on Main Street. He will explain the science of snow with the assistance of a simple snow-making rig. Plus, he’s always happy to answer questions about weather, so stop by to watch the snow and say hello! “Saturday’s list of events is full of crowd favorites- from Ice Carving to the K9 Keg Pull there is plenty to enjoy,” says Suzy Barker, festival coordinator. “Having Park Avenue closed to traffic will allow for safe and easy flow between Memorial Park and the events along the street.” The 2020 Winterfest will welcome the return of an older event, as well: the Friday Night Concert! Four local acts will take the stage: Handlebar Betty, Ben Parker, The Stewarts, and Roscoe Rose. The concert also marks the Grand Re-opening of the auditorium at Blowing Rock School, which has seen significant renovations. A few staple events are getting a refresh for the new decade. Saturday’s Chili Challenge will see the return of a judges panel, which will decide who gets the coveted trophy. Attendees are still invited to try all the chilis and pick their favorite! “The Rotary Chili Challenge will have two winners this year, People’s Choice and Celebrity Judges pick. This change is sure to heat up the challenge,” says Suzy. The WinterFest Beer Garden will move to be adjacent to the relocated K9 Keg Pull, hosting local breweries on the lawn at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. This brings one more event even closer to downtown shopping & dining. The Winter Paws Dog Show welcomes a new coordinating host, local Girl Scout Troop 02738, and new benefitting charity, Partners Canines. Bring your pet to compete or enjoy the fun from the audience. There’s so much more packed into the weekend that you won’t want to miss. Take a chilly dip at the Polar Bear Plunge, or watch the jumpers from beside the firepit if that’s more your speed. John Carter of WBTV Charlotte returns as emcee, and the participant costumes are sure to delight. Sample local delicacies at WinterFeast (seats already nearly sold-out), view the latest winter and spring looks at the WinterFashion Show, help raise funds for charity at the Wine Tasting & Auction, take a hayride through Blowing Rock, and enjoy glittering sculptures at the Ice Carving Demonstrations and the Ice Stroll. Lots of festival activities are free, some are ticketed. For a full and expandable schedule of events, tickets, lodging packages, and participation information, go to blowingrockwinterfest.com. Tickets and info are also available by calling 828-295-7851. Blowing Rock is accessible from anywhere in the region, less than two hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, three hours from Knoxville and Raleigh, and five hours from Atlanta and Charleston. A wide range of accommodations is available; visit blowingrock.com/accommodations for details. 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.

Sixth Annual Blowing Rock Music Festival

The Blowing Rock Music Festival once again welcomes a variety of talent to the event stages at the Blowing Rock Attraction in Blowing Rock, NC on Saturday, September 14. Charlie Sellers, proprietor of The Blowing Rock, said, “This year’s Festival has a few newcomers, like Larry Sparks. The others are performers that are tried and true for Blowing Rock audiences, and attendees will have an excellent range of entertainment, as always.” Headline entertainers for 2019 include the Harris Brothers, Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers, Shelby Rae Moore Band, Soul Benefactor, Jeff Little Trio, and Wayne Henderson. Other acts cover a wide range of musical genres, and include The Neighbors, Charlie Carpenter, Cecil Palmer and Gloria Coffey, & Mitch and Masten. The Blowing Rock Music Festival presents an impressive lineup at a unique venue, where attendees can enjoy intimate concert spaces and amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Parking is free and easy, with shuttle carts available from the lot to the performance area. Attendees may bring coolers or purchase food onsite from local and fundraising vendors. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. and the music runs continuously on two stages from noon until sunset. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Kids 12 and under are $10. VIP tents are available. The outdoor event takes place rain or shine. Even extreme weather like 2018’s hurricane prompted a reschedule, not a cancellation! For tickets, call The Blowing Rock at 828.295.7111 or the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828.295.7851. For more information and an updated list of performers, visit theblowingrock.com/the-annual-blowing-rock-music-festival. The Blowing Rock Music Festival is hosted by the Blowing Rock Attraction and the Harris Brothers.

Category: Press Release