Press Release Archives ⋆ Page 5 of 5 ⋆ Blowing Rock, NC

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.

family overlooking thunder hill, part of the mountains to sea trail

Mountains to Sea Trail Birthday Hikes

Friends of the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) invites hikers of all skill levels to help celebrate the trail’s birthday each year in September. Join one of the group hikes in several trail towns across the state! From Cherokee to Nags Head, you’ll find hikes from one to 12 miles, through all types of landscape, from easy to strenuous. “This will be a great opportunity to explore North Carolina’s natural beauty with the help of hike leaders who have extensive local knowledge of the trail and area attractions,” said Betsy Brown, Outreach Manager for the Friends of the MST. The 46-Mile Challenge is also a fun option for enjoying the MST in September. Hike the miles anywhere on the MST during September for a chance to win great prizes- more details coming soon. Registration for organized hikes will open later this year, and will be accessible through the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail website. Depending on the hike, there is a limit to the number of people who can register, anywhere from fifteen to a hundred. Hikes are free, though Friends encourages donations to support their continuing work on the MST. Hikers are also encouraged to hike anywhere, anytime over the weekend on their own, and share their stories. Find detailed information about this and the Hike on Your Own option at mountainstoseatrail.org/birthdayhike/ The MST Birthday Hike is not only an opportunity for hikers to learn about the MST – it is also a time for them to get to know trail communities across the state. Hikers can stick to their closest trail town, or they can travel to another area of North Carolina they wish to explore. Many towns will provide information about local events, restaurants, and attractions in the trail towns and hikers can become better acquainted with the areas. Chuck Millsaps, president of the Great Outdoor Provision Co. (GOPC), says, “We are thrilled to see so many communities hosting hikes across the state as we celebrate the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. It’s such fun to send folks out on the trail and then hear their hike stories the next time they stop by.” GOPC is the exclusive sponsor of the MST Birthday Hike. It’s a North Carolina-based outdoor equipment and clothing retailer, with nine stores across the area. This will be the seventh year of celebrating the birth of the MST, founded forty-six years ago. In 2017, the first celebration year, hikers across the state walked different legs of the 1175-mile trail, successfully hiking the entire trail in a day. The second year, solo hikers and groups were encouraged to hike any area of the trail they wished and report their journey back to Friends of MST. That tradition continues! Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring together communities and volunteers to build, protect and promote the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, connecting North Carolina’s natural treasures and communities. The trail itself is 1175 miles, and spans from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Updated January 2023

Art in the Park 2019 Season Begins

Now in its 57th year, Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park continues to present an incredible diversity of artistic media. The monthly Saturday event, which runs from May through October, sets up downtown on Park Avenue. More than 90 artisans will be at each show, adjacent to Main Street and central shops and restaurants in Blowing Rock, creating an incredible stroll-and-shop experience. “Some of the unique art forms featured this year include puzzle and pipe making, fabric processing and glass blowing, basket weaving and pottery of all types- true Village Craft,” said Loni Miller, Art in the Park Director. “Old favorites are returning and new artists are added each year, so repeat visitors will find fresh appeal at each show.” 2019 Art in the Park dates are May 25, June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7 and October 5. Prices for objects, from a handmade card to a large sculpture, range from $5 to $10,000. Free parking is available downtown, along with frequent free trolley service from the Tanger Outlets and Food Lion for parking at larger lots. Art in the Park weekends feature more activities to entertain visitors who want to stay longer than the show’s 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours, including an afternoon Concert in the Park each Sunday following the shows. The Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage program is also presented daily through September 15, offering an intimate studio setting with artists creating a variety of work. For a complete listing of events, go to blowingrock.com/calendar/events. Art in the Park is a Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce event. For more information, call 877.295.7851.