4th of July Weekend Event: Independence Day at Lake Junaluska

July 3-4  Independence Day at Lake Junaluska   Sunday events include a morning worship service, afternoon fellowship and evening concert by the Lake Junaluska Singers. Monday, the 4th of July, is a day filled with fun for the entire family and open to the public with no reservations required.  Celebrate Independence Day with with  a traditional Fourth of July  -  a parade,  music, dance, games, a craft fair, a barbeque lunch, and a spectacular fireworks display.

4th of July Event: Fireworks on the Diamond from the Asheville Tourists Baseball

For the second consecutive season the Asheville Tourists Baseball Team will be hosting a Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4th and 5th, but this year with a twist! The McCormick Field fireworks will be the only 4th of July fireworks in Asheville! So gather up your families and head out to McCormick Field to enjoy a great night full of exciting baseball and an unforgettable fireworks show. The 18 minute show claims to be one of the best in Western North Carolina.

July 4th tickets are going quickly so reserve your tickets today! All tickets will be $10 and reserved seats in the ballpark. The Asheville Tourists Box Office will be open Monday-Friday 9-5pm for walk up and phone purchases, and open on Saturday July 2nd from 1-4pm and Sunday July 3rd from 1-7pm. Or you can purchase your tickets online by clicking HERE.

Beer and Seafood Pairing at Heinzelmannchen Brewery this Friday

Begin your July and the Independence Day weekend celebrating right with a Seafood and Beer Pairing this Friday, July 1 from 5-8 PM at Heinzelmannchen Brewery.   Eric Hendrix will be sharing some seafood samples from Eric's Fresh Fish Market. Tequila Lime Shrimp Dip and Blue Label Smoked Salmon along with Heinzelmannchen Ales are on the menu. If you haven't checked out Eric's Fresh Fish Market, now in Franklin AND Sylva, you're not supporting your gnometown fish monger! Great selections, great prices and great customer service. Click on the link above to see his selections and sign up for his weekly email specials. Heinzelmannchen Brewery is located at 545 Mill Street in Sylva NC.

4th of July Weekend Event: 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog on Beech Mountain

July 2  The 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog is considered one of the High Country's premier Independence Day celebrations. After years of perfecting the seasonings and homemade charcoal blends, this barbecue is arguably the best in the High Country. Enjoy music while dining outdoors. Fireworks display. Menu: Barbecue pork, smoked turkey , slaw, baked beans, potato salad, ice tea and moon pies. Beer available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce, Fred’s General Mercantile, or they may be purchased at the gate. Tickets are $15.00 per person and $7.00 for children 7 and under. Call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283 for additional details.

4th of July Event: It's Christmas in July in West Jefferson

July 1 -2  Christmas in July Festival  kicks off on Friday evening kicks with music by the Buck Haggard Band and Blue Country Band on the Main Stage - and FREE admission. On Saturday the festival moves into full swing with the very best in traditional mountain music and 
handmade crafts from throughout the Northwest Mountains
of North Carolina. 

Share the Mountain Heritage of West Jefferson, NC during the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Christmas tree industry including the White House National Christmas Tree delivery wagon, tree baling and wreath making competitions.

Known as one of the best, old-fashioned
 summer festivals in the south, drawing as many as 20,000
 visitors in one day, the Christmas in July Festival offers more than 20 food 
vendors, juried crafts, fun children activities, 
foot-stompin’ bluegrass music and more! Get a complete schedule of events here.

Brevard Music Center Program, Then and Now

The Brevard Music Center began its 75th Season on Friday, June 24. 75 years have brought a variety of changes.

"The First Annual" Official Program from 1946 consisted of 8 pages.  The festival lasted 3 days and guest artists were violinist Carroll Glenn, soprano Selma Kaye and tenor Mario Berini. Programming for opening weekend included Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto, Weber's Overture to Oberon, Five Miniatures by Paul White, and Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite. Ms. Kaye also sang "Parigi, o cara, noi Lasceremo from La Traviata.

This year, our program guides (no longer called "Overture") have taken on a new look and have reverted to the same size as our 1946 program. They will have all of the information that was contained in the Overture magazine. Faculty and guest artist biographies as well as program notes and repertoire will be listed chronologically. Pick up a free copy from the box office or from any of the student or volunteer ushers around Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium. There will be recycling bins for your unwanted Progam Guides when you leave a concert.

Each season the  production staff creates a new mural for the back wall in the Center's box office. This year's creation is definitely worth viewing, containing brochures, Overture covers and other various publication pieces that have represented Brevard Music Center over the last 75 years. 

53rd Annual Wagon Train heads out in the Smoky Mountain Foothills

The  53st Annual Wagon Train begins today in Andrews NC.  Participants join the Nation's oldest  wagon train for Eastern America's most unique Wagon Train Tradition. The Annual trek proceeds along unused roads in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains with camp-outs in a grassy meadow bordered by a noisy stream. The wagon train includes a ride in a town's parade, sharing some wholesome grub from the chuck wagon and breath-taking sunsets and evenings with live entertainment and dancing.

NC 4th of July Fireworks and Celebrations are plentiful this year

The 4th of July Independence Day Celebrations are a highlight of the NC Mountain summer season. Fireworks displays against the dark mountain skies offer an intensity not found in more populated areas where the glow of city lights detracts. And there's a special appreciation for the freedoms being celebrated.

The folks lucky enough to be living in small towns and communities know their neighbors and the land and how to take care with both. They know the responsibilities that are required in every-day life to protect and preserve the freedoms which allow an independent o mountain lifestyle. Going to a 4th of July celebration in the NC mountains is truly "going home".

Independence Day Celebrations begin on July 1 with Friday night concerts and art walks. Bryson City offers Inspirations "Singing in the Smokies" at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts and Maggie Valley's Red, White and Boom July 1-4 is a weekend of family fun, games, food and live entertainment with a dazzling display of fireworks launched over the festival grounds.  

On Saturday, July 2nd, you'll find the " Grandaddy of all small-town parades" in Blowing Rock at the  Independence Day Festival & Parade. Asheville'  Shindig on the Green  and Bryson City's Music in the Mountains will get you toes tappin'. See Saturday fireworks at Independence Day at Lake Junaluska  or Old Fort's   Fireworks, Music and More.   

This year's Lake Lure 4th of July fireworks and celebration includes everything from a carnival to a prime rib buffet and concludes with the usual spectacular fireworks display over Lake Lure. Other 4th of July  fireworks displays include Cherokee’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks display, the 4th of July Downtown Celebration in Brevard, Bryson City's 4th of July Freedom Fest  with the largest fireworks display in the Smokies, the 4th of July Celebration in Asheville, Columbus' 49th Annual 4th of July Celebration, Highlands  Festive Fireworks and barbecue or the 4th of July Celebration in Marion.

Love trains? Then don't miss the Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock, or the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad Fireworks Freedom Train. How about an old-fashioned picnic at the Annual 4th of July Picnic and Covered Dish Dinner  at the Historic Orchard at Alta Pass or Old Fort's Independence Day Community Picnic on the grounds of Mountain Gateway Museum?

There truly is something for everyone and the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way - in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Get a complete list of 4th of July fireworks and Celebrations and direct links for individual events on the NC Mountain Events Calendar.

Music in the Mountains this weekend - June 23 - 26

June 23   BANNER ELK   Concerts in the Banner Elk Town Park   Every Thursday evening June - Sept 1, the community of Banner Elk gathers in the town park for a summer concert. Performers range from...read more

June 23 - 25   WILKESBORO   Singing in the Foothills  A Christian Music event under a 6,000-seat tent. Singing in the foothills is one of the most organized music events in the United States as...read more
June 24   NEWLAND   The Newland River Walk Concert Series   6 PM - 9 PM   A variety of music and entertainment in a family atmosphere. Bring your blanket, pop-up tent, table, chairs, ...read more
June 24   HENDERSONVILLE  Music on Main Street Concert Series  Every Friday evening from June - August . The event feature " oldies rock, beach music, variety and top 40 music. Bring a chair and ...read more
June 24    WAYNESVILLE   MOUNTAIN STREET DANCES   Downtown is Alive at Night. Put on your cloggin' & square dancin' shoes and enjoy an old-fashioned mountain hoe down! Live mountain music, demonstrations and ...read more
June 24   WEST JEFFERSON  Back Street Park Summer Concerts   Free summer concert series held every 3rd & 4th Friday nights May - September, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and ...read more
June 24 - 25   BLOWING ROCK   Mr. Broadway  The Hayes Performing Art Center presents consummate showman Michael Walters in a one-man journey through the world of musical comedy, a mix of ...read more
June 24 - July 9   The Parkway Playhouse presents: 1776   In the summer of 1776  the nation is ready to declare independence - if only the members of the Second Continental Congress can agree to ...read more
June 25   BRYSON CITY   Music in the Mountains - Free Concerts   THE RIB TIPS   Every Saturday night from June through Oct, enjoy a FREE concert in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Depot from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or...read more
June 26   LINVILLE   87th Annual Singing On The Mountain   The  annual “Singing” is a day-long gathering held out-of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins at 8:30 AM and continues ...read more
June 26 - 28   FLAT ROCK   Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock  The Music of Motown.   Summer Music on the Rock Concerts offer audiences a variety of music of well-known artists performed by...read more

Mountain Spirits: Weekend Wine and Beer tastings June 23 - 26

The Bier Garden, 46 Haywood Street in Asheville NC - Listed by Imbibe Magazine as one of the top 100 places to drink in the South. Thursdays $ 3.00 Margaritas & Long Island Iced Teas; Fridays $3.00 Red Stag Highballs; Saturdays $5.00 Red Stag Specials; Sundays Narragansett & a house shot for $4 and local liters. Join the mailing list a receive a coupon for 10% off your next visit.

Hops & Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in  Asheville NC - Free homebrew tasting this Friday  June 24, 4-7 PM. Come and taste some of the best beer in Asheville created by local homebrewers! This is always a fun and informative tasting. Homebrew is not required to attend, just an open mind. Homebrewers, bring one or two bottles of homebrew to share with others.Hps and Vines will be offering their own  Pliny the Elder DIPA clone and their all-grain class IPA, among others for $5.
Free wine tasting this Saturday June 25th, 3-6 PM.  Local winery Owl's Eye Winery from Shelby NC - taste some local flavor this Saturday and experience some new grape varietals with which you may not be familiar.

Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in Asheville NC. June 26 from 4-6 PM taste some samples of what Lagunitas Brewing has to offer with Don Chartier.

Appalachain Vintner,  2-B Huntsman Place in Asheville NC - "Asheville's Best Wine and Beer Tasting" June 26 from 4 PM - 8 PM. Indaba Chardonnay, Domaine de Cascavel In Fine Rosé, Russian Hill Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Vercesi del Castellazzo Pezzalunga Oltrepo Pavese Rosso.  SUPER Beer Sale:
Rogue American Amber- 6pks
Rogue Captain Sigs Northwestern Ale- 22oz
Blue Point RastafaRye- 22oz
Blue Point Toasted Lager- 22oz
Fullers London Pride- 6pks
ALL draft beer is $1 off for the rest of the week. Please mention sale to get discounted pricing(on draft).

Knife and Fork Restaurant Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Benefit Dinner

July 16th 2011 marks the two year anniversary for Knife and Fork, a Spruce Pine NC restaurant featuring local ingredients and environmental responsibility. Knife and Fork Chef/Owner Nathan Allen is a finalist in the 2011 prestigious Western North Carolina Top Chef Competition.

Knife and Fork will celebrate the anniversary with a party to benefit a  favorite WNC organization, the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (more commonly known as ASAP). ASAP's mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters, and build healthy communities through connections to local food. Ask any farmer you know and they'll tell you what a great and helpful organization ASAP is.

On July 16th from 4-9  the street in front of Knife and Fork will be closed off and local farmer's will be set up with food for sale. There will be live music from Polly & The Posse and beer from Dry County Brewing. Dinner will be served inside the restaurant. Tickets are $30 with all proceeds going straight to ASAP.

Make reservations at 828-765-1511 and  help celebrate a  two years of an exception dining experience.

 

Foothills Conservancy 2011 Annual Summer Fund Challenge amid Major Budget Cuts

Double Your Gift's Impact and Protect the Blue Ridge Mountains & Foothills

Start your summer by helping Foothills Conservancy protect the places you love across the eastern Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills during our 2011 Summer Annual Fund Challenge! Make your special gift by August 31 on-line at www.foothillsconservancy.org or by check to FCNC, PO Box 3023, Morganton, NC 28680, and you will double your impact and help conserve our beautiful region’s natural landscapes, abundant waters, fertile farms and forest lands.

Generous donors have pledged to match your gifts to help us reach our $25,000 Summer Challenge goal! Be a part of the vision to connect people-visitors and area residents, adults and children-to nature and history at spectacular places like Wilson Creek, Catawba Falls and Chimney Rock; scenic byways like th Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge's Pisgah Loop; farming communities like Happy Valley; rivers like the Johns, Jacob Fork, First Broad and Yadkin; and trails like the Revoluntionary War's historic Overmountain Victory Trail.  Donate Now!

Due to state budget cuts your gifts to the Annual Summer Fund Challenge are even more important this year for conservation work in your backyard.

2011-2012 NC State Budget cuts are as follows:
Clean Water Management Trust Fund REDUCED to $11.25 million (from $50 million this year)
Parks and Recreation Trust Fund REDUCED by $8.45 million
Natural Heritage Trust Fund REDUCED by $8 million
Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund REDUCED by 15 percent to $1.7 million

Even though these important trust funds were cut, we want to thank everyone who made calls on behalf of conservation in North Carolina.

This week in Asheville: June 22- June 28

Attraction Updates and Events:

Biltmore.  Behind the scenes guided tours provide a true "up close and personal" look at the inner workings of Biltmore and the Estate. Legacy of the Land Tour -Take a motorcoach tour of the estate and learn about the history of the land, structures, and former residents; Winery Production Tour - guided walking tour of the Winery production areas; Antler Hill Farm Walking Tour - a mile long guided walk around Antler Hill Farm and surrounding wooded areas including discussions about daily farm life and Biltmore's impact on forestry in America; Farm Wagon Rides -  a tractor pulled Wagon Ride through the agricultural area near Antler Hill Farm with stories of Farm Life and the old ferry. All tour have fees in addition to regular admission. Get $15 off Biltmore admission tickets with online purchase.

The Asheville Art Museum. Lunchtime Art Break on June 24 from 12 - 1 PM  Led by Leah Leitson, Ceramist " A Chosen Path: The Ceramic Art of Karen Karnes, currently on view at the Museum through Sunday, June 26, 2011. Current exhibits include Artists at Work: American Printmakers and the WPA; An Inside View; A Chosen Path: The Ceramic Art of Karen Karnes; Looking Back: Celebrating 60 Years of Collecting at the Asheville Art Museum.

Asheville Tourists Baseball.  Tourists return to McCormick Field Thursday, June 23 at 7:05 PM

The Tourists take on the Rome Braves in game one of a four game series to open up the second half of league play. It's a Thirsty Thursday presented by Wild Wing Cafe, Rock 104.9 and Star 104.3 FM. Game time is 7:05 pm.   2011 Scout Nights  Saturday June 25th & July 23rd at 6:05 pm. $10 SCOUT TICKET INCLUDES: General Admission Seat, Overnight Campout on field, G/PG Rated movie, Tourists commemorative 2011 Scout Night Patch, Meal Voucher, & Breakfast coupon. Password: EAGLE Buy Tickets!

Western North Carolina Nature Center. June 23 6 PM - 9 PM Mountain Safari, a party at the WNC Nature Center. Dress in your best safari gear and party with the animals. The evening festivities include live entertainment with music by Angi West & Robert Thomas, jugglers Forty Fingers & a Missing Tooth and more, plus special animal encounters with the cougars, otters and other creatures at the Center.

The North Carolina Arboretum. June 21 from 5-7 PM a reception for Botanical Chords and The Fine Art of Wood, a current exhibit at The Arboretum. Botanical Chords by Terry Ashley blurs the line between science and art. The Fine Art of Wood: An International Invitational Exhibition of Woodturning will feature the work of more than 40 artists from across the country and around the world.

Diana Wortham Theatre. June 23 - 25 Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents Vampyre, a gothic tale of love, death and immortality   Asheville’s professional contemporary ballet company, has a history of creating what some might call, ‘goth’ dance performances. This year, they are resurrecting that dark spirit with the premiere of Heather Maloy’s “Vampyre, a gothic tale of love, death and immortality”.

Special Events and Festivals:

June 21 - July 19  The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival, one of the oldest music festivals in the US, is a five-week music festival that takes place in the summer in and around the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Musicians come from around the country to perform chamber music

June 23 - 26   ALIVE 2011 - 29th Piedmont Classic Paso Fino Horse Show  - a fun-filled Family Event that is free to the General Public. Enjoy the finest Paso Fino Horses in competion for the Blue Ribbons and  the Youth Pavilion with activities for all ages.

June 23   Family Night on the Blue Ridge Parkway -  Join Rangers at the Parkway Visitor Center, MP 384 in Asheville, to compete against other families as you face a series of wilderness challenges on the TRACK Trail. Participation in the survival challenge is free, but registration is required at call 828-298-5330, ext. 304

June 25, 10 AM - 3 PM  Blue Ridge Parkway Family Outdoor Adventure Day - Explore the outdoors, talk with the experts, and try out the latest outdoor equipment during the first Family Outdoor Adventure Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Milepost 384 near Asheville.

June 25 - 26 The Family Farm Tour   For one weekend every summer, the gates and barns of 41 WNC farms open to the public for the Family Farm Tour.

Find more of What to do in Asheville here...

Black Mountain Filmmakers focus on Local Farms

Local farms will be the subject for Black Mountain filmmakers, Cinnamon and John Kennedy June 30th in Asheville at the Highland Brewery and at Black Mountain Ale House on July 7th. The Kennedys, who have produced video for The New York Times, The Washington Post, USAToday, The Gates Foundation and the United Nations Millennium Campaign, have been filming local farms affiliated with the Black Mountain NC tailgate market.

“I was filming entrepreneurs during the time of the economic crash,” Cinnamon Kennedy explained. “I was collecting video stories of people who were creating their lives, or re-inventing their lives, working for 60, 70, 80 hours a week, with no safety net to catch them. From this material I was drawn to stories about area farmers.”

John and Cinnamon Kennedy, of the production company Purple States LLC, are working in partnership with Meredith McKissick,  a farmer at Foothills Family Farms in Old Fort and director of the Organic Growers School . The Organic Growers School hopes the film series will draw more attention toward supporting the small independent farms of Western North Carolina .

The Kennedys and McKissick will use four area farmers, train them to use handheld HD cameras and direct them in the filming of this harvest season. The Kennedys plan to find a state or national platform for the project. A three-minute trailer has been filmed showing the struggles and passions of today's small farmers.

The June 30th and July 7th events are being cosponsored by the Organic Grower’s School. Other organizations involved in the project are the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) and Slow Food Asheville. Both events will be held at 7pm, and will be used as an outreach an awareness of local food, organic food, and the choices made by all of us about what we eat. The trailer for the series will be aired, and the event will be used as a fundraiser to buy the cameras, microphones, stands and to launch the filming.


The trailer for the series can been seen at the website www.farmersfilm.com. Some of the farmers involved in the project can be met at the Black Mountain Tailgate Market, which is open from 9am to noon, every Saturday during the Summer and Fall, behind the Black Mountain Baptist Church , off of Montreat Road .

Father's Day in the Mountains

Help Dad make a mountain memory on his special day at one of these Father's Day events:

CHIMNEY ROCK -  Father's Day at Chimney Rock Park Bring Dad for a free visit
ASHEVILLE  -  Father's Day at Biltmore   Bring Dad for a FREE visit to Biltmore.LAKE LURE -   LAVISH Sunday Brunch at The Veranda Restaurant 

TRYON  -  Father's Day Feast and Pig Pickin', Melrose Inn

ASHEVILLE  -  Father's Day Brunch at Biltmore's Deerpark

HIGHLANDS  -  Father's Day at the Club 

Music in the Mountains this weekend

June 17   FLAT ROCK   Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock  The Music of ABBA.   Summer Music on the Rock Concerts offer audiences a variety of music of well-known artists performed by exceptional singers and musicians.

June 17   WEST JEFFERSON  Back Street Park Summer Concerts   Free summer concert series held every 3rd & 4th Friday nights May - September, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional local bluegrass, folk and country music. Rain location is the Farmer's Market or the Arts Center.

June 17   WILKESBORO   Downtown Concert Series: "Jazz in June"   will coincide with the June Open Market, where people get to browse the vendors and kids can participate in activities while listening to some great music by the Todd Wright Trio jazz group.

June 17 OLD FORT  Mountain Music in Old Fort  Every Friday night for more than a decade, folks have gathered to hear and play bluegrass and traditional mountain music. Nobody’s paid, everyone’s welcome and coffee and sodas are still just a quarter! Friday evenings; 7:00pm; Old Fort, Rockett Building, Main Street.

June 18   BRYSON CITY   Music in the Mountains - Free Concerts   JARED SMITH "BLUE"   Every Saturday night from June through Oct, enjoy a FREE concert in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Depot from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

June 18 - 19   BLOWING ROCK   DePue Brothers Band   at The Hayes Performing Arts Center. This band of four virtuoso violinist brothers and their fellow band mates encompass a vivid blend of bluegrass, classical, blues and rock. An ear-bending revelation.

Find more weekend events here

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events: June 16 - June 22

Upcoming Meetings -
The Chamber Board meeting is on June 16, at 6 p.m. in the Chamber office.
The TDA Board meeting is on June 29, at Noon in the Chamber office.

Weekly Events Update -  Events and happenings June 16-22. Click here for a printable flyer.

News from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Information on Cades Cove temporary closing and summer programs. Click here for more information.

3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In - The 3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In will be June 21-25 in Bryson City. Call Gary for more information at 813-601-2804. SmokyMountainRideIn.com – GL1800Riders.com

Summer Solstice Celebration - Bryson City Bicycles will host the 2nd annual Summer Solstice Celebration on June 18. Click here for a printable flyer.

News from P.A.W.S. - P.A.W.S. will be holding a second adoption event this month in downtown Bryson City! Join the P.A.W.S. gang for a day of fun and games at Riverfront Park at the "PAWSitively Fun Kids Day" festival. This is a chance for kids of all ages to come out with or without their pets and enjoy activities, demonstrations and games focusing on animal care. It is FREE and pets are welcome and must be on leash! Click here for information on both events.

News from the Marianna Black Library - Upcoming movies and music jam. Information on the summer reading program. Click here for more information.

Find us on Facebook - You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BrysonCityNorthCarolina. Please feel free to post on our wall anytime!

2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships - For information on the upcoming 2013 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships to be held in the Nantahala Gorge-Bryson City in 2013 visit http://www.freestylekayaking2013.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Nantahala-Gorge-2013/109006639136875.

For more Smoky Mountain Events contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, 210 Main Street in Bryson City, North Carolina

The Junior Appalachian Musicians Program (JAM) Comes to Jackson County

Celebrating the Musical Heritage of the Southern Appalachians
submitted by Amy Ammons Garza

Currently in over a dozen mountain counties in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program (JAM) is providing access to the joy of music to hundreds of youth while instilling renewed interest and pride in their heritage. JAM introduces children to the music of their heritage through small group instruction in instruments common to the Appalachian region--banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar and dulcimer.

Instrument, dance and vocal instruction are augmented by stringband classes providing children opportunities to play and perform in small and large groups. JAM strives to make the program accessible to all students by providing free or low cost instrument loans and free or highly subsidized tuition. Field trips, visiting artists and an introduction to the rich history of music unique to local communities round out program offerings.

The program began in the spring of 2000, when local musicians and educators founded JAM in Alleghany County, NC. They realized the need to preserve a vital aspect of mountain culture as well as offer positive activities to under served youth. Interest in the program has spread rapidly with the National Endowment for the Arts, NC State Arts Council, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area and “The Crooked Road - Virginia's Heritage Music Trail” providing partial funding to numerous individual programs in the region.

In 2008, the “Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc” was officially incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax exempt corporation to promote a shared vision and values and to provide an umbrella through which to offer resources, training materials and activities to benefit programs individually and collectively. For more information about the program, go to www.jaminfo.org.


JAM Comes to Jackson County - on March 24, 2011, a group of interested local leaders met at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University to discuss the formation of an affiliate program of the regional JAM program out of Galax, VA—the Junior Appalachian Musicians Program of Jackson County Led by Helen White, founder of JAM, items discussed in getting the program started were many: community needs; target audience; teachers and training methods; site selection and management, goals and objectives; budget, finance and fundraising.

Results of this meeting set the wheels in motion for the implementation of an after-school program for Jackson County in the fall of 2011, providing instruction and performance opportunities for youth in traditional Appalachian & bluegrass string instruments. Upfront funding was granted by the Jackson County Arts Council, with other grant applications in the works.  Currently, selected board members are Ray Menze, Heather Gordon, David Brewin, Pam Dengler, Peter Koch and Amy Ammons Garza, with David Brewin chosen as the director of the program. Sponsoring Agent is the Jackson County 4-H.

Details of the startup of the program this first year:
1) Group Instruction will be offered in Fiddle, Guitar, & Banjo
2) After school classes will be taught by noted local traditional artists
3) One group class in each instrument once per week: October – December, 2011
4) Site: Cullowhee Valley School, 240 Wisdom Dr., Cullowhee, NC 28723
5) Offered to youth in grades 4 – 8 (ages 9-13), any Jackson County public school or homeschool
6) Class size a maximum of 6 students
7) Instrument rentals will be available, cost will depend upon program funding and instrument donations
8) Registration will be held in September, 2011 (contact: Heather Gordon, 828-586-4009)
9) Cost: $5 per class (11 classes = $55)
10) Instructors: David Brewin & Billy Norton, Guitar; Pam Dengler & Will Ritter, Fiddle; Dustin Norris, Banjo

Individual contributions of money or instruments is needed. Instrument contributions are coordinated by Ray Menze at 828-293-3407. Contributions (made out to Jackson County 4-H) should be sent to Heather Gordon, Jackson County 4-H, 538 Scotts Creek Rd, Suite 205, Sylva, NC 28779.
For more information contact: Ray Menze at 828-293-3407 or men8r@aol.com or Pam Dengler at 828-506-8802 or fidderpd@yahoo.com.

Lake Lure Summer Celebration and Fireworks for Father's Day Weekend

June 18 - Begin the season with a Summer Celebration on Father's Day Weekend on the Beach at Rumbling Bald Resort in Lake Lure. Begin the evening with a delicious Beachside Cookout with your choice of Low Country Boil, Roasted Chicken or Grilled Steak with hot dogs for the kids. The Tiki Bar will be serving cold drinks, beer and wine.

DJ music, dancing and family games continue from 5 PM - 9PM. Enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in style movie with popcorn and hand-scoped ice cream and a bonfire marshmallow roast. The spectacular fireworks display  over Lake Lure begins at 9:20 PM. The event is open to the public and includes free parking.

Volunteer opportunities at RiverLink

Do you own a bush hog? Have any connection with a landscaping company? We want to get several of our properties in the River District looking sharp to hint at what a completed greenway might look like and keep the idea fresh in the minds of the powers-that-be. Give RiverLink's Dave Russell a call at 252-8474, ext. 11 and let's talk about it.

Hayley Smith, our education coordinator, is also seeking some volunteers to help with her education outreach. Contact Hayley at 252-8474, ext. 18 and find out how you can help educate the next generation of river stewards.

Office work - We need someone to come into the RiverLink office and enjoy the air-conditioning and finish up our filing inventory. Some knowledge of Excel is helpful, but not necessary. We can train you. Contact Dave at 252-8474, ext. 11.

Malvern Hills Park workday:  Come out and enjoy your Friday in the Park helping with general maintenance of the stream restoration project. We will be ... 1) installing a mulch path 2) weeding around planted woody material -- specifically removing vines etc., anything competing with what we've planted 3) splitting plants from one of the ponds. 4) removing invasives 5) mulching around woody plants to deter weeds. Get in touch with our Watershed Resources Manager, Nancy Hodges at 252-8474, ext. 14 for more information.

Garden Stroll: 10-1 or 1-4pm shifts. Tabling at the Garden Stroll, answering questions, etc. Training session is available on June 16 at 11:30 a.m. or 5 p.m. for those who are not familiar with the park or the stream restoration project. If you are interested but can't make the training session please email nancy@riverlink.org

Invasive Species training session -  July 14 at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. -- Come learn about the invasive species threatening our native flora and how to deal with these pests.
or call her at 252-8474, ext. 14.

For details CLICK HERE

Living History this Weekend in Weaverville

June 11 - 12    Civil War Living History Encampment    In conjunction with 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War, members of the 26th NC Regiment will be at Zebulon Vance Birthplace portraying members of the “Jeff Davis Mountaineers”,  a company of infantry being recruited in the mountains of North Carolina. Activities include 19th century military drills, drum and fife concerts, a 19th photographer, recruiting speeches, and more.
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace is the restored pioneer childhood homestead of North Carolina's Civil War governor and reconstructionist senator. Nestled in the picturesque Reems Creek Valley below the mountains, just a few miles from Weaverville NC, the Vance Birthplace makes an excellent family outing to explore the old grounds, house, outbuildings, seasonal events and visitor center. The Vance Birthplace is located at 911 Reems Creek Rd. in Weaverville, N.C.

Mountaintop Removal Protest this Weekend

Be a Redneck: Protect Our Mountains, Protect Our History
submitted by Matt Wasson, iLoveMountains.org

This week, hundreds of people from Appalachia and the nation are peacefully marching toward Blair Mountain in the heart of southern West Virginia.

The march marks the 90th anniversary of the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, when 10,000 coal miners rose up in opposition against the inhumane treatment they received from coal operators and demanded basic and decent working conditions. The miners were called "rednecks" for the red bandannas around their necks.

Appalachia Rising: March on Blair Mountain is a return to that call for justice - the marchers this week are asking for an end to mountaintop removal mining, sustainable jobs in Appalachia, and stronger labor laws.

Blair Mountain, like so many other historic mountains throughout the region, is currently threatened by mountaintop removal coal mining. But Blair Mountain also serves as a symbol of hope - that, together we can end mountaintop removal and stop people’s personal history, as well and our nation’s cultural history, from literally being blown off the map.

Join the Appalachia Rising marchers in their fight - help us end mountaintop removal coal mining today. Contact your member of Congress and ask him/her to cosponsor the Clean Water Protection Act (HR 1375), legislation that would help to end mountaintop removal mining.
 If you can, please join the marchers for the June 11th rally on Blair Mountain

Mountain Spirits: This Weeks Beer and Wine Tastings and Events

June 10th, 4-7pm Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC: Caldera Brewing from Ashland, OR - top quality West Coast brews with attitude!Tasting includes A West Coast pale ale dry hopped with two different local hop varieties; A crisp well balanced Amber ale that has everything a craft beer drinker would want- balanced malt, crisp hops and a clean finish; and, a big, bold, hoppy West Coast IPA brewed with Simcoe, Amarillo and Centennial hops.

June 11th, 3-6pm Taste Wines from Italy: Fuedo Arancio Grillo, Monte Antico Toscana 2007, Capezzana Barco Reale di Carmignano 2006.

RagApple Lassie Vinyards, 3724 RagApple Lassie Lane in Boonville, NC - The Saturday Music Series heralds the return of Nita B & Buck Jazzy Blues Duo. Nita B & Buck Jazzy Blues Duo will be playing, Noon to Six, in the Tasting Room where you can also sample the awesome award-winning RagApple Lassie wines, get a free sample of our new Peach Bellini wine chiller, and/or enjoy lunch in The Back Door Café.

Also, the 'store' at RagApple Lassie is now fully restocked with a big selection of both the highly popular white logo tee shirt that never fades, stretches or shrinks and the SEXY black slim line tee with the rhinestone logo on the chest, and of course, logo caps and visors. A new luxurious 'grape' body lotion is flying out the door, wonderful Ashe County Cheese is available, and for all you gourmets, we have the coveted Truffle Butter. 

June 10 at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Fugazy Cente in Asheville NC - A Tasting To Benefit Animal Compassion Network. ACN is proud to be the largest, non-profit, safe-for-life animal welfare organization in WNC. You can try the 5 wines that give back, meaning any time you purchase any of the following wines at any time during the year, Table Wine donates 10% of the proceeds back to ACN.  Here's the current list of wines we're featuring and the ones we'll be tasting on Friday, June 10.: Terra Andina Sauvignon Blanc Central Valley, Chile; Tilia Chardonnay Mendoza, Argentina; Terra Andina Carmenere Central Valley, Chile; Terra Andina Cabernet Sauvignon Central Valley, Chile; Tilia Malbec Mendoza, Argentina.  All of the wines will also be offered at $4 by the glass. $5 per person for the tasting.

Great Smoky Mountain News and Events: June 9 - June 15

Events and happenings June 9-15.  Click here for a printable flyer.

Best of the Road - Vote for Bryson City in the Rand McNally and USA Today Best of the Road poll to find the best small towns. http://www.bestoftheroad.com/town.do?destinationId=15688

New Chamber Members May 31-June 3 -

Plan Ahead Events - NC Smokies
PO Box 99, Cherokee, NC
828-788-1408
www.planaheadevents-ncsmokies.com
Plan Ahead Events is a full-service event management company. We come up with creative solutions for conventions, trade shows, special events, and incentive travel, bringing enthusiasm, experience and insight to meetings, conferences, weddings, grand openings, or an evening gala! We will handle all the details involved in planning your event, from concept to completion. Your event will benefit from the highly individualized attention from our Event Management Specialists.

3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In -  The 3rd Annual Smoky Mountain Ride In will be June 21-25 in Bryson City. Call Gary for more information at 813-601-2804. SmokyMountainRideIn.com – GL1800Riders.com

Fontana Village Summer Music Series - Fontana Village will host a series of concerts this summer. Click here for the complete schedule.

News from the Marianna Black Library -  Upcoming classic and family movies. Summer reading program information. Click here for more information.

Bryson City Living Center News - Every year we are inspected by a team from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services which regulates the care of residents that reside in nursing homes, adult care homes and assisted living facilities. We went through two days of inspection and surveying. At the end of the survey, the team found us to be deficiency free. This is the third year running that we have been a deficiency free facility. We received a four-star rating last year. To receive a four-star rating, you must be deficiency free for two consecutive years. We will receive another four-star rating this year (the highest rating given to a facility). I am very proud of our staff and our facility as we continue to offer excellent loving care to our residents. –Carolyn King, Admin.

Craft festival at the Old Mill 1886 -  On June 18 artists from all over the Southeast will gather to demonstrate and sell their hand crafted works. Artists will include: Cherokee artists, wood carvers, blacksmith, quilters, jewelry designers, Appalachian crafters and authors. Smoked BBQ, kettle corn, homemade ice cream and music. The mill is located at 3082 U.S. 441. A mile south of Cherokee. Festival hours are 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is free. 828-497-6536
New Swain County Chamber Members May 31-June 3 -

Plan Ahead Events - NC Smokies
PO Box 99, Cherokee, NC
828-788-1408
www.planaheadevents-ncsmokies.com
Plan Ahead Events is a full-service event management company. We come up with creative solutions for conventions, trade shows, special events, and incentive travel, bringing enthusiasm, experience and insight to meetings, conferences, weddings, grand openings, or an evening gala! We will handle all the details involved in planning your event, from concept to completion. Your event will benefit from the highly individualized attention from our Event Management Specialists.

For more Smoky Mountain Events contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, 210 Main Street in Bryson City, North Carolina  Find us on Facebook - You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/BrysonCityNorthCarolina. Please feel free to post on our wall anytime! 

Mountain Safari: A Party at the WNC Nature Center

June 23 from 6 PM - 9 PM at the Western North Carolina Nature Center join the Friends of the WNC Nature Center and Asheville Affiliates for a one-of-a-kind social adventure, Mountain Safari. The evening festivities include:

• Live entertainment with live music, jugglers & belly dancers plus special animal encounters!
• Wonderful food generously donated by Azalea Cafe, Chili's, Fig, Magnetic Field, The Marketplace & Mellow Mushroom! 
• Thirsts will be quenched thanks to donations from Catawba Valley Brewing Company and Mirassou Winery. 
• Auction and raffle to raise funds for projects at the Nature Center - bid on a kayak or some special framed paw prints of center animals.

Dress in your best safari gear and party with the animals.  *Those in safari attire will be entered into a special raffle* 

Tickets are only $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Purchase tickets from Friends. the  Office at the Nature Center or Online at www.wildwnc.org.

Find Hog Heaven at the Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival

 One of the biggest and best summer NC mountain festivals is coming up this weekend in Tryon. The Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival has three main components: a KCBS sanctioned barbecue competition and the best of the best barbecue; Musical entertainment with the bigger acts and headliners on the Main Stage and singer-songwriters and acoustical music on the Riverside Stage; The Foothills Craft Fair, a juried fine arts and craft show, includes live artisan demonstrations.

And there's more...Rides and games at the Back-to-back Kids Fun park; Main Street Vendor with barbecue related products for sale along with equestrian, farm and other commercial goods; Special Saturday events including the 3rd Annual Rubber Duckie River Race, the Hawg Run and an Antique Auto Show.

photo credit Erik Olsen

This year's musical lineup offers a broad range of music genres and styles with Nashville recording artist and rising country star, Chuck Wicks headlining. Other Main Stage performers  include Acoustic Syndicate, the Dynamites featuring Charles Walker and Devon Allman’s Honeytribe. Many  local favorites can be found on the Riverside Stage, such as The Shane Pruitt Band, Big Daddy Love and the Tryon Music Review. The Main Stage will have a large dance area for those inclined to shake, rattle and roll.

photo credit Erik Olsen

The Foothills Craft Fair attracts between 15,000 and 20,000 art and craft lovers each year with exhibits of paintings in oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolors. Fine art graphics/drawings, prints, mixed media, photography, and sculpture. Find Crafts and demonstrations in all media -  wood, paper, fiber, fabric, leather, metal, gems, glass, stone, clay, and natural materials.

The barbecue competitors provide their "slow and low" cooked meats and all the sides to BBQ booths where it can be purchase along with sweets and treats and exotic beers in the Biergarten as well as wine by the glass in  the Vineyard Tent. There will also be fresh-squeezed lemonade, soda, tea and bottled water.
 
The Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival began in 1994, the brainchild of Polk County Chamber of Commerce member Jim Tabb. Jim's insistence on assembling the BEST cookers with the BEST judges is credited with much of the Festival's growth and continuing success. The event is held each year at Harmon Field, a geographically remarkable site at the foot of Warrior Mountain along the banks of the Pacolet River. Participants and visitors enjoy tranquil beauty as well as the “isothermal effect,” a local phenomenon that makes the Harmon Field area several degrees cooler in summer than surrounding locales.

Authur introduces An Irresistible History of Southern Food at City Lights Bookstore

June 10,  7:00 PM at City Lights Bookstore Author Rick McDanie gives readers a taste of  irresistible southern food.  McDaniel, a food writer with the Asheville Citizen-Times, will be at City lights on Friday to introduce readers to his new book, An Irresistible History of Southern Food.

The book examines how European, Native American and African influences, foods and cooking techniques combine to form the unique blend that is Southern cooking. It’s southern history told through food. Included are more than 150 recipes for traditional Southern favorites from whole hog barbecue to jambalaya to brunswick stew, and includes an extensive chapter on elegant Southern desserts. The book also features color photographs of many of the recipes as well as rare archival photos, many of them seen for the first time in this book.

McDaniel is a food historian and chef as well as a writer. His blog is available at www.hushpuppnation.com. City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 E. Jackson St. in Sylva NC.

Jackson County Public Library holds Grand Opening Celebration for new location

June 7 - The Jackson County Public Library has announced the completion of its  move to their new facility on Courthouse Hill in downtown Sylva NC. All books, materials and equipment have been moved from the old location and 24,000 NEW books, DVDs, audio books, and other materials will soon be delivered.

June 11 the Library will begin a weeklong celebration of the Grand Opening of the new Jackson County Public Library Complex. At 10 AM  the Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet  kicks off the event followed by  a formal ceremony at the top of the courthouse steps and a ribbon cutting ceremony at the main entrance to the library complex as the facility is dedicated to the people of Jackson County. Eric from Eric's Fresh Fish Market  will be playing at 11 AM. Heinzelmannchen Brewery's Root Beer will be served as well as other refreshments! Lots of activities are planned all day long.

Throughout the week there will be musical performances, dancing, storytelling, theater and more. All activities are free and open to the public. The performers are donating their time and talent to show their support for this beautiful new library. Volunteer guides will lead groups through the complex and answer questions. Get a complete schedule here.

Beginning June 7, 2011 the Library will be open 45 hours per week as follows:
Monday, Wednesday 10:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday, Thursday 10:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday, Saturday 10:30 am – 4:00 pm

Asheville Tourists Baseball: June updates

Who will be representing the Asheville Tourists at the 2011 All-Star Gane? The question looms as there are several worthy candidates to choose from. Bryce Massanari has posted a .364 batting average with 12 home runs, 11 doubles and 35 RBI. Playing in the shadow of the right field wall, Kyle Parker is in his first professional season of baseball. Kyle has posted a .306 batting average with 5 home runs, 11 doubles and 37 RBI. Infielder Helder Velazquez is making his case for an All-Star nod as well. He has homered 6 times this season, belting 13 extra base hits on his way to posting a .317 batting average. Edwar Cabrera has been solid on the mound for the T's, posting an ERA of 3.86 with 77 strikeouts in 56 innings of work.

Recent SAL All-Stars include current major league players such as Josh Hamilton ('00 - Charleston Riverdogs), Brian Wilson ('05 - Augusta GreenJackets) and Jason Heyward ('08 - Rome Braves) just to name a few. Great seats still remain for the 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game. To secure your spot at Perdue Stadium to watch the stars of tomorrow today, contact the Shorebirds Box Office in advance at (410)219-3112.

The 2011 South Atlantic League All-Star Game will be played in Salisbury, MD on June 21st, 2011 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium. Fan fest will take place on June 21st starting at 2:30 PM in the parking lot of the stadium. Hall of Fame Manager Earl Weaver, of Baltimore Orioles fame, is scheduled to make an appearance to sign autographs and interact with fans. The Delmarva Shorebirds are hosting the All-Star Game for the first time this century, as they last hosted the event in 1999.

For 2011, Saturday games at McCormick Field feature a souvenir giveaway item. On Saturday, June 4th, the first 1,000 patrons through the gate  received a souvenir baseball hat.  The giveaway item for the June 25th game will be of the bobble-head variety. Mr. Moon will be the featured giveaway item of the evening as a bobble-head of the newest member of the Asheville Tourists has been commissioned for his inaugural season with the team. You won't want to miss out on this opportunity to have the first ever Mr. Moon bobble-head figurine. Tickets are still available. Again, the early bird gets the worm, so plan on being here when we open gates at 5PM to get your very own Mr. Moon.

John C Campbell Gala and Benefit Auction

June 11  The John C Campbell Folk School Gala and Benefit Auction will be held at the Folk School at 5:00 PM.  This special evening will give attendees the opportunity to support the Folk School by bidding on pieces of art and craft of the highest quality. Attendees will also enjoy delicious Southern fare, drinks, and live music as they peruse the sundry items available for the bidding. A silent auction will kick off the evening, followed by local auctioneer, Bob Grove, leading the spirited bidding during the live auction.

Pieces represented in the auction include works of pottery, basketry, woodturning, metalwork, textiles, jewelry, painting, woodcarving, and more. Talented local and national artists generously donated some of their finest pieces for this year's auction. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will benefit general programming at the Folk School. Get more information about the artists and the items available to bidders. The Folk School also offers items on eBay auctions!

Ticket prices: $20 in advance; $25 at the door; $15 for “Friends of the Folk School” (donors who have donated over $500 to the School in 2011). Tickets include admission, food and two drink tickets. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine/beer will be served at this event. Tickets are now available and may be purchased online and in the Folk School  Craft Shop

Mountain Spirits: Weekend Wine and Beer tastings

June 3 Friday Winedown at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102 in the Fugazy Center, Asheville NC. 3 - 6 PM French Wines - From East to West. Taste 6 wines - $5 per person - "Grape Nuts"June 4 beginning at 2 PM FREE wine tasting. Don't Pay!!!

June 2-4  Calaboose Wine Cellars  565 Aquone Road in Andrews NC . The tasting room has resumed open hours for the summer, noon to 5 PM every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

June 3  Heinzelmannachen Brewery,  545 Mill Street in Sylva NC. First Friday from 5-8 PM enjoy food samples from Half Past - home cooking to go … on the go.  Although they don't carry any alcohol we wanted to help promote this new business owned by Ernie and Joan Sipler.  We'll introduce you to samples of their home cooking and help you decide what to pair with that next growler fill for your stop at the brewery then Half Past!

June 3  Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. FREE beer tasting with three refreshing brews made for summer: Dogfish Festina Peche, Bell's Oarsman and Brooklyn Summer Al. June 4 free wine tasting includes Wines from Marlborough, New Zealand: Ponga Sauvignon Blanc, Ponga Pinot Noir 2010, Yealands Pinot Noir 2009.

June 4  RagApple Lassie Vineyards, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane in Boonville NC. The RagApple Lassie tasting bars will be open for tasting our award winning wines - Noon to Six. Live music with Lisa Woods and The Back Door Café will be open - noon to 4 PM offering light lunch fare. This weekend is the debut of the soon-to-be-famous, RagApple Lassie version of a Peach Bellini.  June 5  the first of the Yadkin River Valley Wine Trail Mini-Festivals from noon to 4PM.  Tickets are $10.00 per person and include a souvenir wine glass, opportunity to taste the wines of all five Yadkin River Wine Trail Wineries, and live music by the popular band, Mood SwingZ. Also available for your indulgence will be tickets for a wonderful summer grazing buffet. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and spend a lazy summer afternoon with us.

June 4  Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place in Asheville NC. "Asheville's Best Free Wine & Beer Tasting" from 4 - 7 PM : Martin CodaxAlbariño, Martin Codax ERGO Rioja, Bodega del Palacio de los Frontaura y Victoria Frontaura Crianza, plus Oskar Blues Mama's Little Yella Pils and Newcastle Brown Ale.

30 Days of Asheville announces Daily Winners

"30 Days of Asheville Contest has announced its first winners for daily prizes:

Pair of 12-month Biltmore Passes: Joan F. of Westminster, MD
Biltmore Tickets: Kristina P. of Knoxville, TN
Tupelo Honey Cookbook: Rebecca C. of Chino Hills, CA
Crooked Condiments mustard: Deanna B. of Goochand, VA
Go Blue Ridge cards: Taylor A. of Atlanta, GA
Wendy Whitson print: Melissa H. of Fayetteville, NC
GalloLea Organics Pizza Kit: Samantha R. of Lyman, SC
Fire from the Mountain Salsa/Hot Sauce: Ally B. of Cincinnati, OH

It's not too late to win the grand vacation to Asheville - enter every day until June 21 to increase your chances. Win daily prizes or the grand prize vacation that includes a two night stay at the Grove Park Inn, multiple attraction passes (including Biltmore) and a gas card. The next round of winners will be announced next Monday, June 6th.