NC Christmas Event: Dillsboro Annual Lights and Luminaries

December 7-8    Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries  Journey back to the days of yesteryear as Dillsboro presents its annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song! 2500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios.

Horse and buggy rides available each night from 5-8 pm (cost + tips). Shopkeepers provide live music and serve holiday treats with hot cider and cocoa. Carolers sing and children visit with Santa at Town Hall.

Learn more about Dillsboro events, lodging and attractions on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide.
 

NC Holiday Events: A Weekend of Art and Holiday Crafts in Asheville

Hundreds of Art and craft galleries, shops and open studios can be found year around in Asheville North Carolina. And during the holidays and Christmas season even more mountain art and crafts are available for holiday and Christmas gift giving, decorating your home or business or just plain enjoying the experience. This weekend in Asheville you'll find some of the best quality and variety art and crafts for p0urchase or viewing:

December 7  Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running. 25 downtown venues participate with a complete Downtown Gallery Guide and a map available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

 December 8   Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival   A multicultural arts event featuring performers, musicians and dancers from Asheville and beyond. Experience local artisans, baskets and basket weaving demonstrations by Gullah artisans, cultural arts and education by members of the Cherokee Nation, Bellydancing, African dance, Argentine Tango, Hip Hop, and local chocolate tasting by Asheville's finest chocolatiers and dessert-makers. Performers will also be teaching classes in: Drumming, Bellydance, Tango, West African Dance, and digeridoo throughout the day which are all included in your ticket price. This is a family friendly event with Local children's performance artists Juan Halladay and the Secret B-sides, balloon twisting, face painting, and dance workshops. 25% of proceeds will be donated to Urban Arts Institute and Odyessy School to fund multicultural arts education for Asheville youth.
 
December 8   Guild Artist Holiday Sale The Southern Highland Craft Guild presents the annual Holiday crafts sale at the Folk Art Center from 10 AM - 4 PM, milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Choose from a variety of gift items - at special prices - including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, paper, glass and wood. Buying from artists supports the local economy and promotes the mission of the Guild which is bringing together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation. An additional date is Dec 1 with different artists participating,

December 8  River Arts District Second Saturday  Asheville’s River Arts District Artists ( 120+) open their studios for a day of family friendly fun, educational experiences, live demonstrations and to share their creations. Visit dozens of artists working in all types of media, available for viewing or purchase.

Find more information about Holiday crafts and other Asheville arts and crafts on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

RiverLink Benefit Oyster Roast at Blannahassett Island in Marshall NC

December 8, 1 PM - 7 PM -  The Appalachian Oyster Bash and Seafood Boil:  A Benefit concert for RiveLink and DMA, and canned food drive for Neighbors In Need. The event is held at Marshall High Studios on Blannahassestt Island in  Marshall NC .

RiverLink is teaming up with Hills To Holy Water for a winter party on Blannahassett Island.  This is a way to celebrate the local catchers groups that promote a strong state and local economy.  The event will feature fresh seafood from Ocracoke Island and beer from Highland Brewing Company.   

This party can't happen with out amazing volunteers, and RiverLink still needs people to check IDs, serve beer, help with trash/recycling and maybe even fry some oysters.  Volunteer shifts are 12:00 PM -3:30 PM and 3:30 PM -7:00 PM. 

Volunteers will get a voucher for free food and beer. There are still shifts available, so come out to Marshall and have a great time for a good cause. To sign up or for more volunteer details contact Dave Russell:  828-252-8474 ext-11, email  dave@riverlink.org.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 12/1/12

December 1 Catch the Spirit of Appalachia presents Stories of Mountain Folk for December 1, 2012:

Storytelling: Amy’s story, “The Star Princess and the Miracle,” gives an unusual lesson on being kind.  Music: "When You Wish Upon A Star" by Jo Northup and Richard Birt.

Creative Corner: Doreyl and Mary Jo Hooper Cobb discuss how important our "water" is here in the mountains. Music: “Cool, Clear Water” by Gary Clawson.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks with Mary Lee Duvall, originally from Spruce Pine, now from Franklin who talks about her life and how she learned to quilt.  Music: "Mary's A Grand Old Name" by the Hollywood Orchestra.

Stories of the Cherokee: Introducing Robert Jumper as CSA's interviewer and storyteller: This week Robert talks with Joyce Cooper, Membership Manager of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Music: "The Beloved Woman's Song" by Eddie Bushyhead.

Down Another Road: Judy interview is with Deb Ramsey, who talks about growing up in WNC, and tells Judy about how her grandmother fed the local hobos.  Music: "Wish I Could've Been There" by Archie Watkins.

Closing Song: "The Roving Gambler" with Henry Queen and the Queen Family.


Listen to the podcast of this week's or archived Stories of Mountain Folk HERE.