Friday, July 3
Night of Fire in Wilkes
A “Night of Fire” will be held July 3 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Crossroads Harley-Davidson & Buell, 1921 U.S. Hwy 421, Wilkesboro. It’s a pre-Fourth of July celebration. There will be afternoon entertainment, food and beverages. Fireworks begin at dusk. Free to the public. For more information, e-mail mitchcox@crossroads-hd.com click to www.crossroads-hd.com or call 336-667-1003.

Yoga retreat
Heavenly Mountain and Whispering Hills Resort, located in Boone, will be hosting weekend yoga retreats the first Friday of every month. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th of July will showcase its event. Internationally renowned author/yoga teacher Swami Ramananda, author of “Bliss Now & From India with Love,” will offer a weekend of yoga, meditation and healing techniques at the new facility. Retreats will also be incorporating concepts of diet, weight loss and distressing techniques. Ramananda has spent the last 40 years teaching yoga to seniors and students all over the world. Special packages are available at the resort facility The Ridge. July 4th activities will include a cookout, campfire and special musical programs. Call or e-mail with questions or booking information to 828-963-0018; info@whisperinghillsrersort.com

‘The Secret Garden’
Lees-McRae Summer Theater will present “The Secret Garden” July 3, 6, 13, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees July 5 and 15 at 2 p.m. at Hayes Auditorium on the Banner Elk campus. For more information and tickets, call 828-898-8709.

Music in the Valle
Music in the Valle will take place July 3 at 7 p.m. at Valle Crucis Community Park. Free admission. Featured will be Steve and Ruth Smith.

Comedy ‘Suite Surrender’
Blowing Rock Stage Company, “Suite Surrender” (North Carolina premiere), July 17-Aug. 2. It's 1942 and the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel is under siege as two of Hollywood's biggest divas — who just happen to despise each other — vie for the same luxury suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and one pampered little lap dog round out this hysterical new comedy. To purchase tickets call the Hayes Center box office at 828-295-9627.

Talk on ‘Wonderful Life’
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts invites the public to learn more about the exhibition “Wonderful Life” from artist and creator Steven Siegel. This exhibition of new works honors the 25th anniversary of An Appalachian Summer Festival. The July 3 talk will be at 5 p.m. in the TCVA Lecture Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call 828-262-3017.

Summer Exhibition Celebration
A Summer Exhibition Celebration will be held July 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on the ASU campus. It’s free and open to the public. Celebrate the summer season's exhibitions by enjoying an evening of great art, music, food, and share it all with an art loving community. This event is part of the Downtown Boone Art Crawl. For more information, call 828-262-3017.

Boone-Blowing Rock Antiques Show
The Boone-Blowing Rock Antiques Show will take place July 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holmes Center on the ASU campus in Boone. Fine antiques, collections of estate jewelry and sterling silver. Also fine art, porcelains, cut glass, tall clocks, rare books and prints, rugs, a wide variety of fine, old, primitive and formal furniture, Majolica, quilts and much, much more. Call 843-849-1949 for details.

Concerts on the Lawn
The free Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House in downtown Boone are held on Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Bring your own chair. Featured this evening will be Surefire. Presented by the Watauga Arts Council.

Saturday, July 4
Christmas in July in West Jefferson
Christmas in July will take place on Saturday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown West Jefferson. Christmas in July is a one-day only, free-admission event featuring the best in traditional mountain music and handmade crafts from throughout the northwest mountains of North Carolina. “Nowhere else will you find such an excellent array of food, fun and festivities for the entire family than at Christmas in July. We are one of the best, old-fashioned summer festivals in the South, drawing more than 20,000 visitors in one day, with more than 20 mouth-watering food vendors, juried crafts, fantastic children’s activities, foot-stompin’ bluegrass music and more,” a spokesperson for the event said. Call 336-846-9196 for details.

Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad
Celebrate the 4th of July with a fireworks extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad. The park will be open until 9 p.m. Parking at Tweetsie $5. For more information, call 800-526-5740.

Boone July 4th parade
Boone downtown Fourth of July parade will be held Saturday beginning at 3 p.m., with lineup at 1 p.m. at the Horn in the West parking lot.

4th of July Festival and Parade in Blowing Rock
A 4th of July Festival and Parade will take place in downtown Blowing Rock. There will be the annual small-town festival with games and music. Parade at 2 p.m.

Arts and craft show
Fine arts and craft show July 4-5 at the Great Train Robbery and Emporiumin Banner Elk. Show hours Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 828-898-8645. Parade at noon in the in town of Banner Elk.
Independence Day Celebration at Raffaldini
An Independence Day Celebration will be held July 4 at Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Groce Road, Ronda. Raffaldini will also be open Wednesday and Thursday, too. For more information, call (336) 835-9463 or e-mail info@raffaldini.com
150th Alleghany County Picnic
The 150th celebration Alleghany County Picnic will be held July 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Alleghany High School, Trojan Avenue, Sparta. Bring a picnic lunch and join in the county’s 150th anniversary. For more information, call Agnes Joines at (336) 372-4591.

4th of July Parade
A fourth of July parade takes place Saturday, July 4, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Main Steet in downtown Sparta in Alleghany County. Bring a folding chair and enjoy the big 4th of July parade. For more information, call (336) 372-4573.

Tailgating party
A tailgating party will be held Saturday, July 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Alleghany High School, Trojan Avenue, Sparta, in Alleghany County. Before the fireworks, have a tailgating party. There will be entertainment and food. For more information, call (336) 372-5473.

49th annual Pig Roast and Fireworks
The 49th annual Pig Roast and Fireworks will take place on the Fourth of July at Beech Mountain. The Town of Beech Mountain, the Beech Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce host this event. “After years of perfecting the seasonings and charcoal blends, our barbeque is arguably the best in the High Country,” a spokesperson for the event said. Enjoy music while dining outdoors (weather permitting, of course). And at dark, enjoy one of the best fireworks displays in the High Country. Children's activity corner begins at 3:30 p.m. Serving at 5 p.m., and fireworks at dark. 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 $12 per person and $6 for children 10 and under. Call the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce at (828) 387-9283 for additional details.

Grand Fireworks Show
A “Grand Fireworks Show” will be held Saturday, July 4, from 9 to 10 p.m. at Alleghany High School, Trojan Avenue, Sparta, in Alleghany County. At 9:15 p.m., fireworks will light up the sky. Sit in your car or bring a lawn chair for the show. For more information, call (336) 372-5473.

Elk Park 4th of July Picnic and Barbecue
The Elk Park 4th of July Picnic and Barbecue will take place at the Elk Park Town Hall.

Banner House Museum open July 4
Banner House Museum will be open July 4 with guided tours from noon-4 p.m. Regular hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: adults $5, children 6-12, $1. Located at 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Road, Banner Elk, featuring "Life in Banner Elk 1860-1865," an exhibit from Steve Chandler’s Civil War Collection, and a Heritage Room with genealogy charts of founding families.

Watauga Farmers’ Market
Watauga County Farmers' Market will be celebrating Red White and Blue Day on July 4 with the music of The Produce Pickers. The market is now open Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings with plenty of fresh local salad greens, summer vegetables and fruits, local cheeses, free range eggs, local meats, plants for all your gardening needs, and a fine selection of mountain crafts. The market is located at the Horn in the West in Boone, turn next to First Citizens Bank on the N.C. 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. Call market manager Karen Bauman at 1-828-355-4918, send an e-mail to info@wcfm.info, or visit the Web at http://wcfm.info for more information. The market is open rain or shine.

Blue Ridge Parkway
On Saturday, July 4, at 6 p.m., the program “Interview with a Rattlesnake: A Puppet Show” will take place at the Julian Price Park Campground Amphitheater – milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. Are rattlesnakes really the terrible creatures that we make them out to be? Come and join a ranger for this once in a lifetime interview with the very elusive rattlesnake (puppet). You’ll even be able to ask the rattlesnake a few questions yourself in this 45-minute program.

Boone-Blowing Rock Antiques Show
The Boone-Blowing Rock Antiques Show will take place July 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holmes Center on the ASU campus in Boone. Fine antiques, collections of estate jewelry and sterling silver. Also fine art, porcelains, cut glass, tall clocks, rare books and prints, rugs, a wide variety of fine, old, primitive and formal furniture, Majolica, quilts and much, much more. Call 843-849-1949 for details.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Free Flat Top Manor upstairs tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park – milepost 294 — on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. Join a ranger for a tour of the second floor of the beautiful, former home of Moses and Bertha Cone. Tours are held Saturdays and Sundays and last about 30 minutes. Tour times are: Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Reservations are required; call (828) 295-3782 or sign up at the NPS information desk at the Moses Cone Manor House.

Hiking club
Chargers and Rechargers Hiking Club on Saturday, July 4, will hike the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail (about 4.2 easy to moderate miles) on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. Meet at Trout Lake parking area at 9:30 a.m. Excellent views of estate and countryside. Passes Trout Lake, meadows, forests with a good view of Grandfather Mountain. Finish around noontime; picnic lunch optional. No dogs. Hike Leader: Roger Bodo, 828-963-8707.

Blue Ridge Parkway
The program “Junior Rangers: Oh Deer!” will be offered by the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Linville Falls Picnic Area Environmental Education Shelter – milepost 316 – in Avery County at 2 p.m. The program is 30-45 minutes long. Learn the three essential components of a habitat by becoming a “deer” in this high activity program.

Blue Ridge Parkway
The program “Stream Gems” will be presented by the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Linville Falls Campground Amphitheater – milepost 316 in Avery County – at 7 p.m. the program is 45 minutes long. Come to an understanding of the different types of trout found along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and explore the natural beauty within the streams.

Book signings at Great Train Robbery
Award-winning authors will be signing books at the Author Booth at the Great Train Robbery in Banner Elk all day on Saturday and Sunday, July 4 and 5. Stop by and chat with authors Maggie Bishop (mystery and romance), Bill Kaiser (Civil War novel), Nancy Kaiser (animal communicator), Nora Percival (memoir), Donna Akers Warmuth (local history) and the duo of Jack Pyle and Taylor Reese, who write books ranging from humor to mystery to nonfiction to memoirs.

Mount Jefferson State Park
The program, “Back Yard Pharmacy,” will be presented Saturday, July 4, at the Picnic Area at 2 p.m. at Mount Jefferson State Park in Ashe County. Learn about the history of Appalachian medicine as a park ranger guides participants on a one-mile hike and identifies many medicinal plants and their uses. Wear appropriate shoes. For more information or directions, call (336) 246-9653.

Sixth annual SafetyFest, BBQ dinner, raffle, craft show and silent auction
On Saturday, July 4, the town of Seven Devils will host its sixth annual SafetyFest, barbecue dinner, raffle, craft show and silent auction. Everyone is invited to “eat-in” at town hall or stop by for a “carry-out.” Dinners will include pork barbecue, roll, baked beans, cole slaw, drink and dessert. Adult dinners are $7; children’s plates (under 12) are $5. Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The craft show will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (still room for more crafters.) Silent auction items will be on display at the Seven Devils Town Hall starting Monday, June 29, some being weekend vacation homes, adventure packages, two “Taste of the High Country” packages and other items. Raffle winners will be announced every hour. Some raffle items include a 32-inch HDTV, Serius Radio, GPS System and digital frame. The silent auction bids will close at 2:30 p.m. Directions: Turn off N.C. 105 south (at the Skyline telephone facility and Hess gasoline station) at Seven Devils Road and drive up to the top of the mountain. For more information, call town hall at 828-963-5343.

Sunday, July 5
‘Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend’
“Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend” will be staged July 5-18 at Forest Edge Amphitheater at Fort Hamby, Wilkesboro. The outdoor drama is the intriguing true story of Tom Dula (aka Dooley) of love and murder and the hanging of a man many believed innocent. “Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley”... Pardon Tom Dooley... seem familiar? Admission TBA. Show dates are: July 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. Located in the wooded setting of Fort Hamby Park of W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Call (336) 838-7529 or order tickets online at www.wilkesplaymakers.com.

Fine arts and crafts show
Fine arts and craft show July 5 at the Great Train Robbery and Emporiumin Banner Elk. Show hours Saturday and Sunday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 828-898-8645.

Dinner and a Show at Westglow featuring Sophie B. Hawkins
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present Dinner and a Show at Westglow featuring Sophie B. Hawkins on July 5 at 6 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

High Country Farmers' Market open

?The High Country Farmers' Market is open for the season at its new location at Earth Fare on King Street in Boone Hours are Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. This Sunday the market will have plenty of plants for your garden, vegetables, fresh herbs, apples, berries, baked goods, a variety of goat cheeses, jams and jellies, eggs, free range chicken, culinary vinegars, granola, handmade baskets and soaps, photoegraphs from local artists, beautiful jewelry, and more.

Boone-Blowing Rock Antiques Show
The Boone-Blowing Rock Antiques Show will take place July 3-5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Holmes Center on the ASU campus in Boone. Fine antiques, collections of estate jewelry and sterling silver. Also fine art, porcelains, cut glass, tall clocks, rare books and prints, rugs, a wide variety of fine, old, primitive and formal furniture, Majolica, quilts and much, much more. Call 843-849-1949 for details.

Independence Praise Festival at Brushy Fork Baptist Church
Brushy Fork Baptist Church on U S Highway 421 North in Vilas would like to announce our second annual Independence Praise Festival on Sunday July 5, 2009. Come hear bluegrass and southern gospel music, featuring Kevin Carter and Full Assurance, In One Accord, Son Road Bluegrass Band and others from 1:30 until 5:30. During this time there will also be youth activities and an air walk for the kids. From 4:00 until 6:00 there will be a hot dog supper with a special program afterward. All events are free and everyone is invited. Bring your lawn chairs as the festival will be held outdoors. In case of ran we will move inside. For information call 297-2524.

Blood drive at Oak Grove Baptist

The Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive Sunday, July 5, from noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Oak Grove Baptist Church. For an appointment or more information, contact Wanda Smith at 773-2756.

Blue Ridge Parkway
The program “On the Edge of Night: A Sunset Walk” will be offered on Sunday, July 5, at 8 p.m. at the Moses H. Come Memorial Park – milepost 294 – on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Watauga County. Bring your picnic blankets and meet the ranger on the front porch of the Cone Manor for a short walk to one of the most beautiful sunset viewing fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway. While watching the sun set slowly over the hills, you’ll also learn about the history of the Moses Cone Estate during this one hour-long program.

Summer Sundays at the Horn
Come join in on a time of inspiration and celebration at "Summer Sundays at the Horn." On Sunday mornings in July and August, at 8:30 a.m., The Three Forks Baptist Association is coordinating local churches to lead  short, informal services at the Horn. Visitors and area residents are invited to the services, held at the amphitheater at Horn in the West, on Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Call 264-4482 for more information.

Monday, July 6
Go Green! Summer Camp for Kids
Go Green is a summer day camp with an environmental science focus. The 400 acre campus surrounding Grandfather Academy in Banner Elk provides an outdoor science "laboratory" where students, ages 11-13, will conduct hands-on investigations into the health of local ecosystems. Daily activities will also include swimming and boating in Wildcat Lake, hiking, playing outdoor games, and creating art from nature. The camp is offered in five consecutive one-week sessions, beginning July 6 and ending Aug. 7, and meets from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Campers may register for one week or several weeks. The cost is $85 per week. To register, call Deb Cole at 828-898-5465, or visit www.grandfatheracademy.org and click on the “Go Green! Summer Camp” link.

TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Figure Drawing with Tim Ford
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present a TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Figure Drawing with Tim Ford July 6-10 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Broyhill Chamber Ensemble
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Falling Bodies on July 6 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Summer Blues Festival
A Summer Blues Festival will take place July 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hayes Performing Arts Center. The popular blues-rock trio The King Bees makes its fourth appearance on the Hayes Center stage to headline this summer concert. Last summer they brought the Empress of Blues Sandra Hall with them... who will join them to heat up this summer? For more information, call 828-295-9627.

Tuesday, July 7
Traditional to contemporary exhibit
Traditional to contemporary exhibit, the “Many faces of quilts and pottery,” will be held July 7-Aug. 8 at the Ashe Arts Center in Ashe County. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m.

‘Pilobolus’
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present ‘Pilobolus’ at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Western Piedmont Symphony
The Western Piedmont Symphony will perform at part of the Lees-McRae College Forum series at 7:30 p.m. at Hayes Auditorium on the Banner Elk campus.

Wednesday, July 8
Gathering of the Resonateurs
The Gathering of the Resonateurs will be held July 8-11 at the Holiday Inn Express at 1700 Winkler St., Wilkesboro. Who are we? We are a loosely knit group of individuals drawn together out of love or fascination of the dobro, or resonator guitar. Invented and developed in the late 1920s and early ’30s, the Dopyera brothers presented America and the world with a totally unique instrument centered around a mechanical resonating sound or amplification system. The brothers tossed around the question of what to call this new class of stringed instruments and finally coined the term “dobro,” which was a combination of the words Dopyera and Brothers. "Resonator Guitar" is more commonly used now for non-Gibson/Dobro branded guitars. ResoGat is the gathering of dobro/Resonator guitar enthusiasts to talk, play music, laugh, meet old friends and make new friends. The 2009 gathering will be held July 8-11 at the Holiday Inn Express in Wilkesboro. Call the hotel at (336) 838-1800 and ask for the Dobro Festival rate of $85 to reserve a room. For more information, contact Pammy Davis at (336) 202-1536 or e-mail pammydavis@triad.rr.com.

Lunch & Learn: Inside and Out: The Work of Gillian Christy
A Lunch & Learn: Inside and Out: The Work of Gillian Christy presentation will be held July 8 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts’ Lecture Hall on the ASU campus. Join TCVA staff for a discussion of the work of sculptor Gillian Christy. The artist's work is featured in the Mayer Gallery and on the grounds of the Turchin Center. The event is free. For more information, call 828- 262-3017.

Thursday, July 9
N.C. Beekeepers Association Convention
The N.C. Beekeepers Association Convention will be held July 9-11 at the Walker Center in Wilkesboro. It’s a meeting of North Carolina beekeepers. For more information, click to www.ncbeekeepers.org.

Film ‘The Underground Orchestra’
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the film “The underground Orchestra” July 9 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Grandfather Mountain 54th annual Highland Games
Experience the 54th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans at MacRae Meadows July 9-12. The Games include many events involving traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture. For more information, call 828-733-1333.

The Bear
The 5-mile uphill foot race, The Bear, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Linville.

Friday, July 10

Patagonia’s Wild and Scenic Film Festival
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present Patagonia’s Wild & Scenic Film Festival July 10 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

MusicFest’n Sugar Grove
The annual MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove will take place July 10-11 at the  Old Cove Creek High School, off highway 321 in Sugar Grove. The MusicFest in Sugar Grove has become a favorite of bluegrass, old-time, blues and "Americana" music lovers. Call (828) 297-2200 for details.

Celtic Jam
The Celtic Jam, part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, will begin at 7 p.m. July 10 at MacRae Meadows in Linville.

Gallery Crawl in Ashe County
A Gallery Crawl will take place on Friday, July 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown West Jefferson in Ashe County. It’s an open house at more than a dozen galleries and studios.

Music in the Valle
Music in the Valle will take place July 10 at 7 p.m. at Valle Crucis Community Park. Free admission. Featured will be Kent Doobrow and The Other Brothers.

Concerts on the Lawn
The free Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House in downtown Boone are held on Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Bring your own chair. Featured this evening will be Echo Park and melissa Reaves. Presented by the Watauga Arts Council.

The Grizzly Bike Ride
The Grizzly Bike Ride will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 10 at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Saturday, July 11
Candle Light Ghost Tours
Canle Light Ghost Tours will be held July 11 at Wilkes Heritage Museum, 100 East Main St. in Wilkesboro. Experience a historical tour of Old Wilkes by candlelight with a storyteller in period costume describing tales of ghostly happenings. Tours begin at the Old Wilkes Jail. Admission fee is charged. For more information, call (336) 667-3171.

Family Day at the Turchin Center
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present a Family Day at the Turchin Center on July 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Shibori
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will a TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Shibori on July 11 from 10 a.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Hodges, Rhymers, Carrols reunion
A family reunion for the Hodges, Rhymers and Carrols will be held on July 11 beginning at 8 a.m. at the Stewart Simmons Fire Department on Elk Creek Road in Triplett. Those attending are asked to bring a covered dish to share for a meal beginning at 1 p.m. For more inbformation, call Barabara Staton at 828-377-5287 or Belvie Boone at 828-675-4225.

Buckwheat Zydeco
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present Buckwheat Zydeco at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Grandfather Mountain Marathon
The Grandfather Mountain Marathon begins at 7 a.m. July 11 and will take runners from Boone to MacRae Meadows at Linville.

Celtic Rock Concert
A Celtic Rock Concert begins at 7 p.m. at MacRae Meadows in Linville as part of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Piping Concert
A Piping Concert will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Broyhill Conference Center in Boone.

Ceilidh (a Scottish musical happening)
A Ceilidh (a Scottish musical happening) will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. July 11 at Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk.

Scottish Country Dance Gala
A Scottish Country Dance Gala will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight July 11 at Williams Gymnasium at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk.

Alex Beaton and Friends
Alex Beaton and Friends will perform beginning at 9 p.m. July 11 in the Trillium Room at the Broyhill Conference Center in Boone.

Sunday, July 12

Eastern Festival Orchestra with Sarah Chang, violin
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present on Eastern Festival Orchestra with Sarah Chang, violin, on July 12 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Summer Sundays at the Horn
Come join in on a time of inspiration and celebration at "Summer Sundays at the Horn." On Sunday mornings in July and August, at 8:30 a.m., The Three Forks Baptist Association is coordinating local churches to lead  short, informal services at the Horn. Visitors and area residents are invited to the services, held at the amphitheater at Horn in the West, on Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Call 264-4482 for more information.

Blowing Rock Jazz Society
The Blowing Rock Jazz Society will perfrom with Larry Lapin and Michelle Amato, pianist and singer, on July 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Call 828-295-4300 for more information.

Monday, July 13
Film 'Vitus'
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the film “Vitus”on July 13 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Monday Night Concert Series in Blowing Rock
The Monday Nigh Concert Series kicks off at 7 p.m. at Broyhill Park in Blowing Rock. Enjoy a free concert on the lawn by the Broyhill Lake; rain location is the American Legion building on Park Avenue. Call 828-295-5222 for more information.

Tuesday, July 14
Paul Taylor Dance
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Paul Taylor Dance Company at 8 p.m. on July 14. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Mac Frampton
Mac Frampton will be the featured artist in the Forum series sponsored by Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Hayes Auditorium on the Banner Elk campus.

Wednesday, July 15
Lunch & Learn: Dancing Around the Subject
A free talk as part of the Lunch & Learn on Dancing Around the Subject will be presented July 15, from noon to 1p.m. in the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts’ Lecture Hall on the ASU campus. Paul Taylor Dance Company's general manager John Tomlinson takes a break out of his busy schedule to share behind-the-scenes insights into contemporary dance and the inner workings of a premier dance company. For more information, call 828-262-3017.

Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Changing Keys
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Changing Keys on July 15 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Thursday, July 16
Ron Rash: The Balance of Beauty and Violence
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Belk Distinguished Lecture: Ron Rash — The Balance of Beauty and Violence on July 16 at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Wash and Roll — Painting the Figure in Watercolor and Gouache July 16-18
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Wash and Roll — Painting the Figure in Watercolor and Gouache July 16-18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Friday, July 17
Alleghany Fiddlers Convention: July 17-18
The Alleghany Fiddlers Convention will take place July 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds, N.C. 21 north, Sparta. Fiddlers and dancers from all over join together for this two-day event. Hours are starting at 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (336) 372-5473.

Tweetsie Fun Festival
Tweetsie Fun Festival will be held July 17-19. Watch Bob the Builder, Barney, and Angelina Ballerina in their entertaining stage performances, and then meet them. For more information, call 800-526-5740,

Music in the Valle
Music in the Valle will take place July 17 at 7 p.m. at Valle Crucis Community Park. Free admission. Featured will be Bob and Ellie with Patty.

‘Bye Bye Birdie’
Blowing Rock Stage Company, “Bye Bye Birdie,” July 17-Aug. 2, a multiple Tony Award winner – including Best Musical – this hugely popular musical had its Broadway debut in 1960 starring Dick Van Dyke, Chita Rivera and Charles Nelson Reilly. The Blowing Rock Stage Company will bring to life this tuneful and fun-filled musical comedy satire on America in 1958 and the drafting of a popular singer into the Army.To purchase tickets call the Hayes Center Box Office at 828-295-9627.

An Evening with Paula Poundstone
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present An Evening with Paula Poundstone on July 17 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

15th annual High Country Bead, Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show
The 15th annual High Country Bead, Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Show will be be held July 17-19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Boone National Guard Armory. Jewelry makers, goldsmiths and silversmiths from all over the U.S. who can reconstruct, repair, design or make original jewelry from customer-selected gems, stones, opals and crystals are featured, as well such items as gem trees, wire wrap, wire sculpture, stone heads, stone setting, amber, opal, mineral and fossil dealers. There are hourly door prizes, including a gold ring with a precious stone to be given as a grand prize. Call 540-384-6047 for details.

Concerts on the Lawn
The free Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House in downtown Boone are held on Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Bring your own chair. Featured this evening will be The Harris Brothers and Swing Guitars. Presented by the Watauga Arts Council.

Saturday, July 18

Banner Elk Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival
The Banner Elk Fine Art and Mastercraft Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Banner Elk Elementary School.

High Country Wine Event
A High Country Wine Event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. July 18 at Pleasing Mona’s Design.

Dancing in the Streets at Town Hall
Dancing in the Streets at Town Hall will take place at the Beech Mountain Town Hall beginning at 8 p.m. on July 18.

Mike Cross in Concert
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present Mike Cross in Concert July 18 at 8 p.m. at Farthing Auditorium on the ASU campus.For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Blowing Rock Art in the Park
Blowing Rock Art in the Park is a s series of juried art and craft shows in downtown Blowing Rock. The next summer show is July 18. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call 828-295-7851 or visit www.BlowingRock.com.

Black and Blue Double Century Relay
The Black and Blue Double Century Relay will take place July 18 beginning at 6 a.m. This is a 208-mile team cycling relay through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. This is the only event of its kind in the contiguous United States. Call 336-877-8888 for details.

Sunday, July 19
Halpert Biennial Gallery Talk with Jeffrey Grove and High Tea Reception
A Halpert Biennial Gallery talk with juror Jeffrey Grove and High Tea reception will be held July 19 at 2 p.m. in Gallery A at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at ASU. Take this opportunity to hear from the juror firsthand why works were selected for this national competition and exhibition. Juror Jeffrey Grove, the Wieland Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the High Museum, leads a gallery talk focusing on these works from across the United States. This event is presented in conjunction with the Turchin Center exhibition The Halpert Biennial 2009: A National Juried Visual Art Competition & Exhibition. Admission is free. For more information, call 828-262-3017 .

Eastern Festival Orchestra with Oratio Gutirrez, piano
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Eastern Festival Orchestra with Horatio Gutirrez, piano, on July 19, at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Summer Sundays at the Horn
Come join in on a time of inspiration and celebration at "Summer Sundays at the Horn." On Sunday mornings in July and August, at 8:30 a.m., The Three Forks Baptist Association is coordinating local churches to lead  short, informal services at the Horn. Visitors and area residents are invited to the services, held at the amphitheater at Horn in the West, on Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Call 264-4482 for more information.

Monday, July 20
TCVA Visual Arts Workshop: Jewelry — Modern Reliquaries
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the TCVA Visual Arts Workshop Jewelry — Modern Reliquaries July 20-24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

TCVA Visual Arts Workshop Create Your Own Fantasy Chair
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the TCVA Visual Arts Workshop Create Your Own Fantasy Chair July 20-24 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Founders Night
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: Founders Night on July 20 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Blue Ridge Descendants
Blue Ridge Descendants will presented July 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock. A bluegrass staple of 1960s’ Appalachia, the Blue Ridge Descendants was formed to celebrate and preserve the music and tradition that made mountain life and the music it begat so unique. Three of its original members- James Coffey, Bob Harman and Glenn Bolick- come together to recapture that old-time sound for generations both old and new. For more information, call 828-295-9627.

Tuesday, July 21

Triad Stage: ‘Oleanna’
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Triad Stage and “Oleanna” on July 21 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Nathan Granner
The Lees-McRae College Forum series will feature Nathan Granner at 78:30 p.m. on July 21 at Hayes Auditorium on the Banner Elk campus.

Wednesday, July 22

Lunch & Learn: Stage Coach
A Lunch & Learn program on “Stage Coach” is offered on July 22, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Turchin Center for Visual Arts’ Lecture Hall on the ASU campus. Preston Lane, artistic director for Triad Stage and artistic partner in theatre for An Appalachian Summer Festival, talks about theater, Triad Stage, and his work with the festival. Admission is free. For more information, call 828-262-3017.

Triad Stage: ‘Oleanna’
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the Triad Stage and “Oleanna” on July 22 at 8 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Blowing Rock Charity Horseshow – Hunter Jumper I
The Blowing Rock Charity Horseshow — Hunter Jumper I — takes place July 22-26 at the Tate Show Grounds in Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse show events in the country and has been a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. Admission. For more information, call 828-295-4700.

Thursday, July 23

Appalachian Musical Instruments Exhibit: July 23-Sept. 26
An Appalachian Musical Instruments Exhibit opens on July 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sparta Teapot and Fine Arts Gallery, 18 South Main St., Sparta, Alleghany County. Through Sept. 26, the museum presents an exhibit of the variety of instruments made and used by Appalachain musicians. Free admission. Donations are appreciated. For more information, phone (336) 372-7238.

Joan Baez in Concert
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will Joan Baez in concert July 23 at 8 p.m. at Farthing Auditorium on the ASU campus. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Friday, July 24
Alleghany Quilters Guild Show
The Alleghany Quilters Guild Show will take place July 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Black Building at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds. There will be display of a variety of quilts, wallhangings and quilted items, vendor items for sale, door prizes and a raffle quilt. No admission charged. For more information, call (336) 372-5838.

Theater workshop with Triad Stage: Providence Gap
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present a theater workshop with Triad Stage: Providence Gap. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

Music in the Valle
Music in the Valle will take place July 24 at 7 p.m. at Valle Crucis Community Park. Free admission. Featured will be Full Throttle Bluegrass.

Blue Ridge Mountain Fair: July 24-25
The Blue Ridge Mountain Fair begins July 24, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Crouse Park, located on the corner of N.C.18 north and Grayson Street, Sparta, Alleghany County. Fine craft vendors and food vendors come together in the park, along with entertainment. The fair continues all day Satruday. For more information, call (336) 372-1776.

St. Mary Tour of Homes
The St. Mary Tour of Homes will take place on July 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Blowing Rock. It is the annual fundraiser tour of outstanding Blowing Rock homes sponsored by St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church. Admission.

Symphony at Chetola
Symphony at Chetola in Blowing Rock will take place on July 24 at 7 p.m. at Chetola Lake. It’s an elegant evening and tradition in Blowing Rock. Enjoy the symphony by the lake at Chetola Resort.

Concerts on the Lawn
The free Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House in downtown Boone are held on Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Bring your own chair. Featured this evening will be North Valley Tune Tanglers and The Sheets Family. Presented by the Watauga Arts Council.

Saturday, July 25

VFW Car Show
The VFW Car Show will be held July 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the NAPCO industries parking lot at 120 Trojan Avenue, Sparta, Alleghany County. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. for entries. Judging begins at 10 a.m. Awards will be presented at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m., all the entries are invited to cruise down Main Street to mark the show's close. There will be live entertainment and concessions available. For more information, call (336) 572-2477.

Third annual Boone Bluegrass Festival
The third annual Boone Bluegrass Festival will be held July 25 fromn 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the High Country Fairgrounds off Roby Greene Road in Boone. It will feature Doyle Lawson, Grascals, Surefire, Southern Accent, Darin Aldridge/Brook Justice and All Star Joey Cox at 4:30 p.m. Call 828-733-8060 for details.

Arts and crafts show
A fine arts and craft show will take place July 25-26 at the old Cannon Memorial Hospital grounds featuring 75 booths of arts and crafts artists, Tynecastle highway, Banner Elk. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 828-733-0675 or e-mail mtntoppromotions@bellsouth.net

23rd Rosen Sculpture Walk
The 23rd Rosen will be held Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. on the ASU campus. Works by the selected finalists in the Rosen Sculpture Exhibition are situated in outdoor, public spaces on campus. The Sculpture Walk offers visitors a glimpse into the world of contemporary sculpture, through the eyes of the juror. The winner of the 23rd Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition & Exhibition will be announced at the reception to be held at the conclusion of the walk. The Sculpture walk will begin at Catherine Smith Gallery located within Farthing Auditorium.

TCVA Visual Arts Workshop Fanciful and Functional 3-D Artist Books
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present the TCVA Visual Arts Workshop Fanciful and Functional 3-D Artist Books July 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

An Appalachian Summer finale concert with Kenny Loggins
An Appalachian Summer Festival at ASU will present Kenny Loggins in concert as a finale to the festival on July 25 at 7:30 p.m. in ASU’s Holmes Convocation Center. For more information, call toll-free (800) 841-ARTS (2787) or (828) 262-4046.

High Country Bluegrass Festival
The High Country Bluegrass Festival takes place July 25 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the High Country Fairgrounds in Boone featuring Doyle Lawson & Quick Silver, The Grascals, Darin Aldridge & Brooke Justice and Southern Accent. There will be a Fiddle Workshop by "Big" Al Johnson and a Banjo Workshop by Terry Baucom and Joey Cox. Concessions available. Tickets are $20 advance/$25 at gate, 12 and under free with paying adult. For more information, call 828-733-8060.

Sunday, July 26

Arts and crafts show
A fine arts and craft show will take place July 25-26 at the old Cannon Memorial Hospital grounds featuring 75 booths of arts and crafts artists, Tynecastle highway, Banner Elk. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 828-733-0675 or e-mail mtntoppromotions@bellsouth.net

Summer Sundays at the Horn
Come join in on a time of inspiration and celebration at "Summer Sundays at the Horn." On Sunday mornings in July and August, at 8:30 a.m., The Three Forks Baptist Association is coordinating local churches to lead  short, informal services at the Horn. Visitors and area residents are invited to the services, held at the amphitheater at Horn in the West, on Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Call 264-4482 for more information.

Monday, July 27
Third annual Clog Camp
Appalachian Rhythm Clogging & Dance will host the third annual Clog Camp featuring celebrity clogger and dancer Brandon Norris (as seen on FOX's "So You Think You Can Dance?" and MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew"). Clog Camp is July 27-31 at Watauga High School for grades K-12, beginner-advanced clogging level. For more information, call Elise at (828) 268-1926 or Ashley at (828) 719-8228 or visit the Web site at www.apprhythm.com.

Creative and Performing Arts Camp
Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk will present Creative and Performing Arts Camp 2009 (CAPA) in July. The theme of this year's camp is “Disney and the Arts.” The date for CAPA 2009 is July 27-31. Each day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Four separate classes are created to accommodate age groups and different curriculums. The cost per camper is $220 per week, which includes lunch each day, a camp T-shirt, field trips and instruction. A discount is available for multiple-child families. For additional information, contact Stacey Trivett, camp director, at TrivettS@lmc.edu<mailto:TrivettS@lmc.edu>, or Mindi Bishop, camp assistant director, at BishopMA@lmc.edu<mailto:BishopMA@lmc.edu> or phone 828-898-3372.

Monday Night Concert Series in Blowing Rock
The Monday Nigh Concert Series kicks off at 7 p.m. at Broyhill Park in Blowing Rock. Enjoy a free concert on the lawn by the Broyhill Lake; rain location is the American Legion building on Park Avenue. Call 828-295-5222 for more information.

Tuesday, July 28
The Four Freshman
Lees-McRae College’s Forum series will feature The Four Freshman beginning at 7;30 p.m. July 28 at Hayes Auditorium on the Banner Elk campus.

Wednesday, July 29

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show — Hunter Jumper II
The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show — Hunter Jumper II — will take place July 29-Aug. 2 at the Tate Show Grounds in Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse show events in the country and has been a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. Admission. For more information, call 828-295-4700.

Thursday, July 30

BRAHM Arts & Antiques Weekend event
The Blowing rock Art and History Museum will present four days (July 30-Aug. 2) of art and antiques in Blowing Rock. For more information, call 828-295-9099.

‘Guys and Dolls'
Lees-McRae Summer Theater will present “Guys and Dolls” July30-31 and Aug. 1 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees July 30, Aug. 1 and 2 at 2 p.m. at Hayes Auditorium on the Banner Elk campus. For more information and tickets, call 828-898-8709.

‘Miracle on the Mountain’ outdoor drama
The outdoor drama “Miracle on the Mountain” will be presented Thursday and Friday, July 30-Aug.1 and Aug. 6 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the Crossnore Amphitheater in Crossnore.

Friday, July 31
Music in the Valle
Music in the Valle will take place July 31 at 7 p.m. at Valle Crucis Community Park. Free admission. Featured will be Tommy and Patty Calahan.

Concerts on the Lawn
The free Concerts on the Lawn at the Jones House in downtown Boone are held on Fridays starting at 5 p.m. Bring your own chair. Featured this evening will be an evening of dulcimers with Steve and Ruth and Deeper Roots. Presented by the Watauga Arts Council.

Sunday, Aug. 2

Summer Sundays at the Horn
Come join in on a time of inspiration and celebration at "Summer Sundays at the Horn." On Sunday mornings in July and August, at 8:30 a.m., The Three Forks Baptist Association is coordinating local churches to lead  short, informal services at the Horn. Visitors and area residents are invited to the services, held at the amphitheater at Horn in the West, on Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Call 264-4482 for more information.