SML_Vol.12-Iss.4 TRAVIS:Layout 1 7/6/12 1:17 PM Page 62
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UPCOMING EVENTS
North Carolina Apple Festival
Features a street fair on Historic Main Street. Includes entertainment, arts and crafts, apple products, child & youth activities, special exhibits, food and the King Apple Parade. Hendersonville, N.C. Aug. 31. www.ncapplefestival.org.
Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival
GATLINBURG FINE ARTS FESTIVAL PHOTO
A family oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country and music on the campus of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. Gatlinburg, Tenn. Aug. 31-Sept. 2. www.gfaf.net.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNTAIN DANCE AND FOLK FESTIVAL
85TH ANNUAL MOUNTAIN DANCE & FOLK FESTIVAL A three-day festival featuring old time musicians, ballad singers, mountain dance groups and cloggers. Asheville, N.C. Aug. 2-4. 828.257.4530.
SEPTEMBER RockFest
Features a treasure hunt with prizes, hikes, live music and mine tours. Little Switzerland, N.C. Sept. 1. 828.765.6463.
‘Mater Fest
Features vendors, a petting zoo and activities for kids. Downtown Canton, N.C. Aug. 3-5. 828.776.2527.
Lake Logan Multisport Festival
Distance or sprint triathlons and aquathalon for any level of athlete make for a popular race weekend in the mountains. Canton, N.C. Aug. 4. www.gloryhoundevents.com.
Waldensian Festival
Celebrate the Waldensians and their successful return to their homelands. The day is filled with traditional Waldensian culture through music, food and dance. A traditional meal served at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church. Great food and craft vendors, and various types of music throughout the day. All historical attractions open including the Waldensian Heritage Winery. Children's rides, petting zoo, 5k run and a bocci tournament. Valdese, N.C. Aug. 10-11. www.visitvaldese.com.
Mountain High BBQ Festival & Car Show
Come mingle with professional cookers from all over the United States. as they compete to win Grand Champion. Music from The Hoss Howard Band and delicious food. Official BBQ competition and awards ceremony Saturday. Car Show with more than 80 cars on display. Miss Mountain High BBQ will also be crowned on Saturday in the Natural Beauty Pageant. Franklin, N.C. Aug. 10-11.
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Art in the Park
A juried art show featuring more than 100 exhibitors. Local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more. American Legion Grounds in Blowing Rock, N.C. Aug. 11. 828.295.7851.
35th Annual Sourwood Festival
A family-friendly festival for locals and visitors alike. Features mountain food and music as well as arts and crafts vendors. Black Mountain, N.C. Aug. 11-12. www.exploreblackmountain.com.
Blue Ridge Brutal 100 Bike Race
Beginning and ending in front of the Ashe Civic Center, in the shadow of Mount Jefferson, the ride offers 100 miles of varied and challenging terrain. Features three ride options: 50 mile, 75 mile and 100 mile. The ride is fully supported by SAG wagons, rest stops, mussette stops, Ham radio communication and fire and rescue squad. A hot meal, t-shirt and chip timing is included. West Jefferson, N.C. Aug. 18 336.846.2787.
Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival A celebration of the areas Appalachian musical roots. Gatlinburg, Tenn. Aug. 23-25. 865.604.9066.
Asheville Wine & Food Festival
Attendees sip, savor, and swirl hundreds of wines while sampling local delicacies. Regional culinary professionals also host cooking demonstrations, classes, and Q&A sessions throughout the day. Asheville. N.C. Aug. 25. 828.777.8916.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN LIVING VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 4
Mile High Kite Festival
Come out to see how much string it takes to fly your kite a mile high. Atop beautiful Beech Mountain in Beech Mountain, N.C. Sept. 2. www.beechmountainchamber.com.
North Carolina Mountain State Fair
Enjoy the third largest fair in North Carolina. Celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides. Fletcher, N.C. Sept. 716. 828.687.1414.
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
September’s warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights mix with just the right amount of rain to transform 800 square miles of lush green forest into a brilliant palette of vibrant autumnal colors. Fall decorations, old fashioned hayrides, events, entertainment, and local craft exhibits. Gatlinburg, Tenn. Sept. 13-Oct. 31.
Mill Around the Village Bluegrass Festival
Music, food vendors games and more. Swannoa, N.C. Sept. 15. www.millaroundthevillage.com.
PIGEON FORGE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM PHOTO
AUGUST