Welcome labor day e edition

Welcome AUGUST – OCTOBER 2014

TO FANNIN COUNTY, GEORGIA AND POLK COUNTY, TENNESSEE

A Publication of The News Observer

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2 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Labor Day Bar-B-Q offers three days of events

T

he smell of ribs cooking over an open pit hardwood fire will fill downtown Blue Ridge Monday, Sept. 1, for the annual Labor Day Bar-B-Q sponsored by the interdenominational Good Samaritans of Fannin County.

This year, the event will again begin on Saturday, Aug. 30, with

By Dub Joiner a “PicThe News N i c Observer Nac” in the park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for area churches and other non-profit organizations to sell knick-knack and garage sale type items to raise funds for their organizations.

“Any church or non-profit organization is invited to set up a table in city park as part of the Pic-Nic-Nac event,” said Carlie Hammond, coordinator

of the Labor Day Bar-B-Q activities.

She said breakfast and lunch concessions will be available during the Pic-Nic-Nac event so visitors can rummage through the tables for special knick-knacks and other specialty items.

The three-day event, which has been a fixture in downtown Blue Ridge for over 30 years, will continue on Sunday, Aug. 31, with an outdoor community worship service led by pastors of churches participating in the Good Samaritans. The group crosses denominational lines and includes Baptist, Catholic, Charismatic, Disciples of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches in Fannin County. continued on page 6➣

A large crowd is expected for the 2014 Labor Day Bar-B-Q sponsored by the Good Samaritans of Fannin County. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. for the famous ribs and chicken in the downtown Blue Ridge city park.

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4 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Content 2 8 10 11 15 16 18

Labor Day Bar-B-Q an annual event Area trails provide challenge, adventure Builders Showcase offers ideas, advice Fannin Band hosts marching festival Fall Arts in the Park event fun for all Art Center exhibits World Trade Center artifact Blues and BBQ event promises good food, music

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Welcome

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Rotary Blues Train teams with downtown Blues Crawl Used book sale benefits library Paws in the Park sends downtown to the dogs Art Center hosts national juried photography show Events calendar Fall Fest returns to old State Farmers Market Downtown farm market offers fresh local produce

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AUGUST – OCTOBER 2014

ON THE

TO FANNIN COUNTY, GEORGIA AND POLK COUNTY, TENNESSEE

A Publication of The News Observer

e

Fre

Cover

Gus, a Labrador retriever, seems to walk on water at the annual Dixie Dock Dogs competition held each June in Blue Ridge.

Publisher: Glenn Harbison; Editor: Brian K. Finnicum; Staff Writers: Chris Brown, Dub Joiner; Advertising Sales: Cheryl Norton, Connie Dees; Office Manager: Patti Bailey; Assistant Office Manager: Mary White; Composition Manager: Lori Waters; Office Staff: Brianne Collar, Allison Kisselburg; Composition Staff: Nathan Beaver; Assistant Circulation Manager: Kyle King.

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August – October 2014

➣Continued from page 2 The worship service, complete with congregational singing, takes place in the downtown park beginning at 6 p.m. It is followed by an old-fashioned ice cream social, which this year is sponsored by the Blue Ridge Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.

As the ice cream social winds down, volunteers known as the “pit crew” will begin stoking the hardwood fire in the 40-foot-long open pit grill to prepare a bed of coals for cooking the succulent ribs and chicken, which will be served beginning the next morning, Labor Day, at 11:30 a.m.

Dinners will be offered featuring either St. Louis style barbecue pork ribs, barbecue chicken or a pulled pork sandwich, along with “all the fixin’s” – baked beans, bread, no-mayonnaise pepper slaw,

pickles and iced tea, plus either a homemade brownie or slice of pound cake and a crisp Mercier’s apple for dessert.

Prices are $12 for the rib dinner, $10 for a half-chicken dinner, and $9 for the pulled pork sandwich plate. Whole chickens and racks of ribs may also be available, with prices to be determined by market cost.

Hammond said dinners will be served until 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the dinner, or to avoid the ticket line, advance tickets may be purchased from a participating church or from the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, Boo Bear Bake Shop and American Wholesale Printing.

Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and plan to stay for awhile when coming to purchase a dinner, because live bluegrass and gospel entertainment is scheduled throughout the day.

Tables and chairs will also

be available for diners to eat in the park.

A drive-through service will be available again this year at the corner of Summit Street and East First Street. Organizers recommend that those planning to take advantage of this option may want to consider bringing a box to carry their meals in.

The Good Samaritans of Fannin County is an interdenominational association of churches in Fannin County.

A local ministry, the Good Samaritans is based on the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-27.

Proceeds from the barbecue support the Good Samaritans’ benevolent fund to assist neighbors in need.

Hammond said the Labor Day Bar-B-Q has been the primary fundraiser responding to a growing need to help families with financial assistance

in Fannin County since 1981.

In 2009, she said “Open Tables” were begun to raise additional benevolent funds and to encourage the sharing of a community meal.

In months with five Sundays, a “Fifth Sunday Brunch” Open Table is served at the Fannin County Senior Center.

In 2010 the Good Samaritans began a Community Thanksgiving Open Table that is served in the Fannin County High School cafeteria.

Hammond said all the Good Samaritan fundraisers offer donors, recipients, volunteers and the community an opportunity to share a hot meal and warm fellowship with old, and perhaps new friends and neighbors.

For more information about the event, to volunteer, to donate or become a sponsor call 706-455-3818, or e-mail ldbbq@bellsouth.net.

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Area trails provide challenging adventures

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he Benton MacKaye Trail and Benton Mac­ Kaye Trail Association offer many fun and challenging opportunities for area residents, part time

By Dub Joiner cabin The News owners Observer and vis­ itors to hike the 67 miles of the BMT that passes through Fannin County.

The trail stretches a total of 300 miles from the Fannin/ Gilmer county line to the north­

east part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Trail spokesman Ralph Hell­ er said for individuals who like to hike on their own, there are 17 access points to the BMT in Georgia.

Information on trailheads to various sections of the BMT can be found on the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce web site at www.blueridge­ mountains.com.

Continued on page 10➣

August – October 2014

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10 � Welcome ➣Continued from page 8 Heller said once on the chamber site, click on self-guided tours/maps, then select Benton MacKaye Trail Town Access Points to get a printable pamphlet with a map showing access points on the first page and written directions, including GPS coordinates.

He said individuals can also visit the chamber for a free copy of this pamphlet.

“Some of the sections of the trail are long and should only be attempted by experienced hikers,” Heller said, “and information on each section, including length and difficulty, can be found in the Benton MacKaye Trail Guide – Georgia Section” The guide can be purchased in local hiking stores and the chamber.

Heller said when purchasing the guide, also ask for information on a good map which covers the area.

August – October 2014

For individuals who are not comfortable hiking on their own, Heller said the BMTA offers free hikes led by association members, usually twice a month.

For information on the hikes, including length and difficulty, go to www.bmta.org and click on the activities calendar on the left side of the home page.

For those who enjoy the BMT and would like to “pay it forward,” he said the BMTA sponsors work trips in Georgia on the second Saturday of each month.

The trail is entirely maintained by volunteers, so help is always needed and appreciated. The activities calendar on the website gives information on future work trips.

Heller said non-members are welcome as guests both on work days and hikes. To participate, contact the hike leader or work trip leader listed with the activity listed on the website.

Builders Showcase promotes construction

A

rea builders and related businesses are expected to take part in the 2014 Blue Ridge Home Builders Showcase Oct. 4.

Fannin County Building Industry Association spokesman Larry

By Dub Joiner Cox said the The News showcase is Observer free and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the downtown Blue Ridge city park.

“We’ve had great crowds each year and expect another

good crowd this year,” Cox said. The event includes exhibitors from home builders, architects, developers, mortgage lenders, Realtors, surveyors, landscapers and others.

“Those who attend can get advice on anything related to the building industry, home furnishing, cabinet makers, flooring, Realtors, banks and more,” Cox said.

For information about the showcase, or to be a part of it, call Jean-Marie Harris at 828644-3249.

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Music, food features of Cherry Log festival

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he Cherry Log Community Action Group will sponsor its annual fall festival Oct. 4-5, 11-12, and Oct. 18-19 at the community center.

The event

By Dub Joiner will include The News a variety of Observer bluegrass and gospel entertainment, along with arts and crafts and food booths. The food will include country-style breakfast and lunch served in the com-

munity center.

Community President Linda Gobble said proceeds from the festival are used to help the needy in the Cherry Log community.

She said breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m., and lunch at 11 a.m., in the community center.

Cherry Log is located just south of the Fannin County/ Gilmer County line on Hwy. 515. Signs direct visitors to event. For information, call 706-502-3110.

Fannin County Band hosting Mountains Marching Festival

T

he Fannin County High School Marching Band will host its 5th annual Blue Ridge Mountains Marching Festival Saturday, Oct. 11.

More than 2,000 marching band memBy Dub Joiner bers from The News nearly two Observer dozen area high school bands are expected to participate.

Bands will range in size from

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Performances begin around 1 p.m. and continue throughout the afternoon and evening until 9:30 p.m. All bands will perform on the Fannin County High School football field.

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Welcome �

15

Arts in the Park continues to pack downtown

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housands of visitors are expected to fill downtown Blue Ridge the weekend of Oct. 11 and 12 for the annual Fall Arts in the Park festival sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Art Center.

More than 100 arts and crafts vendors, plus food vendors, will be availBy Dub Joiner able for the The News event that Observer will fill two blocks of the downtown Blue Ridge city park.

There will be numerous paintings in several formats, wood carvings, metal work and a variety of other crafts from local and area vendors.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. both days.

Tickets are $5 for adults that cover both days. Children are

Several thousand people are expected to visit more than 100 arts and crafts and food booths at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Fall Arts in the Park festival Oct. 11 and 12.

admitted free.

Ticket booths are located at several points around the park.

A number of food vendors will be available during both days as well.

The arts association’s Fall Arts in the Park is one of two arts and crafts festivals sponsored by the Art Center each year. The other is the spring Arts in the Park in May.

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16 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Art Center displays twin towers artifact

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he steel artifact weighs about two pounds and sits in front of a special plaque on a pedestal on the ground floor of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association Art Center.

The small item, which resembles the twin towers of the former World Trade Center, is actually

By Dub Joiner part of The News the steel Observer f r o m one of the buildings and is a constant reminder of the tragedy that occurred Sept. 11, 2001, that killed more than 2,000 people in New York, Washington, D.C., and in a Pennsylvania field.

Blue Ridge and Fannin

County received the piece of steel on June 14, 2012, from members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, who brought it from New York in a special motorcade.

However, the community would not have been the recipient if it were not for the efforts of former Fannin County High School chorus director Lois Taylor.

It was through Taylor’s efforts that the Fannin High School chorus received opportunities to perform at special steel dedications at Fort Benning, Ga., and Washington, D.C., in 2012. She also took the chorus to New York to Continued on page 17➣

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CHEROKEE FARMHOUSE CHEROKEE FARMHOUSE $137,300 $137,300 ELLIJAY $162,100 4 ELLIJAY Bedrooms, 2 4 Bedrooms, 2½ ½ Baths Baths $162,100 3 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths ELLIJAY $167,300 2,520 Square Feet Under Roof 2,520 Square Feet Under Roof 2,548 Square Feet Under 3 Bedrooms, 2Roof ½ Baths

PARKVIEW COLUMBUS $146,600 COLUMBUS$146,200 $146,600 PARKVIEW $146,200 33 Bedrooms, 22 Baths Bedrooms, Baths 3Bedrooms, Bedrooms,2 2Baths Baths 3

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CHEROKEE CHARLESTON MANOR $286,300 CHARLESTON MANOR “B” “B”$137,300 $286,300 CHEROKEE FARMHOUSE FARMHOUSE $137,300 4 5 Bedrooms, 2 3½ Baths

5 Bedrooms, 3½ Baths 4 2 CHEROKEE FARMHOUSE $137,300 CHEROKEE FARMHOUSE $144,600 2,520 5,017 5,017 Square 2,520 Square Feet Feet Under Under Roof Roof

3 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 4 Bedrooms, 22½ ½ Baths 3 Bedrooms, Baths 3 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 3 Bedrooms, 2½ Baths 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths 4 Bedrooms, Baths 2,592 Square Feet2½ Under Roof 2,592 Square Feet Under Roof 2,706 2,548 Square Feet Under Roof 1,924 2,548 Square Feet Under Roof 2,495 Square Feet Under Roof 2,520 Square Feet Under Roof 2,706 Square Feet Under Roof 1,924 Square Feet Under Roof 2,592 Under Roof 2,548 Square Feet Under Roof 2,495 Under Roof 2,520 Square Feet Under Roof FullSquare BrickFeet Included FullSquare BrickFeet Included

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August – October 2014

➣Continued from page 16 visit “ground zero” where the former trade center stood.

It was at these events that Taylor and the chorus earned high praise from the New York Fire Department Fire Family Transport Foundation, who provided the special artifact to the Fannin County community.

Art Center Director Nichole Potzauf said, “It is a piece of history that we are happy to have for the community and other visitors to see when visiting the center to see our other art work.”

When asked where they were on Sept. 11, 2001, several Fannin County citizens responded with their memories of that day.

Kevin Panter said, “As it happened, I was watching it unfold on live TV. As a

fellow firefighter and EMT, I could only think of the lives that were being lost as the building collapsed. I was numb as I watched.”

Dr. Allan Lee said, “I was being evacuated out of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee Fla., for fear of attacks against the State Capitol building near us. Driving back to Albany, Ga., I stayed on the phone with my wife, Christy, as she watched it unfold on the news at her elementary school.”

Retired Army Lt. Col. George Pletcher said, “I was at home posting veterans financial information on my computer when the TV program was interrupted with the news that a plane had crashed into one of the twin towers. I spent the next several hours observing the coverage. I watched the second plane hit the other tower and saw both towers come down. It was absolutely

Welcome

unbelievable that this could happen.”

Fannin County Extension Coordinator Eddie Ayers said, “I was in Pigeon Forge with Penny celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. I was in the breakfast area of the lobby when I saw the pictures for the first time. All day we walked around in a daze. We were

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This small steel artifact sits on a special black pedestal on the ground floor of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association in Blue Ridge. A special plaque behind the piece of steel lets visitors know that it came from the former World Trade Center in New York City that was destroyed by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.

Welcome To Our Historic Mining Town

Step back in time to a General Store that has a little of everything for everyone.

Welcome �

concerned about our boys and could not wait to get back to be with them.”

The Art Center is located at 420 W. Main St. in the old Fannin County Courthouse building. The center is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Monday. For information call 706-632-2144.

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18 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Blues and BBQ festival offers food, live music

T

he Blue Ridge Lodging Association will host its fourth annual Blues and BBQ Festival Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20, in downtown Blue Ridge.

Events begin with the Blue Crawl Friday night from 7 to 11 p.m.

By Dub Joiner at eight The News local Observer restaurants, who will offer live music during dinner. The restaurants include Black Sheep, Blue Ridge Brewery, Boro Inn Irish Pub, Christy Lee’s Courtyard Grille, Fightingtown Tavern, the Vine Wine Bar and Whistle Stop Grill, along with the Blues Train with food provided by Mercier Orchards.

At noon on Saturday there will be plenty of barbecue and beverages provided by a number of vendors to go with blues music on the main pavilion stage in city park.

Entertainment will be provided by a number of blues bands, including the Blues Rockers of Great Lakes, Ohio, as well as bands from Macon, Tennessee and Atlanta. This year there will also be a Kids Korner sponsored by Home Depot with a bounce house, an obstacle course, a big slide and crafts provided by Home Depot and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association.

Blues and BBQ tickets are $5 per person for adults, and $5 per child for the Kids Korner.

These two musicians were among those who played during the 2013 Blues and BBQ event in Blue Ridge city park.

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Owner/BrOker Call or Text 706-455-1578 • nickitipton@gmail.com • www.NickiTipton.com $599,000 MLS#240097

Busy restaurant and well established Pat’s Kountry Kitchen has been a landmark for over 23 years serving the Tri-State Areas of GA,TN, & NC. Fully operating restaurant: 2 separate cooking areas, 2 prep areas, walk-in freezers & coolers,1,000 gallon grease trap, gift shop, private office, rocking chair porch, foyer, too much to list. Additional lot & nursery adjoining property for sale also.

$574,900 MLS#236834

MOUNTAIN ELEGANCE AT IT’S FINEST!!! Formerly an established Bed & Breakfast, 6 BR, 5 ½ BA home, 10+ acres of farm land w/multiple pastures all fenced & crossed fenced. 36X60 barn features 6 stalls/tack & feed room/ hot & cold water/office/work room/hay loft/bath room. Plenty of garden space. 200 ft of Little Sugar Creek!!! All paved roads, close to Blue Ridge, NC, and TN. Possibilities are endless!!!

$299,000 MLS#240278

$623,000 MLS#240270 PRIME COMMERCIAL PROPERTY!!! Easy Access at end of street with paved roads. City water & sewer. 3 Phase Power w/600 Amp system. 4 Roll Up bays with 14-16 ft ceilings. Plenty of parking & room for Tractor Trailers. Room for a helicopter pad & more. Additional 4 ac available adjacent to property.

PRIME COMMERCIAL PROPERTY!!! Easy Access at end of Street with paved roads. Could be separated or Sold with adjacent Commercial Building. (MLS#240270)

$265,000 MLS#231907

$329,900 MLS#239415

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HERE IT IS!!! Looking for that private piece of property close to town? Check this out!!! Just over a mile from the city limits of Blue Ridge and off Hwy 5. This property features beautiful wooded area with hardwoods, all paved road access, and a large pond too!!! Perfect for a private estate or ready for development. Endless possibilities for this property.

YEAR ROUND LONG RANGE MOUTAIN VIEWS!!! Enjoy this End of Road privacy in established neighborhood. 6BR/4BA, full kitchens on main & lower levels. uge living area & sunroom, large mstr BR & BA w/ jacuzzi tu, office/BR off kitchen & loft bedroom. Full fin bsmt.

Beautifully landscaped and low maintenance exterior design.

Established Rental Property. Possibilities are Endless!!!

$398,360 MLS#233072 COME LIVE IN THE CLOUDS!!! 10BR/4.5BA home has views from every room. Huge living room w/gas FP, cathedral ceilings & floor to ceiling windows capturing the breathtaking views of 3-states, gourmet kitchen w/gas range, custom cabinets, butlers pantry, granite counters, tower room, 2-car garage, subterranean vault room underneath garage, new roof and it comes completely furnished.

$279,900 MLS#231273 TAKES MY BREATH AWAY!!! DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!!

ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING LONG RANGE MOUNTAIN VIEW!!! One of the best views in Fannin County w/all paved road access. 5BR/3BA, huge living area, FP, mstr BR w/large BA, 2-additional BR w/Jack & Jill bath, decks, full fin bsmt w/separate living area, full kitchen, 2BR & 1BA, separate entry, built in garage & workshop area, etc...

$299,900 MLS#237545 LOCATION!!! LOCATION!!!

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Awesome location on one of the most traveled roads in Fannin County!!! Located off Hwy 5 this commercial site features 1 main building w/2 additional garage bldgs which would be perfect for your business or home. Large 5.04 ac gentle/ level landscape with so much more you can do!!!

$1,630,000 MLS#240284 Welcome to your new home!!! Create your own private estate nestled amidst the trees with all the comforts of seclusion yet close to Blue Ridge, TN, and NC (Where the new Casino is coming). Or create the perfect development on this Large 118 Acre tract featuring 2-homes at the entrance perfect for full time living, offices or community center across from pond. Property has 3-Ponds, Creek, and Old Barn adding to the charm of this Hidden Treasure. Don’t Let this one get away, Call Today!!!

$49,900 MLS#234034 Awesome Creek Front Property with Barn!!!

4+ acres with additional acreage available. Beautiful Creek Frontage with pasture land waiting for horses!!! Easy access and close to town yet private and secluded.

$175,000 MLS#232190 LAKE FRONT!!! LAKE FRONT!!! LAKE FRONT!!! WAITING FOR YOU!!! Gentle Lake Front Lot with approx. 100 ft on the beautiful Nottely Lake.

Price includes dock permit with Riparian Rights that will be quit claim deeded at closing. Great building spot for your dream lakehouse!!! Close to town, shopping, schools, and hospitals, yet private & secluded in lake front community. Prime Lakefront Lot with underground utilities and paved streets.

20 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Rotary Blues Train joins downtown Blues Crawl

T

he ninth annual Rotary Blues Train, hosted by the Rotary Club of Blue Ridge, will depart the Blue Ridge Depot at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, for an evening of music and dancing.

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by North Georgia Ford

By Dub Joiner and AuThe News toTradObserver er.Com, support the Ferst Foundation and Rotary community service programs. The Ferst Foundation provides books for children from birth to five years of age.

Event coordinator Rob Kaser said Blues Train passengers will be invited to participate in

a rolling beer and wine party aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, dinner catered by Mercier Orchards, followed by a street dance with music provided by the Buckner Brothers Band.

Kaser said again this year the Rotary Club of Blue Ridge

event has joined with the annual Blues Crawl event in downtown Blue Ridge, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Lodging Association and the street dance that is a part of the Blues Crawl event.

He said participants are invited to come dressed in blues

attire for the train event. Boarding of the train begins at 5:30 p.m. with departure at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the Blues Train are $75 per couple, or $40 for an individual, and are available at the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway ticket office or from Rotary Club members.

The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway engine sits beside a bright orange maple tree as a reminder that fall will soon be here.

Welcome

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Live Music Lunch Specials starting at $11.95 Dinner starting at $17.95 Wednesday Local Night: 10% Off Christy Lee’s is available for Private Parties 588 Main Street · Downtown Blue Ridge 706-946-5100 · www.ChristyLees.com

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24 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Library hosts used book sale to buy new books

T

he Fannin County Friends of the Library will hold their fall used book sale Oct. 10-12 to raise funds for new books and other material for the library.

The sales takes place in the basement of Blue Ridge United MethBy Dub Joiner odist The News Church Observer and begins at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

On Sunday, the sale is open from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The sale includes a large number of fiction, nonfiction, health, history, political and other genres in both hardback and paperback.

Used book donations are welcome and can be dropped off at the library.

The Friends hold two used book sales each year in conjunction with the Arts in the

A group of patrons look through the books at the Friends of the Fannin County Library spring book sale. The annual fall book sale will be held Friday through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, with all proceeds benefiting the library for new books and the Summer Reading Program.

Park events. The other one is the spring.

This event is held during the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts

Association’s Fall Arts in the Park festival, held across the street in the downtown Blue Ridge city park.

For information about the Friends of the Library used book sale, call the library at 706-632-5263.

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Welcome �

Paws in the Park returns Saturday, October 18

T

he eighth annual Paws in the Park will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the downtown Blue Ridge city park.

The event is sponsored by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge

By Dub Joiner and all The News local Observer and area rescue organizations are invited to participate.

Event spokeswoman Robbie Muschamp said the event will be “a fun fall day for families and their pets in downtown Blue Ridge.”

She said activities will include a pet costume contest, pet parade, the blessing of the

pets and a parade of adoptable animals.

“We will also have plenty of food, craft booths and a rabies clinic,” Muschamp said.

Paws in the Park will also have the second annual 5K run that will start that morning at 8:30 a.m. from the downtown park pavilion.

Registration for the 5K race begins at 7:30 a.m. and Paws parade participants need to be in line by 9:45 a.m. on East Main Street in front of the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

Information about Paws in the Park is available at www. humanesocietyofblueridge.org.

The Rev. Michael Brunson gives a blessing to this little pet during a past Paws in the Park event in downtown Blue Ridge city park. This year’s event will take place Oct. 18, hosted by the Humane Society of Blue Ridge.

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26 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Photography exhibit to be shown at Art Center

P

hotography from local and national area professional and amateur photographers will be on display at the annual Blue Ridge Mountain Photographers National Juried Show from Sept.

6 through Oct. 12, at the Art Center.

Cash prizes totaling $3,000, including $500 for Best of Show, will be awarded.

Opening reception and awards

By Dub Joiner ceremoThe News ny will Observer be held Sept. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Art Center, and is open to the public.

The judge for this year’s show will be Chris Hefferen,

a commercial photographer and award winning producer/ director, cameraman and editor, who has worked for clients such as Coca-Cola, Kimberly-Clark, and AT&T. Hefferen has received over 40 national and regional awards for his photography.

Hefferen is a highly sought-after photographer, who is a member of several national photography associations and a current member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association and Blue Ridge Mountain Photographers (www.Fstopaphotoshop.com.)

The photography exhibit will be on display in the Richard Low Evans Gallery inside the Art Center from Sept. 6

The annual Blue Ridge Mountain Photographers National Juried Show will be held at the Art Center from Sept. 6 to Oct. 12.

through Oct. 12.

The Art Center is located at 420 West Main Street in Blue Ridge and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.-

6 p.m.

For information about the national photography show or other Art Center exhibits call 706-632-2144.

Come visit us at the

Blue Ridge Home Builders Showcase

2014

First Saturday in October • Downtown Blue Ridge City Park • 9 am to 5 pm Exhibitors from the building industry: Architects, Builders, Cabinet Makers, Developers, Energy Consultants, Flooring, Glassworks, Heating/Cooling, Home Furnishings, Home Inspectors, Insurers, Interior Designers, Mortgage Lenders, Realtors, Security Systems, Stonework, Surveyors and much more.

NO ADMISSION FEE. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. For information call Jean-Marie at 828-644-3249 Fannin County Building Industry Association.

Find us on Facebook.

od &! o f n d Goo s of fu lot

DON’T MISS THE LAST THE CEMETERY CLUB

TWO WEEKENDS!

widows meet once a month for tea before going to visit their « Three husbands’ graves. A touching comedy about life after loss. Ida is

sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life, Lucille is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun, and Doris is priggish and judgmental. Sam the butcher enters the scene, while visiting his wife’s grave. Doris and Lucille quash the budding romance between Sam and Ida. They are guilt stricken when this nearly breaks Ida’s heart.

Whose Wives Are They Anyway?

Whose Wives Are They Anyway?

Whose Wives Are They Anyway?

«

By Ivan Menchell

AUGUST 28 - SEPTEMBER 7 Drama/Comedy · Rated PG-13

Two cosmetic company vice presidents, David and John, have planned a golf weekend before the new C.E.O. arrives on Monday. With their wives safely out of town, they check into The Oakfield Golf and Country Club.

They unexpectedly encounter their new boss, Ms. Hutchison, who comments blithely “no one who went golfing for a weekend without his wife would ever work for me.” So… they have to produce wives. Inevitably everything goes wrong. Hilarious chaos ensues ..., and, yes, the real wives arrive!

Saturday, Sept. 13, 7:30p

By Michael Parker

OCTOBER 2 – 19 Comedy · Rated PG-13

Sunday, Sept. 14, 2:00p

and the Small Town Band

FRANKLIN POND QUARTET

Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30p

Good storytelling blend of music

An afternoon of chamber music

Acoustic Artist, Musician, Teacher

KURT THOMAS

Shows: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sunday at 2:00 pm

Blue Ridge Community Theater 2591 East First Street | Blue Ridge, GA

706-632-9223

Tickets for Live Theater & Live Music both at www.BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com

CAROLINE AIKEN & TRIO

28 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Musical events kick off September and October

T

he months of September and October are filled with a diverse number of events that will entertain the entire family in Blue Ridge and Fannin County.

The following list is taken from the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce events calendar.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS COMMUNITY THEATER •Sept. 4-7 – Blue Ridge Community Theater’s “Cemetery Club” production, East First Street, Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.; PICKIN’ IN THE PARK •Sept. 4, 18, 25 – Pickin’ at Horseshoe Bend Park, free live music jams, 6 p.m.; LIVE CONCERTS •Sept. 13 – Blue Ridge Community Theater’s Live Music is Better Concert Series

- Kurt Thomas Band, East First Street, 7:30 p.m.; •Sept. 14 – Blue Ridge Community Theater’s Live Music is Better Concert Series - The Franklin Ponds Quartet, 2 p.m.; BLUES CRAWL & BBQ •Sept. 19 – Blues Crawl in downtown Blue Ridge to various restaurants to hear different local bands, 7 p.m.; •Sept. 20 – Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Music Festival, featuring a variety of blues performers, downtown city park, noon; RIDE THE RAILS •Sept. 20-21 – Ride the Rails Festival, railroad motor car rides and events, Mineral Bluff, Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; CLASSIC CAR CRUISE-IN •Sept. 26 – Classic Cars Cruise-In, Dairy Queen parking lot, 6 p.m.;

September 18-22 (Closed Sunday)

F R E E PA N D O R A B R A C E L E T WITH $100 PURCHASE OF PANDORA JEWELRY.*

BLUE RIDGE Ingles Shopping Center Hwy. 515 • Blue Ridge, GA 706.632.2299 MURPHY Next to Captain D’s Hwy. 64 • Murphy, NC 828.837.1999

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*Receive a free sterling silver PANDORA Clasp or Bangle bracelet ($65 US retail value).

While supplies last, limit one per customer.

Charms sold separately. See store for details.

8/14/2014 9:39:28 AM

OCTOBER EVENTS COMMUNITY THEATER •Oct. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19 – Blue Ridge Community Theater’s “Whose Wives are They Anyway” production, East First Street, Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.; HOMEBUILDERS SHOWCASE •Oct. 4 – Homebuilders Showcase, downtown Blue Ridge City Park, exhibitors from building industry, 9 a.m.5 p.m.; INDIAN SUMMER FESTIVAL •Oct. 4-5 – Indian Summer Festival, Woody Gap School in Suches, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; CHERRY LOG FALL FESTIVAL •Oct. 4-5 – Cherry Log Fall Festival, Cherry Log Community Clubhouse; ARTS IN THE PARK •Oct. 11-12 – Fall Arts in the Park, downtown Blue Ridge City Park, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; MARCHING FESTIVAL •Oct. 11 – Blue Ridge Mountains Marching Festival, Fan-

nin High football field, 1 p.m.9:30 p.m.; PAWS IN THE PARK •Oct. 18 – Paws in the Park, downtown Blue Ridge City Park, pet events from 10 a.m.2 p.m.; FALL FEST •Oct. 18-19, 25-26 – Fall Fest Arts and Crafts Sale, Old Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; LIVE CONCERT •Oct. 25 – Blue Ridge Community Theater’s Live Music is Better Concert Series - Caroline Aiken, 7:30 p.m.; ART SHOW •Oct. 25 – SAAG National Juried Art Show, Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.; HALLOWEEN PARADE •Oct. 30 – Halloween Costume Parade and Trick-orTreat, downtown McCaysville, 4:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; HALLOWEEN SAFE-ZONE •Oct. 31 – Halloween Safezone, downtown Blue Ridge, 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Children dressed as super heroes enjoy the downtown Blue Ridge Halloween Safe-zone.

August – October 2014

Welcome �

29

Fall Fest returns to old State Farmers Market

M

ore than 100 arts and crafts vendors are expected to participate in the annual Fall Fest, Oct. 18-19 and 25-26, at the old State Farmers Market on East First Street in Blue Ridge.

Gates open at 9 a.m. for the arts and

By Dub Joiner crafts The News event, Observer sponsored by Fannin County Fire Explorer Post 401.

Festival coordinator Rodney Patterson said the festival will include a variety of vendors.

“We expect to have arts and crafts vendors offering such items as pottery, wood carvings, quilts, paintings as well as homemade snacks and canned

goods,” he said.

The event will also include a silent auction, a variety of holiday items, and music each day.

Members of Fire Explorer Post 401 will be available throughout the weekends to assist visitors and vendors, and provide information about the Explorer Post, Patterson said.

“It gives the Explorers good experience by working with the public,” Fannin County Fire Chief Larry Thomas said. “The members do a great job and the event continues to grow.”

The event is free, but donations will be accepted to benefit the Explorer program, which promotes interest in and education about fire safety and firefighting among young peo-

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ple, Thomas said.

For more information, or to

register as a festival vendor, call 423-761-9985.

Pickin’ in the Park continues through Sept.

P

ickin’ at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park continues every Thursday evening through September.

The music begins at 6 p.m. a n d

By Dub Joiner continThe News ues unObserver til dusk.

The park is located off Hwy. 60 on River Road, 1.5 miles east of McCaysville.

The weekly jam session is

sponsored by the Fannin County Recreation Department.

Any musician who plays a guitar, fiddle, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer or any non-electric instrument is invited to join in.

Those who come to listen can bring a picnic basket, grill out or even dance to the music at the park beside the Toccoa River.

For more information, call the Fannin County Recreation Department at 706-632-7696.

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30 � Welcome

August – October 2014

Farmers Market offers products from local vendors

T

he downtown Blue Ridge Market will continue to offer vegetables, crafts, baked goods and other items through September.

The market opens on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. on West First Street, across from the Fannin County Courthouse.

Only locally grown vegetables,

By Dub Joiner baked The News goods, Observer plants and crafts from local community vendors are allowed to be sold.

More than two dozen vendors participate in the weekly market most weeks, while vegetable supplies are available.

Local nonprofit organizations such as Feed Fannin, Humane Society of Blue Ridge and Snack in a Backpack also

Blue Ridge Market vendor Ande Cook is one of the regular craft artists who participates in the Saturday morning market on West Main Street. The market opens at 8 a.m., and will continue through September.

participate in the market.

Vendors pay a small fee for market space, then set their

SUMMER RACES BY. KEEP UP.

own prices for the items they sell.

For information on Farmers

Market go to www.blueridgefarmersmarket.org on the Internet.

•T. Wosyluk

Mountain Valley Motors 7535 Hwy 515, Blue Ridge, Georgia 706-632-5375 ∙ 1-800-858-7891 www.MtnValleyMotors.com The News Observer Street Address City, State, Zip 706-632-2019

are registered trademarks of Chrysler LLC, Auburn Hills, MI, USA. 1 Based on 2013 Ward’s Midsize Sport/Utility vehicle segmentation. EPA estimated V6 RWD. Actual mileage may vary. 2 Based on total minivan sales and automotive awards 1984-2013. 3 Based on Ward’s Middle Cross/Utility vehicle segment.

The News Observer 4 Based on Ward’s Large Regular Car vehicle segment.

EPA est. fuel economy V6 RWD with available 8-speed AT. 5.7L V8 R/T Street Address Model shown 25 mpg hwy. Actual results may vary. 5 Based on Ward’s Small Upper Sedan vehicle segment costing under City, State, Zip $25,,000. 6 Aero model RPA est. 28 city/41 hwy mpg with 6-speed MT. GT model shown 23/33 hwy mpg with 6-speed MT. Actual results may vary. Dodge and Dart are 706-632-2019 registered trademarks of Chrysler Group LLC.

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Welcome Home

Rachel Callihan Cowart M

y family was one of the oldest to settle Fannin County. There is a book, two mountains and a creek named after them.

Being raised in the area and coming from a family that settled this area in the early 1800s, I grew up riding my horse into the beautiful trails of Cashes Valley. I grew up in real estate as my dad sold a lot of mountain property. I also grew up around the construction business so I have a good working knowledge of the cabins that are built locally. I consider mountain property and cabins to be my specialty. I am the founder of a very successful local business, Adventure Trail Rides, that helps folks enjoy the beauty of the mountains like I did growing up.

THIS IS MY TOWN! Everyone needs good news and the Blue Ridge area is booming despite the economy. The area has long been known for its fishing, golf, horseback riding and the train ride through the mountains. New shops are continuing to open, restaurants are continuing to thrive, and the way of life is continuing at its peaceful, joyful pace. I WOULD LOVE TO BE YOUR REALTOR! • 2010-11 Top Sales for Harry Norman Atlanta Perimeter / Blue Ridge Office • 2011: #1 Closed Units • #1 Listings Closed • #5 Company Wide Closed Units • 2011: Gold Level Recipient Northeast GA Board of Realtors • $3.8 Million Sales in 2011 • 39 Closed Sales in 2011 • 2012: #1 Agent Companywide Listings Sold • #5 Sales Closed Companywide In the Top 50 Agents Overall Companywide

252 West Main Street | Blue Ridge, GA 800-314-8621 • 706.258.8067 HarryNormanBlueRidge.com • rachelbc@tds.net For more information on Horseback Riding at Adventure Trail Rides, call 706-258-2276 or visit www.adventuretrailrides.com