The Village Green 2021

The Village Green 2021 EVENT PROGRAM

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About The Village Green

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he Village Green is a park for the people.

In 1992, the founders saved two acres at the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107 in Cashiers from commercial development.

The Village Green was established with the mission to preserve and enhance the land for civic, spiritual, academic, recreational and cultural activities.

Today, this beloved green space encompasses more than 13 acres and is the emerald heart of the community. For nearly 30 years, The Village Green has served as Cashiers’ park for the people.

The Village Green attracts countless visitors each year, providing a window into pleasurable pursuits and traditions that make Cashiers unique.

The park is a gathering place for people of all ages, origins and economic backgrounds. People come from all over the region to enjoy the gardens, walking paths and trails, amazing public art and the expansive children’s playground. The Village Green invites both leisurely walks and intense workouts; quiet places to picnic and read; settings to celebrate with friends and family; and a variety of popular concerts, festivals, lecture series and other community events.

The Village Green completed a venue expansion to the Village Green Commons with the opening of the Commons Hall, a 5,800-square-foot building for year-round 4 | Events at The Village Green 2021

educational, cultural and community programming as well as private event space.

This year, a StoryWalk was installed in The Village Green for the further enjoyment of children and their families.

Equally significant from a conservation perspective, The Village Green serves as a natural oasis. The park is an important environment to cultivate native plants and pollinators.

It also provides a respite for migrating nesting birds. It truly is an integrated ecosystem where humans and nature interact.

The Village Green is conserved and maintained by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Unlike other public parks, The Village Green receives no public funding. Operations and improvements are funded solely by donations by individuals and special fundraising events like the Joy Garden Tour, featuring a tour of four exquisite private mountain gardens in the area. If you have ever enjoyed the playground, the walking paths, a concert or another cultural community event, please consider making a gift to support The Village Green. You can make a secure online donation at our website, VillageGreenCashiersNC.com or mail your contribution to P.O. Box 2201, Cashiers, NC 28717.

Contributions of all sizes are appreciated.

Consider it an investment in all the fun and interesting activities that make special memories in our area.

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Contents At a Glance Calendar 9 Cashiers Green Market 12 StoryWalk 16 Village Nature Series 20 Joy Garden Tour 24 The Gardens of Joy Garden Tour 26 The Garden Shops 28 Joy Garden Tour Benefactors 30 Live Concert Series | Village Crawl 32 8 | Events at The Village Green 2021

Blessing of the Animals 36 Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival 40 Goblins in the Green 42 Gobble on the Green 46 Christmas on the Green 50 Event Hosting 54 Volunteer at the Green 55 Advertisers’ Index 58

At A Glance Calendar Contents Here’s what’s happening at The Village Green for 2021 June

September

Wed., June 2: The Green Market

Wed., September 1: The Green Market

Wed., June 9: The Green Market

Fri., September 3: Spirit of 76 Concert with

Wed., June 16: The Green Market Fri., June 19: StoryWalk: Come Play with Me Wed., June 23: The Green Market Tues., June 29: Village Nature Series Wed., June 30: The Green Market July Wed., July 7: The Green Market Wed., July 14: The Green Market Fri., July 16: Joy Garden Tour Fri., July 16: The Garden Shops Fri., July 16: Cashiers Village Crawl Sat., July 17: Joy Garden Tour Sat., July 17: The Garden Shops Wed., July 21: The Green Market Fri., July 23: Concerts On the Commons Tues., July 27: Village Nature Series Wed., July 28: The Green Market August Wed., August 4: The Green Market Fri., August 6: Concerts On the Commons Wed., August 11: The Green Market Wed., August 18: The Green Market

the Victory Belles Sat., September 4: Concerts On the Commons Wed., September 8: The Green Market Wed., September 15: The Green Market Fri., September 17: Concerts On the Commons Wed., September 22: The Green Market Tues., September 28: Village Nature Series Wed., September 29: The Green Market October Sat., October 2: Blessing of the Animals Wed., October 6: The Green Market Fri., October 8: Concerts On the Commons Fri., October 8: Leaf Festival Sat., October 9: Leaf Festival Sun., October 10: Leaf Festival Wed., October 13: The Green Market Wed., October 20: The Green Market Fri., October 22: Concerts On the Commons Wed., October 27: The Green Market Fri., October 29: Goblins in the Green November

Fri., August 20: Concerts On the Commons

Thurs., November 25: Gobble on the Green

Wed., August 25: The Green Market

Fri., November 26: Christmas on the Green

Tues., August 31: Village Nature Series

Sat., November 27: Christmas on the Green

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The Green Market

Wednesdays Through October 27 | 2:00 - 5:00 P.M.

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ome-grown, handpicked, and handmade local goodness can be found at the Green Market, Cashiers’ farm stand market for local growers beginning April 7 through October 27. The market is “producer only,” meaning that the vendor must be the grower or producer of all the products they sell. Vendors must produce within a 125-mile radius of Cashiers. That means that the season for each fruit and vegetable is longer.

Shopping at the Green Market provides a forum for learning how food is grown, who grew it, and why it tastes so good. In fact, chatting with the growers and vendors is a critical component of Cashiers’ social vitality. It’s fun and endlessly surprising. Trust us on this.

Fill your basket with naturally-raised meat and dairy items, fresh eggs, jams, pickles, freshly baked bread and delicious granola.

Set your table with fresh cut flowers that morning or plant your entryway with locally

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grown perennials.

Always fresh. Always local.

During this time of physical distancing, the Green Market will follow best practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our customers and vendors. Customers should plan to bring face coverings to shop. Market hours will be strictly observed; no early shopping.

Customers should stay home if they are experiencing illness of any kind. Vendors will also follow the same procedures in addition to safe set-up and sanitizing practices.

The Green Market is open during the growing season from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road next to the Cashiers Post Office. Be sure to visit CashiersGreenMarket. com and “Like” us on Facebook (CashiersGreen) to keep current with vendor information and market news.

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StoryWalk

Come Play with Me | June 19 | 11:00 A.M. -1:00 P.M.

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nce upon a time, there was a dream.

In the summer of 2020, the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, The Village Green, The Literacy Council of Cashiers and Vision Cashiers leaders, began a collaboration to install a StoryWalk in The Village Green.

A StoryWalk provides outdoor adventure that champions reading along with family connection, health, and wellness. Pages of a story are posted at a series of stations along a trail, allowing families and friends to enjoy a story as they walk the path.

This dream came true in April of this year when installation of Cashiers’ StoryWalk was completed.

Once upon a time in 2002, children and community leaders in Cashiers had another dream to design and construct an expansive children’s playground in The Village Green.

Hundreds of volunteers worked tirelessly, join-

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ing efforts over the course of five short and stormy days to complete the Village Play.

For nearly 20 years, children and their families have enjoyed the swings, slides, and climbing structures.

On June 19, the community is invited to read this story told in the very first book Cashiers, Come Play With Me featured in Cashiers StoryWalk. A free celebration of the book will be from 11:00 to 1:00 P.M. at the Village Play sponsored by Vision Cashiers with one of the main characters of the book, Chief Randy Dillard and the Cashiers Fire Department, grilling hot dogs. This original book was written by Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green, illustrated by local artist Kat Ford, and translated into Spanish by Ana Crespo.

The Village Green provides a beautiful, free public space, however it is conserved by a nonprofit organization that depends on con-

tributions to maintain the park and provide such an exceptional venue for the community. The Village Green is in the heart of Cashiers, for the people of Cashiers. To learn more about these events or to make a donation, call (828) 743-3434 or visit VillageGreenCashiersNC. com. Follow The Village Green on social media @cashiersgreen.

scan for more info

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Village Nature Series

Last Tuesday of the Month | Through September | 5:00 P.M.

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n many ways, The Village Green is Cashiers’ largest outdoor classroom.

Education is one of the essential elements of our mission, and conservation is one of our primary values.

The Village Nature Series is an educational program that promotes conservation sponsored in collaboration with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

The series of presentations highlights distinct cultural and natural features of the area. Past programs have introduced such subject matter as raptors, moss gar-

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dening, bears, foraging, native plants and edible insects.

The Village Nature Series is held at 5:0 0 P.M. the last Tuesday of the months of April through September either via Zoom or at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.

The schedule of programs is listed on the next page. For more information visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com or call (828) 743-3434. Many thanks to our program sponsor Cedar Creek Club.

Village Nature Series Schedule Tuesday, May 25: Hope for Hemlocks Find out about preservation and restoration of hemlocks with The Hemlock Restoration Initiative

Tuesday, July 27: The Secrets of Snot Otters Discovering Hellbenders, unique indigenous salamanders to the area with Lori Williams

Tuesday, June 29: Take Nothing But Pictures, Leave Nothing But Footprints Learning the seven principles of Leave No Trace with Krista Robb

Tuesday, August 31: Along Came a Spider Exploring the world and web of spiders with Alyssa Fuller Tuesday, September 28: Howling for the Red Wolf Getting to Know the maligned and misunderstood red wolf with Tori Duval

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Joy Garden Tour

Friday, July 16 - Saturday, July 17

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ne of the highlights of this summer in Cashiers is the Joy Garden Tour benefiting The Village Green, July 16 and 17.

Joy Garden Tour Chairs Paige Barnes, Debbie Bennett, and Vicki Keller selected the theme The Wonders of Waterfalls and Wildflowers. Each of the four gardens has unique features and distinctive elements to delight.

Due to ongoing health concerns, to ensure the safety and well-being of the community, the 2021 tour has been modified to offer private and semi-private in-person tours to patron-benefactors. Information about these VIP experiences can be found at cashiersgreen.givingfuel.com/joy-garden-tour-2021. In addition, a virtual tour will be available to those who are not to participate in-person.

Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by visiting VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/events and clicking on the Joy Garden Tour. Those who buy the virtual tour will receive a unique link to a beautifully-produced video tour of the stunning featured gardens for 2021. This tour is sponsored by Landmark Real Estate Group and through The Laurel Magazine.

Along with the tour of beautiful private gardens, the Garden Shops are open to ev-

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eryone from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Friday, July 16, and Saturday, July 17, at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.

Shoppers can browse the selections from more than 35 vendors. A boutique experience of choice items appeals to garden and floral enthusiasts but the shops also include a discriminating collection of antiques, personalized items, gourmet food, distinctive home furnishings, clothing, jewelry and more.

A number of special events are planned including a book signing with James Farmer on Saturday morning. Farmer is a designer and author who has been featured on The Today Show as well as a contributor to Southern Living magazine. He also owns a vacation home in Cashiers. This book signing event is sponsored by local merchant Rusticks.

The Joy Garden Tour is named in memory of Carolyn Joy Dean who gave generously to help establish The Village Green, the 13plus acre park in the center of Cashiers.

Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers who share her spirit, Joy Garden Tour raises money for conservation and improvements to The Village Green for area residents and visitors enjoy.

Dear Village Green Visitors and Garden Enthusiasts

We are excited to announce the 2021 Joy Garden Tour. The Wonders of Waterfalls and WildFlowers will take place with in-person tours on both Friday, July 16th and Saturday, July 17th for garden tour patron-benefactors.

And a new feature of a virtual tour of our four distinctive gardens will be available after the in-person tours.

We have our patrons’ safety top of mind. We hope our revised plan to include private and semi-private tours being offered both days have accomplished this goal...keeping our patrons safe while touring the gardens and fundraising for the Village Green. We also look forward to welcoming garden lovers near and far who are not able to participate in-person via the virtual tour option. The four featured gardens are extraordinary this year, so whether you are a patron or virtual participant, you will be sure to be filled with wonder.

Please visit the Village Green website to learn more about the 2021 Joy Garden Tour, the popup boutique Village Shops, and special non-ticketed events associated with this year’s tour.

We look forward to your participation. We thank you for your support of 2021 Joy Garden Tour benefiting The Village Green.

Paige Barnes Debbie Bennett Vicki Keller - Chairs, 2021 Joy Garden Tour

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The Gardens

of Joy Garden Tour

Window Box Wonder

Lush window boxes greet you as you enter Phil and Barbara Brown’s garden high atop Spring Forest. The emphasis in this garden is on summer colors…blue, red and yellow all of which burst from the rock gardens surrounding the driveway near the house as you approach.

The Browns have had success planting hydrangeas, Turks Cap lilies, Casablanca lilies, Foxgloves, Great Blue Lobelia and Cardinals. Due to their more northern exposure, they are perfectly situated for a wide variety of plants and flowers.

The lower perennial garden has a completely different long range view than the neighboring gardens and the stone arch, “Partnership” is by Carl Peverall. Carl likes to evoke both the essences of permanence and reinvention with his work. Here in the Brown garden, he has connected material with visual poetry.

Landscape Designer/Gardener: Phil Brown

Two Ponds

The culmination of water, sculptures and flowers make the home of Hank and Mauree Booth so special. The soothing sound of water flowing greets you where ever you walk.

The water features were enhanced over the past six years with the latest feature being the amazing weeping wall which was completed in the fall of 2019.

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where everyone is comfortable inside and outside of the home. The surrounding patios and planted areas offer relaxed seating to enjoy and soothe the soul. Mauree’s favorite are her hydrangeas with several varieties to admire. Her anchor plants are the Japanese maples, with their colorful and graceful leaves. Hank would tell you his favorite are the beloved hemlock, of which there are many different specimens on the property.

There is so much to see in this garden and every piece has a unique story. Three areas of particular significance are the gazebo that overhangs the Secret Pond, the new weeping wall, and the mediation pond with the sundial patio. While walking the property, you will note many different animals incorporated into the landscape. Challenge yourself to see how many “creatures” you can count.

The creative people involved in the garden have become extended family to Hank and Mauree. Family and extended families are a beautiful thing and because of these projects they have bonded to create a wonderful retreat for them and those who are fortunate to visit.

Landscape Designer/Gardeners: Hank and Mauree Booth, Sharon Holt, Renee Byrd Installation: Tim Brown, Jay Moody, Sharon Holt, Anna and Renee Byrd Water Features: Bob Dews and Tim Brown

Garden Party

Atop Cow Rock sits the home of Sharon and Stephen Bryant with a spectacular vista of Sapphire Valley. This garden lives up to its name with the welcome of creative potted plants flanking the front added with the surprise of various visual treats beyond. The garden takes advantage of existing topography where both native and added plants blend into the natural landscape giving depth throughout the season. Favorite plants include the dahlias, crocosmia, Annabelle hydrangeas and the Solomon’s Seal. Every year the Bryants love to make changes to the annuals, and let nature take its course.

The waterfall that meanders along the back of the property is an effective way to navigate the rough and sloping terrain. The wildflowers within lend vibrate color to the yard to soften the hardscape. Do not miss the fire pit where one can enjoy the sounds of the stream, lush plants, butterflies and the distant mountain views…what setting could be better for a “Garden Party”!

Landscape Designer/Gardener: Byrd Landscaping Design and Grandy Mountain Farm and Landscapes

Ushuata

Ushuata is a Cherokee word meaning where civilization ends and dreams begin and this garden could not be more appropriately named. Welcome to the garden

and home of George and Judy Dixon.

In the words of the Landscape Designer/ Gardener, Edmund Taylor, Ushuata is an eclectic garden with a balance of formal and more naturalistic elements containing a wonderful diversity of plant material. It takes complete advantage of the exceptional site, providing a visual feast ranging from glorious panoramic mountain views to an intimate woodland ramble. During your stroll through the garden, you will find something to delight as you walk from the large stone stacked gates to the expansive back yard. A tufa collection features miniature conifers and alpines, native azaleas dell, mixed borders set against extensive stone work, cutting garden, herb garden, and water features.

One of the Dixons’ favorite plant is the dwarf conifer which grows in both the natural rock and woodland garden. They have found mountain gardening to be especially rewarding due to the abundant rainfall and cooler temperatures which allow the garden to showcase a greater diversity of plants than is normal for a garden in the South. Enjoy the stroll and sweet dreams!

Landscape Designer/Gardener: Mary Palmer Dargan/Edmund Taylor Water Features: Bob Dews

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The Garden Shops

Friday, July 16 | 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. and 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. Saturday, July 17 | 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

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ne of the highlights of this summer in Cashiers is the Joy Garden Tour benefiting The Village Green, July 16-17.

Along with the tour of beautiful private gardens, the Garden Shops are open to everyone from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M.. and also 5:00-7:00 P.M. Friday, July 16 and from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, July 17 at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. Shoppers can browse the selections from more than 35 vendors. A boutique experience of choice items appeals to garden and floral enthusiasts but the shops also include a discriminating collection of personalized items, gourmet food, distinctive home accessories, clothing, jewelry and more.

Jewelry Isabelle K. Olga King 28 | Events at The Village Green 2021

Detra Kay Designs Susan’s Jewelry Drema Farmer Jewelry Design Barb Clawson Designs JSJ Designs Garden It’s for the Birds (Birdhouses) The Rose Gardener Mountain Life Services Little Flowering Mountain Home Accessories, Accents and Gifts Seaside Decor Ceramics Carolina Shores Natural Soap Mountain Man Cave Honey Teepees by Linday’s Loft B Invited Catch All Living Somnvie Tropical Tapestry

The WW Collection Tied With a Bow Highlands Wine Shoppe Clothing Carolyn Wicher Silk Handpainted Scarves Indo-Chic Bee Bags and Such/Bella Cotn Le Fashion Cottage Yatra Collection Manastash Mercantile Carson & Co. The Classic Baby The Patrice Collection Pottery, Glass and Metal Art FireMoss Pottery Pottery by Julie T Byrd Mountain Pottery David Russell Greg’s Antiques and Garden

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Joy Garden Tour Benefactors As of May 15, 2021

Hydrangea Mr. and Mrs. Keith Crosthwaite Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Joe Pryse Mr. and Mrs. T. Wayne Davis

Trillium

Dahlia

Patrons

Margaret Bell

Elizabeth Alsobrook

Kimberly Bailes

Debbie Bennett

Paige Barnes

Claire Barry

Mr. and Mrs. William Canby

Linda Benge

Jane Fox

Mr. and Mrs. David Cooper, Sr.

Nancy Caswell

Linda Hughes

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Flautt

April Cohen

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Freeman

Ann Culberson

Sandra Gacio and Michael Kotler

Ann Frierson

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Harper

Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Hayes

Barbara Hock

Mr. and Mrs. Ron Keller

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hudson

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Keller

Velda Hughes

Dr. and Mrs. Frank Kelly

Martha Ingram

Lucy Kuhne

Mr. and Mrs. Roger King

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mobley

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sanderson, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. William Moor

Dr. and Mrs. Philip Wirth

Foster North Nancy Pankey Gail Payne Kathleen Rivers Mr. and Mrs. Joe Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Jim Weir Mr. and Mrs. Mack Whittle Jill Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. Allen Davidson

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Judy McCamy Mr. and Mrs. Mel Martinez Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Sponcler Kathy Thompson Ann Wrobleski Mr. and Mrs. Neely Young Mr. and Mrs. John Wean

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Concerts on the Commons

Joe Lasher, Jr.

July - October | 6:30 - 8:30 P.M.

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hile The Village Green will not have the usual “Groovin’ on the Green” outdoor concert series this summer, there will be a modified version. “Concerts on the Commons” will be a limited edition of outdoor and indoor concerts July-October.

Village Green Executive Director Ann Self has already scheduled some outstanding musicians, including a return to the stage by the Nashville artist Joe Lasher, Jr. The concerts will feature favorite groups and perhaps a few new ones as well. The Village Green staff is delighted, too, that they will be able to hold concerts indoors when the weather turns inclement or cooler and when daylight is shorter in the Fall. Like many musical and other venues, the Village Green will be selling “Commons Pods” with reserved concert seating. Village Green leaders are working out the particulars, to accommodate as many residents and visitors as they can safely. An announcement regarding information for Commons Pod sales and other

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concert details will be made in late May or early June. They will also not be allowing tents this year for several reasons.

Live music will return with a “Village Crawl” from 6-8 P.M. Friday, July 16, featuring Nitrograss taking the Commons stage and Spalding McIntosh and Friends performing at the Gazebo near the Cashiers crossroads. The evening will include pop-up boutique shops at the Commons venue along with a wine tasting by the Highlands Wine Shoppe. Food trucks will serve up delicious food to purchase on both sides of The Village Green. Local retailers will be open late and businesses will have special promotions that evening. Sip, savor, shop, and stroll the newly refurbished Cashiers Greenway Ramble for a delightful midsummer night with friends and family.

To learn more about the Concerts On the Commons or the Village Crawl, visit www.

VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/Events.

Kaitlyn Baker

Eat a Peach

Concerts On the Commons Schedule Friday, July 16: Cashiers Village Crawl with Nitrograss and Spalding McIntosh and Friends Friday, July 23: Commodore Fox, Kaitlyn Baker and Joe Lasher, Jr.

Friday, September 4: The Wobblers Friday, September 17: High Five Friday, October 8: TBA Friday, October 22: Hurricane Creek

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Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 2 | 11:00 A.M.

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he Blessing of the Animals is a tradition in the Cashiers community started by the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Cashiers area churches will observe this annual event at 11 A.M. on Saturday, October 2, at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.

Bring a chair to this gathering with animals that features music and prayer in celebration of all God’s creatures great and small. Each animal receives a special blessing.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation for the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society. Besides a monetary gift, items like blankets, rugs, towels, Milk Bones, unscented cat litter and canned dog and cat food are useful as well as 36 | Events at The Village Green 2021

always needed.

The Village Green will provide water and trash cans for the animals, which must be leashed or otherwise secured and under the owners’ control at all times.

The tradition of animal or pet blessings is in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all of God’s creatures. St. Francis, whose feast day is October 4, wrote a Canticle of the Creatures, an ode to God’s living things: “All praise to you, O Lord, for all these brother and sister creatures.”

For more information, contact the Church of the Good Shepherd online at goodshepherdofcashiers.com or by calling (828) 743-2359.

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Leaf Festival

Friday, October 8 - Sunday, October 10

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housands of Leaf Lookers travel through the Cashiers area every October to enjoy the wonderful hues of red, orange and yellow as the trees turn their Autumn colors.

To celebrate this annual event, The Village Green presents the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. The festival features around 75 artisans scattered throughout the 13.2-acre park. Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival will be October 8-10.

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and available for purchase throughout the weekend. Plenty of food and drinks are available in the park.

The festival also includes a special Concert On the Commons at 6:30 P.M. in the Commons Hall. Ticket information can be found on The Village Green website. More live musical performances will be on the Gazebo stage Saturday and Sunday.

For more information and a full schedule of events and activities during Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/Events.

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Goblins in the Green Friday, October 29 | 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

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ake plans to celebrate a frightfully fun Halloween at The Village Green in Cashiers. Goblins In the Green will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. Friday, October 29. Dress up in your favorite silly or scary costume and come to The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. Some ghoulish guests will join the resident spiders and bats in The Village Green for an evening that features loads of activities for kids and their families along with music and dancing.

Among the activities will be a costume

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contest at 7:00 P.M. Prizes will be awarded to the best boy and girl costume, most creative costume, best group costume as well as the best owner and pet coordinating costume.

Goblins in the Green is organized and presented by The Village Green, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. Many area merchants support this event. Goblins in the Green is a free, community wide event for residents and visitors to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

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Gobble On the Green Thursday, November 25 | 9:00 A.M.

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he turkey, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pie, football and family time…so many reasons to love about Thanksgiving!

Did we mention pie?

Each family has its own activities and traditions to look forward to on this holiday. The Village Green presents a 5K Turkey Trot and 1 Mile Fun Run – the Gobble On the Green.

This new Cashiers holiday tradition returns this year after being virtual in 2020. The Thanksgiving Day 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9:00 A.M., with the Fun Run starting at 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, November 25, at The Village Green Commons in beautiful Cashiers.

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Early bird registration for Gobble On the Green 5K is $25 including a race t-shirt through November 10. Late registration, including race day, is $30 with a t-shirt while supplies last.

A Free One-mile Fun Run for children ages 5-10 years begins at 9:30 P.M. While the Fun Run is Free, we’d ask that the kids register online or on Race Day. T-shirts may be purchased separately.

In addition to Overall and Age Group awards, prizes will be given for the most creative and holiday festive/creative costumes.

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Christmas on the Green

Friday, November 26 - Saturday, November 27

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he Village Green will add some sparkle to your holidays on Friday, November 26, and Saturday, November 27, with the annual Christmas On the Green Celebration. After a day of feasting, make your spirits merry and bright with a visit to The Village Green.

Visit the Cashiers Mistletoe Market, a new event featuring artisan vendors with a unique assortment of handcrafted Christmas gifts, food, and decorations. The market will be from 2:0 0 -5:0 0 P.M. Friday, November 26, and Saturday, November 27, at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road next to the Cashiers Post Office. Among the great gift finds, you can purchase this year’s commemorative Village Green Christmas Tree ornament at the Mistletoe Market.

Come share your Christmas wishes with Santa from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. on Friday, November 26, in the new Commons Hall.

The jolly fellow will visit with children of all ages. Visit the Events Page on The Village

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Green website to reserve your time slot – VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/events The festivities also include the annual Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting from 5:30 to 6:30 P.M. Friday, November 26, at the Gazebo near the Cashiers Crossroads. Visit the food truck for warm and tasty treats or a quick bite. The evening features holiday music, but the highlight of the day will be when the switch is turned on to illuminate the 65foot spruce in the center of Cashiers followed by thousands of twinkling lights throughout the village core. This year the Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting and Village Lights celebration is a collaboration between the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce and The Village Green.

Stroll the pathways of The Village Green at the crossroads of Cashiers throughout December to enjoy the breathtaking light display. The Village Lights will be turned on until early January 2022.

Christmas on the Green Schedule

Friday, November 26 Mistletoe Market 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Santa on the Green 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Christmas Tree Lighting / Village Lights 5:30 – 6:30 P.M.

Saturday, November 27 Mistletoe Market 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Village Lights Display November 26 - January 2022

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Event Hosting P

lan your next birthday party, family reunion, corporate event, neighborhood gathering, wedding or other private function in The Village Green.

The beauty of the 13+-acre park and its distinct venues create a memorable setting for your special occasion. The Village Green is flexible for all kinds of themes and setups.

The Village Green has three venues that offer unique vistas and experiences perfect for an unforgettable event. The Gazebo is an open-air pavilion with a spacious lawn near the crossroads of Cashiers. The Pavilion is a rustic picnic structure in the center of the park with tables and a charcoal grill.

The Village Green Commons is a majestic event space designed and constructed with 30-foot ceilings, a stained concrete floor, two garden courtyards, and massive hand-carved beams connected with mortise and tenon joinery.

The expansive open space of the Commons Main Hall with stacked-stone fireplace

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provides a stunning location for your special event. The venue also features two smaller rooms, a catering pantry, green room and a state of the art audio-visual system. Venue rental can include the use of the Commons outdoor attached pavilion and lawn.

During spring and summer, The Village Green blossoms with native azalea, rhododendron and lupine, as well as roses and hydrangeas. The spectacular dahlia garden blooms into early fall. Winter is a secret season with its own lovely and peaceful landscape. The beauty of The Village Green inspires creativity to events memorable and unique.

“Everyone loves a party,” says Executive Director Ann Self, “What better place to celebrate than in the delightful green heart of Cashiers!”

If you would like to know more about The Village Green hosting a wedding or special event, email info@cashiersgreen.com or call (828) 743-3434.

Volunteer at the Green L

ooking for fun, fresh air and an opportunity to make a difference? Consider volunteering with The Village Green!

If you appreciate this 13-plus acre emerald treasure in the heart of Cashiers that offers recreational, cultural and educational activities for residents and visitors, you’ll find this to be a rewarding way to serve in the community. A wide range of options are available for every interest and level of time-commitment from special event support to working on park projects or helping with general administrative tasks. When you volunteer, you’ll discover another meaningful and satisfying reason to spend more time

in The Village Green.

In addition to walking paths, beautiful gardens, woodland and wetland trails and children’s playground, this local gem is also the location of numerous community festivals, concerts and events. Volunteers play a key role in advancing the mission of The Village Green to enrich the legacy and lifestyle of Cashiers. There are many rewards to volunteering like sharing knowledge and making new friends, but the greatest benefit is making our community a better place.

To learn how to get involved email director@cashiersgreen.com.

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Advertiser’s Index A-List Antiques............................................... 34

Main Street Nursery....................................... 53

Around Back at Rocky’s Place ................... 35

McKee Properties.......................................... 11

Bella Cotn Boutique...................................... 39

Mountain Mermaid....................................... 57

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services.............. 7

Mountainworks................................................ 2

Betsy Paul Properties .................................... 38

Old Edwards 2021 Events at The Farm........ 52

Black Bear Lodge............................................ 5

Old Edwards Inn & Spa................................. 59

Black Rock Granite....................................... 15

Peak Experience .......................................... 34

Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery......................... 43

Rent in Highlands........................................... 39

Brookings........................................................ 38

Rusticks........................................................... 22

Cashiers Farmers Market.............................. 57

Silver Creek Real Estate Group.................... 60

Cashiers Kitchen Co..................................... 49

Sothebys, Andrea Gabbard / Sheryl Wilson... 19

Dargan Landscape Architects.................... 35

Spoiled Rotten .............................................. 35

Four Seasons Landscape............................. 38

Summer House by Reeves........................... 10

GlenCove........................................................ 3

Stork’s Wrap, Pack and Ship ....................... 43

Half-Mile Farm................................................ 14

Tampa Bay Trust Company......................... 31

Happy Hikers.................................................. 53

TJ Bailey’s....................................................... 18

Highlands Aerial Park .................................. 35

The Village Hound......................................... 47

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.6

Town & Country General Store.................... 43

Highlands Lawn & Garden .......................... 48

Vivianne Metzger Antiques.......................... 45

Highlands Playhouse .................................... 34

Vyve Broadband........................................... 57

Highlands Rock Yard .................................... 48

WHLC.............................................................. 45

Jackson County Parks & Recreation.......... 49

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro......... 44

Josephine’s Emporium................................. 34

Zoller Hardware............................................. 49

Lakeshore Marina.......................................... 44 Landmark Real Estate................................... 23 Laurel Magazine............................................ 56

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