Issue 048 March 2015 Dashboards and Saddlebags the Destination Magazine™

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The History of Scottish Games Page 16

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Dashboards and

MARCH 2015 Issue 48

The Destination Magazine

W

e Tell you where to go!

Whether you are a long time resident or new to the area, you’ll find destinations here that will have you saying “I never knew that was there.”

We a r e v e r y s e l e c t i v e o f o u r m arket ing part ners a s well a s our editor ial content. If we cannot be proud of the content submitted to us we will not put it in Dashboards and Saddlebags Magazine, period.

If you are looking for new destinations to explore on your own, or ideas for things to do w ith friends and family you will find something new each month in your destination magazine.

We know we are on to something!

Lisa & Andy Jay Publishers Produced by: Photodude.net LLC Sales: Lisa Jay, Steven Shober Contributing Writers: Lisa Jay, Jim Stallard, Project 543, Visit NC, Craig Distl, Sarah Slam Contributing Photographers: PhotodudeART. com, Bill Russ, Paul Newton, RomanticAsheville.com Cover: Craig Distl

Page 16

Page 21

Page 23

Page 28

CONTENTS DayTrip Destinations

6

The History Of Scottish Games

16

Latta Celtic Festival And Concert Fundraiser

21

Tour The Ghost Village On Portsmouth Island

22

Young And Old Enjoy Surry Fiddlers Convention

23

Along The Way

26

‘Wheels’ Looking Forward To Record Breaking 2015

28

The list of events in this publication is compiled from various sources dates & times are tentative & subject to change.

Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™ is published by Photodude.net LLC 369 Dovefield Drive Summerfield, NC 27358 (704) 706-2365 www.DashboardsandSaddlebags.com ©2015 All rights reserved.

Photodude.net LLC Publisher, Agents & Advertisers do not necessarily condone any activities or advertisement listed in this magazine. The Publisher and its officers, employees, agents, volunteers, and sponsors are not responsible for any loss or damage which might be associated with patronage of any party named in this publication, and is not responsible for any Act of God such as inclement weather, fire, flood, natural or man-made disaster, etc., that are out of the control of the Publisher, which affect the publishing of this magazine.

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Destinations

DayTrip Destinations Beertopia - A Festive Utopia of Beer Sat. Mar. 7th Beertopia is in its seventh year! It is always held the Saturday before Saint Patrick’s Day weekend in March from 2-6pm. It is held in the parking lot behind grapevine, located at 1012 Market Street in Fort Mill, 5 miles south of Charlotte just off of I-77 exit 85 in Baxter Village. We know this isn’t in North Carolina but it’s just minutes over the border and our favorite breweries in Charlotte will be there!! www.mygrapevineonline.com Lake Norman Brew Ha Ha Tour 11:30am - 4:30pm Sat. Mar. 7th 8700 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. You will board a luxury motor coach and be greeted by our friendly staff. Our tour includes four unique breweries: Bayne, Ass Clown, D9 & Primal Brewery. Four flights will be given away as door prizes (one by each brewery) (a $28.00 value). Two free souvenir pint glasses from Bayne and Primal (a $14.00 value). Free craft beer tastings are also included. Complimentary bottled water will be available on the bus. We return to the T.MAC, 4:15PM. Complimentary appetizers will be served for dinner. www.charlottespecialevents.com Cape Fear Beer Fest 1pm - 5pm Sat. Mar. 7th Wilmington Convention Center - 515 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. The Cape Fear Beer Festival offers unlimited tasting of top quality beers made by the world’s most enthusiastic and enterprising brew masters. Served right here in Wilmington, tasting, sampling and education is at the core of the CFBF experience. Responsible and educated consumption and admiration for the art of brewing is what the CFBF is all about so come sip and enjoy this unique craft beer experience! www.capefearbeerfest.com NC Food Truck Rodeo 12pm - 4pm Sun. Mar. 8th Grove Winery and Vineyards - 7360 Brooks Bridge Road, Gibsonville, NC 27249. The NC Food Rodeo features seated dining areas, free admission, free parking, entertainers, kids activities, locally grown Grove wines and locally made beer. www.grovewinery.com Sip & Seek Bridal Show 1pm - 4pm Sun. Mar. 8th Historic Rural Hill - 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. The “Sip & Seek Bridal Show” will be an intimate setting for brides and vendors to meet while enjoying complimentary wine, food, and door prizes. This show will give bridesto-be an oppor tunit y to get to know local vendor s and see their capabilities, as well as seek out wedding inspiration through vendors and throughout the venue. Vendors attending include caterers, bar services, bakeries, photographers, wedding planners, DJ/musicians, florists, hair & makeup artists, a rental company, and venue director. This exclusive wedding-style event is free with pre-registration by March 2 or only $1 to attend without registration. For additional information, call, email or check our website. www.myrhevent.com Continued On Page 8

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Destinations Continued From Page 6

Fontana Classic Bass Tournament Sat. Mar. 14th - Sun. Mar. 15th Presented in partnership with the Daniel Boone Council, Boy Scouts of America, Early registration is $150 per boat and ends on March 5th. www.fontanavillage.com Celtic Festival Sat. Mar. 14th–Sun. Mar. 15th Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC 28078. Celebrate all things Celtic at the third annual Latta Celtic Festival. Enjoy authentic cuisine, brew, mu s ic, vend or s, his tor ical d em ons tr ations and m ore! This fam ily friendly event offers children’s activities including pony rides and face painting. Admission: $8 Adults, $7 Seniors/Students, Children five and under are FREE. www.lattaplantation.org Emerald Isle St. Patrick’s Festival 9am–6pm Sat. Mar. 14th Emerald Plantation Shopping Center–8700 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. The festival features more than 75 arts and crafts vendors, plus clowns and static displays along with amusement rides, a climbing wall, face painters, and many other fun, family-oriented activities. As always, the festival will feature delicious foods such as corned beef and cabbage, shrimp burgers, hamburgers and hot dogs, Mediterranean cuisine, BBQ, funnel cakes, fried peanuts, cotton candy and much, much more. Festival goer s can also enjoy a beer garden. www.emeraldislestpatricksfestival.com Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Wearin’ O’ the Green Festival 10am–7pm Sat. Mar. 14th 400 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

The Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Wearin’ ‘O the Green Festival Parade celebrate the great St. Patrick and Irish and Celtic traditions and culture. Live music will be on the Shamrock ‘n Roll Stage and Pipers and Dancers will be at the Celtic Street Stage all afternoon! www.raleighstpats.org Highlands Annual Chili Cook-Off 6:30pm - 9:30pm Sat. Mar. 14th Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center - 869 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741. Looking to heat things up a little on a cold March night? Bearing secret home recipes and stock pots filled with chopped onions, chili powder and a variety of other ingredients, veteran and novice chefs are planning to spice up your evening. In addition to the spicier side of the night, there will cornbread recipes to complement the chili, salsas to cleanse your palate, cold beverages to cool you off, and the great sounds of the Southern Highlands Band. Wear your dancing shoes because you are guaranteed to get so caught up in the festivities that you will want to dance the night away, not to mention burn off all those calories. www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com Stop, Sip & Savor Wine Hop Sunday, Mar. 15, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC 28761. Blaze your own trail to four unique & boutique wineries!

Purchase your ticket online & then start the journey by collecting your

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Destinations hop card at any of the participating wineries -- Belle Nicho Winery and South Creek Winery in Nebo, Lake James Cellars in Glen Alpine, and Silver Fork Winery in Morganton. Then sip as you collect a stamp at all four. At your fourth winery you visit, receive a unique crafted gift to savor the memories of your journey. By visiting all four wineries, you will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win four $25.00 gift certificates.

All participating wineries are conveniently located off I-40 between exits 94 & 100. www.southcreekwinery.com OBX Taste of The Beach Thu. Mar. 19th-Sun. Mar. 22nd Duck Road, Duck, NC 27949. The Outer Banks Taste of The Beach Weekend is a fantastic way to sample the fare of many fine restaurants on the Outer Banks in one fun-filled, food-centric weekend! Casual chefs to full-on foodie fanatics will revel in innovative culinary opportunities offered up by members of the Outer Banks Restaurant Association. You can indulge in a fancy wine dinner one night and mix with the masses in an organic farm to fork experience the next. Or maybe an intimate cooking class with one of the area’s world class chefs is more your speed. We offer over 60 events over four days at nearly 40 dif ferent venues. www.obxtasteofthebeach.com Continued On Page 10

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Destinations Continued From Page 9

St, Baldrick’s at Aviator Brewing Saturday Mar. 21st 209 Technology Park Lane, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526. Be a hero for kids with cancer! Join this St. Baldrick’s event, and whether you decide to shave your head, volunteer, or donate, we hope you’ll be a part of the excitement. www.stbaldricks.org Kite Festival Sat. Mar. 21st Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513. For kids of all ages. Participate in a free kite flying contest and you’ll be eligible for certificates and special awards in a variety of kite flying categories intended for all ages and experience levels. Music, concessions and kite flying fun. www.townofcary.org Bob Timberlake Spring Open House 9am - 5pm Sat. Mar. 21st 1714 East Center Street Extension, Lexington, NC 27292. Come visit the world renowned gallery of artist Bob Timberlake during his Spring Open House.

Bob will be present from 1-4 pm to personalize artwork and items purchased at the Gallery. Showcasing a variety of local artisans, live music, and much more. Come early and enjoy coffee at the Riverwood Coffee Shop. www.bobtimberlake.com Pig in the Park 5pm - 8pm Sat. Mar. 21st 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC 27874. Check out the birds and sample some pork at the 2nd annual “Pig in The Park BBQ Cook-Off” at Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck. Enjoy some great barbeque as well as music and a pie eating contest. Cooks will vie for the title of Pig Champion, while everyone gets to vote for the people’s choice winner. Join in the fun while supporting Sylvan Heights and the birds. www.shwpark.com Hiker Haze at Fontana Village Resort Wed. Mar. 25th - Thu. Mar. 26th 300 Woods Road, Fontana Dam, NC 28733. Attention AT hikers and weekend trail adventurers: Whether you’re coming in off the trail for a couple of “Zero Days” or visiting the Smokies for a weekend in the forest, plan on being at Fontana Village Resort for its second annual Hiker Haze Event. There will be plenty of fun and entertainment scheduled. Check our website for the most up-to-date schedule of events. www.fontanavillage.com Catawba Valley Pottery & Antiques Festival Fri Mar. 27th - Sat. Mar. 28th Catawba County Museum of History, 30 North College Avenue, Newton, NC 28658. More than 100 vendors, Antique southern traditional pottery as well as contemporary pottery. Antique furniture, textiles and fork art. Includes early buying, catering by Southern Supper and live entertainment by the Sigmon Stringers. www.catawbahistory.org 37th Annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest Fri Mar. 27th - Sat. Mar. 28th Newport Town Park - Croatan National Forest, 200 Howard Boulevard, Newport, NC 28570. The USA’s largest whole hog BBQ pig cookin’ contest invites you to join us for two days of food, fun and springtime celebrations.

Continued On Page 14

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Destinations Continued From Page 10

Crafts, variety of foods, BBQ plates, funnel cakes, bake sale, amusement rides, live entertainment and more! Cooking contest with cash prizes! For more information call or visit our website. www.newportpigcooking.com Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention Fri Mar. 27th - Sat. Mar. 28th Surry Community College, 630 South Main Street, Dobson, NC 27017. Friday night begins with a dance featuring three great old-time bands, cake walks, 50-50 drawings, and much, more. Saturday’s festivities begin with individual competitions for youth and adults leading to the Convention’s competition for bands Saturday evening. On Saturday, luthier’s will be displaying their craft as well as exhibits from various clubs associated with Surry Community College. The Knight’s Grill will be open on Saturday serving some classic southern dishes. Workshops will also be available on Saturday afternoon. www.surryoldtime.com Beer & Bacon Fest Sat. Mar. 28th The Koka Booth Amphitheater at Regency Park, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518. Last Year’s Festival was a huge hit but it was just the beginning! Cary’s Porkiest Playtime returns and this time it will be even better. The all-you-care-to-taste extravaganza comes complete with the best craft beers for your tasting pleasure... and of course the food of the Gods: BACON. www.beerandbacon.com WNC Orchid Society Show Sat. Mar. 28th - Sun. Mar. 29th Pisgah National Forest, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806. The popular juried plant show will also feature award-winning orchid vendors, many of whom are nationally recognized growers and hybridizers. Rare and unusual plants, specialty lighting and orchid supplies will be available for purchase.

The WNC Orchid Society will host its annual show. www.ncarboretum.org Burly Beers and Barleywines Festival 12pm - 4pm Sat. Mar. 28th Sierra Nevada Brewing Co - Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher, NC 28732. The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild has partnered with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. to invite more than 50 breweries to join us at Sierra Nevada’s new brewery in Mills River, NC, for the inaugural Burly Beers and Barleywines Festival. All participating breweries will bring their heartiest brews for you to enjoy.

Many of the breweries will be offering their beer for the first time in North Carolina, making this a unique opportunity to taste their brews. We’ll have a bountiful spread of food from our newly opened taproom alongside them. www.sierranevada.com The NC Pickle Festival Princess Pageant Sun. Mar. 29th Paramount Theatre - 139 South Center Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. The NC Pickle Festival Princess Pageant has been featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” MTV, Pageantry Magazine and more! The 2014 NC Pickle Princess Court will be an honored guest at the 2015 North Carolina Pickle Festival a n d m a n y o t h e r e x c i t i n g e v e n t s t h r o u g h o u t t h e y e a r. www.goldsboroparamount.com Continued On Page 30

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The History Of Scottish Games

M

odern Scottish Festivals have their roots in the middle ages. We have reports of athletic competition (“Games”) at many times and places when people gathered together; fairs, military musters (“wapenschaws”), even funerals! Games which now feature track and field events, music, and dance have been held in the village of Ceres (in Fife) since shortly after the battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Scottish Games as we know them today began to develop in 1781 when the Highland Society of Falkirk sponsored prize money and trophies for competitions in dancing, piping, and athletics during the town’s Fall Fair. In 1818 a Games was presented in St. Fillan’s with piping, athletics, and dancing (including the Sword Dance for the first time). Within a few years Gatherings were being held at many towns throughout Scotland.

Many of these Gatherings are still being held today.

The increasing popularity of these events eventually led to attempts to standardize the rules of competition and judging. Sanctioning bodies were formed to develop uniform rules and maintain records, Highland dancing, piping, and drumming teachers and judges stand for regular examinations to maintain their certification. With renewed interest in Scottish harp and fiddle their sanctioning organizations are seeing new growth.

As Scots immigrated to far-flung lands they took their sport and culture with them. Tradition tells us that Games were held near Ellerbe,

Continued On Page 18

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2014 Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games – April 18-19, 2015 – www.lochnorman.com

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Continued From Page 16

North Carolina in the late 1700s; most sources st ate t hat the first Games in the U.S. were presented by Scottish emigrants living in Boston in 1853. One source doe s st ate that the Boston Scots had been meeting for “traditional games” for several years before that.

There is also a description of the “First Sportive Meet” of the Highland Society of New York in the Emigrant and Old Countryman of October 19, 1836 which gives some indication that regular competition took place during the first half of the 19th Century.

Celebrating more than 250 years in history…

R

ural Hill is located at 4431 Neck Road (off Beatties Ford Road) in Huntersville, 28078. The former homestead of Major John and Violet Davidson, the 265 acre site is maintained and promoted by Historic Rural Hill Inc. and features annual events such as the Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games, the Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze, the Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials, and the NC Brewers and Music Festival. Historic Rural Hill Inc. is a non-profit organization supported through membership and donations, and with proceeds from its events utilized for the preservation of Historic Rural Hill and its education efforts. For more information on events or for financial support accepted securely online, please visit www.ruralhill.net.

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By 1861 at least three other Caledonian Clubs had joined Boston – New York, Philadelphia, and Newark, New Jersey. The Civil War delayed the spread of these events, but by 1875 Highland Games were being held in at least 125 communities across America. These “Caledonian Games” generally included competitions in dancing, music, and athletics; the athletics could include foot races, hurdle races, wrestling, pole-vaulting, high and long jump, hop, skip and jump, putting the heavy stone, throwing the hammer and the light and heavy weights and turning the caber.

With the rise in intercollegiate athletics in the late 1800s participation at Scottish Games went into a decline.

Many events folded; the ones that survived refocused on their cultural heritage and expanded to become Festivals. Games and Festivals offer competition focused on traditional Scottish athletic events, dance and music; they have expanded to include “fun” competitions, non-competitive tests of skill and strength, and historical re-enactments.

The Scottish Games in the United States have grown because many people of Scottish descent still feel the pull of their ancestral homeland and heritage. The Games provide a connection to that heritage. For many, going to the Games is like going home to a family reunion.

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Latta Celtic Festival And Concert Fundraiser

C

elebrate St. Patricks day March 14th & 15th at Historic Latta Plantation featuring all things Celtic! Enjoy authentic cuisine and brews including the one and only Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Listen to an array of Celtic music including local artists’ Lake Norman Pipers, Thistledown Tinkers, Sterling Bridge, and Irish Temperance. Shop with celtic vendors and enjoy the grounds of the 215 year old Cotton Plantation! Learn of celtic history and the Latta family who originated from Ulster Ireland! Meet the farm animals and see exhibits and demonstrations throughout the weekend!

Childrens activities and crafts will also be available for your families enjoyment.

The Latta Celtic Concert Fund-raiser is an evening under the stars accompanied with Celtic food vendors and local breweries. Bands including the Thistledown Tinkers, Sterling Bridge, Loch Norman Pipes among others will play throughout the evening for an intimate crowd. Usually this is a time for folks to sit, relax, and enjoy the spring weather out along the plantations grounds. The concert runs Saturday, March 14th only from 6pm-9pm. Tickets are $10 per person (children 5 & under are FREE) and ALL proceeds go towards Latta Place Inc. the 501(c)3 non-profit organization that manages programs and operations held at the 215 year old home.

Historical Latta Plantation 5225 Sample Road Huntersville, NC 28078 www.lattaplantation.org

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Tour The Ghost Village On

T

#111

he Village of Portsmouth was once one of the most thriving communities on North Carolina’s Crystal Coast but it was destroyed by a hurricane that didn’t land anywhere near the island. Portsmouth’s buildings, sandy streets and docks appear to remain ready to welcome ships passing through Ocracoke Inlet today, but all of its residents deserted long ago. The town was victim to the natural forces that shape North Carolina’s barrier islands, known as banks. Portsmouth was a “lightering” town, providing warehouses and transfers for goods that deep-draft ships could not carry through the shallow inlet, which was the best ocean passageway to the interior of North Carolina. Portsmouth was doomed by a hurricane, but not by damage from the storm itself. The hurricane of 1846 opened up a better passage through the Outer Banks near Hatteras Island and shipping transferred to the new channel. The growth of railroads, the Civil War and additional hurricanes dealt the final blows until the last remaining residents left in 1971.

Portsmouth Island is now part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. The 250-acre historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and preserved to allow visitors to step back in time to experience the bones of a typical Outer Banks Project 543 tells the story of village of the last century. Several of unique spots across North the town’s buildings contain exhibits, Carolina we hope will become and guided walking tours are available some of your favorite places. seasonally. Ferry service is offered Why 543? Because that’s the from neighboring Ocracoke Island to number of miles from Manteo, on the coast, to Murphy, in the tour the structures, and visitors can mountains, and is traditionally also bring their own boats to enjoy considered to be the width of the island’s desolate beach as part our state. The entries in this of a vacation to the North Carolina project are in no particular coast. A Portsmouth Homecoming order, and we’ll add to them takes place every other year in the each week. Check in often to even-numbered years. find inspiration for your next

trip, or start planning today at VisitNC.com.

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Kenny Hooker

Young And Old Enjoy Surry Fiddlers Convention

W

hether young or old, all it takes is a love of traditional North Carolina music to enjoy the sixth annual Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, March 27-28 in Dobson.

and showing an interest so that it will continue in the future.”

B uc k ne r i s e s p e c i a l l y fon d of Friday evening’s dance because it replicates the atmosphere of those many evenings across the region when The event is held at Surry Community folks gather for music, dancing and College and celebrates Surry County’s fellowship. stature as the center of the old time musical genre.

This year’s Friday evening bands are: Round Peak Ramblers, Slate Mountain Convent ion h igh l ight s i nclude Ramblers and the New Ballard’s a Friday night dance with three bands, Branch Bogtrotters. a Saturday full of jam sessions, fiddling Continued On Page 25 competitions, banjo competitions and band competitions, plus multiple workshops Saturday led by expert artists renowned in the world of old time music.

One of the most interesting aspects is the amount of youngsters who excel at this time-honored way of playing music.

“When we began the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, the desire was to make sure we were documenting and sharing this style of music,” says Buck Buckner of the convention committee.

“What’s great is how many young people have embraced it. They’re coming out DashboardsandSaddlebags.com 704-706-2365

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Fiddlers Continued From Page 23 Cake walks are a popular aspect of Friday’s festivities. Entry fee is $1 and participants walk around a circle of numbers. When the music stops, a number is drawn and the person standing on the winning number receives a home-made cake.

Kenny Hooker

“It’s kind of old-fashioned, but it really fills up the dance floor,” Buckner says.

Saturday’s activities also include a youth dance competition and luthier displays.

Youth and adult competitions fill the day Saturday, along with the workshops. This year’s workshops will be led by the following experts: Steve Kilby of Independence, Va. (guitar workshop); Debbie Gitlin of Winston-Salem (fiddle workshop); Mac Traynham of Floyd, Va. (banjo workshop); and Samantha Wilhelmi of Mount Airy (traditional dance workshop).

Admission charge $5 daily, with children 12 and under admitted at no charge. Saturday’s contestants also get in free.

Hours are 7-11pm. Friday, and 11am. – 11pm.

Saturday.

For information on the Surry Old Time Fiddlers Convention, call (877) 999-8390 or visit: www.surryoldtime.com For lodging: www.VerySurry.com

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Photos from

Along the Way

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‘Wheels’ Looking Forward To Record Breaking 2015

W

heels Through Time would like to send out a big “Thank You” to all of our visitors, friends, and family for helping make 2014 our best year yet! Last year, we had the pleasure of hosting over 120,000 visitors through our doors — the action was non-stop, and each and every person that made us a destination lent a hand in our success.

“What’s In The Barn?” is back for a 3rd on Velocity TV, chasing Dale and Matt across the country in search of rare and historic machines for display inside the museum. This season, Dale heads south to Texas for one of the World’s biggest swapmeets then to Michigan for a high-class automotive show that brings him back to the previous home of one of the world’s rarest motorcycles. They chase down uncertain lead in North Georgia to a “Bike House”, and are blown away at what they find! Eight more episodes begin airing in late spring. A new “What’s in the Barn?” Exhibit will also be opening in May of 2015, showcasing many of the finds from season 3!

The museum is always thinking of new ways to continue making experiences of our visitors better each year.

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The “Bike House” was found during season 3 of “What’s In The Barn?” after Dale follows a lead to rural North Georgia.

In 2015, we’ll be bringing involvement of our patrons to a whole new level.

This coming year, visitors will have a the opportunity to lend a hand in the rebuild and restoration a very special machine — the 2016 WTT Raffle Bike, to be raffled of in November 2016.

Construction has already begun, and we’ll be relying on you to get this one ready for the road.

WTT is also planning a gala fundraiser for The Home Depot Foundation, whose mission is to improve the homes and lives of our U.S. military veterans and their families. The museum has long been a supporter of all of our veterans, and looks to expand that support this 2015. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Foundation, who spends

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millions annually to for veterans in our communities.

Perhaps the biggest news for 2015 is the Wheels Through Time MEGA RAFFLE! Wheels Through Time and the Amelia Island Charities will be offering a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to own one of the rarest and most significant motorcycles in the world — the 1936 Crocker Hemi Twin. This machine — the 8th Crocker of less than 70 produced — remains the earliest running production Crocker in existence, has been heralded by experts as one of the world’s most significant motorcycles.

A full feature story and details of the raffle are coming soon. This is one drawing you don’t want to miss!

Here it is!!! The 1936 Crocker Hemi #8 is the Grand Prize of the WTT Mega Raffle.

More information coming soon!

Wheels Through Time will be opening for the 2015 season on April 2nd.

Please stay tuned for a full list of events on the museum’s website coming soon.

For more information about the 2015 season, “What’s In the Barn?”, WTT’s Home Depot Foundation Gala, or the WTT Crocker MEGA RAFFLE, visit www.WheelsThroughTime.com or contact us at 828 926-6266.

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Destinations Continued From Page 14

NC Herring Festival Fri Apr 3rd - Sat. Apr 4th Jamesville, NC. For more than 60 years crowds have gathered on the banks of the Roanoke in Jamesville to celebrate the arrival of spring with friends, family, food and fun! www.ncherringfestival.com Eggstravaganza at the NC Zoo Sat. Apr 4th - Mon Apr 6th 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205. Eggstravaganza features Zoo animals hunting for treats in their exhibits. In keeping with the Easter celebration, the treats are hidden inside decorative paper-maché eggs made by Zoo volunteers.

68th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival Wed. Apr 8th - Sun. Apr 12th Each April, a full week of natural beauty, big-name entertainment, festive galas, fun family events and Southern hospitality come together to showcase the charms of the Wilmington area. For community pride and springtime pageantry, the North Carolina Azalea Festival has no equal! www.ncazaleafestival.org Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair Thu. Apr 9th - Sun. Apr 12th 5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord, NC 28027. The world’s largest automotive extravaganza returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway April 9-12. The Charlotte Motor Speedway AutoFair brings together thousands of automobiles, collector car auctions, 10,000 vendor spaces, a massive manufacturer midway and a kids’ play zone. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com Classic Antique Power & Tractor Show Fri Apr 10th - Sat. Apr 11th Benson Chamber Park - 355 J Lee Road, Benson, NC 27504. Large display of antique tractors, equipment & engines, tractor games, parade of power through Benson, heritage demonstrations, consignment auction, Model-T take apart demonstrations, corn hole tournaments, kid’s corner with bouncy inflatables, and swap meet, food and craft vendors, live Civil War camp with C o n f e d e r a t e s s h o o t i n g c a n n o n s, l i ve m u s i c a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t . www.classicantiquepower.com More event listings are available at Dashboardsandsaddlebags.com

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