Christmas in July 2016

30th Anniversary

Christmas in July July 1-2

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION TO

Downtown West Jefferson

Music, Crafts, Food, Children's Activities, Christmas Tree Team Competitions and MUCH MORE!

Christmas in July

Page 2

June 23, 2016

Christmas in July

BY ERIK HOFFMANN erik.hoffmann@mountaintimes.com

T

he first weekend of July, ever since 1987, the streets of West Jefferson come alive with holiday flair.

However, the actual holiday being celebrated is roughly six months away.

For most Americans who celebrate Christmas with a decorated tree in their living room, the chances are better than average that their tree originated in Ashe County, the largest producer of Christmas trees in the United States.

The 2016 Christmas in July Festival will take place July 1 and 2 on the Backstreet in West Jefferson. Admission to the festival is free for everyone.

The Lenz Frienz Band gets things started at 5:30 p.m. July 1 on the Main Stage at the corner of Main Street and Jefferson Avenue. Lawn chairs are welcome and dancing is more than encouraged.

The official festival opening ceremony begins at around 6:30 p.m. with event organizers, town officials and possibly a surprise guest or two. Civil War reenactors will march through town and invite spectators to watch a short skirmish.

The dance floor reopens after the opening ceremony with the musical stylings of Taylon Miller. The Lucky Strikes Band and the Buck Haggard Band will round out the evening’s entertainment playing music through 10 p.m. Food and beverage vendors will be set up offering both hot and cold drinks, food and snacks.

The fun times resume at 9 a.m. July 2 with both the Main Stage and the Community Stage offering entertainment for everyone. The Main Stage will focus on music acts, while the Community Stage concentrates more on performance arts.

The Nothin New Band leads the acts on the Main Stage, followed by the Maybe, Maybe Not Band, BackPorch Bluegrass Band, Jeff Little the Piano Man of the Blue Ridge, Wayne Henderson and Friends, The ClayBank Band, Cly Lundsford and the North Carolina Thumbpickers, The Lonesome Willow Band, The Dollar Brothers and The Amantha Mill Band.

Over on the Community Stage, things start off with the Junior Appalachian Musicians, followed by the dancers from Dancin’ Debbie’s, Taylon Miller, dancers from April’s School of Dance, the Fleet Feet Cloggers, Aubreana and Mountain Grace, Generation Excellent and performers from the Blue Ridge Kung Fu/Arnis

PHOTO BY ERIK HOFFMAN

Main Street will be blocked off for vendors and performers so look for the information tent to find out where the stages are and locations of booths. More than 20 vendors will serve up some tasty sweets, meats and other treats July 1-2. Food vendors will be located on Back Street between Main Street and Ashe Street.

Academy.

Ashe County was named the No. 1 Christmas tree producer in the country, so what would a Christmas festival be without some focus on Christmas trees. Tree bailing competitions will be held hourly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Backstreet Park behind the food vendors. Also at Backstreet Park will be wreath making demonstrations, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Christmas tree displays from local growers will be on display throughout the festival for the public to view, enjoy and vote on as the “Best in Show.” The winner will be announced at the end of the festival. Everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite.

With everything there is to see and do, it makes sense people would need to replenish their fuel cells with some tasty festival treats. Icy cold beverages and deep fried goodies are just the thing to complement two days of Christmas spirit. More than 20 vendors will pack Backstreet and offer not only tasty snacks, but also full meals.

There are slated to be more than 100 vendors selling their wares and works of art. Vendors can be found throughout the festival up and down Backstreet, Main Street, State Street and College Avenue.

The ever-popular Ashe County Farmers Market will also be open Saturday with extended hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Christmastime is typically about children, so what better time to let the children have their fun than at Christmas in July?

Activities from face painting to art-creating stations, sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council, to bounce houses should be more than enough fun for children of all ages to enjoy.

Adding to the flare of the festivities will be roving street performers Professor Whizzpop!, stilt walker Mark Lippard, juggling mime Jef Lambdin and many others.

There is also a rumor that Santa and Mrs. Claus will be touring the streets of West Jefferson throughout the festival.

Another time-honored event during Christmas in July are the Civil War reen-

actments. Join reenactors on a journey back to Ashe County 1865, to the days of brother versus brother and neighbor versus neighbor.

The camp opens for the public at 8 a.m. July 2, at the West Jefferson BowieSeagraves Park. Events throughout the day include a meet-and-talk with the general and a ladies tea hosted by Mrs. Robert E. Lee. The highlight of the day will be the reenactment of the Battle of Boone beginning at 3 p.m. As a special added attraction, there will also be a church service held at the site at 10 a.m. July 3.

Sponsors of the 2016 Christmas in July are SkyLine/SkyBest, the Ashe County Arts Council, the town of West Jefferson, the Ashe Civic Center, the Ashe Chamber of Commerce, Carolina West Wireless, Timothy M. Rector, D.D.S., P.A., Perry’s Gold Mine, American Emergency Vehicles, Mountain Aire Golf Club, Ashe County Cheese Factory, Mountain Town Dental, Dr Pepper, Ashe County Christmas Tree Association and Fleet Feet Cloggers.

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Page 3

Schedule of Events

Happy 4th of July!

Friday, July 1

Stop in and shop our fine selection of:

MAIN STAGE 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. ..............................................................................................Lenz Frienz Band 6:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. ......................................................................................................Taylon Miller 6:45 p.m.- 7 p.m. ...............................................................Opening ceremonies with special guests 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. ..........................................................................................The Lucky Strikes Band 8:30 p.m.- 10 p.m. ............................................................................................ Buck Haggard Band

Antiques, Accessories, Gifts, Object Art, Locally Handcrafted Furniture & Home Decor & more

WEST JEFFERSON BOWIE-SEAGRAVES PARK 6:30 p.m. .......................................... Opening ceremonies and short Civil War reenactment skirmish

Saturday, July 4 MAIN STAGE 9 a.m.- 10 a.m...................................................................................................... Nothin’ New Band 10 a.m.- 11 a.m........................................................................................... Maybe, Maybe Not Band 11 a.m.- noon.......................................................................................... BackPorch Bluegrass Band Noon-1 p.m. .................................................................... Jeff Little the Piano Man of the Blue Ridge 1 p.m.-2 p.m. .................................................................................... Wayne Henderson and Friends 2 p.m.- 3 p.m. ........................................................................................................... ClayBank Bank 3 p.m.- 4 p.m. ........................................................ Lundsford and the North Carolina Thumbpickers 4 p.m.- 5 p.m. .............................................................................................. Lonesome Willow Band 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. ..................................................................................................... The Dollar Brothers 6 p.m.-7 p.m. ...................................................................................................... Amantha Mill Band COMMUNITY STAGE 9 a.m.-10 a.m..................................................................................... Junior Appalachian Musicians 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.................................................................................................. Dancin’ Debbie’s 11:30 a.m.-noon............................................................................................................ Taylon Miller Noon-1:30 p.m. ............................................................................................. April’s School of Dance 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. ................................................................................................ Fleet Feet Cloggers 3 p.m.-4 p.m. ..................................................................................... Aubreana and Mountain Grace 4 p.m.-5 p.m. .................................................................................................... Generation Excellent 5 p.m.-6 p.m. ................................................. Blue Ridge Kung Fu/Arnis Academy of West Jefferson BACKSTREET PARK 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ....................................................................................... Tree bailing demonstrations 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ................................................................................. Wreath making demonstrations WEST JEFFERSON BOWIE-SEAGRAVES PARK 8 a.m. ....................................................................................................... Camp opens for the public 10 a.m. ................................................................................ Ladies tea hosted by Mrs. Robert E. Lee 11 a.m. .............................................................................................. Meet and talk with the general 3 p.m......................................................................................................................... Battle of Boone 5 p.m............................................................................................................ Camp reopens to public

Saturday, July 4 WEST JEFFERSON BOWIE-SEAGRAVES PARK 10 a.m. ..................................................................................................................... Church service

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Christmas in July

Page 4

June 23, 2016

Farmers Market:

Farmers market hours extended for July 2 farmers market has definitely become a destination location in Ashe County. The new director, Lori Goodman, is developing some interesting activities planned for the season this year.”

Some of these activities have already taken place, such as the Ashe County Library Community Read, a fly-fishing expo, a sheep shearing exhibition and a grilling and barbecue demonstration.

The following events will be held in upcoming weeks:

BY JAMES HOWELL james.howell@mountaintimes.com

T

he Ashe County Farmers Market will be open all day on Saturday, July 2, giving festival attendees a taste of what Ashe County has

to offer.

The market will officially open at 9 a.m., and remain open until 7 p.m.

“Christmas in July is always a wonderful day for us,” said Ashe County Farmers Market Manager Lori Goodman. “We will have a mix of vendors at that market, including crafters and growers/producers.”

According to Goodman, only the front of the market will be open for the event, the side facing the Backstreet, in keeping with the festival flow and set up.

The Ashe County Farmers Market welcomed Goodman as its new market manager on March 1. Goodman took the market manager job after past market manager, John Smyre, retired from the market.

Following Smyre’s successful management, Goodman hopes to take the market to new heights, adding some of her own unique flair to improve the market.

• July 9: Fleetwood Folk Band Live!

• July 30: Extension Master Gardener Plant Clinic • Aug. 6: Quilt Day

PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL

Amber Kelley speaks to her 10-year-old daughter, Campbell, on the opening day of the Ashe County Farmers Market on Saturday, April 16.

“The farmers market is very important to the local people of Ashe County wanting fresh produce. But it has a strong appeal

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to the visitors and tourists when they discover it,” said Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Director Cabot Hamilton. “The

The Ashe County Farmers Market started in 1990 with only eight vendors selling their wares regularly.

The market has continually grown since then. Today, 57 vendors are listed on the farmers market’s website.

“The Ashe County Farmers Market is a great asset to downtown West Jefferson,” said West Jefferson Town Clerk Wesley Barker. “The town has always had a great SEE MARKET, PAGE 5

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Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Activities for Children

MARKET FROM PAGE 4 working relationship with the market during the years. I have heard many positive remarks from citizens and visitors alike about the quality of the items the market vendors sell, whether it be crafts, homemade and handmade goods, produce and more.

The farmers market has also been a great addition to the Christmas in July Festival, staying open extended hours on the day of the festival, offering even more variety to patrons visiting West Jefferson during this time. I encourage everyone to visit the farmers market and see all they have to offer.”

For more information about the Ashe County Farmers Market, contact Goodman at (336) 8775052 or visit www.ashefarmersmarket.com.

Page 5

BY JAMES HOWELL james.howell@mountaintimes.com

T

he 30th Annual Christmas in July festival just wouldn’t be the same without a creative place for children to play while mom and dad are looking at crafts.

“We call it Creation Station; it’s hands-on arts and crafts activities for children,” said Jane Lonon, the director of the Ashe County Arts Council.

According to Lonon, the Ashe County Arts Council has had a special area for children to participate in art activities since the second year of Christmas in July, making it a tradition of sorts for the festival.

“I think it’s a nice option at an event like Christmas in July that there will be activities that cater to children,” Lonon said. “Kids will only look at the arts and crafts with their parents or grandparents for so long, they need something on their level, so this is

PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL

Magician Chaz Misenheimer performs a magic trick for Courtney Elledge at Creation Station during the 2014 Christmas in July Festival.

an outlet for them to have fun and be creative.”

Creation Station will take up three lots on the West Jefferson Backstreet during the festival, across from Smithy’s. The children’s hub will feature painting, drawing, mixed media work, and Christmas craft making.

“It’ll just be a variety of fun stuff to get those kids thinking creatively,” Lonon said.

Creation Station will also be a headquarters for the festival’s roaming performers, which includes the Magical Minstrel Dale Brook, Jef from Interactive Theater, stilt walker Mark Lippard, and magician and balloon artist Professor Whizzpop.

Children will also have an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at Creation Station for a unique and fun photo opportu-

nity. After all, what Christmas is July festival would be complete without St. Nick?

Children may also enjoy the inflatable play areas located at Life Store Bank, next to the Community Stage, which will also be more youth oriented.

The Community Stage will feature talented young performers, including Junior Appalachian Musicians, Dancin’ Debbie’s, Taylon Miller, April’s School of Dance, Fleet Feet Cloggers, Aubreana and Mountain Grace, Generation Excellent, and the students of Blue Ridge Kung Fu/ Arnis Academy of West Jefferson.

“The festival is a homecoming on foot for so many people that are walking around Christmas in July,” Lonon said. “It’s such a good promotion for Ashe County, and downtown West Jefferson is a wonderful place to hold the festival. It connects that aspect of the arts and music to everything else that’s going on in West Jefferson and the county.”

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Gates Open . . . . . . . . . . 9 a.m.

Registration . . . . . 7 a.m.-Noon Judging begins . . . .12:15 p.m.

Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 p.m.

ENTRY APPLICATION NAME ________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________ CITY __________________________ STATE _____ ZIP _______________ PHONE ( ) ________________________________________________ MAKE _________________YEAR _____________ MODEL ____________ COLOR _______________________________________________________ CLUBS _______________________________________________________ Pre-Registration $15.00; At the Gate $20.00, Make checks payable to: Heritage Iron Club.

Mail application & check to: Heritage Iron Club, P.O. Box 1727, Jefferson, NC 28640.

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Christmas in July

Page 6

June 23, 2016

Early road closures planned for festival T he Christmas in July Festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. July 1, which will affect traffic throughout downtown West Jefferson throughout the weekend.

Beginning at midnight, June 30, Backstreet between Ashe Street and Main Street will be closed.

On July 1, starting at 7 a.m., traffic cones will be put out on Main Street in the first three to five parking spaces in front of the coffee shop and on the opposite side of the street.

At noon, Main Street between Jefferson Avenue and Backstreet will be closed. Then, at midnight, the following areas will be closed: • Main Street from Jefferson Avenue to Church Street; • Backstreet from Ashe Street to Second Avenue; and • College Street from Main Street to First Avenue.

Center; • College Avenue; • State Street and Jefferson Avenue; • The corner of Long Street and Jefferson Avenue; and • The Ashe County Public Library.

Also, handicap parking will be located at Main Street and Jefferson Avenue, and at Market Street.

Public restrooms will be offered at several locations at the Christmas in July Festival.

Restrooms are located at the following locations:

PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL

Several streets in downtown West Jefferson will be blocked off for this community wide event.

On July 2, all streets in the festival footprint will remain closed to vehicular traffic, except for controlled load in and load out and emergency vehicles.

Several parking locations will be available throughout the town during the festival.

The following parking areas will be available on a first-come, first-served basis: • The corner of Second Street

and Jefferson Avenue; • Two parking lots between First Street and Second Street; • The parking lot across from the Ashe County Cheese Factory; • Ashe County Early Learning

• Near Civil War reenactment in West Jefferson Park; • Across from the Community Stage; • At the end of the craft section, at South Church Street; • At the Ashe County Farmers Market; and • At the corner of State Street and Jefferson Avenue.

For more information, visit the festival headquarters located at the intersection of Main Street and the Backstreet, near the main stage.

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Vendors from Ashe County and around the state set up shop during the 2015 Christmas in July Festival.

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Page 7

Livestock Show features cute animals and kids

BY JAMES HOWELL james.howell@mountaintimes.com

W

ant to see cute animals and even cuter kids? If so, an ideal stop would be the Ashe County 4th of July Livestock Show at the Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs on Saturday, July 2.

The show will allow children 18 and younger to compete against each other by exhibiting livestock. Participants will also lead animals around a ring and answer questions posed by judges; afterward, judges will inspect the animals, similar to a dog show.

This category is called the “Showmanship Category.” Local participants in this category have been working with Extension Agent Micah Orfield for several weeks to prepare for the show.

According to Orfield, preparation for the livestock show is a fantastic way for children to learn more about health and maintenance for different varieties of livestock. Participants learn how to groom their animals properly for the show.

The Showmanship Category will be divided into four age groups: six and

under, 7-9, 10-14 and 15-18.

Other categories have been separated by skill level, and the type of animal being exhibited. They include a novice category, meat & dairy goats, sheep & lamb, beef, dairy and poultry.

Animals will be judged based on their favorability to breed or to be sold at market.

All animals are required to have current health papers; scrapie tags are required for sheep and goats.

Class winners will receive the following premium awards: first place winners will receive $20, second place winners will receive $15 and third place winners will receive $10.

Animals involved in the show will need to have current health papers upon entry.

Otherwise, a judge will evaluate the animal before participating, which may lead to disqualification.

The show will start at 10 a.m.; however, participants will need to arrive at 8:30 a.m. to weight their animals.

The Upper Mountain Research Station is located at 8004 N.C. Highway 88 East in Laurel Springs.

For more information, call Ashe County Cooperative Extension (336) 846-5850.

PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL

The livestock show will feature many cute animals and even cuter kids.

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Christmas in July

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June 23, 2016

PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL

This is one of many Christmas tree fields in Jefferson that shows how much Christmas tree farming is a part of the Ashe community.

Christmas tree contest held during festival

BY JAMES HOWELL james.howell@mountaintimes.com

T

he Christmas in July Festival will stay true to its roots of promoting local Christmas trees by holding the “Best of the Best” Christmas Tree Competition on Saturday, July 2.

“The Christmas in July Festival was started as a way to promote local Christmas trees,” said agriculture extension agent Travis Birdsell. “It’s incredible how much the community has rallied around

the festival throughout the years.”

According to Birdsell, there has been a contest promoting local Christmas trees, in one form or another, since the original Christmas in July Festival held 30 years ago.

This year’s version of the competition will give the “power to the people.” Festival attendees will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite Christmas tree, which will be displayed along the warehouse at Parsons Farms & Supply.

The People’s Choice Award competi-

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tion only began last year, and according to Birdsell, it’s already a smashing success.

The first People’s Choice Award brought in more than 300 voters, choosing between nine submitted trees.

“It’s healthy competition among our growers,” Birdsell said. “Cardinal Tree Farms was our inaugural winner, so we’ll see if they can defend their title.”

The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Because the competition is used to promote local Christmas trees, it’s open exclusively to members of the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association and Ashe County residents.

Local growers interested in participating in the competition will need to deliver their best tree to the festival between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, July 1. Voting will begin at 9 a.m. on July 2, and end at 3 p.m.

According to Birdsell, other Christmas tree-based activities will be held throughout the day on July 2. Tree bailing demonstrations will be held on the hour between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wreath-making demonstration will take place upon request at Backstreet Park.

“It’s the 30th year for Christmas in July, and it’s such an integral part of what happens in Ashe County,” said Ashe County Arts Council Director Jane Lonon. “It’s such an iconic festival for Ashe, to tie it to our Christmas tree industry and celebrate Christmas all year long.

“But to have a street festival of the quality and the reputation that Christmas in July has, and that it has been such a self-

sustained event that’s all volunteer driven and all community driven is really remarkable,” she said.

According to Birdsell, Ashe County is one of the top Christmas tree growers in the nation, with tree sales bringing in more than $85 million each year.

On several occasions, Christmas trees from Ashe County have been selected to be housed in the White House and the N.C. Governor’s Mansion for Christmas.

One of the chief organizations responsible for the growth of the local Christmas tree industry is the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association, a group of family farmers in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains that specialize in growing “the Cadillac of Christmas Trees” — the Fraser fir.

According to information from the association, the Fraser fir is highly prized all around the country because of its aroma, shape, dark green color, excellent needle retention and strong branches capable of carrying heavy ornaments.

Association members also grow a wide variety of other Christmas tree species and nursery stock, along with making and shipping wreaths and garland.

Other association members operate choose-and-cut farms that families from all over the South visit to get their yearly Christmas tree.

For more information on the Ashe County Christmas Tree Association, call Ashe County Cooperative Extension at (336) 846-5850 or email info@ashechristmastrees.com.

Christmas in July

June 23, 2015

Page 9

PHOTO BY ERIK HOFFMAN

Civil War reenactors play a big part in the 2015 Christmas in July Festival.

Civil War reenactment at West Jefferson park

BY JAMES HOWELL james.howell@mountaintimes.com

H

istory comes alive during the 2016 Christmas in July, as spectators are welcome to relive moments of the Civil War in West Jefferson Bowie-Seagraves Park.

The reenactment’s opening ceremony and “short skirmish” will take place at 6:30 p.m.

July 1. Things pick back up at 3 p.m. July 2 with the Battle of Boone.

Civil War reenactors will set up camp in the West Jefferson Municipal Park, where they will be available for photos and discuss what life was like for the soldiers during the battle.

According to www.learnnc.org, from March 28, 1865, to April 26, 1865, Union Gen. George Stoneman led a raid through Western North Carolina and Southwestern Virginia, disrupting the North Carolina Railroad and Piedmont Railroad.

On March 28, the troops in Boone burned down the jail and destroyed the county records. Stoneman’s troops then destroyed Samuel F. Patterson’s cotton mill March

30. Stoneman’s second in command, Gen. Alvan C. Gillem, was ordered to burn the mill down, as it was a source of materials for uniforms and other goods that aided the Confederates.

The following is the schedule of activities for the Civil War reenactment.

JULY 1 MAIN STAGE 6:30 p.m. — Opening ceremony/short skirmish

JULY 2 WEST JEFFERSON BOWIE-SEAGRAVES PARK 8 a.m. — Camp opens for the public 10 a.m. — Ladies tea hosted by Mrs. Robert E. Lee 11 a.m. — Meet and talk with the General 3 p.m. — Battle of Boone 5 p.m. — Camp reopens to public

JULY 3 WEST JEFFERSON BOWIE-SEAGRAVES PARK 10 a.m. — Church service

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Christmas in July

Page 10

June 23, 2016

PHOTO BY JAMES HOWELL

Christmas in July features a variety of unique booths, ranging from vendors to those promoting special causes. During the 2015 festival, local youth Shelby Mayer put together a ‘Save the sea turtles’ booth, offering face painting and free information about the struggles of North Carolina’s sea turtles.

We're a part of your community, we're family.

David Boone Funeral Director/Owner

Sandy Boone Owner

Linda Absher Holman Funeral Director/ General Manager

Todd Roberts Funeral Director Assistant

Randy Black Funeral Director Assistant

Brittany Lawrence Funeral Director Assistant

Jim Hartley Funeral Director

Glenn Mast Funeral Director Assistant

Rev. Larry Shepherd Funeral Director Assistant

Johnny Segraves Funeral Director Assistant

Arveson Wyatt Funeral Director Assistant

D.R. Jones Funeral Director Assistant

FAMILY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES (336) 846-7979 www.boonefuneralhome.com Recorded Obituary (336) 846-2239 2005 Mt Jefferson Road - West Jefferson, NC “A tradition of Quality Service & Fair Prices Backed by the Boone Family Guarantee”

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Page 11

PHOTO BY ERIK HOFFMAN

Christmas tree bailing, along with wreath making, demonstrations are some of the more popular events at Christmas in July.

PHONE: 336-246-2307 • TOLL FREE: 866-246-2307 • FAX: 336-246-2542 • www.RegencyPropertiesNC.com

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Christmas in July

Page 12

June 23, 2016

BAND SCHEDULE

T

he 2016 Christmas in July band lineup features 14 music acts performing on the Main Stage, beginning with the Lenz Frienz Band at 5:30 p.m.

July 1.

The range of music styles range from country and bluegrass to jazz and blues. All concerts are free and open to the public.

JULY 1 5:30 p.m. ................................................................ The Lenz Frienz Band 6:30 p.m. .............................................................................. Taylon Miller 7 p.m. .................................................................. The Lucky Strikes Band 8:30 p.m. ........................................................... The Buck Haggard Band JULY 2 9 a.m. .................................................................... The Nothin’ New Band 10 a.m. ........................................................................Maybe, Maybe Not 11 a.m. ............................................................. The BackPorch Bluegrass 12 p.m. ....................................Jeff Little the Piano Man of the Blue Ridge 1 p.m. ........................................................Wayne Henderson and Friends 2 p.m. .........................................................................The ClayBank Band 3 p.m. .......................................Clay Lunsford and the N.C. Thumbpickers 4 p.m. ............................................................ The Lonesome Willow Band 5 p.m. .........................................................................The Dollar Brothers 6 p.m. ...................................................................The Amantha Mill Band

PHOTO BY ERIK HOFFMAN

Musiclovers are encouraged to bring their chairs, sit back and relax while enjoying the many music acts during the Christmas in July Festival.

5th Annual

Downtown West Jefferson, NC

September 16-17, 2016 Join the fun! The High Country’s largest antique fair of the year.

Several antique & collectable vendors.Quality entertainment, food.

Now taking vendor applications. Reserve your’s now - spaces going fast!

Thousands of people attended last year. Event has tripled in size! New this year! Because of the West Jefferson Centennial celebration this year we are designating an area for arts and crafts made in the mountains.

Examples are handmade furniture, art, crafts, jellies, quilts etc. Items have to be hand made in the High Country. Applications are coming in rapidly from all over. We encourage you to contact us early this year!! Reserve your space today by contacting Keith Woodie / Antiques On Main 336-846-1231 or Debbie Jordan • debmoe@skybest.com 336-977-0398

Moravian Candlelight Service and Love Feast July 3 at 11am Band prelude at 10:30am Celebrate Christmas in July with a traditional Moravian Love Feast Location: Transou United Methodist Church, Hwy 88 Laurel Springs NC 2.7 miles from Hwy 18/88 intersection Next to Upper Mountain Research Farm For information Alleghany: Bill or Jane Ebert 336.372.7451 Ashe: George or Lila Bloodworth 336.846.7038

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Page 13

VOTED

BEST BURGERS IN TOWN! PHOTO BY ERIK HOFFMAN

Local musicians treat festivalgoers to classic mountain melodies during the 2015 Christmas in July Festival.

Music to echo through the festival SPECIAL TO ASHE MOUNTAIN TIMES news@mountaintimes.com

T

he music of several bands will highlight the Christmas in July festival, including BackPorch Bluegrass, Wayne Henderson, ClayBank Band, The Dollar Brothers and Amantha Mill.

BackPorch Bluegrass Whether it’s bluegrass or bluegrass gospel, BackPorch Bluegrass offers a sound that’s both powerful and inspirational, suitable for any porch in Nashville.

Since 2005, BackPorch Bluegrass has undergone several changes, with many great musicians coming and going.

David Culler, the leader and founder of the group, is the only original member who remains from the original lineup.

Culler has progressively grown

PHOTO SUBMITTED

BackPorch Bluegrass.

BackPorch Bluegrass to today’s high quality, hard driving and highly sought after North Carolina-based band.

Culler serves as the band’s front man, providing vocals and guitar play. “(Culler) dishes out a heaping helping of high, lonesome sound with one of the strongest bluegrass voices

in the region,” according to backporchbluegrass.com. “David’s love of bluegrass music inspired him to pick up the guitar in 2004 prior to forming the band.”

Bassist turned dobro player turned banjoist, Tony Joines is also a superb musician. Joines is in his fifth year SEE MUSIC, PAGE 14

Home of Virginia’s Black Ja ck Burger 18 North Jefferson Ave • West Jefferson NC 336.246.3295

Christmas in July

Page 14

MUSIC FROM PAGE 13 with BackPorch Bluegrass, and is a band leader’s best friend, always willing to play or do whatever is necessary. Joines’ career has seen him perform with several other groups in the past.

Although they both play every stringed instrument, Wes Tuttle handles the mandolin/fiddle duties and brings some lead and tenor harmony to the group. Tuttle has played with many professional groups in his time and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the band.

Jim Matthews’ primary role is playing the upright bass and some lead and smooth baritone harmony, but is also called upon from time to time to play fiddle, mandolin and guitar.

Matthews is another great musician with tons of experience playing in bands all

over the country and is steeped in skill in all genres of music.

BackPorch Bluegrass is frequently honored with a special guest, Jacob Joines, 2011 Galax Fiddlers Convention dobro champion and full-time member of the Darrell Webb Band, which makes for an incredible show.

Wayne Henderson’s top-notch fingerpicking is a source of great pleasure and pride to his friends, family and neighbors in Grayson County, Va. Henderson’s guitar playing has also been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of Masters of the Steel-String Guitar and in seven nations in Asia.

In addition to his reputation as a guitarist, Henderson is a luthier of great renown, and a recipient of a 1995 National Heritage Award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts. Henderson produces

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ClayBank Band

Wayne Henderson

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wayne Henderson.

about 20 instruments a year, mostly guitars; he is almost as well-known for the mandolins he has made.

Henderson’s good friend, the late Doc Watson, owned a Henderson-made mandolin.

“That Henderson mandolin is as good as any I’ve had my hands on. And that’s saying a lot, because I’ve picked up some good ones,” Watson had said.

Some of Henderson’s instruments are intricately decorated, but are most respected for their volume, tone and resonance.

Blues guitarist John Cephas said that Henderson “is probably the most masterful guitar maker in this whole United States.”

There is a waiting list for Henderson’s guitars.

Above and beyond his talents as a musician and luthier, Henderson is known as a “friend to everyone” and shares his talents and knowledge unselfishly.

The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition was established in 1995 to express appreciation for this living legend.

A portion of the proceeds from the festival is placed into a scholarship fund to aid local young musicians in continuing their educations.

Through the 2016 festival, scholarships

ClayBank is the reigning RenoFest 2016 South Carolina State Bluegrass Band champions.

From the music rich Blue Ridge Mountains, ClayBank plays traditional bluegrass with a modern twist. This award-winning, four-piece band combines dynamic instrumentation with powerful vocal abilities.

ClayBank is comprised of Gary Trivette on bass, Tyler Thompson on banjo, Jacob Greer on guitar and Zack Arnold on mandolin. They are living proof that raw, young talent combined with a wealth of musical experience and expertise can prevail.

From a hard-driving bluegrass song to an a cappella gospel ballad with impressive harmonies, there’s always something for every listener at a ClayBank show.

“ClayBank, a new bluegrass group from Western North Carolina, is on the move again. This hard-driving young band — with one token veteran — has just signed with Rural Rhythm Records in Nashville.

They expect to complete their debut project this summer for a fall 2016 release,” said John Lawless from Bluegrass Today.

According to the band, your name is how you are identified, who you are, where you are from. ClayBank chose its name to relate to all of these, as band rehearsals take place in the Claybank community of Ashe County.

ClayBank is represented and managed by The Andrea Roberts Agency. For bookings or inquiries, contact Andrea Roberts at (615) 867-4468 or via email at andrea@ andrearobertsagency.com.

The Dollar Brothers The Dollar Brothers are a traditional bluegrass band from Watauga and Ashe SEE MUSIC, PAGE 15

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

ClayBank Band.

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Page 15

MUSIC FROM PAGE 14 counties that provides a high energy, family oriented bluegrass stage show.

Darrell Dollar, lead singer and older brother to Barry and Wade, plays mandolin and has wrote some songs for the band. Barry Dollar plays fiddle and banjo and sings lead and baritone; he is the second of the three brothers. Wade Dollar, the youngest of the three brothers, plays guitar, sings tenor and lead and also plays clawhammer banjo and dobro.

Tim Norris, banjo player, is a cousin to the Dollar Brothers. Norris also sings, plays guitar and the piano.

Band members recently welcomed new bass player and singer J.M. Trivette, from Zionville.

The Dollar Brothers has shared the stage with such luminaries as Bill Monroe, Jim and Jesse, The Seldom Scene, Doyle Lawson, The Osborne Brothers and others.

The Dollar Brothers love doing the standards, as well as doing some of their own compositions on stage. Gospel music is also a very large part of the Dollar Brothers.

The Dollar Brothers has been in bluegrass for more than 25 years, and band members still enjoy what they do and what they share with others.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Dollar Brothers.

Amantha Mill Amantha Mill is a community oriented folk/bluegrass act based out of Boone.

Becca Eggers-Gryder formed Amantha Mill and derived the band’s name from the small mill community of Amantha, N.C., where her family comes from.

Amantha Mill has honed its sound and

YOU’LL SAVOR THE FLAVOR! Stop in today and enjoy the best in-house smoked meats:

Ribs • 1/2 Chickens • Boston Butts • Wings We use an open flame grill for the perfect 1/2lb fresh gourmet Black Angus Burgers!

6

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Happy July 4th!

“Many people remember July 4th in various ways.

West Jefferson is celebrating 30 years of Christmas in July that honors Christmas Tree Farmers.”

Our mountain farmers are very important to our local and state economy.

Come by or call my office any time.

Representative Jonathan Jordan

2

$

Domestics every Thursday

Hours:

336-846-4747

SEE MUSIC, PAGE 16

My door is always open to concerns our farmers have or ideas they want to present.

• Best Wings • Best Burgers • Best Waitress

50¢

ute to mountain music heritage.

Rebecca “Becca” Eggers-Gryder plays bass with Amantha Mill. Eggers-Gryer was born and raised in Boone, and has been an attorney in her family’s law firm for 20 years. She has always had a keen interest and love for folk and bluegrass music.

As a state legislator I want to do everything I can to support our local farmers.

VOTED BEST IN ASHE COUNTY FOR: • Best Restaurant • Best Lunch • Best BBQ

performance to include musical types from traditional bluegrass to swing, cowboy, country and Americana/roots, providing something for everyone.

Each member of Amantha Mill has a long history playing their particular musical instrument. When joined, it all comes together to form tight harmonies and an explosive, energetic sound that pays trib-

Sunday - Thursday: 10:30 am - 9 pm Friday, Saturday: 10:30 am - 10 pm Locally Owned and Operated by Kristin Howell

NC House of Representatives 420 Legislative Office Building 300 N. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27603-5925 919-733-7727 District 93 Office Ashe/Watauga Counties 409-D S. Main Street Jefferson, NC 28640 336-846-1657 Member of the NC Christmas Tree Association Paid for by Committee to Elect Jonathan Jordan

Christmas in July

Page 16

June 23, 2016

MUSIC FROM PAGE 15 As a songwriter, she draws from a deep well incorporating her strongly crafted lyrics into sounds that skirt country, bluegrass and blues, while maintaining the essence of down-home living in her songs.

Bill Helms’ love for music began after hearing the now famous banjo theme from the movie “Deliverance.” Shortly thereafter, Helms began his musical journey with banjo and the guitar.

Throughout his career, he has performed at Carowind’s, co-fronted half of the country duet Marshall and Vaughn and performed at Tweetsie Railroad.

Helms spent seven years in France performing with Grammy-winning artists the Moody Brothers at EuroDisney.

John Cockman is an extraordinary fiddle player with a smooth stylistic flare. He has added a new dimension to the band with his unique and artistic interpretations of the music of Amantha Mill.

Cockman also adds distinctive harmony singing bass.

Cockman has a doctorate in physics and is a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University in Boone.

Kevin Eller has been playing banjo since he was a teenager. Born and raised just

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Amantha Mill.

down the road from acoustic music legend Doc Watson, Eller has been immersed in bluegrass music since he was a child.

Eller is Amantha Mill’s utility man, doing time on both the banjo and the guitar.

He also contributes with harmony and lead vocals.

Eller is currently pursuing his doctorate

degree in accounting at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va. Dustin Petrey has been playing and singing bluegrass and gospel music ever since he was a child. Raised singing in church, Petrey strives to bring energy and passion to his music.

Petrey started learning mandolin when

he was 13 years old, and soon followed with guitar.

Petrey also played in a previous bluegrass band called Standing Ground, along with Eller.

Petrey’s musical mentors include the late Clarence Greene, Mary Greene and Steve Lewis.

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Concerts • Theatre • Gallery • Arts & Crafts Carolina Chamber Symphony Players - American Songbook Ashe Civic Center • July 16, 2016 Ashe Arts Center 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson

Coffee House Live West Jefferson Methodist Church August 20, 2016 962 Mt. Jefferson Road West Jefferson

Downtown wn Westt Jefferson effers ersonn Jef

336-84 33 336-846-9488 846-9488 9488

Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention Ashe Park • July 22-23, 2016

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336.846-ARTS (2787)

www.ashecountyarts.org • www.ashecivic.com

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

Page 17

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Clay Lunsford and the N.C. Thumbpickers will perform 3 p.m., July 2.

Clay Lunsford and the N.C. Thumbpickers SPECIAL TO ASHE MOUNTAIN TIMES news@mountaintimes.com

R

eturning for the 2016 Christmas in July Festival is Clay Lunsford and the N.C. Thumbpickers, who will be playing at 3 p.m. July 2 on the Main Stage.

This group formed in 1999 in order to preserve the heritage of thumb- and finger-

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Jeff Little the Piano Man of the Blue Ridge SPECIAL TO ASHE MOUNTAIN TIMES news@mountaintimes.com

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CENTURY 21 © - REAL ESTATE FOR THE REAL WORLD

style guitar playing.

Lunsford has played for more than 50 years in the style of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis.

Lunsford and his group perform Americana music, mixing fast banjo tunes with guitar instrumentals.

Lunsford and his friends always look forward to performing in front of audiences of all ages.

J

eff Little the Piano Man of the Blue Ridge has performed traditional oldtime country, bluegrass, rockabilly and blues music professionally since the age of 14.

He has worked with a wide range of commercial country artists, including Keith

Urban and Doc Watson.

Little has been featured on National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Station several times.

In 2014, Little was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

Little will take the Main Stage at noon July 2 during the 2016 Christmas in July Festival.

For more information, visit www.jifflittle. net.

Page 18

Christmas in July

June 23, 2016

June 23, 2016

Christmas in July

Page 19

2016 Christmas in July Sponsors

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Lonesome Willow.

Lonesome Willow SPECIAL TO ASHE MOUNTAIN TIMES news@mountaintimes.com

M

aking their Christmas in July debut, the Lonesome Willow Band brings its music stylings to the Main Stage at 4

p.m. July 2.

Lonesome Willow is a bluegrass band with influences from Flatt and Scruggs

to Blue Highway. They believe in playing bluegrass the way they hear it, by making it their own, while paying homage to the originators.

The band consists of JM Trivette on bass, Tim Lewis on banjo, Evan Moore on guitar and Dean Bledsoe on mandolin.

For more information about Lonesome Willow, visit their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/Lonesome-Willow.

American Emergency Vehicles Ashe Civic Center Ashe County Arts Council Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Ashe County Cheese Ashe County Christmas Tree Association Carolina West Wireless Dr. Pepper Fleet Feet Cloggers Mountain Aire Golf Club Mountain Town Dental Perry’s Gold Mine SkyLine/SkyBest Timothy M. Rector, D.D.S., P.A. Town of West Jefferson 4 Seasons Vacation Rentals LifeStore Banking/Insurance Libby’s Tis the Season for All Seasons

Snowy Mountain

Christmas Shop $ Sweets

Monday July 4th Christmas Sale In July PHOTO SUBMITTED

Maybe, Maybe Not.

Maybe, Maybe Not SPECIAL TO ASHE MOUNTAIN TIMES news@mountaintimes.com

T

aking the Main Stage at 10 a.m.

July 2 at the 2016 Christmas in July is Maybe, Maybe Not, an acoustic band from Avery

County.

Maybe, Maybe Not has performed together for about two years, playing a wide range of music from country and gospel to

blues and jazz. They even throw in a little progressive bluegrass into their set from time to time.

Members of the band include lead vocalist and guitarist Lewis Taylor, Mike Pritchard on dobro, Jerry Robbins on bass and Diana Wilcox, who sings and plays guitar and mandolin.

To see more of Maybe, Maybe Not, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/maybemaybenotband.

Check out our Ice Cream Shop, Sweets & Coffee

10am - 6pm

Local crafters & artisans welcome all week

Hwy 221 S • Crossnore, NC 28616

(828) 737-9313

Christmas in July

Page 20

June 23, 2016

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Phone (336) 384-2929 Location 160 Northwest School Rd. Warrensville, NC

Directions Just 5 miles from Jefferson on Hwy. 194N/88W. Turn Right on Northwest Sch. Rd.

Hours Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-3pm

Closed July 4th