WinterFest 2015

2015

WINTER INTERFEST EST CHILLY CHILI COOKOFF POLAR PLUNGE WINTERFEAST WINE TASTING & CHARITY AUCTION LIVE MUSIC KIDS’ ACTIVITIES ICE CARVING

THURSDAY THURS TO SUNDAY SUN

JANUARY JAN ARY 22-25

BLOWING BL WING

ROCK WINTERFEST

A SUPPLEMENT TO

SPONSORED BY

real estate since ce 1976

WinterFest

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January 22, 2015

WinterFest WELCOME TO

‘DON’T HIBERNATE, CELEBRATE!’

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

T

hat’s been the official WinterFest slogan since the annual event began in 1998.

Now, 17 years later, WinterFest has grown into one of Western North Carolina’s biggest winter events, annually at-

tracting thousands of visitors to Blowing Rock for a five-day weekend of fun, food, music and adventure.

This year, WinterFest takes place from gh Wednesday, Jan. 21, through sented Sunday, Jan. 25 and is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of C Commerce.

Highlights of the celebration include the Polar

Plunge at Chetola Lake, the Chilly Chili Cook-Off, Little Miss WintterFest Pageant, WinterFashions Show and Luncheon at Meadowbrook Inn, WinterFeast at Chetola Resort, Wine Tasting and Auct Auction at the Green Park Inn and W Win Winter Paws Dog Show.

For more information, visit www. blowingrockwinterfest.com or call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

Don’t hibernate, celebrate!

WINTERFEST RETURNS TO BLOWING ROCK JAN. 21-25

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

T

he High Country is unique in the Southeast as it is one of the few places south of the MasonDixon line that regularly deals with snow and

ice.

While that might not sound like something to brag about, our friends off the mountain are genuinely envious of our winters.

During Blowing Rock’s annual WinterFest celebration, we get to share our winter season with folks from all over.

This year’s WinterFest is scheduled from Wednesday, Jan. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 25, at locations all over Blowing Rock. Most of the events are family friendly, so pack up the kids and enjoy some WinterFest fun!

WinterFest is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce with presenting sponsor Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Mall and sponsor H.R.M. Rex-Goliath.

To find out more about it, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com, or call (828) 295-7851.

Here’s a breakdown of the some of the individual

events taking place at this year’s WinterFest:

Roots Wine Dinner Roots Restaurant (7179 Valley Blvd./U.S. 321) invites you to join them at a four-course wine dinner featuring Franciscan Estates Wines from Napa Valley.

Dinner is $100 per person (tax and tip are included) and also includes a $20 gift certificate for a future visit to Roots. Seating is limited, so call for your reservation today by calling (828) 414-9508.

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January 22, 2015

WinterFest

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WinterFest

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Small Plate Crawl The 2015 High Country Small Plate Crawl will be held in conjunction with Blowing Rock WinterFest, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, through Sunday, Jan. 25. Area restaurants will offer unique small plates priced from $3 to $8. The roster of area restaurants participating in the 2015 High Country Small Plate Crawl includes Bandana’s Bar-B-Que and Grill, Casa Rustica Restaurant, Boone Bagelry, Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub, Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, Joy Bistro, The Local, Makoto’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, Pepper’s Restaurant and Bar, Primo’s, Proper, The Rock Sports Bar and Grill, Lost Province Brewing Co., Red Onion Café, Stick Boy Kitchen, Sunrise Grill, the Table at Crestwood, the TApp Room, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Town Tavern (Boone) and the Valle Crucis Bakery and Café. For more information, visit www.platecrawl.com.

WinterFeast WinterFeast is WinterFest’s way for you to sample all the great restaurants in our area in one dinner. WinterFeast will be held at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort on Thursday, Jan. 22. Seatings are at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Participating restaurants include Timberlake’s,

January 22, 2015

Canyons, Blowing Rock Ale House, The Best Cellar, Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn, Meadowbrook Inn, Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub, the Table at Crestwood, Bald Guy Brew, Bistro Roca, Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge, the New Public House, Stick Boy Bread Company, Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow, Six Pence Pub, Twigs and Woodlands Barbecue. The cost of the dinner is $27 in advance and $32 at the door (If available). To make reservations, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

WinterFashion Show and Luncheon Blowing Rock retailers join forces to bring you the finest ladies apparel and accessories during the WinterFest WinterFashion Show. The event begins at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Meadowbrook Inn (711 Main St.). The newest winter and spring fashions will be featured from the area’s top retail stores, including Doncaster, Monkees, TazMaRaz, Couture by Finley House, JW Tweeds, and more. The “winter warming” luncheon will include soup, salad, quiche and a light dessert. Tickets are $27 per person. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

WinterFest Polar Plunge The 17th annual WinterFest celebration in Blowing Rock will feature the Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake at 10 a.m. Satur-

WinterFest’s annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off attracts some of the best restaurant and home cooks in the High Country as well as folks who just love to eat chili.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

day, Jan. 24. The event is free for spectators and $25 for participants (who must preregister by 9 a.m. on the day of the event). Emcee John Carter will be on hand to introduce the plungers to the crowd and give a play-by-play of the icy action. There is also a “Golden Plunger” award for the best costume. For more information, or to preregister, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Chilly Chili Cook-Off WinterFest’s popular Chilly Chili CookOff returns to the Blowing Rock School gymnasium from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Taste all the chili your heart(burn) desires — and enjoy live music to help the chili go down. The cook-off features three classes of competition: Freestyle (chef’s best recipe, anything goes!), Restaurant and Business. Freestyle competitors receive a bountiful basket of goodies valued at $500, $250 and $100, respectively. Restaurant winners will receive the Traveling Chili Trophy, a handmade sculpture by artist Alex Hallmark, to display in their business until next year.

The Business category winner will receive a Blowing Rock School Sponsor Banner to be hung in the gymnasium. Admission for the general public is $7 for adults, $5 for ages 6 through 12 and free for children 5 and younger. To register to compete, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Polar Plunge Brunch In conjunction with WinterFest’s annual Polar Plunge, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort will host a special Polar Plunge brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24. The brunch will feature a live feed of the Polar Plunge. The menu will include eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, quiche, hickorysmoked bacon, sausage, smoked salmon, sliced pork loin with maple-bourbon glaze, tomato bisque and house salad. The price is $15 for adults and $11 for children 12 and younger. Reservations are required.

Call (828) 295-5505 for more information.

BRAHM’s Cork and Canvas The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (159 Chestnut St.) will host a special “Cork and Canvas” event from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, in conjunction with WinterFest. Get your creative juices flowing by creating a painting with trained art instructor Dacia Trethewey. Whether you paint often or haven’t picked up a paintbrush since kindergarten, this class is fun and welcoming,and absolutely no experience is necessary. Everyone will create a piece of art inspired by Franz Marc’s “Blue Horses.” All materials are provided and wine and hors d’oeuvres are complimentary. Preregister by contacting Leila Weinstein at (828) 295-9099, extension 3006.

WinterFest on the Slopes Appalachian Ski Mountain will present a special WinterFest Family Night on Friday, Jan. 23. “Learn to Ski/Learn to Snowboard” packages will be offered through French-Swiss Ski College with special pricing. A special ice skating session with S’mores Roasting by the Rinkside Bonfire is offered for the “gliders” who love the ice.

For more information, or to make reservations, call French-Swiss Ski College at (828) 295-9311.

Pancake Breakfast at Foggy Rock Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub (8180 Valley Blvd.) will celebrate WinterFest with a special pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Breakfast will feature pancakes and a choice of sausage or bacon for $5. Beverages are not included. For more information, call Foggy Rock at (828) 295-7262.

Ski and Snow Equipment Exhibition Join Blowing Rock Realty and SweetGrass for a cross-country ski and snow equipment exhibition on the beautiful grounds of SweetGrass in Blowing Rock (just off U.S. 221, approximately six miles

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WinterFest

January 22, 2015

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Aw shucks! The Blowing Rock Market on Main Street will host its second annual oyster roast at noon on Saturday. Come on down for some mouth-watering oysters on the half shell and barbecue.

For Superior Real Estate Services!

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

CELEBRATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

outside of Blowing Rock). The exhibition is free and takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24. The event will include games, prizes (such as gift certificates to First Tracks in Boone), a snowdog building contest, hot chocolate and cookies. Call Blowing Rock Realty at (828) 295-9861 for details and directions.

Silent Auction and Raffle Brought to you by Mountain Alliance, the Blowing Rock WinterFest Silent Auction & Raffle takes place from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, with prize pick up later that day. Come to the Blowing Rock School cafeteria and bid on the many unique items, packages and gift certificates donated by area retailers and businesses.

In addition, raffle tickets will be sold for baskets of goodies from area shopping stops. All proceeds from the silent auction and raffle will benefit Mountain Alliance, a local organization that provides outdoor adventure experiences for Watauga High School students.

Blowing Rock Market Oyster Roast The Blowing Rock Market (900 Main St.) in downtown Blowing Rock will host its second annual WinterFest Oyster Roast in the parking lot at noon Saturday, Jan. 24. Freshly shucked and roasted oysters on the half shell will be available for purchase, along with cocktail sauce, saltines and lemon wedges. The event will also feature barbecue and fixings, beer and wine samples and more. Beverages will be available at “the gourmet market that happens to sell gas.” For more information, call (828) 295-7373.

Little Miss WinterFest Does your little girl want to be a princess? Or even a queen? Little Miss WinterFest turns every little girl into royalty.

Every contestant will recieve a tiara and winners will be awarded a satin, monogrammed banner and a large crown.

The competition, which takes place at the Meadowbrook Inn, will be based on winterwear, so no special apparel is necessary. Contestants will be judged on Best Smile, Best Personality and Beauty. An optional Most Photogenic category is also available. A portion of the registration fees will benefit the Blowing Rock Elementary School PTO program to renovate the playground. This year, the event is centered on Disney’s “Frozen,” with Elsa presiding. All contestants and young audience members are invited to attend “Cocoa with Queen Elsa” following the event (fee for audience members).

Wine Tasting and Charity Auction Satiate your palate with a tasting of excellent wines. Located at the Green Park Inn (9239 Valley Blvd.), the tasting begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. The charity auction immediately follows at 4 p.m.

Visitors are encoruaged to register for the auction, as wine will be only one of the many types of items on the bidding block, including a Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival Basket with lodging and tickets and lots more. Green Park will also offer heavy hors d’oeuvres and “green plate appetizer specials.” Attendees must be 21 or older with valid ID. Plenty of parking is available at the Green Park Inn. Tickets are $22 in advance and $27 at the door. To reserve tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

Ice Carving On Saturday, Jan. 24, from noon to 4 p.m., WinterFesters can chill with the U.S. Army Special Forces Ice Carving Team, as its artisans transform blocks of ice into works of art in Memorial Park downtown.

The team will also host a family friendly wet T-shirt contest. Admission is free.

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(828) 295-0776 (877) 295-0776

WinterFest

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January 22, 2015

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WinterFest

January 22, 2015

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WinterFest at BRAHM In conjunction with Blowing Rock’s WinterFest celebration, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will host a special event from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. This free event will feature live music by old-time group Strictly Strings and a special exhibit, “Arctic Art at BrrrrrrrAHM!” For more information, call BRAHM at (828) 295-9099, or visit www. blowingrockmuseum.org.

Hayrides and Bonfires Hayrides on Saturday are free and depart from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce (132 Park Ave.), behind Blowing Rock Market. Hayrides are sponsored

by Country Boy Landscaping. A bonfire will be held in the Blowing Rock Memorial Park at dusk Saturday (weather permitting). Presented by Blowing Rock Boy Scout Troop 101, the bonfire will feature live music and supplies to make your own s’mores. For more information, call Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at (828) 295-5222.

Sunday Jazz Brunch Canyons Historic Restaurant and Bar (8960 Valley Blvd.) will host a Sunday jazz brunch event with a special menu and live music from Todd Wright and Friends. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call (828) 2957661, or visit canyonsbr.com.

WinterPaws Dog Show WinterFest gives smooches to pooches at its annual WinterPaws Dog Show, benefiting the Watauga Humane Society.

This year’s event takes place at the Blow-

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ing Rock School gymnasium at 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 25. Entry fee is a minimum donation to the Humane Society of $2.

Entry fee for competitors is $10 for the first two categories, $15 for three or more categories.

Categories include Most Mysterious Heritage, Best Wiggle Butt (Tail-Wagger), Most Clever Dog Trick, Best Dog/Owner Look-a-like, Best Winter Wear and finally, Most Crooked Smile. The winner from each category goes on to compete for the title of Best in Show and the Grand Prize.

Plus, raffle tickets will be available, and one lucky winner will take home a doggy basket valued at more than $200 from Victoria’s Paw Spa, an event sponsor. Also, folks are encouraged to bring their friends who don’t have a dog, as the Humane Society will have several shelter dogs on-site for adoption. For more information, call (828) 295-7851.

Spa at Crestwood Meet and Greet Whether you’ve visited the Spa at Crestwood (3236 Shulls Mill Road), have stayed there, or have never stopped in before, The Spa at Crestwood is inviting festivalgoers to enjoy an open house for WinterFest 2015. This free event takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.

The spa will offer you an afternoon of free samples and services, as well as light food and refreshments from The Table at Crestwood. The spa facility will be open to the public for guided tours of our fitness center, lap pool, steam and sauna rooms.

Experienced therapists and estheticians will be available to answer questions, while also be introducing a new line of products.

During this event, gift baskets will be available for purchase — some including a hidden gift certificate that covers the cost of a massage or facial.

WBTV News anchor John Carter will once again be the emcee of the WinterFest Polar Plunge, giving everyone the play-by-play of every frigid splashdown.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Only Pharmacy in the Village.

Full retail pharmacy, personal care items, gift items, Hallmark cards and much more!

828-295-3482 Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation will provide hayrides around the downtown area on Saturday and Boy Scout Troop 101 will host a bonfire in the park at dusk.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

379 Sunset Drive | Blowing Rock | Mon-Fri 9-5 | Sat 9-2

WinterFest

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SPECIAL SAVINGS GOING ON NOW!

January 22, 2015

January 22, 2015

WinterFest

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WinterFest

January 22, 2015

WINTERFEST 2015 SCHEDULE Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake – 10 a.m.

Hayrides – 10 a.m. and onward Cross Country Skiing & Snow Equipment Exhibition – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Silent Auction and Raffle – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kids Activities – 11 a.m. and onward Chilly Chili Cook-Off – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ice Carving Competition – Noon to 4 p.m.

Oyster Roast at Blowing Rock Market – Noon Little Miss WinterFest Pageant – 1 p.m.

Wine Tasting and Charity Auction – 2 p.m.

Music at the Museum – 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Arctic Art at BrrrrAHM – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Bonfire in the Park – 5 p.m. (dusk) Fire & Ice Cocktail Party Fundraiser – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY Small Plate Crawl – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

THURSDAY Small Plate Crawl – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Shop Till You Drop – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WinterFeast – 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.

FRIDAY Small Plate Crawl – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Shop Till You Drop – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WinterFashion Show – 11 a.m.

Cork and Canvas at BRAHM – 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Special Events at Appalachian Ski Mountain – TBA Concerts at Twigs, Canyons, Town Tavern and Green Park Inn – TBA

SUNDAY

SATURDAY Small Plate Crawl – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast at Foggy Rock – 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Lassie’s glasses. Don’t miss all the fun at the WinterPaws Dog Show, set for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Blowing Rock School gymnasium. Proceeds from the event go to the Watauga Humane Society.

Small Plate Crawl – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

WinterPaws Dog Show – 1:30 p.m.

Spa at Crestwood Meet and Greet – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY THE BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BOLD

.

S E N I W

FUNS. TIME

© 2014 HRM Rex-Goliath Winery, Madera, CA

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

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Historically Speaking n 1997, Blowing Rock business owners got together and decided to create a festival to celebrate the fun side of winter — and Blowing Rock WinterFest debuted in January 1998.

This first year, Chilly, the lone snowman mascot in the logo, was born. During the years, Chilly gained a scarf, a top hat, feathered friends and eventually a wife named Crystal.

The logo has evolved through the years. And so has WinterFest. Events have been added, including wine tasting, ice carving demonstrations, live music and an adorable dog show, WinterPaws. Not only is WinterFest a blast, it has raised thousands of dollars to help various charitable causes.

Whether the temps are a balmy 50 degrees or 30 degrees and snowing, attendees make this an annual winter trek because of the

Blowing Rock’s WinterFest: A little history variety of events and entertainment available to them.

During the years, the media has celebrated Blowing Rock winters right along with us. Travel & Leisure magazine named Blowing Rock “one of America’s Prettiest Winter Towns.” It has also been named one of the “Top Pick” events by AAA, and was named a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society.

Blowing Rock WinterFest is now a Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce event. The original committee retired, moved on, leaving three lone members, two of whom work for the chamber.

They work to continually create exciting winter celebrations and show visitors a good time, so they will want to come back again and again.

Come and celebrate winter in Blowing Rock! Chilly and Crystal will be holding the door for you.

The WinterFest logo has evolved over the years and now includes Chilly the Snowman with his wife Crystal along with some friendly winter birds.

that lasts forever Diamond Bridal Collection

Old World Galleries WinterFest mascots Chilly and Crystal can be seen at several of the events this weekend and would love to have their picture taken with you.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

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WinterFest

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January 22, 2015

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January 22, 2015

WinterFest

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WinterFest

Tickets WinterFest tickets are available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Avenue in Blowing Rock, via phone at (877) 295-7801 or (828) 295-7851.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• WinterFeast — $27 in advance. (Three seatings available.) Call (828) 295-7851.

• WinterFest WinterFashion Show — $27. Call (828) 295-7851.

• WinterFest Wine Tasting & Auction — $22. Call (828) 295-7851 • Chilly Chili Cookoff, admission taken at the door.

Adults, $7; children (6 to 12), $5; and children 5 and younger are admitted free. A chili bowl bar will be available at $4 per bowl Many of the WinterFest 2015 events are free of charge. No refunds.

Catch Some Old-time Music Strictly Strings, an old-time string band formed by members of the Watauga Arts Council’s Junior Appalachian Musician program, will entertain WinterFest visitors during a special free concert at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

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WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Chetola Duo WINTERFEAST THURSDAY, JAN. 22 AT TIMBERLAKE’S RESTAURANT AT CHETOLA RESORT SEATINGS AT 5:30, 6:45 AND 8 P.M. $27 IN ADVANCE, $32 AT THE DOOR

(IF AVAILABLE) Sample some of culinary masterpieces of the High Country’s best chefs at WinterFeast! This events sells out every year so get your tickets today.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

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Pageant returns Jan. 24 Junior pageant has a ‘Frozen’ theme this year

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

A

nyone with kids, or anyone who knows someone with kids, knows that the Disney film, “Frozen,” and its song, “Let It Go,” were phenomenal hits this past year.

On Halloween, it seemed like every other girl was dressed as the movie’s main character, Elsa.

This year’s Little Miss WinterFest Pageant will have a “Let’s Get Frozen” theme, complete with an appearance by Elsa.

Held in conjunction with Blowing Rock’s WinterFest celebration, the Little Miss WinterFest Pageant will begin at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock.

The pageant will benefit the ongoing Blowing Rock School Playground Rejuvenation project.

Age divisions in the pageant include Baby Miss (0-18 months), Toddler Miss (19-35 months), Mini Miss (3 to 4 years), Tiny Miss (5-6 years), Little Miss (7-9 years), Junior Miss (10-12 years), Young Miss (13-15 years) and Teen Miss (16-19 years).

Pageant competition categories include Winter Wear (required), “Frozen” Wear (anything from the movie), Natural Photogenic, Extra Photo, Best Smile, Best

Personality, Best Attire, Talent and Additional Talent.

All contestants will receive a tiara, presented by Elsa.

Grand Majestic pageant winners (all ages) will receive the Grand Majestic crown, designer trophy, monogrammed sash, American Girl doll, and sponsor fee paid to the 2015 Little Miss and Teen Miss North Carolina State Pageant.

Treasures Await WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

I Don’t miss the exciting bargains at this year’s WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

n the big game world of bargain hunting, WinterFest’s Silent Auction and Raffle is one event that is circled on the calendar each year.

This year, the WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle will be held at the Blowing Rock School cafeteria (Morris Street entrance) on Saturday, Jan. 24. The raffle will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the silent auction

will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Winning bidders in the silent auction will be notified immediately after 4 p.m.

The WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Mountain Alliance, an organization that works with Watauga High School to provide outdoor adventure experiences for teenagers of all income levels.

This year’s WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle features dozens of

items donated from local and regional businesses, as well as from individuals, artists and craftspeople.

Items include a four-day ParkHopper pass for Disney World, ski vacation passes, spa and massage packages, restaurant gift certificate packages, outdoor equipment, outdoor adventure packages, outdoor photography prints, local woodturned bowls, “Explore Biltmore”

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WINTERFest

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WinterFest

January 22, 2015

We stay open no matter the weather!

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1121 Main Street • Blowing Rock

828-295-3155

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Visit Green Park Inn for Winterfest 2015

ESTD. 1882

Join us as we host the US Army Special Operations Command

Ice Carving Team for Winterfest 2015

Ice bar and luge with specially crafted winter cocktails.

100% of the proceeds from the ice luge will be donated to Special Forces family foundation.

Winterfest Accomodations Packages Available

www.greenparkinn.com 9239 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock NC | 828.414.9230

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WinterFest

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January 22, 2015

Winter Jams Local venues feature live music

By Erika Giovanetti erika@mountaintimes.com

A

nnually, WinterFest aims to get High Country homebodies up and moving during the winter season with food, fun and festivities you don’t want to miss.

Local restaurants and venues celebrate the season, with not only participation in WinterFeast and other culinary events, but also by hosting an array of concerts throughout the span on the festival.

Check out what some local venues have in store this WinterFest.

Canyons

Known in the local music sphere for its Sunday Brunch sets and late night jam sessions, Canyons doesn’t disappoint WinterFest weekend, featuring 1990s and classic rock band Burden Down, as well as its well-known Sunday tradition.

At 9 p.m. on Jan. 24, join Burden Down for a no-cover charge night of music, featuring food specials that reflect WinterFest, according to owner Bart Conway. Then, come back on Sunday for the brunch set, featuring Todd Wright and Friends.

Canyons is located at 8960 Valley Blvd.

For more information, visit www.canyonsbr.com.

Chetola Timberlake’s at Chetola Resort, which is open to the public, features a weekend of musical variety during WinterFest.

On Friday night, Jan. 23, pianist and vocalist Nathan Hefner takes the stage of the restaurant, offering jazzy for diners and bar patrons to enjoy.

Local bluegrass and roots band The Major Sevens performs at Timberlake’s the following night.

Both shows begin at 6 p.m. and last until about 9 p.m., with no cover charge.

Pianist Nathan cutline will entertain WinterFest fans when he performs at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Chetola Resort is located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive, just off Main Street in Blowing Rock.

For more information, visit www.chetola.com.

Green Park Inn On Friday and Saturday night, Jan. 24 and 25, Green Park Inn hosts Charlie Ellis on piano at 6 p.m. in the lobby. Local bluegrass band The Neighbors will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

No cover is charged for the performances.

The Green Park Inn is located at 9239 Valley Blvd.

For more information, visit www.greenparkinn.com.

Town Tavern (Blowing Rock) In congruence with its usual music schedule, Town Tavern hosts a live band on Friday night, which has yet to be determined, for no cover. On Saturdays, Town Tavern has karaoke night.

Town Tavern is located at 1182 Main St.

For more information, visit www.towntavernbr.com.

Twigs During WinterFest, Twigs employs its usual schedule with live music on Friday and Saturday night.

On Jan. 23, Deck 51 brings “hip grinding soul music,” classic rock and blues to Blowing Rock, warming up the winter night.

Tony Bailey, a songwriter from Mocksville, takes the stage at Twigs on Saturday night, delivering classic rock to blues based in country roots.

Both nights, the music begins at 9:30 p.m., and there is no cover charge.

Twigs is located at 7956 Valley Blvd.

For more information, visit www.twigsbr.com.

For more information on WinterFest, including an event schedule, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

TREASURES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

tickets, diamond earrings, fly fishing lessons, Grandfather Mountain passes, MerleFest tickets, coffee lovers packages, beer lovers packages and much more.

Mountain Alliance

Don’t miss the exciting bargains at this year’s WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Mountain Alliance is a community of individuals committed to providing Watauga County high schoolaged youth with opportunities to explore and develop their leadership potential through experiential learning.

Mountain Alliance works closely with Watauga High School to connect students with a support structure and caring community during their most formative years and to provide positive opportunities outside of school.

For more information, visit www.mountainalliance. org.

January 22, 2015

WinterFest

Page 19

WinterFest

Page 20

January 22, 2015

Small Plates, Big Taste High Country Small Plate Crawl returns

By By Frank Ruggiero frank@mountaintimes.com

F

ive days, 23 restaurants, 100-plus dishes.

It’s a big deal for small plates.

The High Country Small Plate Crawl returns Jan. 21 to 25, offering diners, foodies and happenstance customers a heaping helping of the Blue Ridge’s best.

The object is deliciously simple: Dine at any of the participating restaurants, check in using the High Country Small Plate Crawl app, and have your name entered into a drawing for beaucoups of prizes.

“All these restaurants do a special menu for this week, and everything is between three and eight bucks,” said John Pepper, event organizer and general manager of Pepper’s Restaurant & Bar, one of the crawl’s participating eateries. “That’s the rule. So, if you’ve been intimidated by the price of a certain restaurant, this opens the door for you to go out and try something

you might not have otherwise.”

Comprised of members of the Boone Independent Restaurants organization, the third annual event includes Bandana’s BarB-Que & Grill, Boone Bagelry 105, Casa Rustica, CoBo Sushi Bistro & Bar, Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub, The Gamekeeper, Joy Bistro, The Local, Lost Province Brewing Company, Makoto’s Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar, Over Yonder, Pepper’s Restaurant & Bar, Primo’s Pizza, Pasta & Subs,

Proper, Red Onion Café, The Rock Sports Bar & Grill, Stick Boy Kitchen, Sunrise Grill, The Table at Crestwood, The TApp Room, Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Town Tavern of Boone and Valle Crucis Bakery & Café.

“Last time, I took a big group to (previous participant) Mast Farm Inn and Gamekeeper and Crestwood, all in one night for dinner, and it was really perfect,” Pepper said. “We could just go out, slide in,

get some food in a real casual atmosphere with no pressure, and then get out and go somewhere else. It was really fun.”

Diners aren’t the only ones having fun, though.

“It seems like the chefs put their best foot forward for this event … trying some things they may have been thinking about, experimenting a little bit,” Pepper said.

“You really get to see some creative things out of these chefs.”

Alaina Walker, co-owner and assistant general manager of The Local, agrees.

“It’s really fun coming up with ideas,” she said. “It’s like tapas, doing something exciting, yet completely different than what’s on the menu.”

It also gives restaurateurs the chance to literally spice up their menus.

“Even us at Pepper’s,” Pepper said.

“We’ve been around 40 years, and our menu doesn’t change a whole lot. We just CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Page 21

Eat Beat WinterFest edition

By Erika Giovanetti erika@mountaintimes.com

A

s winter temperatures plunge, thermostats in High Country kitchens soar, kept warm by the pulsing ovens and stoves crafting Blue Ridge cuisine.

During WinterFest, our chilly bodies celebrate warm bowls of chili, we drown in summery oysters and gather by the warm fireplace of Chetola to try plates from restaurants across the High Country.

WinterFeast Jan. 22 Have you ever wanted to try just a bite of every savory and sweet item Blowing Rock and Boone have to of-

fer, all in one night?

WinterFeast makes that possible.

For the price of $27, you can try all of those quaint bistros and big-hitters you’ve been dying to try.

Guests may choose a seating at either 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. or 8 p.m. at Chetola Resort, with each seating hosting about 100 people, according to Billie Rogers at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

Rogers said that tickets are going fast, as the event is usually a WinterFest sellout, adding that the 5:30 p.m. seating has the most reservations still available.

“That’s a good time to go, because that’s when the food is the freshest, too,” Rogers said. “We usually sell out, so if you’re interested in coming,

make a reservation soon.”

Participating restaurants include Timberlake’s at Chetola, Canyons, Blowing Rock Ale House, The Best Cellar, Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn, Meadowbrook Inn, Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub, the Table at Crestwood, Bald Guy Brew, Bistro Roca, Restaurant G at Gideon Ridge, the New Public House, Stick Boy Bread Company, Rowland’s Restaurant at Westglow, Six Pence Pub, Twigs and Woodlands Barbecue.

WinterFeast is set up buffet style, with the restaurants all having their own booths for guests to approach themselves. This method allows diners to go up as many times as they want, but Rogers said that staff tries

RESTAURANT

100s of Menu Items: • Sandwiches • Gyros • Burgers • Vegetarian

Breakfast and Lunch Specials Served All Day Be sure to visit us during the Small Plate Crawl Downtown Boone 516 West King St. • 828-262-5585

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Hwy 105 at the Water Wheel 125 Graduate Lane • 828-262-1600

PLATES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

try to keep what people want and expect. But an event like the Small Plate Crawl gives us the chance to be creative and see how people respond to it. If they respond well to it, we may keep it on the menu.”

For instance, Walker and The Local are testing out a grilled shrimp and mango skewer, served over risotto with a coconut sriracha sauce. Another offering is the mini chimi tacos with sweet plaintain mash, sliced steak, queso fresco and chimichurri sauce.

“People who’ve never been here before get to come in and see what we’re all about,” Walker said.

Although Sunrise Grill is one of Boone’s most popular breakfast spots, 2014 marks its first Small Plate Crawl. Husband and wife Ian and Lisa Hunter purchased the restaurant in 2012, and their son, Liam, now works as chef. With the crawl, the Hunters are hoping to share their culinary story — and prowess — with the local dining community.

“I’m really thrilled to do this, because you feel like part of the community, and there are some wonderful restaurants involved,” Ian Hunter said. “We’ve been here a little over two years, and this is an opportunity for us to get involved in town a little

bit more.”

Sunrise is dishing out what the Hunters call the Ultimate Benedict, which is a brisket hash served atop an English muffin with a poached egg and brisket mushroom gravy. Those with a sweet tooth might opt for the Grayson, which translates in Sunrise speak as raspberry cream cheesestuffed French toast.

Like Pepper, Hunter plans to partake firsthand, as well.

“We tend to, as people do, go to a couple places and kind of stick with them, so this is a great opportunity to try everything out,” he said. “It’s a really cool thing. I plan on doing it myself. I told my wife we’re eating out five nights in a row next week.”

As such, Hunter could very well wind up winning some of plate crawl’s many prizes. According to Pepper, crawlers with 15 or more check-ins are eligible to win a trip for two to Asheville, including a stay at the Aloft Asheville Downtown hotel and dinner at Chestnut, or a trip for two to Charlotte, with dinner and a hotel room downtown, as well as tickets to a Knights baseball game.

“Other than that, we have a lot of gift cards to local businesses here in Boone that you can get just for going to one restaurant,” Pepper said. “All you have to do is check in to one, and you’re entered to win. The more times you check in, the more you’re entered to win.”

Pepper said the local crawl has grown exponentially since its inception, with previous participants frequently approaching him about the next installment. “I have people coming up to me and asking when we’re going to do it again, that we should do it monthly,” he said.

The Small Plate Crawl concept comes courtesy of Laura Huff at Carolina Epicurean, who started the event in Hendersonville. It’s since expanded to Asheville and Greenville, S.C., and Pepper sought her help in organizing an event for Boone Independent Restaurants.

BIR is a coalition of 30 independently owned and operated restaurants in Boone, Blowing Rock and Valle Crucis, working together, Pepper said, “to promote independent dining in the High Country, stay current with industry trends and educate each other on how to be better business people.”

As such, the High Country Small Plate Crawl is partnering with Blowing Rock WinterFest to maximize participation and celebrate community. “This year just seemed like a perfect fit,” Pepper said.

For more information on the High Country Small Plate Crawl, including restaurant menus, hours, an interactive map and more, visit the mobilefriendly platecrawl.com.

Mountain Times Publications is the exclusive media sponsor of this event.

www.boonebagelry.com

WinterFest W interrFest at th the he

Museum!

Museum!!

Saturday, January 24, 3-4 pm

Old-Time Music with Strictly Strings &

Arctic Art at BrrrrrAHM! FREE ADMISSION BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM 159 Chestnut St, Blowing Rock 828.295.9099

www.BlowingRockMuseum.org

WinterFest

Page 22

Fireplaces & Wood Stoves

Patio Furniture

January 22, 2015

Blowing Rock School students got into the act at last year’s WinterFest Chilly Chili Cook-Off.

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

EAT BEAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Hot Tubs

Appliances (828) 262-0051 4912 US HWY 421 S. | BOONE, NC WWW.MOUNTAINHOMEANDHEARTH.COM

to get everyone in and out in about an hour to prepare for the next seating.

Chetola will also have the bar open, so guests may purchase alcoholic beverages for an additional price. Wait staff will also come around to the tables.

Tickets are $27 in advance and $32 at the door if available.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, call the Blowing Rock chamber at (828) 295-7851.

Chilly Chili Cook-Off Jan. 24

BEST D E T O V BAR S T R SPO 2014!

IN

Soup is nice when it’s cold outside, but chili is heartier to fill up a winter appetite. Think of taste testing a batch of chili made anywhere from the town’s greatest restaurants to the smallest kitchens with grandma’s handed-down recipes.

Hosted at the Blowing Rock School gymnasium, the 17th annual Chilly Chili Cook-Off is a night of food, music and competition, as restaurants, businesses

and locals compete to prove they have the best chili in town.

Prizes include cash for individuals, a travelling trophy for restaurants and a promotional banner in the school gymnasium for local businesses.

“The individuals’ prize is actually the most exciting prize,” said Meris Gantt, Chilly Chili Cook-Off committee member and owner of The Whole Shebang Weddings and Events. “The first prize is $500, the second prize is $250 and third prize is $100. There are also prizes for people’s choice and best table decoration.”

Gantt added that about half of the competitors are local restaurants, and most of the rest are individuals. The business category has the least amount of participants.

“If you want to win, enter your business,” Gantt said, as the chances are highest in that category.

Last year, so many people showed up to try some High Country chili that the vendors ran out, so this year, Gantt encourages participants to bring at least two to four gallons of chili. The event needs enough chili to feed both the patrons and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

40 HD TVs 36 Bottled Beers • 20 Draft Beers Visit us during the Small Plate Crawl!

MON-SUN 11AM-12AM

The oyster roast at Blowing Rock Market made its debut last year and turned out to be a popular event at WinterFest.

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Page 23

Blowing Rock’s Deborah McDowell serves up some delicious chili at the 2014 Chilly Chili Cook-Off.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

EAT BEAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

the judges.

“As far as judges go, we try to get local celebrities,” Gantt said.

For musical accompaniment, the Chilly Chili Cook-Off will also feature a performance from Gantt’s own bluegrass/Americana band, Mountain Radio. To listen to the band, visit www.ncmountainradio. blogspot.com.

Admission for the general public is $7

for adults, $5 for ages 6 through 12 and free for children 5 and younger. For more information on the cook-off, or to register to compete, visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

Oyster Roast Jan. 24 During WinterFest, we’re really not too far from the coast as the Oyster Roast comes to Blowing Rock Market for the second year in a row.

“They seem so counterintuitive,” Blowing Rock Market owner David Barker said.

“The snow last year made it really cool.”

The Oyster Roast will also feature beer and wine samplings of items that are available for purchase at Blowing Rock Market.

Barker said almost every beer the market carries and samples will be local or North Carolina-based beers, as are about half of the wines available, including Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.

“It’s a warm-up and prelude to the (Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival) we do in April,” Barker said.

In addition to oysters, the market will also serve barbecue from Ashe County’s Smoky Mountain Barbecue.

“We wanted to have something special

to North Carolina, from the coast to the mountains,” Barker said. “We couldn’t choose between oysters and barbecue, so we did both.”

The Oyster Roast is a fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, and Barker hopes to do several more fundraisers with the nonprofit throughout the season. Starting at noon on Saturday, Jan. 24, the Oyster Roast will last about three or four hours into the early evening.

Blowing Rock Market is located at 990 Main St. in downtown Blowing Rock. For more information, visit www.blowingrockmarket.com.

Page 24

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Chili Masters CHILLY CHILI CHALLENGE SATURDAY, JAN. 24 AT BLOWING ROCK SCHOOL GYMNASIUM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. $7 FOR ADULTS, $5 FOR CHILDREN 6-12, FREE FOR 5 AND UNDER Chili cooks of all ages will compete at the WinterFest Chilly Chili Cook-Off. Proceeds from the event will help fund the Blowing Rock School PTO’s Playground Rejuvenation project.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Page 25

WinterFest Memories A brief view of winters past in Blowing Rock

The U.S. Army Special Ops Ice Carving Team created an ice sculpture for WinterFeast at Chetola Resort last year.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Area restaurants prepare their best dishes for the annual WinterFeast dinner.

High Country favorites Mountain Radio will return to perform at the 2015 Chilly Chili Cook-Off at the Blowing Rock School gymnasium on Saturday.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

One Polar Plunge participant last year jumped into Chetola Lake in a wedding dress.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

WBTV news anchor John Carter will once again serve as the Polar Plunge emcee.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

WinterFest

Page 26

January 22, 2015

Military Serve-Ice Army Ice Carving Team returns to WinterFest

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

A

nyone who has been involved with military operations knows that food service personnel are as important as anyone on the base. Whether a battle is raging or it is a time of peace, soldiers have to eat.

One specialized unit of military food operations is the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Ice Carving Team.

Leaders of the team are traveling to Blowing Rock for the second year in a row to participate in ice carving demonstrations.

The WinterFest Ice Carving Demos will take place at Blowing Rock Memorial Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 24.

The ice carvers will magically transform large blocks of ice into stunning works of art, right before your eyes.

They will also participate in a family-friendly wet T-shirt contest, one like you have never seen before.

The WinterFest Ice Carving Demonstrations are free and located next to the gazebo in the park.

U.S. Army Special Ops Ice Carving Team member Travis Jones works on a section of a sea monster at WinterFest 2014’s Ice Carving Demonstration.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

January 22, 2015

WinterFest

Page 27

WinterFest

Page 28

January 22, 2015

A High Country Favorite All ABC Permits • Nightly Food and Drink Specials Reservations Taken, but Not Required

A crowd gathers in Blowing Rock Memorial Park to look at the ice carving creations.

PHOTOS BY JEFF EASON

Open Tues, Wed, Thurs & Sun 11:30AM-9:00PM Fri & Sat 11:30AM-10:00PM • Bar Open Until 2:00AM Closed on Mondays

970 Rivers Street, Boone, NC • 828-264-7772 • www.CafePortofino.net Follow us on Facebook & stay up to date on special events and daily specials!

CARVERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

While in town for WinterFest, the USASOC Ice Carving Team will create an ice “liquor luge” on the veranda of the Green Park Inn.

The ice carvers

5

DAYS January 21-25

Crawl from restaurant to restaurant, sampling the best High Country cuisine! Dozens of independent restaurants come together to create special small plate menus priced from ...

$

3-8

PER PLATE ... featuring their cuisine & chef’s talent.

www.platecrawl.com For more information, contact John at booneindependentrestaurants.com

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jeff Lein started ice carving in 2003 as an apprentice under Chef Rene Marquis. Lein carved for the military dining facilities for special events for a few years before deciding to seek formal training.

Lein’s formal training was conducted with 17-time world champion Steve Brice in Alaska with a special concentration on human anatomy, animals, faces, logos, competition carving, abstract and realistic designs.

In 2006, Lein was the Hawaii State team captain for the World Ice Championships in Alaska and placed 19th out of 41 international teams.

Since that time, Lein has honed his craft and earned numerous gold and silver medals in military and civilian ice carving competitions. Lein is currently the USASOC Ice Carving team captain for 2010-2015.

In his spare time, Lein carves ice in his basement studio and inspects military dining facilities for the U.S. Army Special Forces Command.

Master Sergeant Travis Jones started ice carving in 2004, like most carvers as an apprentice. Jones carved as an apprentice for about a year and then attended formal ice carving classes in San Diego under the strict tutelage of Mark Donovan.

Jones studied the ice carving basics in San Diego and spent about a week every

A member of the U.S. Army Special Ops Ice Carving Team at work. year with Mike Donovan for four years to gain more experience and prepare himself for competitions.

Over the next few years, Jones perfected his technique, structure, fusing and presentation to on to amass 15 top ranking medals and become of the best ice carvers in the military, voted “Best in Show” for 2011-2012.

In his spare time, Jones teaches ice carving classes and serves as a supply sergeant for the USASOC. Jones is a lead carver for the USASOC 2015 Ice Carving Team and fines deep satisfaction out of carving a sculpture that will be on display for people to enjoy.

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

Page 29

Grape expectations WinterFest Wine Tasting and Wine Auction return to the Green Park Inn

By Jeff Eason eason@mountaintimes.com

W

hether you like your wine white, red, blush or bubbly, there is sure to be something you will love at the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Wine Auction this year.

The 17th annual WinterFest Wine Tasting and Wine Auction will be held at the historic Green Park Inn on Saturday, January 24. The tasting begins at 2 p.m. and the auction begins at 4 p.m.

Upon entering the grand lobby of the Green Park Inn, attendees will find their favorite wines arranged by country of origin.

The French table will feature wines from the Bordeaux, Burgundy and South Rhone regions. The Spanish/Portuguese table will feature wines from Noval Cedro, Portugal and Campo de Borgia, Spain. The United States table will feature wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Lodi in California as well as wine from Washington State.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Trying out some new wines at the historic Green Park Inn is a favorite part of WinterFest for many adults.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

WinterFest

Page 30

January 22, 2015

Visitors taste a variety of vino at the WinterFest Wine Tasting event at the Green Park Inn.

PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Come See Our New Look and Save

40% OFF

All Brands Everyday!

WINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Other tables will feature wines from all over the world, including some from nearby Raffaldini Vineyards in Ronda, NC. Some of the wines that will be sampled at this year’s WinterFest Wine Tasting are: • The Other Guys and the Prisoner Wine Company of California’s Leese Fitch, Blindfold White, Saldo Zinfandel and Prisoner-Napa Valley.

• Montinore Estate of Williamette Valley, Oregon.

• Revelre Vineyards of Columbia, Washington.

• Great European selections from Italy, France and Spain.

The Wine Tasting will also feature heavy hors d’oeuvres created by award-winning

chef James Welch at the Green Park’s Laurel Room Restaurant.

Tickets for the WinterFest Wine Tasting are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To reserve tickets, call (828) 295-7851.

Wine Auction This year’s WinterFest Wine Auction will feature a number of items on the bidding block, including a Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival gift basket with lodging, tickets and other great stuff.

Starting bids for many of the items at the auction are incredibly low this year. In addition to bottles of wine and wine related items, the auction includes a number of gift packages provided by local businesses.

Attendees at the WinterFest Wine Tasting and Wine Auction must be 21 and older and have a valid ID.

BLOWING ROCK FURNITURE GALLERY Mon.- Sat. 10-6, Sunday 1-5 • (828) 295-7755 8486 Valley Blvd. (Hwy 321) • Blowing Rock, NC

WINTERFEST

WinterFest

January 22, 2015

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8

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WinterFest Key Locations 1 Tanger anger outlets shoppes on the park arkway | morris st.

2 chetola lake | chetola lake dr.

3 chetola resort | chetola lake dr.

4 meadowbrook inn | main st.

5 chamber of commerce | park ark ave.

6 memorial park ark | main st. s 7 american ameri an legion hall | wallingford allingford st. s 8 BRAHM | CHESTNUT STREET y rock eatery e tery & pub | valley alley blvd. b 9 froggy 10 holiday holi y inn | valley alley b blvd.

11 green park ark inn | valley alley blvd. b 12 blowing bl wing rock elementary elemen ary school | morris st. s

Thursday, Jan. 22 3

9

WinterFeast

5:30, 6:45 and 8:00 p.m.

Chetola Resort (500 Main St.)

Friday, Jan. 23

8

WINTERFASHIONS SHIONS SHOW SH 11:00 a.m.

Meadowbrook Inn (Main St.)

Saturday, Jan. 24 12

Raffle and Silent Auction

7

Children’s Activities ctivities

10 a.m.

Chetola Lake

Chilly Chili Cookoff

6

Ice Carving arving Demonstration Demonstr tion

4

4

fire & ice fundraiser

6

BONFIRE

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Blowing Rock School Gymnasium

Noon Memorial Park

Little Miss Winterfest Pageant 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Meadowbrook Inn (Main St.)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Blowing Rock School Cafeteria

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

American Legion Hall (behind Memorial Park)

Live Music at BRAHM

The Polar Plunge

12

Cork and canvas 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

BRAHM (Chestnut St.)

8

7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub

2

4

Winterfest Pancake Breakfast

11

WinterFest Wine Tasting sting 2 p.m.

Green Park Inn

3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

BRAHM (Chestnut St.)

5:50 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Meadowbrook Inn (Main St.)

Dusk (weather permitting) Memorial Park

Sunday, Jan. 25 12

Winter Paws s Dog Show Sh 1:30 p.m.

Blowing Rock School Gymnasium

Blowing Rock

winterfest

events

Page 32

WinterFest

January 22, 2015