WinterFest 2023

JAN.. 26-29, JAN 2023 TH

ANNIVERSARY

SPONSORED BY

Page 2 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Index Schedule of events......... 3 25th Anniversary of WinterFest.................. 4 Jump in at WinterFest’s Polar Plunge.................... 6 The Chilly Chili Challenge...............10 Beer Garden...................12 Ice Stroll Map.................14 Ice Carving Demonstration..............15 Greetings from the Mayor....................... 20 Greetings from the Chamber.................. 20

Hendrick Hunt...............21 Free events..................... 22 Can’t Miss Events......... 23 BRAHM........................... 24 Silent Auction............... 26 Winter Wine Seminars with Sunset and Vine.... 28 Hayrides for all............. 29 Sip and Skate..................31 Fun at Mystery Hill...... 32 How Snow is Made...... 33 Pancake Breakfast....... 34 FILE PHOTO

18-month-old Trinity Lukehart could well be a future Olympian in curling if her early form and concentration are any indication.

Shelby Rae Moore Band Live at 9:00pm Friday, January 27th

Come Eat, Drink and enjoy LIVE MUSIC!

1182 MAIN ST. - DOWNTOWN BLOWING ROCK • 828-295-7500 • WWW.TOWNTAVERNBR.COM

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 3

A Good Time at WinterFest • Curling: Bring the family and try your skill with Curling brought to you by the Charlotte Association! Blowing Rock School Gym, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Mountain Alliance’s 2023 Silent Auction, Thursday, Jan. 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The auction • WinterFeast at Green went live on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Park Inn, 5:30 p.m. and On Saturday, Jan. 28, it will be 7 p.m. seatings in-person with all the auction • Winterfest Hendrick items from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hunt begins. Find the four the American Legion Hall. vehicles placed around • Rotary Chilly Chili Blowing Rock and enter to win Challenge Sponsored by some big prizes!

• Jazz at WinterFest at the The Spice and Tea Exchange, are required and it is strongly • Local’s Night, recommended to reserve space Green Park Inn, Todd Wright Meadowbrook Inn (Four Hellbender Bed and Breakfast, prior to arrival.

Jazz Trio, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Seasons Ball Room), 11 a.m. – noon to 8 p.m.

• Tomahawk Hill • Winter Duck Derby, 2 p.m.

• Square Dance: Learn Mystery Hill: 3..2..1..GO! Off to Winterhawk Tournament, • Beer Garden Sponsored the steps from 6 to 6:30 p.m.

Mystery Hill the races again! Join Mystery

by The Speckled Trout, and then dance the night away! Hill throughout WinterFest to • The Frozen Heart Meadowbrook Inn (Highland (FREE and no registration race WinterDucks and see who Adventure: An Escape Room), 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. required) 6-8 p.m. at BRAHM. reigns supreme. Winners of Experience, Mystery Hill • Hot Chocolate Provided • Tomahawk Hill • Cork & Canvas: each heat will receive a prize! by The Boy Scouts being Winterhawk Tournament, Derby times and location TBD. Learn to paint in a relaxed served in front of the Library, Mystery Hill: Do you have atmosphere with drinks • Festival of Lights from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. what it takes to win the title of and friends ($50 General dusk until 10 p.m. at Chetola • Ice sculpture WinterHawk Champion? Join Admission, $45 for Members) demonstration and Resort Mystery Hill under a heated 4 to 6 p.m. at BRAHM competition in Memorial tent at Tomahawk Hill and • Guided tours through Friday, Jan. 27 Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throw axes in the tradition the museum’s exhibitions led • WinterFest Hendrick • Hayrides Provided by of old Appalachia! They’ll be by a docent (FREE and no Hunt continues!

Speckled Trout Outfitters — scoring rounds all weekend registration required), BRAHM • Ice Stroll down Pick up from the Blowing Rock and announcing the winner • Festival of Lights from Main Street (Tour of Ice Chamber, from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Winner must be dusk until 10 p.m.

Chetola Sculptures), 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

• Wine Seminar at Sunset present to claim prize.

Resort • Wine Seminar at and Vine – Winter Whites and • The Frozen Heart Sunset and Vine – Winter Sparkles at 2 p.m.

Adventure: An Escape Wines from Warm Climates, Saturday, Jan. 28 • Wine Seminar at Sunset Experience, Mystery Hill: This 4 p.m.

• Polar Bear Plunge and Vine — Fireside Favorites escape room style experience • Wine Seminar at at Chetola sponsored by the at 4 p.m. is perfect for couples, groups Sunset and Vine – Comfort Blowing Rock..

Registration at • Jazz at WinterFest at the and families! Participants Food Wines, 6 p.m.

8 a.m. with Plunge beginning Green Park Inn, Todd Wright will race against the clock to Quartet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

• Bonfire with limited bar, at 10 a.m. solve a series of puzzles to help • Bonfire with limited bar, s’mores, and house made chili, • WinterFest Hendrick Wynter, a loyal subject, save s’mores and house made chili Chetola Resort, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hunt continues! the kingdom. Reservations The following is the schedule of events for WinterFest. Make sure to visit www.BlowingRockWinterFest. com for the most up to date information and to purchase tickets for the paid events.

at Chetola Resort from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Cork & Canvas: Learn to paint in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and friends ($50 General Admission, $45 for Members) 4 to 6 p.m., BRAHM • Guided tours through the museum’s exhibitions led by a docent (FREE and no registration required) at BRAHM • Tomahawk Hill Winterhawk Tournament at Mystery Hill • The Frozen Heart Adventure: An Escape Experience at Mystery Hill • Winter Duck Derby at Mystery Hill • Sip & Skate at Appalachian Ski Mtn., 10 p.m. to midnight • Festival of Lights from dusk until 10 p.m. at Chetola Resort

Sunday, Jan. 29

• WinterFest breakfast specials • Pancake Breakfast, Blowing Rock School (school cafeteria), 8-10 a.m.

• WinterFest Hendrick Hunt ends • Tomahawk Hill Winterhawk Tournament at Mystery Hill • The Frozen Heart Adventure: An Escape Experience at Mystery Hill • Winter Duck Derby at Mystery Hill • Festival of Lights from dusk until 10 p.m. at Chetola Resort

Page 4 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

25 years of WinterFest

A community event that truly gives back

BY MOSS BRENNAN

T

wenty-five years ago, a group of business owners got together to talk about what they could do to help support the economy in Blowing Rock.

Now, 25 years later, that idea is one of the biggest events in Blowing Rock each year that brings thousands of people to town and encourages locals to not hibernate, but rather celebrate.

That event, of course, is WinterFest, put on by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Hendrick Luxury Auto.

“WinterFest was actually started by a group of business owners who did it on a volunteer basis,” said Charles Hardin, one of the original members and the president of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “We put together a group of folks and they came up with this idea and it was based on this whole tagline don’t hibernate, celebrate.

Originally, it was more about getting locals out of their houses and getting them out of hibernation in winter, and get them out to celebrate winter.”

Over the years it’s become a big attraction and a tourism event for Blowing Rock as it attracts thousands of people every year.

Jimmy Crippen was one of the main people spear heading that effort in the late 90s. He used to own Crippen’s Restaurant in Blowing Rock and he and his wife are credited by many as the starters

FILE PHOTO

Doug Uso, of Banner Elk, puts the finishing touches on his ice sculpture during the very first WinterFest as seen in the Watauga Democrat archives.

of WinterFest.

“The winters in Blowing Rock were brutal as far as economy was concerned,” Crippen said. “we as a restaurant struggled to get through the wintertime without having to beg the bank to cover payroll. My wife and I were trying to figure out what to do in the wintertime and how to make more business and she actually came up with the idea of ‘Don’t these towns do winter carnivals and things like that.’”

So Crippen went to his dial up internet at the time — he said AOL — and started searching for different winter carnivals and festivals and found a lot of places did that.

“I started looking at their itineraries going through their schedules and going ‘oh, a polar plunge” We could do that. Oh, a treasure hun?

We can do that,’” Crippen said. “So I pitched the idea. I put together a small planning group of about 10 people to kind of lead the way and we put together our very first Blowing Rock WinterFest.”

According to a 1999 Watauga Democrat article, that first Win-

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST

Jimmy Crippen and Kent Tarbutton in Chetola Lake after one of the early Polar Bear Plunges.

terFest seemingly paid off as many of the lodging businesses reportedly had no vacancy and the event helped filled restaurants — which Crippen said in that same article was “a shot in the arm.”

That very first WinterFest didn’t go quite as planned, Crippen said.

The fog in Blowing Rock was so bad that people sitting in dining rooms couldn’t even see the parade go by.

But as events do, it evolved over the years. One of the more subtle changes was the logo each year when they had the snowman, which Hardin said came out in the very early 2000s “It was just the little guy snowman on that logo and he didn’t have a scarf. He didn’t have a hat.

There were no birds. There was no girlfriend. That’s just him with his head was bare and everything,” Hardin said. “So every year our

graphic artist would add something else.”

A scarf was added, then a hat. It kept growing from there. The artist then decided the snowman needed a girlfriend. So a snow woman was added. Some birds then came along above them and they decided it was time for the two to be engaged. So a ring was added above them the following year and that WinterFest had a big “engagement part.”

The next year they had he wedding and had the snow mascots get married during that year’s WinterFest.

While the logos changed, the community has not. One of the main impacts of the event is how much it raises for local nonprofits.

For example, the silent auction for Mountain Alliance at WinterFest in 2022 raised just shy of $26,000.

For Crippen, who is no longer

in Blowing Rock, that community impact is no surprise.

“That’s what community is all about, isn’t it?” Crippen said.

“It started out with community.

Everybody in there saying ‘what do we do?’ and then the more we did things, the more we thought ‘how can we get back and what can we do to help?’ 25 years this festival is going on. For me, it’s it’s one of my most proud achievements. I got a lot of little projects that I enjoyed, but I think the WinterFest probably stood the test of time more than anything.

It just tells me that it was a good idea because the community adopted it and the community keeps it going and, and so it must be good.”

The 25th WinterFest is sponsored

by Hendrick Luxury Group, The Tea and Spice Exchange, Chetola Resort, The Blowing Rock and The Speckled Trout.

you navigate the changin seasons with confidenc Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 5

START THE NEW YEAR IN A NEW VEHICLE FROM BOONE!

NEW 2023 JEEP CHEROKEE ALTITUDE LUX 4X4 SPORT UTILITY

$43,645

NEW 2022 JEEP COMPASS ALTITUDE 4X4 SPORT UTILITY

$38,545

NEW 2023 JEEP COMPASS GALDIATOR MOJAVE 4X4 CREW CAB

$60,940

We are NOW BOONE Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Same GREAT Dealership - Just a NEW Name!

2282 NC 105 South Boone, NC 828-264-3626 www.boonenccdjr.com

Page 6 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Take a Dive

Polar Bear Plunge is one of the most popular WinterFest events

BY MOSS BRENNAN

E

very year, hundreds of community members are willing to jump headlong, feet first — or even the occasional belly flop — into a lake rimmed with ice and snow. Why do they jump into the freezing water while wearing crazy costumes? Well, for a good cause of course.

Sponsored by The Blowing Rock, the Polar Bear Plunge into Chetola Lake is a highlight at WinterFest.

The plunge is on Saturday, Jan. 28 with registration starting at 8 a.m.

Plungers will gather in the

indoor pool area at Chetola at 9:45 a.m. for a safety speech and then groups of about 15 people will start with the annual march to Chetola Lake to begin jumping at 10 a.m.

“Growing up in Blowing Rock, our winters were very quiet with very little for the locals and the small number of visitors to do.

Over the past many years, the Blowing Rock chamber has developed events that promote the town and the High Country,” said Charlie Sellers, owner of the The Blowing Rock attraction.

SEE PLUNGE ON PAGE 8

Marge Simpson jumps into Chetola Lake during the Polar Plunge.

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

WINTERFEST

Page 8 • Mountain Times Publications

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Jazz at Winterfest at Green Park Inn

Friday Jan 27 & Saturday Jan 28, 2023

Todd Wright with dining in the Chestnut Grille

Friday - Jazz Trio Saturday - Jazz Quartet 6:30pm-9:30pm A pair of ducks jump into the icy confines of Chetola Lake.

Enjoy Special Jazz at Winterfest menu in the Chestnut Grille Seating 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Dinner Reservatins Required to attend Event (828) 414-9230

Charlie Ellis and Company Both Evenings 5pm-8pm in the lobby!

PHOTO COURTESY WINTERFEST

PLUNGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

“WinterFest has become a very popular event over the course of 25 years.

The event that is at the top of the spectator events is the polar plunge which amounts to wearing very little clothing and jumping in water that is around mid-30s in Fahrenheit. It has astonished me at the number of participants that make this pilgrimage to Chetola, paying an entry fee and jumping into the frigid water.”

All of the entree frees collected from the polar plunge are donated to nonprofits around the High Country, making it not only a popular event for the entire community, but also one that gives back.

“My thanks to the

PHOTO COURTESY WINTERFEST

A community member dressed as a banana gets ready to SEE PLUNGE ON PAGE 9 take the plunge.

WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Mountain Times Publications • Page 9

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST

Some “Carolina Panthers” jump into Chetola Lake during the Polar Plunge.

PLUNGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Blowing Rock Chamber of commerce, Chetola Resort, all of the sponsors, participants and our visitors which make this event so special,” Sellers said.

Judges will award the famous “Golden Plunger” award to the best costume.

WBTV’s John Carter is the MC of the Polar Plunge this year. Spectators get free admission to watch the spectacle of the plunge take place.

In 2022, the Polar Plunge was cancelled due to extremely cold temperatures with wind chills in the negative numbers. This year, however, Jan. 28 is set to be a cold — but not too cold — day full of fun as community members take the Plunge into Chetola Lake.

A note for participants taking the plunge: Make sure to bring a towel and blanket for when you exit

PHOTO COURTESY WINTERFEST

Some “snow people” jump into Chetola Lake.

the lake.

Last-minute plungers will still be able to sign up the morning of the Polar Bear Plunge in the Chetola Lodge second floor foyer.

Day-of event registration is $35 per person and begins

at 8 a.m. Absolutely no one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be allowed to participate in the plunge.

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock is located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive.

Collective luxuries for you and your home.

Stop in during WINTEREST 159 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock Shop the Stable Home

Page 10 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

The chili challenge is a popular event each WinterFest.

PHOTO COURTESY WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Chris Jagel and Julia Roberts of the Western Youth Network at a past chili challenge.

FILE PHOTO

A bowl of chili to beat the chill

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

C

old and tired from visiting all the fun WinterFest activities? Warm back up by grabbing a bowl of chili, and benefit a local nonprofit in the process!

The 2023 Rotary Chili Challenge, sponsored by The Spice and Tea Exchange, will return indoors this year at Winterfest. The last few years the competition was either located outdoors or in various separate locations due to social distancing measures during the worst parts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s competition will be held on Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Meadowbrook Inn inside the Four Seasons ballroom.

Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased with cash or beforehand online.

“At The Spice and Tea Exchange,” said owner Andy Barth, “we’re all about food and helping everyone find their inner chef. As such, we are once again proud to sponsor the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge for the 2023 WinterFest

FILE PHOTO

Charles Gentry of Coyote Kitchen pours a chili sample at the Rotary Charity Chili Challenge in 2020 at the Blowing Rock Gymnasium.

and help support the worthy causes of the Rotary Club. To help keep things spicy, we will be offering participants a free package of our Matanzas Chili Spice Blend for you to make a gallon of your own delicious chili!”

During the Chili Challenge competition, each participating restaurant will be paired with a

local charitable organization who will receive all money donated to them or their associated restaurant by attendees at the event.

This year’s participating restaurants and the charitable cause they are supporting include: • Bistro Roca — Watauga Humane Society • Gideon Ridge — Mountain

Alliance For Teens • Hellbender Bed & Beverage — Middle Fork Greenway Conservancy • Blowing Rock Ale House — High Country Care Givers • Speckled Trout — Western Youth Network • Meadowbrook Inn — Hunger and Health Coalition • Twigs — High Country Breast Cancer Foundation • Cafe Violtte — Blowing Rock Women of Agriculture • Vidalia — Community Care Clinic • Woodlands — Oasis Domestic Violence Shelter • Timberlakes Restaurant — Not known as of publication • Inn at Crestwood — Habitat for Humanity • The Beacon — Blowing Rock Parkway Foundation The 13 restaurants will showcase different chilies, and all proceeds from the event will be donated to those charities. The 2022 Blowing Rock WinterFest Chili Challenge winners were Hellbenders Bed & Beverages on Sunset Drive.

There will be two awards given out at the end of the contest — the People’s Choice award and the Golden Ladle award.

The People’s Choice award will be decided by whichever restaurant/ nonprofit pairing collects the most money. Attendees might select where to put their donations based on the quality of the chili, or to give support to their favorite local charity.

The Golden Ladle award will be selected by three secret judges, who will taste the chilies from all 13 restaurants. The judges will sample and score each restaurant’s offering for color, aroma, consistency and taste. The restaurant deemed to have the highest scoring chili will be crowned the 2023 Chili Challenge champion.

Of course, the true winners are the various associated nonprofit organizations, as well as the community members and tourists who get to chow down on some delicious chili.

Make sure to stay up-to-date on the most recent information at blowingrockwinterfest.com/ schedule-of-events/.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 11

Page 12 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Grab a drink and mingle at the WinterFest Beer Garden

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

M

said John Goheen, Events and Communications Director at the utiple beer Blowing Rock Chamber of Comvendors will be on hand at the merce. “We haven’t done that in Meadowbrook Inn, a while due to the effects of the inside the Highland Room, from COVID-19 pandemic.”

1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 Continuing, Goheen said, for the annual WinterFest Beer “Several local breweries will be Garden. present, offering event-goers The 2023 Beer Garden event opportunities to learn about is sponsored by The Speckled the beers as they drink them.

Trout Restaurant and Bottle Most of the vendors that will be Shop, and attendees of the at the this year’s Beer Garden proceedings can sample many are local breweries, with only different types of beer from a couple from outside the High local and regional breweries.

Country.”

WinterFest’s motto is “Don’t Commemorative WinterFest Hibernate, Celebrate!” and that pint glasses will be offered, but accurately conveys the intent of only while supplies last. the event: to encourage people Tickets are $35 and you must to socialize and share good be 21 or older with a valid times and good drinks with oth- ID to sample beer. For more information or to reserve your ers, instead of staying cooped tickets, call the Blowing Rock up all winter.

Chamber of Commerce at (828) “The beer garden will return to being held indoors this year,” 295-7851.

FILE PHOTO

Ryan McLoughlin of Birdsong Brewing Company of Charlotte pours a glass for a customer at the 2020 Blowing Rock WinterFest Beer Garden.

FILE PHOTO

Folks sample food and beverages at the first WinterFest Beer Garden event at the Best Cellar in 2017.

FILE PHOTO

The Beer Garden at WinterFest is a great way for attendees to warm up, at least on the inside.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 13

RAM HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS ARE

#1 IN NEW VEHICLE QUALITY IN SEGMENT➋ Ram Heavy Duty Trucks have been honored for their new-vehicle quality.

Ram is the first truck-only brand ever to win #1 in overall initial quality according to J.D. Power

Page 14 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 15

Ice Ice Baby

Popular ice carving demonstrations continue to ‘wow’ at WinterFest

BY MOSS BRENNAN

W

WinterFesters can enjoy the show with ice carving demonstrations.

FILE PHOTO

interFest attendees have many demonstrations they can attend, but none is quite like the ice sculpture demonstrations that will take place Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Memorial Park.

Artisan Ice Sculptures has again joined forces with Blowing Rock WinterFest to bring their spectacular artwork to town.

Nathan Moran, owner of Artisan Ice and sculptor, has been sculpting ice for more than 20 years now and made his first appearance at Blowing Rock in 2006. Since then, the Blowing Rock WinterFest has evolved into a sculpture walk on Fridays with 25+ unique displays ranging from piggy banks full of coins to larger than life bears catching fish and Saturday with a fun

live sculpting demonstration. This is always a favorite yearly event for Artisan Ice as they get to stretch our imagination and make one of a kind, amazing sculptures.

The final piece this year — started from five blocks of ice — will be a large snowflake with Blowing Rock and Hendrick logos.

“I have travelled and sculpted ice and snow all over the world from the UK to Germany and Japan over the past 10 plus years as a professional Ice Sculptor but this is only my second year carving sculptures for Blowing Rock WinterFest after I moved to the States from Australia and joined Nathan’s team at Artisan Ice Sculptures as their new Lead Sculptor,” said lead sculptor at Artisan Ice Anne SEE CARVING ON PAGE 16

Martin House Gallery BLOWING ROCK, NC

Meet the Artist:

Chris Bell-Live Painting and Artwork Showcase From 11am-5pm

Live Streaming Artists From the Florence Academy of Fine Art in Italy Chris Bell Serenity at Bass Lake

Tanvi Pathare La Caterina

SATURDAY JANUARY 28, 11AM - 5PM

Page 16 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

FILE PHOTO

WinterFest visitors will be able to see dozens of hand-carved ice sculptures along Main Street during the annual Ice Stroll.

FILE PHOTO

Artisan Ice Carvings shows off their skills during a demonstration in Memorial Park at WinterFest.

CARVING

FILE PHOTO

The Ice Carving Competition kicks off at 11 a.m. on Jan. 29. Watch as blocks of ice are transformed into works of art. Staff Photo

businesses.

They are ice sculptures customized to fit every sponsoring business and they CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 are must-see entertainment as well as inMarie Taberdo. “Even between these two spiration during your visit to downtown years our designs have become more inBlowing Rock. Sculptures will be at the tricate and creative. I am very excited for following businesses: • Mustard Seed Home visitors of Blowing Rock WinterFest to • Meadowbrook Inn see the countless hours of creativity, de• Cabin Fever sign and sculpting (at well below freezing • BRAHM temperatures!) that myself and the whole • Mystery Hill team have have put into all the pieces • Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices this year and hope that people will also • First Citizens Bank enjoy watching us sculpt live on Saturday • The Speckled Trout Restaurant in Memorial Park! I personally love to • McCoy Minerals, Inc. share this amazing craft with all who dare • Blowing Rock Brewing be cold enough to see it!”

• Chetola Resort This year, an ice speed carving competi• The Spice & Tea Exchange of BR tion will also take place starting at 1 p.m.

• Blue Deer on Main The competition will feature two sculptors • Storie Street Grille going head-to-head in an “exciting” 15 min• Sunset Tees & Hattery ute carving battle. Audience members will • Rotary Club of Blowing Rock spin a wheel to determine what the sculp• Town Tavern of Blowing Rock tors will carve.

• JW Tweeds At the end of each round, the winner will • Blowing Rock Chamber be decided by the audience cheering for • Hellbenders their favorite sculpture. There will be five • Tamaraz rounds and 10 finished sculptures by the • Funky Tulip end of the event. All 10 will be displayed by • BLOWING ROCK TDA the snowflake that was created earlier in • The Stable the day.

• United Community Bank Before the demonstrations take place • SouthMarke Saturday, WinterFest attendees can take • Six Pence Pub a stroll through town to enjoy all the gor• The Blowing Rock Attraction geous ice sculptures on display at various

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 17

Hidden gems showcased at WinterFest

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

O

ne of the main kick off events to WinterFest is WinterFeast, which will showcase the diverse and divine culinary experiences of the High Country.

Restaurants from across the area will serve guests in the Garden Room of the historic Green Park Inn. Dinners will be encouraged to try dishes from several popular local restaurants before being invited to the Tea Room to enjoy desserts and cocktails.

The nearly sold out event will host two seatings of guest, with each timeframe seeing 120 guests. Early diners will fill their plates from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. before the dining room is prepared for another round of guests that will take their seats from 7 to 8 p.m.

Six Pence Pub, Vidalia, Story Street Grill, Famous Toastery, Egg Rollin’, El Rincon, Speckled Trout, Best Seller, The Inn at Crestwood, Twigs, Town Tavern and a combined effort of Hellbender, Gideon Ridge and Bistro Roca will serve their specialties, giving guests options from filet mignon to macaroni and cheese.

These popular local restaurants are a piece of the heart of the High Country, offering unique takes on southern classics and putting Appalachian spins on American comfort foods.

When bellies are full and dinner plates are empty, guests will have the opportunity to venture into the sweet world of local delicacies prepared by Blue Deer, The Gamekeeper and Stick Boy Bread Company along with The Spice and Tea

Exchange coffee accompaniments from Bald Guy Brew.

Despite these establishments’s big names in the world of foodies, many visitors and locals alike will get the opportunity to try some of these culinary delights for the very first time.

“We’re excited to showcase the different restaurants and different foods that we have around here,” Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Events and Communication John Goheen said. “I don’t think people realize all the hidden gems that are in this town, so this is the whole point of WinterFeast, is to showcase them and let them talk to people about who they are.”

The feast will take place on Jan. 26 with two seatings at Green Park Inn located at 9239 Valley Blvd in FILE PHOTO Dessert time! WinterFeast patrons pick up desserts during a past feast.

Blowing Rock.

THE PEDALIN’ PIG Come Enjoy A Local Craft Beer Or A Signature Craft Cocktail With The Best BBQ In The High Country BANNER ELK LOCATION 4235 Hwy 105 South Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.7500

BOONE LOCATION 2968-A Hwy 105 Boone, NC 28607 828.355.9559

Warm up after Winterfest at our newest location in the heart of Blowing Rock BLOWING ROCK LOCATION Pedalin Pig at Woodlands 8304 Valley Blvd.(Hwy. 321 Bypass) Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.295.3651

WWW.THEPEDALINPIG.COM

Page 18 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

“Enjoy the Legend”

C R I T T E R F R I E N D LY

Panoramic Views Observation Tower Short Walking Trails Photo Gallery Gift Shops

NORTH CAROLINA’S OLDEST TRAVEL ATTRACTION, SINCE 1933 432 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28645 828.295.7111 • TheBlowingRock.com

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

8486 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 · 828-295-7755

Mon-Sat 10am - 6pm · Sun 1 - 6pm · www.blowingrockfurniture .com

Mountain Times Publications • Page 19

Page 20 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

A message from the Mayor

A

s the old song goes, “Baby, it’s cold outside” — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of warmth and good cheer — and loads of great fun — with the return of Blowing Rock Winterfest in 2023.

I want to officially welcome all of you who are visiting Blowing Rock for this wonderful event. We hope you find it fun and worth your while enough that you will share the good times with all of your friends and relatives about it back home so they might be able to visit next year and beyond.

I also want to take a moment to thank the incredible team of volunteers spearheaded by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce for putting this event on.

Almost everything about Winterfest is not only fun, but for worthy causes, too.

Organizations like Mountain Alliance, Western Youth Network, Hospitality House, Blue Ridge Conservancy, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture and Blowing Rock Art & History Museum are just a

few of the non-profit organizations that benefit.

The first Blowing Rock WinterFest was presented in 1998, created to bring celebration to an otherwise sleepy season — unless, of course, you are a skier or snowboarder. During its 25th anniversary, the festival continues with a refresh of several past events and some new ones, too.

Lots of festival activities are free; some are ticketed with most or all of the proceeds going to benefit a non-profit.

WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event

by Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group. The Town of Blowing Rock thanks them, as well as all of the sponsors, volunteers, and you, our guests, for making WinterFest possible.

Charlie Sellers Blowing Rock Mayor

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

A message from the Chamber

A

fter three years of scaled back WinterFest activities, we are pleased to be able to bring back many of the events that you have come to know and look forward to.

On Friday evening, you will want to stroll around town to see all the beautiful ice sculptures that our businesses have designed with the professionals at Artisan Ice. The sculptures and lighting make a magical evening. To locate all the sculptures, you can find a map at the Visitor Center or on the WinterFest website.

Saturday morning features the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort. You will want to come out and cheer on those who will be jumping into frigid water for local charities. From there, please stop by Meadowbrook Inn for the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge where local restaurants will serve up some creative versions of chili. After enjoying these culinary creations, you may wish to enjoy featured brews from local High Country breweries.

For those who enjoy wine, please consider a wine tasting event at Sunset & Vine.

For family entertainment, you will definitely want to go to Memorial Park to watch the ice carving competitions or learn how snow is made. Don’t forget to visit the curling demonstrations at Blowing Rock School.

If you are staying over until Sunday, you can conclude your visit with a stack of pancakes at the Pancake Breakfast over at the school.

Remember, WinterFest is an event to celebrate winter and to raise money for local non-profit organizations. Please share some of your fortune with those who are making an impact in our community.

We are glad you chose to visit the Village of Blowing Rock and hope that you will make many lasting memories at WinterFest as we celebrate winter!

Charles Hardin President/CEO Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 21

Hendrick Luxury Groups offering fun scavenger hunt

BY MOSS BRENNAN

A

Facebook page. Make sure to use the hashtag #HendrickHunt. fun activity will take “Spot, snap, share! The Henplace at WinterFest this year with drick Hunt is back in Blowing the Hendrick hunt Rock,” said Brooke Ballard of sponsored by Hendrick Luxury Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Group, who is also the presentMall. “Since beginning in 2020, we’ve found that the Hendrick ing sponsor of the festival.

Hunt not only adds an interacBeginning on Thursday, Jan. 26 and lasting until Sunday, tive level to our display vehicles Jan. 29, community members but also opens each visitor’s can enter the Hendrick Hunt by awareness to experience the vilsubmitting a photo of a Hendrick lage with fresh eyes because you Luxury Group vehicle during never know when and where our WinterFest. vehicles will pop up! On top of There will be four Hendrick that, we love seeing the creativity Luxury Group vehicles placed of visitors with their vehicle phoaround Blowing Rock during tos — especially when you sneak WinterFest, find one or find a dog in the picture!” them all! One photo equals one WinterFest Hendrick Hunt entry with up to four entries (one Prize includes: for each car). Scan the QR code • Two Night Stay at the Meadlocated on the gas cap and upowbrook Inn • Yeti Cooler load your photo on the Blowing • Two WinterFest Beer Glasses Rock Chamber of Commerce

• $50 Gift Card to the Famous Toastery of Blowing Rock • The Speckled Trout Beanies • The Spice & Tea Exchange Variety Pack • Hendrick Vehicle Refresh “At Hendrick, one of our core beliefs is ‘Family First’ and that’s exactly what the WinterFest weekend represents,” Ballard said. “From watching the brave souls take the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola to marveling at the ice sculptures on the stroll while hunting for Hendrick vehicles and finishing the day with a big bowl of award-winning chili, the memories made together over this magical weekend are those to last a lifetime! We are honored to be the presenting sponsor once again in its 25th year.”

The winner will be contacted

by Feb. 1. Must be 25 years or older to participate.

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK WINTERFEST

One of the Hendrick Hunt cars at a previous WinterFest.

Page 22 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Tight budget? Free events at WinterFest

BY MOSS BRENNAN

W

interFest has a variety of events every year and this year is no different.

While some events cost money, many others are free and fun for the whole family.

Below is the list of free events at WinterFest.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Mystery Hill: WinterDuck Derby Mystery Hill 129 Mystery Hill Ln 3..2..1..GO! We’re off to the races again! Join us throughout WinterFest to race WinterDucks and see who reigns supreme. Winners of each heat will receive a prize! The event starts at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 and will go until 3 p.m. Jan. 29.

BRAHM Square dancing 159 Ginny Stevens Ln Learn how to square dance from 6 to 6:30 p.m. at Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and then dance the night away. FREE and no registration required. The even ends at 8 p.m.

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort 185 Chetola Lake Drive Close to 30,000 illuminations light up the lakeside at Chetola beginning at dusk each evening!

As you stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, a colorful train, Rudolph’s “Holiday Catch”, and much more. The Festival of Lights is free and open to the public nightly. Park and walk around Chetola Lake, sipping on hot cocoa (available in Timberlake’s for purchase).

Winterfest Hendrick Hunt Throughout Blowing Rock WinterFest Hendrick Hunt Jan. 26-29. Join for some WinterFest fun! Enter the Hendrick Hunt by submitting a photo of a Hendrick Luxury Group vehicle during WinterFest. There will

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF BLOWING ROCK

Chetola Resort’s Festival of Lights takes place each winter.

be four Hendrick Luxury Group vehicles placed around Blowing Rock during WinterFest, find one or find them all! One photo = one entry with up to four entries (one for each car). Scan the QR code located on the gas cap and upload your photo on the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Make sure to use the hashtag #HendrickHunt. Must be 25 years or older to participate. WinterFest Hendrick Hunt Prize includes: Two night stay at the Meadowbrook Inn, Yeti cooler, two WinterFest beer glasses, $50 gift card to the Famous Toastery of Blowing Rock, The Speckled Trout beanies, The Spice & Tea Exchange Variety Pack and a Hendrick vehicle refresh.

PHOTO BY MARISA MECKE

Amy Stegall and her son Jaxson Stegall hold their ducks at the starting line.

lawn by the gazebo. Under the right conditions, the device will create Saturday, Jan. 28 Snow Making Demonstration a visible cloud of snow! Brad is always happy to talk about weather, Memorial Park in downtown so be sure to stop by to check out Blowing Rock the snowmaking demo and ask him Ever wonder how snow is about winter! formed? Brad Panovich, Chief Blowing Rock Art & History Meteorologist for WCNC Charlotte, Museum – Free Admission! will host a snow-making demon159 Ginny Stevens Lane stration in Memorial Park on SaturTake the “brrrr” out of the chill day, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and come to the Blowing Rock Art Brad built the snow gun himself, and History Museum (BRAHM). and it will be set up right on the

Admission to the museum is FREE! Stop in, warm up, and tour the exhibits. You’ll be glad you did! The free admission will go from 11 a.m.

Jan. 28 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 29.

Hayrides in Downtown Blowing Rock Sponsored by The Speckled Trout 132 Park Avenue A crowd favorite, don’t miss this adventurous mode of transportation during Blowing Rock WinterFest! Hay Rides Provided by

Speckled Trout Outfitters. Pick up is from the Blowing Rock Chamber. The hayrides are from noon to 3 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Ice Carving Demonstrations Memorial Park Artisan Ice Sculptures has again joined forces with Blowing Rock WinterFest to bring you the best ice carving event all year! Come by Memorial Park from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to see what the Artisan Ice team is creating.

Saturday Story Time 3411 U.S. 321 S, Blowing Rock Join The Incredible Toy Company on Saturday, Jan. 28 for Children’s Story Hour, from 11 a.m. until noon. Stop by to warm up with some favorite winter storybooks, then stick around to play awhile!

Knife Making Demonstration McCoy Minerals, 537 North Main Street Stop by McCory minerals from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a knife making demonstration by Tanion McCoy and Isaac Turner. Watch as they create knives using blacksmithing skills during this free demonstration.

WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Six signature WinterFest experiences you don’t want to miss

BY AMANDA LUGENBELL

T

here are lots of events to take in at WinterFest, so if you’re on a time crunch, these are six of the events you don’t want to miss.

Polar Bear Plunge — Zany Fun Sponsored by The Blowing Rock Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. at Chetola Resort Each year, spectators gather around the north end of Chetola Lake on the Saturday morning of WinterFest to watch this exuberant celebration of winter fun! Be part of the excitement as dozens of jumpers brave the cold waters and take the plunge into the lake! Spectators are introduced to every jumper by the event emcee, John Carter of WBTV Charlotte. One of the best things about the Polar Bear Plunge: most jumpers are in outrageous costumes! Be there to see which costume takes the prize of the coveted Golden Plunger. It’s all for a good cause, too, as proceeds from jumper registration go to local non-profits.

This event has been part of Blowing Rock WinterFest since the first festival 25 years ago. 2020 welcomed the largest number of Polar Bear Plunge jumpers ever, with 155 registered participants. Spectator attendance is free!

Ice Stroll – Awesome photo ops

will be hosting a friendly competition between carvers. They’ll spin a wheel Starts Friday, Jan. 27, 5 p.m. in various locations to choose the subject then compete in a quick-carve This is a truly unique winter experience! Take a round to see who does it best! By the end of the tour of nearly 30 specialafternoon, Memorial ty ice sculptures all over Park will be filled with ice town, starting Friday evening. Local businesses sculptures to enjoy. commission the sculptures Chili Challenge – Tasty just for Blowing Rock competition WinterFest and display them outside their busiSponsored by the Spice nesses. There have been & Tea Exchange of Blowsome memorable designs ing Rock and you don’t want to Saturday, Jan. 28, miss the collection this 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Meadyear! Past sculptures have owbrook Inn included a teapot pouring If there’s one dish that tea, a trout jumping from always goes perfectly with a stream, a gang of playful a winter day, it’s a bowl Minions, a British phone of chili. The Rotary Chilly box, a piggy bank comChili Challenge presents plete with loose change the opportunity to try inside, and Bigfoot. The out all kinds of different sculptures remain on chili samples presented display through the week- by local restaurants. This end, as long as it’s cold event has a twist, though: enough for them to last. attendees are encouraged Find stroll maps at each to “vote” for their favorsculpture site. ite chili with donations to local nonprofits. Each Ice Carving restaurant is paired with Demonstrations – a local nonprofit, bringing Frozen art in progress awareness to local needs Saturday, Jan. 28, noon and gathering donations with delicious chili. So to 4 p.m. in Memorial bring a few bucks to cast Park your vote for People’s Artisan Ice Sculptures Choice! If you’d like to will be joining Blowing wash down the chili with Rock WinterFest for more local flavors, the another day of live ice carving in Memorial Park. WinterFest Beer Garden is presented in an adjacent Watch as plain blocks of room. ice become works of art, carved with chainsaws, Raffle & Silent chisels, and incredible Auction – Incredible skill. This year, the crew

local finds Saturday, Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blowing Rock American Legion Hall The Mountain Alliance Raffle and Silent Auction is the spot to find some real High Country treasures. It’s one of the best silent auctions anywhere!

The selection is always incredible, including items like local art, outdoor gear and equipment, memorabilia, and more. Find experiences like local spas treatments, event tickets, and attractions packages up for auction as well. It’s all donated by generous residents and business owners and it benefits Mountain Alliance, a local organization providing transformative experiences and support for teens.

Mountain Times Publications • Page 23

Located within the historic Green Park Inn Please call in advance to check menu details and to make reservations.

Pancake Breakfast – A truly local atmosphere

Sunday, Jan. 29, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Blowing Rock School This neighborhood event is the perfect wrap up to a community celebration.

Join in and chat with locals over a plate of delicious pancakes. Served off the Blowing Rock School cafeteria line, it’s a bit nostalgic, too. The event serves as a fundraiser, as several WinterFest events do, benefitting the Blowing Rock School PTO. So, go ahead and indulge - it’s for a good cause!

828-414-9230

9239 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock North Carolina, United States, 28605

www.greenparkinn.com

Page 24 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Check out the WinterFest happenings at BRAHM

BY ANNA DE LA CRUZ

I

n the High Country you’ll seldom find a better collection of curated pieces and interesting exhibits like the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. Warm yourself up and partake in all the wonderful sights BRAHM can offer as well as interact with friendly staff who are willing to answer any questions you may have regarding the pieces.

Join BRAHM for WinterFest exclusive events such as: Square Dancing in the Wilson Education Center Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Free admission to all, whether that be a seasoned square dancer or a newbie.

Come learn this classic

American folk dancing technique and show off those moves.

Cork & Canvas: Claude Monet’s “Stack of Wheat (Snow Effect, Overcast Day)”: Learn to paint works inspired by impressionist painter Claude Monet in a calm, relaxing environment.

All materials, including canvasses, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Wine, beer and light snacks are complimentary. Although both Friday the 27th and Saturday the 28th evening spots are sold out, there is still availability for the Saturday 1 p.m. class. Cost: $50 general admission. $45 for Museum members.

Also enjoy free guided tours of the museum’s exhi-

bitions led by a docent. The tours are free of charge and no registration is required.

The current exhibitions include: • Geometry with Feeling: Ida Kohlmeyer in Two & Three Dimensions • Recent Acquisitions to BRAHM’s Permanent Collection • Earth & Fowl: Chickens and Other Poultry in Clay • Trash Trout Picture Show • Coast to Coast: Contrasts & Shared Values Across American Impressionism • Uncommon Volumes: Sculptural Selections from Studio Glass in the Region BRAHM is located at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane in Blowing Rock.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum hosted winter crafts workshops for children during WinterFest in 2016. Later, the young artists showed off their work during the inaugural WinterFest Snowflake Parade on Main Street in Blowing Rock.

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR, LITERALLY.

The local expertise of Allen Tate Realtors® combined with the power of Luxury Portfolio International- the luxury arm of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World- gives our buyers and sellers access to the largest luxury real estate network in the world.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to breathe in crisp mountain air, or a rental investment opportunity, you’ll experience unrivaled customer service when you work with us to help you buy or sell your next mountain retreat.

As the number one real estate company in the Carolinas, we’ve helped countless clients find their luxury mountain escape.

Ready to get started? Let’s chat.

6236 Highway 321 South, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 736 W. King Street , Boone, NC 28605 828-295-7337

|

www.allentate.com/offices/blowingrock-boone

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 25

Watch closely as knives get formed from railroad spikes

BY MOSS BRENNAN

D

Main Street, as well as Doc’s Rocks and the Appalachian Fossil Museum at Shoppes on uring WinterFest, community the Parkway, the Tanger Outlet Center. members may hear an odd The duo use standard railroad spikes, sound coming from McCoy about an inch in diameter and 6.5 inches Minerals: A loud ringing noise long. The entire knife, including the hanwith the sound of metal striking metal.

That would be The Stonedsmiths: Tanion dle, is fashioned from that single spike.

McCoy and Isaac Turner, a pair of High Last year was a hit as the pair stayed Country teens. out in the cold and pounded on the anvil Both teens share two passions: working to create the knives to the delight of those with gemstones and metalsmithing. watching. Last year, Trina said they had The young duo will conduct a demonpeople come right when the store opened expecting to see the demonstration in stration of their handiwork from 10 a.m. action, which didn’t start until 11 a.m. that to 4 p.m. on Jan. 28 at McCoy Minerals, year. This year, they are starting an hour 537 North Main Street, as part of Blowing earlier meaning even more time to watch Rock’s WinterFest celebration. their skills in metalsmithing, which has “It’s really interesting to watch to 18 year olds actually put thought and passion had to improve since 2022.

They will also have more pieces of work behind a project that they’re really into for sale this year for those interested in and getting other people involved with a skill that is kind of being pushed to the side purchasing a knife made by the duo.

WinterFest 2023 runs from Jan. 26-29. now,” said Trina McCoy, who with Randy “Doc” McCoy are co-owners of McCoy Min- More information is available and conerals, a business that includes the custom stantly being updated at blowingrockwinjewelry and gemstone shop at 537 North terfest.com.

(828)-295-9703

Knife making demonstrations have grown popular at Winterfest.

(828)-295-3466

See the beauty. Taste the tradition. Feel at home.

PHOTO BY MOSS BRENNAN

Page 26 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Mountain Alliance Silent Auction and Raffle

BY JORDYN DANIELS

A

silent auction and raffle have become a mainstay in Blowing Rock WinterFest’s charitable pursuits. This minievent within the larger WinterFest event is organized by and benefits Mountain Alliance, “... whose mission is to provide transformative experiences and support so that all High Country teens have the opportunity to lead an empowered, adventurous, and service-oriented life, regardless of means or background.”

Past Mountain Alliance silent auctions and raffles at WinterFest have raised more than $20,000 each, which goes a long way toward supporting the organization’s mission. Many people in the High Country and their businesses recognize the important work of Mountain Alliance and give generously so that there are a large number of value opportunities to win, either by silent auction or by raffle.

They include: • Spa day packages • Packages to area parks • Massage and wellness certificates • Outdoor adventures • Fly fishing lessons • Theatre subscriptions • Artwork by local artists • Gift certificates to area restaurants And much, much more.

The silent auction gives the community a way to help provide monetary resources for the program while receiving an item of your choosing.

Mountain Alliance is hoping to raise $20,000 again to match previous year’s earnings, but more is always welcome. Due to the nature of nonprofits, the money raised goes directly into

Disney art pieces were a special treat in the 2022 Blowing Rock WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle.

supporting events and paying staff.

“The silent auction is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. It helps to support the high country team,” said Jerimiah Stampon-Rich, the Watauga program director said. “It would help to pay for the gear that we use to take students on on all these trips, because all the trips that we take students on our free for students.”

Mountain Alliance provides a safe haven for teens growing up in the Appalachian area.

Through compassion, hard work and removing the obstacle of idle hands Mountain Alliance works with the youth to keep them active and ready for the next adventure. The program offers more than 100 after

school and weekend events with something new every week for students who are involved.

Bidding occurs online from Jan. 21 to Jan. 28 with bidding closing at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28.

All bidding will be held online, but community members are invited to come visit the silent auction in person to take a closer look at items, ask questions to volunteers, and participate in other WinterFest activities. The in-person part will take place on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Blowing Rock located at 333 Wallingford Street.

For the most up-to-date information on the silent auction, visit www.mountainalliance. org/silentauction.

FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

The American Legion Building was filled with prize opportunities for the 2022 Blowing Rock Winterfest Silent Auction and Raffle. This year is sure to have many a great item to bid on.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 27

Page 28 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Enjoy winter wine seminars at Sunset and Vine

PHOTO COURTESY SUNSET AND VINE

A classic wine seminar.

A community event that truly gives back

BY ANNA DE LA CRUZ

Y

Mountain Chic Lifestyle Fashion shopthestable.com 336-977-7114 We’ll see you at WINTERFEST Inside the Martin House 1098-6 Main Street, Blowing Rock M-Sat: 11AM-6PM. Sun: 12NOON-5PM Shop the Stable

ou don’t need to be a seasoned sommelier to enjoy a good glass of vino. Cozy up with some wonderful winter wines at Sunset and Vine! Two days with four special seminars to choose from as Kimberly Sanford, owner of Fine Wine Trading Company, walks attendees through the aromas and flavors of each wine.

“We haven’t done it since pre-COVID, so we’re excited to have it back!” said employee Suzie Jermaine. “It’s going to be very exciting! Lots of locals are also coming as well as tourists. (There’s) going to be a lot of flow in and out of the shop.”

Make sure to call (828) 414-9111 for reservations as seating is limited.

Friday, Jan. 27:

Winter Wines from Warm Climates. $30 per person. 4 p.m.

In this seminar, we will feature wines from warm climates. We will discuss the differences in taste profiles of wines from these areas versus the cool climate wines, and talk about the reasons behind the

flavor differences.

Perfect Pairings: Comfort Food Wines. $30 per person. 6 p.m.

Pairing wine and food is always a tricky task. In this seminar we have chosen wines that pair well with the savory components of the comfort foods we eat during cold winter months. We will discuss why each wine was chosen as a pairing for the comfort dish.

Saturday, Jan. 28:

Winter Whites and Sparkles. $30 per person. 2 p.m.

Winter weather is not just for red wine.

There are plenty of colder weather white wines and sparkling wines that can help to cut the chill of the cold weather. In this seminar we will feature several winter whites and several different sparkling wines that can add some warmth to the winter temperatures.

Fireside Favorites: Wines to Enjoy by the Fire. $30 per person. 4 p.m.

When you think of winter weather, you think of warming up by the fire with a glass of wine. In this seminar we will highlight some of the best wines to sip on while hanging out by the fireplace or bonfire.

These are heartier wines, meant to really warm you up!

Sunset and Vine is located at 150 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 29

Hayrides with a twist at WinterFest

BY AMANDA LUGENBELL

A

hayride around Blowing Rock is a classic WinterFest activity, featured on the festival schedule since the first celebration of winter in this little mountain town back in 1998. It’s a crowd favorite; simple fun for families, couples and friends.

This year, festival attendees can enjoy an idyllic ride through the scenic winter village, pulled slowly along by a ... Humvee?

That’s right! This year, friends at Speckled Trout Outfitters will help out with the hayrides.

Speckled Trout Outfitters offers outdoor adventures like guided hikes and fly fishing experiences in the area. Naturally, their fleet of vehicles includes those best-suited for rugged roads and landscapes. So, while a tractor may be the usual transportation for hayrides, this year’s WinterFest hayrides will be a unique experience.

Hayrides are free to enjoy. Space is first come, first served. Rides run on Saturday, Jan. 28 from noon to 3 p.m. Pick up and drop off is located at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce on Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Community members enjoy a hayride at WinterFest.

A Community Where Life Comes Into View Four-Seaso on Private Community Near Bllowing Rock World-Class Amenities 50 0+ Miles of UTV & Hiking Trails

Three Paths to Ownership: Available Homes | Custom Homes & Homesites | The Meadows

Schedule your Discovery Tour to begin a life well-lived.

ExploreBRMC.com | sales@brmountainclub.com | 828-352-8235 Obtain the Property Report requiired by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. This information shall no ot constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required. © 20 022 Blowing Rock Resort Venture, LLC.

Page 30 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

WinterFest in photos

The WinterFest mascots.

Cold-hardy contestants can test their mettle in the Polar Plunge at a previous Blowing Rock WinterFest.

FILE PHOTO

Madi Moore, 13, from Stanly, takes part in the hands-on ice carving at a previous Blowing Rock WinterFest.

FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

FILE PHOTO

The WinterFest silent auction to benefit Mountain Alliance is a popular event.

FILE PHOTO

Ice carving is always a popular WinterFest demonstration.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 31

New Sip and Skate event at WinterFest Nosh on hot cocoa and s’mores in between skate sessions

BY PATRICK MCCORMACK

T

participants of WinterFest to consider hitting the slopes in between attending his year, WinterFest is addother events during our town’s jaming an ice skating event to packed weekend of fun.” their program lineup.

Attendees can purchase a ticket for Partnering with nearby $20, which includes the skate ticket Appalachian Ski Mtn., the Blowing Rock WinterFest will bring tourists and and rentals, and also access to the large locals alike to a cozy and family-friend- bonfire that will be present near the skating rink. ly event at the Appalachian Ice Arena.

Guests will be able to skate under the “We have a very scenic skate rink,” said Drew Stanley, App Ski Mtn.’s Mar- stars with a scenic panoramic view of keting and Terrain Park Director. “This the ski slopes while enjoying hot chocolate in the Skate House or roasting year we thought it would be great to marshmallows for s’mores over the partner up with Blowing Rock’s WinterFest as it is one of the most popular rink side bonfire.

Hot chocolate and s’mores will be events at this time of the year in our available for the duration of the event, area. App Ski Mtn. will be operating that evening and we predict midseason which will be on Saturday, Jan. 28 The skating rink and bonfire. from 10 p.m. to midnight. snow conditions. We encourage all

PHOTO COURTESY APP SKI MTN.

Voted Best Furniture Store 8 Years in a Row!

2550 HWY 421 NORTH, BOONE • 828-297-5055

CHECK US OUT ON FACE BOOK! 2550 HWY 421 NORTH, BOONE • 828-297-5055 2550 HWY 421 NORTH, BOONE 828-297-5055 CHECK US OUT• ON FACE BOOK! CHECK US OUT ON FACE BOOK!

Page 32 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Stop by Mystery Hill for WinterFest activities

BY ANNA DE LA CRUZ

M

ystery Hill is one of the many Blowing Rock businesses that participates annually in WinterFest. The business offers a variety of events during its “Chill at the Hill” WinterFest promotion. Mystery Hill is located at 129 Mystery Hill Lane in Blowing Rock.

WinterHawk Tournament Tomahawk throwing has become hugely popular and WinterFest patrons can hone their skills Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 26-29, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the WinterHawk Tournament, a tomahawk throwing competition. After all competitors have had a chance to show their skills, that scores will be tallied and the winners will be notified by phone.

One skilled competitor will become this year’s WinterHawk Champion! Will it be you? To participate in the qualifying rounds, register at Mystery Hill ticket office (you can register at the event as well).

A heated tent at Tomahawk Hill will provide some warmth, and you can further warm up with Hatchet Coffee.

• ADULT DAILY COMPETITION (ages 15-up) • JUNIOR DAILY COMPETITION (ages 5-14) WinterHawk Championship Saturday, Jan. 29: Adult Championship Saturday, Jan. 29: Junior Championship

The Frozen Heart Adventure: An Escape Experience

Alley Stone, Kennedy Joyner, Emily Stone and Sam Banovz enjoy a afternoon of tossing tomahawks at Mystery Hill.

FILE PHOTO

runs every day of Winter Fest from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is highly recommended that you make a reservation with Mystery Hill.

WinterDuck Derby Free and fun for everyone! Kids of all ages can ready up and race those rubber ducks and a prize awaits the winners of each heat. This event runs everyday from Jan. 26 to Jan. 29 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Take and Make Science Kits

Keep the WinterFest celebration going, even during remote learning day at school with a Take and Make Do you have what it takes to save Science Kit from Mystery Hill. The the Kingdom? Queen Persephone kits come with all the materials you has let her magical heart thaw, plunging the kingdom into a sleeping need to make Magic Snow Dough and instructions for four more fun curse. Join Wynter, a loyal subject, winter science activities. Kids 10 and on an epic adventure against the under can choose one of these kits to clock to save the kingdom through take home, any additional kit will be puzzle solving. $9.95 to purchase.

To partake in this quest, which

PHOTO BY MARISA MECKE

Riding the water down the racetrack, the rubber ducks at Mystery Hill donned their helmets to compete in the Duck Derby.

WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Mountain Times Publications • Page 33

See how snow is made at WinterFest

BY AMANDA LUGENBELL

H

What are the ideal conditions for the snow gun to create snow? ave you ever wondered how “The best conditions are cold but also very snow is formed? It’s a question dry. One thing people forget is dry air allows best answered by a weather for evaporative cooling. So Air temperatures expert, and it just so happens below 28 are perfect but also, dewpoint in the that one will be joining in the fun at Blowteens or lower is ideal. The colder and drier it ing Rock WinterFest. Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist for WCNC Charlotte, will host is, the more volume or fluffiness of the snow you make, just like in nature.” a snow-making demonstration in Memorial What natural process does the snow Park on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to gun demonstrate?

2 p.m.

“It demonstrates the process of making suBrad built a snow gun himself, and under percooled water like in a cloud. Supercooled the right conditions, the device will create a water is water below freezing but still liquid, visible cloud of snow. Brad kindly answered looking for an object or condensation nuclei some questions about the snowmaking rig to start the freezing process. This happens on he’ll bring to Memorial Park. contact with the other particles of moisture When did you first make the snowfrom the snowmaker. So the cloud you see is making rig?

“So I made my very first snow gun about 16 like an actual cloud, and the snow falls out of years ago. It was my very first YouTube Video it to the ground.”

Brad is always happy to talk about weather, as well! Then, about 10 years ago I upgraded so be sure to stop by to check out the snowand built what’s called a Combo gun which making demo and ask him about winter. All added more nozzles and more water and air PHOTO SUBMITTED activities in Memorial Park are free to attend. Community members enjoy the snow making demonstration at a past WinterFest. to produce more snow.”

20% off In store and online! code: winterfest2023

WARM UP WITH US DURING WINTERFEST. Open for Lunch and Dinner.

est. 2017 the

first longest-operating and

cannabis farms/dispensaries in Western NC! 310 Shoppes on the Parkway Rd Ste. 18 Blowing Rock, NC 28605

www.hcherbs.com highcountryherbs hcherbs

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT Patio Seating, Dog Friendly!

310 Shoppes on The Parkway Rd, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605 Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 5pm • Saturday: 11am - 7pm • Sunday: 11am - 3pm

Page 34 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

PHOTO BY HICKORY PHOTOGRAPHY

A young WinterFest attendee receives her pancake breakfast.

Help raise money with the WinterFest Pancake Breakfast

BY AMANDA LUGENBELL

Providing Country Providingthe the High High Providing the High Country Country with the Largest and with andBest Best withthe theLargest Largest and Best Selection of Beef & Exotic Jerky Selection of Beef & Exotic Jerky Selection of Beef & Exotic Jerky

NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS NOW WITH 2 LOCATIONS Blowing at the the TangerOutlets Outlets BlowingRock Rock at Tanger Blowing Rock at the Tanger Outlets & In Historic&Valle Crucis & In Historic Valle Crucis

Visit our Website www.jerkyoutpost.net In Historic Valle Crucis

828-260-6221 Visit our Website Visit our Website www.jerkyoutpost.net www.jerkyoutpost.net 828-260-6221 828-260-6221

T

and more. Once again, a small army of volunteers will cook the food right in he original WinterFest the cafeteria to serve hot and fresh to Pancake Breakfast is back! guests. Join in on Sunday, Jan. 29, from In the early days of Blow8 a.m. to 10 a.m. ing Rock WinterFest, the Here’s the menu: Pancake Breakfast was coordinated as • Half Stack $9: Two made to order a fun, approachable way to raise funds pancakes, blueberry-cranberry comfor support services for Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue. A group of volunteers pote, two pieces of meat (choose from would take over the kitchen at the Blowbacon or sausage), syrup and butter.

• Full Stack $12: Three made to ing Rock School Cafeteria, and serve order pancakes, blueberry-cranberry stacks of pancakes and sides to hungry locals, right off the cafeteria line. It’s PHOTO BY HICKORY PHOTOGRAPHY compote, three pieces of meat (choose gone through some changes through A volunteer helps prepare a pancake break- from bacon or sausage), syrup and fast for a hungry WinterFest attendee. butter. the years, but the 2023 event brings a • Lumberjack $14: Six made to return to the original format. the school. This year, the organization order pancakes, blueberry-cranberry This year’s event is coordinated by, has paid for grade-level specific books, compote, two pieces of bacon and two and will benefit, the Blowing Rock bookshelves for the library, alternative pieces of sausage, syrup and butter.

School Parent-Teacher Organization. seating, teacher appreciation events, Meals will include a hot or cold beverThe PTO provides money for funding beekeeping suits for the school hive a wide variety of teacher requests at age. Don’t miss it!

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 WINTERFEST

Mountain Times Publications • Page 35

Try your hand at curling this year at WinterFest

BY ANNA DE LA CRUZ

W

ant to try your hand at an Olympic sport? Good news for WinterFest attendees as they can do just that with a curling demonstration by the Charlotte Curling Association.

Founded during the 2010 Winter Olympic season, the Charlotte Curling Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping the sport flourishing and fun for everyone. Based in the greater Charlotte area, The CCA has over 150 junior, adult, and senior members with experience ranging from zero to 50+ years of curling experience. The CCA also hosts many bonspiels-curling tournaments- for those looking to get on the rink and throw stones.

Heading the demonstration this year is Cathy Carson, who will help onlookers learn a bit more about curling and try the icy sport for themselves. This demonstration will take place in the Blowing Rock School Gym Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Charlotte Curling Association’s curling exhibition was a ‘hands on’ big hit, drawing big crowds to the Blowing Rock School gymnasium. From left to right, Tracy Brown (executive director of the Blowing Rock TDA), Cathy Barker (membership director for the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce) and Charles Hardin (CEO of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce) said they were ready to take on all comers.

Winter Fest Specials

Wednesday: Glasses of Babylonstoren Chard and Cab $2 off.

Also we will be offering a 3 course pre-fix menu by Emerging Chefs of Appalachia.

Thursday:

DINE IN SPECIAL: $4 pints of draft beers 30% off can or bottle beers

Friday:

30% off all bottles of wine

Saturday:

50% off select bottles of wine

30% off all bottles of wine for lunch and Select bottles of wine offered at 50% dinner service for brunch and dinner service; selection changes weekly

831 West King Street | 828.263.9176 | www.vidaliaofboonenc.com | Reservations Strongly Recommended

Page 36 • Mountain Times Publications WINTERFEST

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

NO T H I NG I S WA R M E R T H A N A H O M E I N T H E M O U N TA I N S LET US HELP YOU LIVE HERE Winter is a remarkable time of year to live in the High Country. Amid a fresh blanket of snow, experience the joy of being outside in the crisp mountain air with the comfort of knowing you have a warm house to retreat to. At Engel & Volkers, we have helped countless families find their dream life here. With our local knowledge, expert advice, and international network, we will guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you call Banner Elk home.

Engel & Völkers Banner Elk 610 Banner Elk Highway . Banner Elk . NC 28604 . +1 828-898-3808 Learn more at bannerelk.evrealestate.com

©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.