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LOCAL FUN AND EVENTS

AUGUST 2008
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Buncombe County

Haywood County

Henderson County

Madison County

McDowell County

Rutherford County

Yancey County

Buncombe County Events

Asheville Arts Center Parents Morning Out Open House
August 15 at Asheville Arts Center from 9-11 a.m.
Music & arts based Parents Morning Out program invites parents and children to experience the program and meet instructors. For information, call 828-253-4000.

Asheville Arts Center Main Location Open House
August 15 from 5-8 p.m.
Free Sample Classes- Ballet, Irish Dance, Musical Theatre, Acting! Free Performances- Irish Dance, Rock Band, Musical Theatre. Crafts for kids! Free 10-minute music lessons for guitar, violin, drums, voice, piano, and more. Experience the Arts Center's diverse classes for all ages and meet instructors.
For information, call 828-253-4000.

Shindig on the Green-Asheville
Saturday evenings July 5th, 12th and 19th from 7-10 pm at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
This mountain tradition features an always-enjoyable variety of Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Bluegrass and Old Time String Bands, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. Shindig on the Green gets underway “along about sundown,” or for those using a watch 7 pm, and usually runs until 10 pm. Concessions are available. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the beautiful music and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia on a summer evening in the mountains.

Animal Compassion Network Pet Adoption Days
PETsMART at the Super WalMart Plaza in Asheville
For dogs: on the first and third Saturday of every month from 11am-3pm. For cats: on the first and third Saturday of every month from 11am-3pm, all other Saturdays from 1-3pm, and every Wednesday from 6-8pm. Some of our cats can be seen inside PETsMART daily.

Mountain Dance and Folk Festival at Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
August 1st at 7 pm
Showcasing the best of the region's traditional and old-time musicians, ballad singers, mountain dance groups and cloggers, 7 pm. Regular $20; Children 12 and under $10, Asheville, NC. For more info: www.folkheritage.org

GOTH PROM-The Breaking Dawn Release Party
August 1st from 11 pm-12:30 am at Malaprop's
Join us to celebrate the new installment of Stephenie Meyer’s Edward and Bella saga, Breaking Dawn. Come in costume to our Goth Prom and enjoy an Edward and Bella contest, refreshments, music, and more! Books will go on sale at midnight. Reserve a copy early and know that the book of your dreams will be waiting for you. Info: www.malaprops.com

Family Day-Robot Workshop
August 2nd from 11 am-12:30 pm at The Health Adventure, Asheville
Gather your resources for this Robot Challenge! Utilize an assortment of mechanical parts – motors, pulleys, levers, and more – to design, build, and test a functioning robot. It’s so much fun that you won’t even realize that you are sharpening scientific reasoning, design, and engineering skills! It’s fun for the whole family! Info: www.thehealthadventure.org

Rockin’ River Fest
August 2nd from 10 am-6 pm at The French Broad River Park, Asheville
Sponsored by RiverLink. Fun for the whole family! Raft Race, music showcase competition featuring local bands, food, beer, kids parade & activities, pet parade & adoptions, games, vendors, artists and more! Free to enter festival. Info: http://riverlink.org/rockinriverfest.asp

Asheville Quilt Show
August 1st-3rd at NC Arboretum, Asheville
Presented by the Asheville Quilt Guild, this annual event features more than 260 quilts from around the world. The weekend includes demonstrations, a Merchant’s Mall and a boutique of handmade items. Admission and parking fee charged. Info: www.ncarboretum.org

As You Like It-William Shakespeare
August 1st-24th at 7:30 pm on Fri., Sat, & Sun evenings presented by the Montford Park Players at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater, Asheville
Admission is free, donations most appreciated! For more information visit: www.montfordparkplayers.org

Village Art & Craft Fair
August 2nd & 3rd in Biltmore Village, Asheville
The fair hosts 125 exhibitors from 20 states, representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more. The craft fair is a great opportunity to encounter new artists and to talk with crafters one-on-one. Most exhibitors are not represented at New Morning Gallery, so visitors are sure to find new treasures along with a few old favorites. Over the years, our reputation as one of the finest craft fairs in the area has spread (along with the ubiquitous cat posters and T-shirts). Thousands of shoppers from all over the southeast arrive to stroll through the fair, discovering unique gifts for friends, family and themselves! The area's premier outdoor art and craft fair, presented annually the first full weekend in August. 125 exhibitors representing all media: photography, painting, jewelry, pottery, glass, metal. You're sure to find treasures to take home...perfect gifts for all occasions. No admission fee; event is held rain or shine. For more info: www.biltmorevillage.com/craft_fair.htm

Folklorist and Storyteller Marilyn McMinn-McCreadie
August 8th at 7 pm & 8:30 pm at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Asheville
Join us for an evening of Southern Appalachian legends, balladry and folktales. $6 General admission. Limited seating. Info: www.wolfememorial.com/calendar.html

Wee Trade Consignment Sale
August 8th & 9th from 8 am-6 pm & August 10th from 12 pm-4pm at the WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher
The largest children’s consignment sale in Western North Carolina. Info: www.weetradebestmade.com

Sourwood Festival
August 9th & 10th, Black Mountain, NC.
Music, crafts, 5K run, children's area. Info: www.blackmountain.org/festivals.php

Master Gardener Plant Clinic at WNC Farmer’s Market, Asheville
August 9th & 23rd from 11 am-2 pm
Need help with gardening? Come to the WNC Farmers' Market for assistance... The NCSU Master Gardeners Program offers plant clinics to assist the public in diagnosing and solving gardening questions. All clinics are free, and the public is encouraged to bring samples from problem plants or insects that need to be diagnosed and/or identified. The Master Gardener Program provides research-based information on home horticulture. Trained Volunteers are prepared to help with advice on growing plants, insect identification and managing disease problems. Info: www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/markets/asheville/promo.htm

The Friends of the Weaverville Library: "The Future of Food"
August 12th at 7 pm at the Weaverville Library, Weaverville
Learn how genetically modified foods have found their way onto grocery shelves without being tested or regulated; how large corporations are cornering the market on food staples and patenting seed hybrids, so small farmers have to use them. If you're interested in local or organic food, or if you just like to eat good food, you need to see this film! A seed exchange will take place before and after the film, so bring your favorite seeds or pick up some new ones. For more information, call 250-6482.

Origami Folding Frenzy
August 13th from 4 pm-5 pm: at The Health Adventure, Asheville
Learn new folds, share favorites, and meeet fellow origami enthusiasts. All levels welcome. Become a regular "Four O'Clock Folder" at The Health Adventure. Paper is available at our museum store or bring your own. No club dues, just the cost of museum admission. Info: www.thehealthadventure.org

First Day of School for Buncombe County Schools
Info: www.buncombe.k12.nc.us/buncombe/site/default.asp

Downtown After Five
August 15th at 5 pm, Asheville
FREE MUSIC. Celebrating its 20th year, Downtown After Five kicks-off the summer season in Asheville. The event takes place each third Friday of the month May- September. The event has a new location at Lexington Avenue at I-240 and will be more environmentally responsible through the use of compostable cups, plates and utensils. Free live music and dancing starts at 5 pm with food and drink available for purchase. Info: www.ashevilledowntown.org

Tomato Tasting at WNC Farmer’s Market
August 15th from 11 am-2 pm at WNC Farmer’s Market, Asheville
Enjoy the pleasure of summer with firm, red, juicy garden fresh tomatoes. Whether you prefer them sliced thick on your favorite sandwich, chopped into canned soups for that homemade goodness or prefer to eat them fresh like you would an apple, a flavorful tomato is a real treat. From Mr. Stripey to romas, the vendors at the WNC Farmers' Market have tomatoes to excite your taste buds! Come try out some of the most popular varieties of the season and tell us your favorites.ct identification and managing disease problems. Info: www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/facilities/markets/asheville/promo.htm

First Day of School for Asheville City Schools
Info: www.asheville.k12.nc.us/default.aspx

"Let's Demystify Decluttering" Seminars
August 16th at 12 pm and 3 pm, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville
Part of "Women of All Lifestyles Expo" at the Biltmore Square Mall from 10 am -4 pm. All events are FREE, including fashion show, demonstrations, entertainment, exhibits, kids programs, workshops, seminars, and more. For more info call Raye at 828-281-1314

Sante Wine Bar’s “Not so Free” animal themed wine tasting to benefit the Friends of the WNC Nature Center
August 20th from 5-8pm, Sante Wine Bar-1 Page Ave #152-Asheville, NCJoin Sante Wine Bar this Wednesday to help raise funds for the Friends. Special guest and wine rep extraordinaire Josh Odom of Owl's Nest Trading Company (get it? Owls... Nature Center... it's the theme!!) will pour four fabulous critter wines. These are not you grocery story variety critter wines, but critter wines with class, finesse and pedigree. Sante Wine Bar 1Page Ave #152, Asheville. 254-8188.

Goombay! Festival
August 22nd-24th
The YMI Cultural Center's "Goombay!" Festival brings a variety of entertainment that delights every festival-goer. From Steel Drums, African-America Dancers, local Gospel Groups, and Contemporary Rhythm Bands, the activities are geared for families. The Festival-goer can enjoy an authentic Caribbean Meal at "Island of Delight" Café and see vendors line the streets with everything from ice cream to Third World Crafts. The African-Caribbean style festival is brought to the Asheville Community with pleasure by the YMI Cultural Center, Asheville Parks and Recreation Department, North Carolina Arts Council, Community Arts Council of WNC and the Friends of the YMI Cultural Center. Info: 252-4614 or www.ymicc.org/goombay.html

Civil War Party for Boys & Girls
August 23rd at the Smith-McDowell House, Asheville
The theme for this month’s program is The Underground Railroad and soldier’s lives. Info: 253-9231 or www.wnchistory.org

The Asheville Shakesperience
August 29th & 30th at 7:30 pm, Asheville
The Montford Park Players will present an evening of scenes representing the best of Shakespeare PLUS the Southeast Premiere of The Upstart Crow, a two-person play about Shakespeare's life by Emmy Award winner Vincent Dowling, who is lifetime Associate Director of The Abbey Theatre in Dublin (Ireland's National Theatre).

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Haywood County Events

FREE "Radically Different" Family Concert
August 8th, Maggie Valley
Classic country, variety and contemporary Christian music and -- G I A N T Inflatable Activities for the young and the young at heart! Two Bands for continuous music!! Bring the family and friends, blankets and chairs and enjoy LIVE MUSIC under the stars! Food and snacks will be available for purchase as a local fundraiser so NO "food brought in" allowed. Info: 828-926-9658 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Anita Fisher Band with Ray Deaton
August 23rd
Gospel bluegrass band. Info: 828-926-9658 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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Henderson County Events

90th Annual Street Dance-Main Street-Hendersonville
July 7th thru August 25th on Monday nights from 7 pm thru 9 pm
The sounds of fiddles and banjos playing at the Street Dance have been a part of Henderson County's heritage for 90 years. The Street Dance comes alive with people square dancing and clogging to a band playing traditional bluegrass music. Special appearances by area clogging teams make for a entertaining, foot stomping evening. Bring a chair. Free admission.

10th Annual Music on Main Street-Main Street-Hendersonville
June 6th thru August 22nd on Friday nights from 7 pm thru 9pm
The 2008 season of very popular Music On Main Street summer concert series marks 10 years of live music and dancing in downtown Hendersonville. Music On Main Street features a variety of wonderful musical entertainment. The concerts cover a wide range of music including: Top 40 Variety, Pop, Oldies, Rock, Beach and Contemporary music. Bring a chair. Free admission!

Art on Main
August 1s-3rd, Fri. 12 pm-8 pm, Sat. 10 am-6 pm, Sun. 11 am-4 pm, Main Street, Hendersonville
Held on the sidewalks downtown, a high quality show to include over 70 of the finest artists and crafts people from the southeast.

The World of Carl Sandburg
August 1st thru 16th on Wednesdays and Friday from 10:15 am-10:45 am at the Carl Sandburg Ampitheatre, Flat Rock
The Carl Sandburg Home and The Vagabond School of the Drama presents The World of Carl Sandburg. Performances are free and held rain or shine. Info: 828-693-4178 www.nps.gov/carl

Let Freedom Ring Exhibit
August 1st thru November 11th at the Henderson County Heritage Museum, Henderson
Inaugural exhibit Let Freedom Ring (displays, artifacts and multimedia presentation). Info: 828-694-1619 www.hendersoncountymuseum.org

90th Street Dances
August 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th from 7 pm-9 pm at the Visitors Information Center, Hendersonville
Featuring the band Bobby and Blue Ridge Tradition & Mountain Thunder Cloggers (mountain heritage bluegrass music, clogging and square dancing) bring a chair, no pets or alcoholic beverages allowed, seating opens @ 5:30PM, underwriten by Burger King, Highland Lake Village and The LakeHouse Lodge & Spa; produced & sponsored by Henderson County Travel & Tourism, Hendersonville. Info: 800-828-4244 or 828-693-9708 or www.historichendersonville.org

Historic Courthouse Tours
August 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th at 2 pm, Hendersonville
Tours of the renovated Historic Courthouse, free to the public. Info: 828-694-5003

A Midsummer Night's Dream
August 11th & 12th, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock
Flat Rock Playhouse presents A Midsummer Night's Dream, Summer Apprentice Company Showcase. Tickets $10. Info: 828-693-0731 or 866-732-8008 or www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

10th Annual Music On Main Street Season Finale
August 22th from 7 pm-9 pm, Hendersonville
Concert series season finale featuring Tuxedo Junction (top 40 variety) and the Hendersonville Antique Car will host a Club Classic Car Show. Bring a Chair, No Pets or Alcoholic Beverages Allowed, seating opens @ 5:30PM, underwriten by Burger King, Highland Lake Village and The LakeHouse Lodge & Spa; produced & sponsored by Henderson County Travel & Tourism, Hendersonville. Info: 800-828-4244 or 828-693-9708 www.historichendersonville.org

62nd North Carolina Apple Festival August 29th thru September 1st 10 am-8 pm, Hendersonville
Street fair, arts & crafts, entertainment, children's activities, parade, food & more. Info: 828-697-4557 www.ncapplefestival.org.

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Madison County Events

Blackberry Festival
August 11th at the Ebbs Chapel School House, Mars Hill
Blackberry jams, jellies, cakes, and live music

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McDowell County Events

Old Fort Mountain Music-Main Street-Old Fort
Friday evenings at 7 pm
Every Friday evening for more than a decade, folks have gathered to hear and play bluegrass and traditional mountain music. Nobody’s paid, everyone’s welcome and coffee and sodas are still just a quarter! All musicians are encouraged to join in the fun. Planning to visit? Don’t forget to bring your instruments with you. For more information call 1-888-233-6111.

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Rutherford County Events

Nature Conservancy Led Hikes at Bat Cave-Hickory Nut Gorge
Every Saturday & Wednesday thru Aug 9th

Hot Nights & Cool Rides Car Show
August 16th, Downtown Forest City
Car Show, Food Vendors, Live Music, Etc. Sponsored by the Merchants Association.

The Celtic Tenors
August 19th, Spindale
The Celtic Tenors are a mixture of classical, Irish and pop genres.

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Yancey County Events

Much Ado About Nothing
August 15th thru 23rd with a Sunday Matinee on August 17th, Parkway Playhouse
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Info: 828-682-4285

Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure
August 28th-September 6th, Parkway Playhouse
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. Info: 828-682-4285

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