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Weekend Roundup: Things to Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out, Make Plans Jan. 24-27

by Madison V. Fisler

Jan. 24, 2014. Even in the middle of winter, the High Country still has so many exciting events to offer its community and visitors. Check our site every Friday for something new and exciting to look forward to while you’re watching the hour hand crawl to 5 o’clock. Find live music down the street, explore a nearby town’s local secrets or try out a new square dancing class. There’s always something fun to do in the High Country.  

Weekend-Long Events

Check out this week’s movie trailers and our weekly movie review here.

WinterFest: WinterFest 2014 in Blowing Rock began yesterday and includes tons of exciting events for the entire family. Check out our schedule of events for WinterFest here.

Momentum Dance Showcase: This weekend, the Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance will host the 2014 Momentum Dance Showcase on campus in the Varsity Gym Dance Studio.  The seventh annual showcase will be presented on both Friday, Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be available 30 minutes prior to each performance for $5 to students and $7 to the general public. For the full article on this event, click here

Tweetsie Railroad Auditions: Tweetsie Railroad is now hiring for its 2014 season. Auditions for aspiring performers will be held Jan. 25 and 26 at Tweetsie Railroad Palace instead of I.G. Greer auditorium as originally advertised. Tweetsie will also be holding its annual job fair for non-entertainers on March 1 at the Palace Saloon on the park grounds. For the full article on this event click here

Biennial Exhibition: The Department of Art Faculty Biennial Exhibition for 2014 will be on display Jan. 23-Feb. 27 at the Smith Gallery in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts and from Feb. 7 – March 22 at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Both galleries are located on the Appalachian State University Campus. For the full article on this event click here

Watauga Humane Society’s “I Have a Dream”: While the High Country is still celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contributions to society this week, Dr. King was not the only one with a dream. Many homeless animals in the High Country dream of finding their forever homes, and the Watauga Humane Society is happy to help, with their newly announced “I Have a Dream” special. To view the full article on this event, click here.

Sri Sri Yoga Class: The Art of Living Retreat Center, a wellness and meditation  venue in Boone, will host Sri Sri Yoga Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26. Sri Sri Yoga is a ten hour workshop spread over three days, uniting the body, breath and mind in a joyful experience. A combination of gentle and vigorous series of asanas is taught for the well being of the body, while an equal emphasis is placed on techniques for nurturing the mind and spirit. With Sri Sri Yoga’s multidimensional routine combining yoga postures, breathing techniques, yogic knowledge and meditation, students gain a complete take home practice. It is suitable for beginners as well as experienced yoga practitioners. Through te practices taught in the workshop, participants can lose weight and be cured on chronic diseases such as insomnia, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and migraine. For more information or to register, call 1-800-392-6870. 

Friday, Jan. 24

Grand Opening and Reception at the BRAHM: On Jan. 24, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will host a grand opening and reception for their newest exhibit, “There’s No Business Like Snow Business: History of Skiing in the High Country.” The grand opening reception will begin at 5 p.m. and will continue until 7 p.m. at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum located in downtown Blowing Rock at 159 Chestnut Street. To read the full article on this event, click here.   

Fire on the Rock Application Deadline: There are just three days left until the application deadline for the upcoming “Fire on the Rock” competition taking place in Asheville this year. The deadline for chefs to apply for the competition is on Friday, Jan. 24. Born and bred in Blowing Rock, Fire on the Rock will take place at the Biltmore in Asheville this year to accommodate more diners into the competition.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Science of Snow at Elk Knob State Park: For humans, snow can be pretty, fun, annoying, dangerous and many other things. What does it mean for the natural world? How does it form such intricate shapes? Cut out a scientifically correct flake and learn how to preserve real ones. Come find more about this magnificent crystalline wonder. Meet at the park office at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 25th. 

Winter Tree Identification Hike at Grandfather Mountain: Participants will learn how to identify local trees without the aid of leaves by learning differences in bark, limb, bud and branching patterns. Participants are encouraged to bring field guides to local trees. Program will last approximately two hours and hike 1 to 1.5 miles. Hiking boots are recommended. This is an outdoor event and those in attendance should come dressed for the current weather conditions. If there is new snow and/or ice, please call ahead. 828.963.9522 or email luke.appling@ncparks.gov.

Sunday, Jan. 26

HCJRS at Beech Mountain: This weekend, Beech Mountain Resort will host the third race in the 2014 High Country Junior Race Series. On Sunday, Jan. 26, the athletes ranging in age from 4-18 will compete for the fastest times on the mountain in hopes of making the podium and earning the most points for their team.

A Musical Feast: On Sunday, Jan. 26, at 3 p.m., I Have a Dream Week will conclude with a chamber music concert by “A Musical Feast.” The concert will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Coucill Street in Boone and will celebrate cultural diversity with music from England to India. For more information, click here