Acoustic Jam Sessions in Boone

Thursdays

Acoustic jam nights Weekly Thursday night acoustic jams are held at the Jones House in downtown Boone every Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. Musicians and non-musicians are all welcome to come to the Jones House community center for an evening of acoustic mountain music every Thursday night. Musicians of all levels are welcome. There will be a slow jam from 8 to 9 p.m. for folks interested in learning old-time fiddle tunes. There is a suggested donation of $1 to $5 for non-musicians. Coffee and other refreshments are available.

Farmers' Market

Saturdays

Watauga Farmers’ Market The Watauga County Farmers’ Market has opened for its 34th season and will continue being open on through the end of October. The farmers will have plenty of fresh local produce and meats, plants for gardening needs, and a selection of mountain crafts. The market is located at Horn in the West, turn next to First Citizens Bank on the N.C. 105 Extension and go to the top of the hill. For more information, call market manager Karen Bauman at (828) 355-4918, e-mail info@wcfm.info, or visit the market Web site at http://wcfm.info. The market will be open rain or shine.

4-H Saddles Up Equestrian Show

The annual Blue Ridge Equestrian Fun Show is coming to Blowing Rock. The 4-H riding club is teaming up with Appalachian State University riders to expand the event, which typically draws several hundred people and some of the top riders in the region. The ASU Equestrian Club riders will also participate and serve as mentors, and the alliance will add nearly two dozen people to the event. Blue Ridge Equestrian 4-H has 16 full-time members and the expansion of the show will allow it to appeal to a wider range of riders.

There are 40 classes of competition this year, and entry fee is $8 for each category. There are also “Jackpot classes” with cash prize money, divided between the top three finishers, and an entry fee of $10. The show is on Sept. 13, with registration at 6 a.m. and the show beginning at 8 a.m. The show will continue until all events are complete, which depends on the numbers of participants. Other new additions to the show will bring more people of all age levels. This year there will be miniature horses to appeal to children, with other games added that aren’t horseback-related.

A concession stand will sell items to help support the horse club. Any non-profit can set up a booth for free, and the Blazing Saddles riding program will be in attendance this year. Auction items include coupons to area restaurants and businesses as well as collector’s items. The show will be held at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve.

Antiques Fair

Antiques Fair at Family Central Gym: Friday and Saturday, September 19-20. Find out about the value of your family heirlooms from experienced appraisers for only $5/item. Proceeds to benefit the Ashe County Historical Society and the Museum of Ashe County History. For more information, call Jerry Brown (336-977-4820), Dale Baldwin (336-846-5181) or Gene Hafer (336-982-3261).

Basic Astronomy on Mt. Jefferson!

Basic Astronomy on Mt. Jefferson! Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area is providing a Night Sky Program, Friday, September 12, 8-9 p.m. at the first overlook. The mysterious night sky is awesome on Mt Jefferson. Meet the park ranger and learn about basic astronomy. Later we will just watch the stars and discuss the seasonal changes that come with the upcoming Fall Equinox. So bring a chair to this free evening program. Gate will be locked at 8:10 – 9:00 during program. Call 336-246-9653 for more information.