Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
January 18, 2007 issue
A High Country Winter Wonderland
Winterfest 2007 Takes Over Blowing Rock January 25 to 28
Story by David Brewer
Put on an extra pair of socks, a thick sweater and maybe even a pair of longjohns and prepare for a weekend of winter fun that only Blowing Rock can offer. It’s time for the 9th Annual Winterfest.
Few events have the capability to truly offer something for just about everyone. Utilizing nearly the entire village of Blowing Rock, Winterfest piles a season’s worth of activities into four fun-filled days that are sure to leave a smile on the faces of both children and adults.
There’s no better way to start a Winterfest weekend than by sampling cuisine from lots of the town’s best restaurants. At Thursday night’s WinterFeast event at the Green Park Inn, that’s exactly what you will do. With multiple seatings between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., diners will have a chance to make their way around the room and test the menus of premier Blowing Rock chefs until they’ve had their fill.
When Friday afternoon rolls around, Winterfest will pick it up a notch with two showings of the classic winter movie Cool Runnings at the Hayes Performing Arts Center. Those heading into downtown will be able to take advantage of free hot chocolate and hayrides, both of which will be available throughout the weekend. When the sun begins to dip below the trees, folks can head over to Memorial Park and enjoy the raging bonfire.
For early risers inclined to enjoy a cold winter workout, Winterfest organizers have included a 5K run in this year’s Saturday morning schedule. The run will begin at 8:30 a.m. and finish at Chetola Lake just in time for the one and only Polar Plunge at 10:00 a.m.
While getting up and running at 8:30 a.m. seems crazy to some of us, it doesn’t approach the level of lunacy required to jump into a freezing cold lake during the middle of January. Nevertheless, the Polar Plunge has been Winterfest’s most popular event for nearly a decade. Those brave enough to take the plunge are rewarded with a trip to Chetola Resort’s steaming hot tub.
Also getting rolling on Winterfest’s busiest day will be a host of children’s activities at the Parks and Recreation building beside Memorial Park. Those in a bidding mood can head over to the Community Club Library’s meeting room for the opening of the raffle and silent auction. While in the neighborhood of Memorial Park, take a breather and watch the amazing ice carvers work their artistic magic.
Those who have recovered from WinterFeast and need food to heat up their bones can head to Blowing Rock School’s gym for the highly anticipated Chili Challenge. Pitting dozens of amateur and professional chefs from around the High Country, the Chili Challenge will provide contestants a chance to take home cash prizes while providing tasters with an abundance of mouthwatering chili.
The Chili Challenge will also feature live bluegrass by area favorites Boss Hawg and storytelling from Blowing Rock resident Glenn Bolick.
Eating chili isn’t the only way to warm your cheeks. Meadowbrook Inn will once again host Winterfest’s annual popular wine tasting and wine auction beginning at 4:00 p.m. Patrons will have a chance to try wines from around the globe before having the opportunity to bid on them following the tasting.
Throughout Winterfest, the Hayes Performing Arts Center will host a series of family entertainment events. Along with three showings of Cool Runnings, the Hayes Center will treat festivalgoers to WinterTale featuring Blowing Rock Stage Company’s Who Threw The Overalls in Mrs. Murphy’s Chowder. On Saturday night, the Hayes Center will host Wintergrass with talented acoustic trio Strictly Clean & Decent.
For those with any room left in their stomach, the Sunday morning pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m. ought to be a fine cap to a weekend full of great food. Free hayrides, hot chocolate and ice-carving demonstrations will still be happening downtown, while the Hayes Center will wrap up its offerings with one last showing of Cool Runnings.
Wow, what a weekend.
For more Winterfest info, click to www.blowingrockwinterfest.org or call 828-295-7851.