Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

January 31, 2008 issue

Sweet Arts Dance To Benefit Avery Arts Council February 14

Story by Celeste von Mangan and Anna Oakes

The Valentine Sweet Arts Dance is more than a clever name—it’s a great idea for something for you and your sweetie to do on Thursday, February 14.

The event, to be held at the Best Western Motel in Banner Elk beginning at 5:30 p.m., is a benefit for art projects and programs in Avery County that features an evening of cocktails, dining and dancing.

“It’s the ideal thing to do for Valentine’s Day,” said LouAnn Morehouse, executive director of the Avery Arts Council. “This is going to be a romantic evening that is actually on Valentine’s Day, so it’s all done for you. It’s a fundraiser to benefit the Arts Council—we have to match the grants we are receiving. We always have a need to raise funds for the school children.”

Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar and a DJ playing fun and romantic dance tunes. A buffet meal catered by Best Western at 6:30 p.m. will include roast beef, baked chicken, vegetables, a variety of salads, red potatoes and German chocolate cake.

“This is our first year doing the Sweet Arts Dance, and we hope it will be a fun event for years to come,” said Meghan Rey, administrative assistant at the Avery Arts Council. “We wanted to develop a wintertime fundraiser and event for the arts because we’ve never had one before, and Valentine’s seemed like the perfect date for it. We will also have a silent auction with pieces of art from local artists and several other items, all with a romantic theme. There will be something for everyone and we hope to give back to the community in the form of grants, programs and projects supporting the arts in Avery County.”

Although not a black tie event, the Sweet Arts Dance will provide an excuse for attendees to dress up for Valentine’s Day, wine, dine, dance and then get back home early enough to make sure they get a good night’s sleep if they have to work the next day.

“This is a chance for ladies to wear a pretty party dress and have something nice to do on Valentine’s Day,” said Morehouse. “Even though it is on a Thursday, it won’t keep people from having something to do on this romantic night. We’ll also have some little Valentine treats for the guests.”

Reservations must be made in advance because no tickets will be sold at the door. Purchase tickets for $50 each or $100 per couple by calling the Avery Arts Council at 828-898-4292.

 

Want To Go?

Date: Thursday, February 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Best Western Motel, Banner Elk
Cost: $50 per advance ticket