JANUARY 15, 2009 ISSUE
Winter—Not for Whiners!
Celebrate the Cold at Blowing Rock’s 11th Annual Winterfest January 22 to 25
Photo by Todd Bush
Folks love the mountains for its cool summer climate. But the folks who call the High Country home grow to love it for another reason—we enjoy the sort of camaraderie or solidarity that comes from braving together the rock-bottom temperatures, blanketing snow and gale-force winds that come with mountain winters. So when the mercury falls, we don’t moan and groan like a bunch of flatlanders (well OK, maybe a little).
The good people in Blowing Rock have given us all a reason to celebrate the cold weather season for 11 years now with its annual Winterfest celebration. With indoor and outdoor—yes, outdoor—activities for everyone, the festival has attracted interest from as far away as California!
Don’t miss the dozens of courageous and costumed jumpers doing the Polar Plunge into Chetola Lake, the scrumptious delights of the WinterFeast and the Chili Challenge, the musical offerings of the Winter Blues Festival and the John Cowan Band, children’s activities, ice sculptures, the new Winter Paws Pet Show and the many other events of Winterfest, taking place Thursday through Sunday, January 22 to 25.
Schedule For Blowing Rock’s 11th Annual Winterfest
Winter in the High Country simply wouldn’t be complete without the festival that celebrates all things frosty. Whether you’re itching to jump into a frozen lake, want to see and hear world-class live music as the Hayes Center, or just want to enjoy a hayride with a free cup of hot chocolate, Winterfest 2009 has got you covered. Some events have limited capacity, so don’t miss out on the fun. For more info, click to www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.
Thursday
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Winterfeast: Manor House Restaurant at Chetola Resort
Friday
3:00 p.m. FREE Hot Chocolate: Downtown
3:00 p.m. FREE Hayrides Begin: Parking lot north of the intersection of Highway 221 and Main Street
7:30 p.m. Winter Blues Festival at the Hayes Performing Arts Center
Dusk Bonfire: Memorial Park
Saturday
9:00 a.m. Raffle and Silent Auction begin at Blowing Rock School
10:00 a.m. FREE Hot Chocolate: Downtown
10:00 a.m. FREE Hayrides resume: Parking lot north of the intersection of Highway 221 and Main Street
10:00 a.m. Children’s Activities: Blowing Rock Parks & Recreation Center
10:00 a.m. Polar Plunge: Chetola Lake
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chili Challenge: Blowing Rock School gym
12:00 p.m. Ice Carving Competition: Memorial Park
2:00 p.m. Wine Tasting: Meadowbrook Inn
4:00 p.m. Wine Auction: Meadowbrook Inn
7:30 p.m. Winterfest Concert with The John Cowan Band: Hayes Performing Arts Center
Dusk Bonfire: Memorial Park
Sunday
8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Winterfest Pancake Breakfast: Blowing Rock School cafeteria
1:00 p.m. FREE Hot Chocolate: Downtown
1:00 p.m. Ice Carving Demonstration: Memorial Park
1:00 p.m. Winter Paws Pet Show: American Legion Hall
1:00 p.m. FREE Hayrides: Parking lot north of the intersection of Highway 221 and Main Street
1:00 p.m. FREE Hot Chocolate: Downtown
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