August 6, 2010

BLOWING ROCK N.C. – The Town of Blowing Rock will put on a downtown street festival on Saturday, September 18 in honor of the Blue Ridge Parkway's 75th Anniversary. Wrapped around Saturday's festivities, Blue Ridge Heritage Days will celebrate the art, history and culture of mountain living with exhibits, demonstrations, musical performances, a parade of historic cars and games for all ages.

Events scheduled for Friday evening and Sunday morning will round out the weekend celebration. Coming just before leaf season but as the coolness of impending fall weather envelopes the Crown of the Blue Ridge, Blue Ridge Heritage Days is the perfect time to book an overnight stay.

On Saturday several blocks on Main Street will be closed for the first time to vehicles and tents will house artists and crafters demonstrating everything from broom making to pottery turning. A stage will be erected at Laurel Lane and festival attendees will enjoy music by local bands. A Liar's Competition will entertain the crowd and dancers will demonstrate traditional clogging and square dancing. In Memorial Park, games and activities will remind older folks of childhood pastimes and entertain the younger generation as well. In the afternoon a parade of cars will make its way up Sunset to Main Street, with a model for each year of the Parkway's existence. All Saturday events are free.

Friday, September 17: Evening guided tours of downtown featuring the town's history, architecture, trivia and ghosts (fee).

Saturday, September 18: 11:00 a.m., opening ceremonies and crafter demonstrations; 11:30, games in Memorial Park; noon, Diana & Sarvis Ridge on stage; 2:00 p.m., parade of cars, 3:00, games and raffles in Memorial Park; 4:00, Liar's Competition; 5:00, cloggers and country dancers on stage; 7:00, street dance with The Neighbors.

Sunday, September 19: Mountain Home Music Breakfast at Meadowbrook Inn (fee).

For more information and updates visit blowingrock.com/heritagedays.htm