Category: Entertainment

History Matters – ICC’s history series kicks off next month 

Posted on by Press Release

SPINDALE (Aug. 19, 2022) – A new series of local history lectures will begin in September at Isothermal Community College. 

 

The free events will be held in the Library Auditorium on the Spindale campus. 

The series, conceived by local historians, teachers, and ICC library staff, will be called “History Matters: Connecting the Past to the Present.” The series will feature guest speakers, interactive Q&A sessions, exhibits, children’s activities, and more that will highlight the rich history of the community. 

The kickoff event will be on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 p.m. It will cover three areas: sports, entertainment, and politics. 

The first part of the session will feature Rutherford County historian, Chivous Bradley, who will talk about local baseball legend, Forrest “Smoky” Burgess. Other speakers will be Chuck McSwain, the Chase High School and Clemson graduate who played in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots; Todd Coffey, a Chase grad who played baseball for the Reds, Brewers, Dodgers, and Nationals; and Rick Scott, the original drummer for the country music band, Alabama. 

After a short break, the session will turn to politics with a panel including Cindy Martin, daughter of the late Speaker of the N.C. House Jack Hunt; former House Majority Leader Mike Hager; Merle Umstead Richey, the daughter of Gov. William Richey; and Walter Dalton, Isothermal’s former president who was North Carolina’s lieutenant governor and a long-serving state senator. 

The series is being planned by a steering committee, which includes Chivous Bradley, Rutherford County historian; Angel Ledbetter, a history teacher at Rutherford Early College High School (REaCH); Sally Matheny, a local author and the coordinator of Young Historians; Cathy Webb, ICC library specialist; and Alice Bradley of the Genealogical Society of Old Tryon County. 

The subsequent events will be the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. So far, these include: 

 

Oct. 6 — The Holocaust, WWII & Genocide / Karel Reynolds 

Nov. 3 — Revolutionary War / Chivous Bradley  

Dec.1 – no event, break for Holidays 

Jan. 5 — The Bechtler Letters / Deborah Milliken Scott 

Feb. 3 –To be determined 

March 2 – African American Women / Doris Crute 

April 6 — History of Rutherford County Textiles / Terry Hines 

May 4 — Law Enforcement of Rutherford County / Philip Bailey 

 

For more information on the “History Matters,” contact Cathy Webb at cwebb@isothermal.edu or 828-395-1518.

Bentonville’s ‘Heavy Thunder’ to Feature Cannon and Musket Demonstrations

Posted on by Gayle Clayton, BS, MA

FOUR OAKS

Eyewitnesses to the battle of Bentonville likened the noise of the fight to “one continuous peel of heavy thunder.” Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site will recreate that noise Aug. 20 during its “Heavy Thunder” event. Costumed interpreters will demonstrate how artillery and infantry units functioned during battles.

Demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., with additional activities scheduled throughout the day. Interpretive talks will help shed further light on the role of artillery and infantry in the Battle of Bentonville and the Civil War as a whole. Tours of the Harper House, which served as a field hospital for the XIV Corps of the U.S. Army, will also be available. Bring the family and enjoy this event which promises to be both fun and educational! The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is free to attend.

The Battle of Bentonville, fought March 19-21, 1865, was the largest battle ever fought in North Carolina and one of the last major battles in the Civil War. Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site interprets the battle and the Harper House, a farmhouse used as a field hospital where surgeons treated nearly 600 men wounded in the battle.

The site is located at 5466 Harper House Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524, three miles north of Newton Grove on S.R. 1008, about one hour from Raleigh and about 45 minutes from Fayetteville.

For more information, visit https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/bentonville-battlefield or call (910) 594-0789.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is part of the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, three science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 41 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the N.C. Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, and the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please visit www.ncdcr.gov

Institute of Museum and Library Services Funds Projects at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and Town Creek Indian Mound

Posted on by Press Release

RALEIGH

The national Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has awarded two separate grants to fund projects at the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site. Both facilities are part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

The grants were awarded through the institute’s largest competitive grant program, Museums for America, which supports projects that strengthen the ability of individual museums to benefit the public by providing high-quality, inclusive learning experiences, maximizing resources to address community needs through partnerships and collaborations, and by preserving and providing access to the collections entrusted to their care.

The Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores received a $240,808 grant (MA-251862-OMS-22) for the “Future Waters” exhibit, which will provide conservation and sustainability education about aquaculture, sustainable fisheries, and coral propagation through the new exhibition and related activities. The Future Waters exhibit will feature multimedia experiences to showcase the behind-the-scenes work of aquarists, a 750-gallon habitat featuring a sustainable fisheries project, and an interactive opportunity to engage with the coral rearing area of the aquarium. Paid interns will provide interpretation to the public while working in the visible labs within the exhibit.

“We’re thrilled to receive funding from the IMLS which will help us create our Future Waters gallery,” said Aquarium Director Liz Baird. “The Aquarium’s mission of inspiring appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments is directly linked to this new gallery, and we hope it will help our guests connect with the multiple ways we can all help protect and conserve our waters.”

Town Creek Indian Mound received a $147,439 grant (MA-251382-OMS-22) to improve its interpretation of the American Indian experience by planning, designing and fabricating exhibit kiosks in a pilot phase of a larger project to renovate its exhibitions. The multimedia kiosks will feature video footage of tribal representatives discussing the artifacts on display, their place in history, and modern-day parallels. Nine different American Indian tribes from the Carolinas, along with local community groups, will provide critical insight on the interpretation of American Indian history and culture. An American Indian Advisory Council will approve all final decisions. The project will culminate with the unveiling of the kiosks, sharing of the videos online through the site’s website and social media, and the production of a white paper and a half-day symposium sharing best practices that can be applied to other historic sites.

“This effort is a direct result of our commitment to an evergreen goal of True Inclusion at our historic sites – sharing the stories of the often-marginalized communities whose lives intersect with these historic places, through inclusion at every level,” said Michelle Lanier, director of the N.C. Division of State Historic Sites. “We are grateful to IMLS for recognizing the importance and power of amplifying North Carolina’s American Indian history as imperative to understanding the history and future of this land.”

About IMLS
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

 

Competitions opened for 2022 N.C. State Fair 

Posted on by Press Release

Ink pen decorated seashells, artwork inspired floral arrangements

among new competitions

RALEIGH – Blue ribbon seekers get ready because the 2022 N.C. State Fair competitions are now open. If you think your artwork, honey, livestock, cooking, canned food, flowers or decorating skills are prize-winning, then don’t miss this year’s deadlines to enter. New competitions this year include ink pen decorated seashells and artwork inspired floral arrangements.

“It is exciting to announce new competitions to go along with categories that are always so popular, like decorated cakes and quilts,” said John Buettner, competitive exhibits coordinator. “We have competitions to appeal to a wide variety of individuals from seashell painting, painted rocks, terrarium building, shoe decorating and even coloring sheets. I encourage everyone, and all ages, to check out the competitions because just like the N.C. State Fair itself, there is something for everyone.” In 2021, more than 36,000 items were entered in competitions at the fair.

 

Most entry deadlines are Sept. 15. Exhibitors must have registered prior to the entry deadline. Entry forms can be mailed in or exhibitors can enter online using ShoWorks, an online application system that is widely used at fairs across the country.

 

“Exhibitors can enter at the website or by downloading the ShoWorks app. This will help streamline the process, report results quicker and be a way that exhibitors can manage multiple exhibits at a fair or even several fairs,” Buettner said. “Since this is new, we have provided instructions for entering each competition on our website as well.”

 

 

For more information go to ncstatefair.org and click on competitions.

 

World Golf Hall of Fame Returns to North Carolina

Posted on by Press Release

USGA, World Golf Hall of Fame Collaborate to Bring New Visitor Experiences to Pinehurst

Raleigh
Jul 20, 2022
Today, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the World Golf Hall of Fame announced that the World Golf Hall of Fame will be moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper joined the announcement today, where the two organizations detailed the new visitor experience at the USGA’s Golf House Pinehurst campus set to open in 2024. The Hall of Fame will relocate its physical collection from Florida to North Carolina.

“North Carolina is home to legendary golf courses and it makes perfect sense to have The World Golf Hall of Fame here in Pinehurst,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “Golf brings communities together, increases tourism and creates good jobs, and I’m excited to continue working with the USGA to grow the game and our economy here in North Carolina.”

“There’s no better connection to golf’s past, present and future than Pinehurst, and no organization that works harder than the USGA to preserve the history of this great game. We look forward to celebrating the greatest moments, and golf’s greatest athletes, by including the World Golf Hall of Fame as an important part of our new Pinehurst home,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “Simply put – it just makes sense, and together with the Hall of Fame, we’re more committed than ever to delivering experiences that build even deeper connections between golf fans and those who have truly led the way in this great game.”

“For nearly 50 years, the Hall of Fame has honored the history and legacies of those who have made golf great,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “Much like the USGA, the Hall of Fame is committed to connecting with fans around the world to highlight the greatest moments and legends of the sport. This expanded partnership will create an exciting new opportunity in Pinehurst – where the Hall of Fame originated – to celebrate Hall of Fame members and their contributions to golf.”

“We’re proud to be a part of the U.S. Golf Association’s continued growth and preservation of the game of golf’s long legacy here in North Carolina,” said North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders. “USGA’s investment in Pinehurst means new jobs and millions in tourism dollars for the region and state for generations to come.”

Governor Cooper also stopped by the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open Championship at Pinehurst No. 6. This is a new national championship that showcases the world’s best golfers with disabilities. Pinehurst will also host the 2023 U.S. Adaptive Open next July, as well as five future U.S. Open Championships between 2024 and 2047.

The USGA is the governing body of golf for the United States and Mexico for golf courses, clubs and facilities. The organization was established in 1894, to help establish a national amateur championship.

The World Golf Hall of Fame was founded in Pinehurst in 1974. It moved to St. Augustine, Florida in 1998, but is returning to North Carolina in 2024.

According to a 2017 study, golf generated $2.3 billion in direct spending and a total economic impact of $4.2 billion in the state, including nearly 53,000 jobs and total wage income of $1.3 billion.

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FIVE NEW PROJECTS APPROVED FOR NC FILM & ENTERTAINMENT GRANTS

Posted on by Press Release

Five new television and film projects are approved to receive North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant funds, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Combined, these projects are expected to produce direct in-state spending of $107 million while creating more than 4,900 job opportunities in the state.

“We’ve worked tirelessly to get the film industry going again in North Carolina and we’re succeeding,” said Governor Cooper. “Film, television and digital streaming projects here mean more money and jobs for North Carolinians.”

The first awardee, “Providence”, is an independent feature film about the unexpected consequences that arise when a veteran police officer tries to cover up a mistake made by their rookie trainee. The production is approved for a rebate of up to $1.75 million, with production being completed in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.

The series, “Hightown”, returns to southeast North Carolina for its third season, continuing its storyline about a Massachusetts Fisheries Enforcement Officer whose journey to sobriety is overshadowed by a murder investigation. Based out of EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, production is also already underway, with filming continuing through July.  The Starz series from Lionsgate Television has been approved for a film and entertainment grant award of $10 million.

The next grant recipient is “AGB and Her Monster”, a feature-length film approved for a film rebate of $600,000. The project will shoot in the greater Charlotte area and is told through the eyes of an African American teenage girl who constructs a monster to combat injustices in her neighborhood.  The production is a modern story inspired by the classic tale, “Frankenstein”.

“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a recently released Amazon Prime Video series that will return to southeastern North Carolina later this year for its second production season.  Hailing from wiip in association with Amazon Studios, season 2 of the series has been approved for a grant award of $13.6 million.

Another made-for-Hallmark feature, “To Her with Love,” is approved for a grant award of $975,000 for filming scheduled in and around Rowan and Mecklenburg counties.  The made-for-tv/streaming movie will tell the story of a young teacher who secures a job at her former high school and is given free rein to design and head up the arts program. Though she’s still hoping to win a grant to teach in London the following year, the kids at the school win her over, and all her future plans suddenly come into question as program funding may be cut by the school board.

These awardees join previously announced projects, “George and Tammy”, an event series for Spectrum Originals and Paramount+; “Something Here”, a country music-inspired feature film; and “The Other Zoey”, a comedy about a co-ed whose life is turned upside down when the most popular guy on campus gets amnesia and mistakes her for his girlfriend. In addition to these projects, North Carolina also welcomed productions this year for several travel shows, local projects including feature films “A Little Prayer” and “A Song for Imogene”, and the new reality series, “Austin Dillon’s Life in the Fast Lane”.

“Following an amazing 2021, which saw productions spend more than $416 million in North Carolina, we are excited to see the momentum continue with these projects in 2022,” said North Carolina Film Office Director Guy Gaster. “Our industry continues to grow and we expect 2022 to be another successful year, resulting in well-paying job opportunities for film professionals in our state as well as millions of dollars being spent with local businesses and suppliers.”

The North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant provides financial assistance to attract feature film and television productions that will stimulate economic activity and create jobs in the state. Production companies receive no money up front and must meet direct in-state spending requirements to qualify for grant funds, which are paid out following the completion of the project and a successful audit. The program is administered by the N.C. Department of Commerce and promoted by the North Carolina Film Office, part of VisitNC and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

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Lake Lure Farmer’s Market – Fridays in Lake Lure!

Posted on by Staff Reports

Lake Lure Farmer’s Market – Friday’s in Lake Lure!
Friday, July 1, 2022 – 3:00pm

Farmers+Market+produce

The Lake Lure Famer’s Market will be here every Friday June 3rd – September 2nd, 2022 from 3-7 P.M.!

Produce & Plants
Dairy, Beef, Pork, Fish
Artisanal Foods
Handmade crafts
Live entertainment
Food trucks and MORE!

WHEN: The market will be open June 3rd – September 2nd, 2022 from 3-7 PM

LOCATION: Keeter Field between the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and the Arcade Building, directly across the street from the Lake Lure Beach

VENDORS: Local farmers and hand-craft artisans ONLY

EXTRA aLUREing: Each week, we will feature Live Entertainment and a Food Truck

HERE’S WHAT’S PLANNED FOR THIS FRIDAY, 6/10/22 – COME AND CHECK IT OUT!

Barnhouse Kitchen – Savory pies
Blackdog Flowers – Freshcut flowers
Blue Goat Dairy – Goat cheese
Broom’s Blooms – Freshcut flowers, produce
Deer Valley Farm – Rainbow Trout
Earth Connections – Produce
Fariss Family Farms – Eggs
Greenhill Worm – Worm castings
Heirloom Annie – Microgreens, quail
Honeybee Bliss – Honey, propolis, beeswax
Lanning Road Farms – Produce
Maple Creek Farm & Apiary – Freeze-dried strawberries & More
Mountain Barkery – Healthy pet treats
Pettycoat Junction – Eggs
Rustic Lodge Soaps – Soaps, crafts
Spirit of Sunday/Carolina Alpaca Poo – Alpaca wool/poo
Springtop Farms – Produce
Stephenson Pottery – Pottery
Vandele Farms on Cedar Creek – Beef, pork, eggs
Whitehouse Beef & Berry Farms – Beef, honey, blueberries

This week’s musical talent is Andrew Wakefield.

Local farms open for spring events

Posted on by Staff Reports

RALEIGH – Residents and visitors looking for farms that offer outdoor experiences and local food will have plenty of options this spring as farms across the state open their gates to welcome guests.

There are a variety of activities to choose from including workshops, Easter egg hunts, strawberry and flower picking, Mother’s Day events, farm stands and farmers markets. Following is a selection of experiences offered at North Carolina farms through Memorial Day.

Visitors can find farm experiences across the state by downloading the Visit NC Farms app with nearly 2,000 farms, fisheries and agriculture destinations nearby and across the state. The free app is available at www.visitncfarmstoday.com and by downloading from the app store on mobile devices. The app allows users to customize itineraries complete with driving directions. Or, online at www.gottobenc.com, by clicking on the agritourism listing under the Find Local link.

Visitors should verify event dates, ticket requirements and operational hours before going.

Western North Carolina

  • Sandy Mush Herb Nursery of Leicester is open for visitors Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for garden walks, greenhouse walks, self-guided spring hikes. Online at https://sandymushherbs.com/
  • Mark your calendars for Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend in Henderson County. April 22-24. This action-packed weekend features artisan hard cider, award-winning wines, food, educational programs, live music, facility tours and more. Learn more at https://visithendersonvillenc.org/cider-wine-dine-weekend.
  • Mountain Brook Vineyards offers award-winning wines paired with memorable hospitality. The vineyard hosts several events in March, including wine tastings, daily tours, wine dinners, sip & shop craft market, movies and barrel tastings. Find online at https://www.mountainbrookvineyards.com/.
  • Apple Hill Farm of Banner Elk will be hosting farm tours by reservation only this spring. They will have baby goat yoga mid-May, as well as an Agritourism Works! Workshop May 14. Check the website for details and bookings at http://www.applehillfarmnc.com/.
  • Valley River Vineyards is now open for the spring. Check out its tasting room and vineyards, or enjoy a peaceful walk through the woods, tent camping and picnic sites. Experience grapevine pruning on April 23. Learn more about this event for adults at http://www.valleyrivervineyards.com/.
  • Mount Gilead Farm of Leicester invites guests to interact with its socialized goat herd and adorable new baby goats that love to be held and snuggled. Make a reservation on the farm’s website for an educational tour focusing on regenerative agriculture and the integration of animals into farming practices, culminating in bottle-feeding baby goats. The farm store will be open selling goat cheese and other farm-produced items. Learn more at https://www.mtgileadfarm.com/.
  • Wildcat Ridge Farm of Clyde will be having its 2022 Festival of Peonies in Bloom from May 2-31. The festival is free and open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Potted herbaceous and intersectional peonies as well as blooms available for sale. Seasonal rental of its Yin Yurt  is available as well. Full event details are online at https://www.wildcatridgefarm.com/.
  • M. R. Gardens of Asheville is holding open houses showcasing its sustainable nursery, and offers native flowers, groundcovers, herbs and vegetable seedlings for purchase. M. R. Gardens focuses on pollinator plants and other species that benefit the ecosystem and aims to propagate plants in the most sustainable way possible. Check out its website for more information at http://www.nativeplantsasheville.com/.

Fairfield Mountains Chapel Nativity Exhibit and Christmas Tea

Posted on by Press Release

Lake Lure, NC


Saturday, December 4, 2021 – 2:00 – 4:00 pm

On December 4th the Fairfield Mountains Chapel Women of the Church will be hosting a community exhibit of special nativity scenes from across the country and around the world in their sanctuary.  There will be over thirty sets to view.  Please join this year’s unique Christmas Walk and be our guest for the exhibit in the sanctuary, along with beautiful background music.

Afterward, enjoy a Drop-In Holiday Tea with Christmas Cookies in our Fellowship Hall.

What: Nativity Scene Exhibit and Holiday Tea with Christmas Cookies

Where: Fairfield Mountains Chapel and Fellowship Hall, 1384 Buffalo Creek Rd, Lake Lure, NC 28746 (Across from the entrance to Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure)

When: Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 2:00-4:00 pm

Cost: Free of charge, but donations welcomed. All proceeds will benefit local charities.

Questions: Please call the church office at 828-625-2411.

Rutherford County GOP hosts very successful fundraiser

Posted on by Gayle Clayton, BS, MA

SPINDALE — Former Deputy White House Press Secretary and Deputy Assistant to President Donald Trump, Hogan Gidley, was the keynote speaker for the Rutherford County’s Lincoln-Reagan Dinner Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 before a full house at the Foundation.  The Rutherford County Republican Party’s fundraiser, the largest such event in our area, raised over $20,000 for the organization according to Chair Bryson Smith. A powerful program filled the evening.

US Rep. Virginia Fox

In attendance as honorees were members of law enforcement, local officials County Commissioners Alan Toney and Bryan King, Clerk of Superior Court Steve Owens and Mayor David Guy, candidate for District Attorney Krinn Evans, candidate for sheriff  Steve Theodoropoulos (THEO), Judges Rob Martelle and Corey MacKinnon.

 

Lt. Gov. Robinson
NC Sen. Ralph Hise (left)

 
All contributed photos.