Celebrating Spring & OUr Growing Season
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Leading up to the opening day of the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, Greening My Plate Month is a time to celebrate spring and our growing season. This year features a lot of unique events, including:
Please scroll down to learn more about each event. |
Events
On-going Throughout April
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Leola Street Community Garden Plots AvailableGrow your own food! Several plots are still available!
Where: 297 Leola St., Boone, NC Contact: Zan Valliant, https://communitygarden.org/find-a-garden/gardens/leola-street-community-garden/ |
Saturday, April 1st
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Watauga Seed Library's Grand OpeningGather with your community to discuss the importance of growing your own food, learn about sharing and saving seeds, enjoy some lovely live folk tunes, check out some seeds to grow this year, and participate in some hands-on seed activities!
When: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Ribbon Cutting at 3:30 PM
Where: Watauga County Public Library Who: All are welcome Cost: Free Contact: Lindsey Giglio at [email protected] Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/265957083860631/ |
tuesday, April 4th
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let's get cooking - what science tells us about children's eating and efficient cookingResearch suggests that parents have an important role in the socialization of their children's eating behavior and long term cooking habits. Teaching children to cook is an effective way to increase consumption of less-processed foods.
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When: 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM
Where: Jimmy Smith Room of the Roess Central Dining Hall, Appalachian State University
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free
Contact: Carla Ramsell at [email protected]
Website: rieee.appstate.edu/FoodForThought
Where: Jimmy Smith Room of the Roess Central Dining Hall, Appalachian State University
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free
Contact: Carla Ramsell at [email protected]
Website: rieee.appstate.edu/FoodForThought
wednesday, April 5th
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Feasting on fruits and vegetables cooking classes3 consecutive Wednesday Mornings. Lunchtime celebration of plant cookery that will teach you to fill your plate with color and vitality. You needn't be vegetarian to love this class!
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When: 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM
(Other dates include April 12th and April 19th)
Where: Agriculture Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC
Who: General Public
Cost: $40 for all classes, $15 for an individual class
Contact: Kirsten Dillman at [email protected]
Website: https://watagua.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/01/feasting-on-fruits-and-vegetables-cooking-classes-offered-3-consecutive-wednesday-mornings/
(Other dates include April 12th and April 19th)
Where: Agriculture Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC
Who: General Public
Cost: $40 for all classes, $15 for an individual class
Contact: Kirsten Dillman at [email protected]
Website: https://watagua.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/01/feasting-on-fruits-and-vegetables-cooking-classes-offered-3-consecutive-wednesday-mornings/
Saturday, April 8th
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BuildfestPresented by The Children’s Playhouse and the North Carolina Science Festival, Playhouse BuildFest will be held from 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, April 8 at Watauga High School. There will be a special “soft open” from 9 am to 10 am for kids with special needs.
This FREE event features hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) activities for kids aged 2-12. There will be all ages activities as well as activities specifically designed for preschool, grades K-3, and grades 4-6. Last year's BuildFest was enjoyed by 1200 adults and kids and featured 40 hands-on activities and a live physics and chemistry show. |
As a part of Greening My Plate Month, Watauga County Cooperative Extension, children will have many opportunities to play, including at our farmers' market where parents may learn about how to purchase food locally.
When: 10 AM until 2 PM
Where: Watauga High School, 300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Who: General Public
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.goplayhouse.org/events/build_fest.html
When: 10 AM until 2 PM
Where: Watauga High School, 300 Go Pioneers Drive, Boone, NC 28607
Who: General Public
Cost: Free
Website: http://www.goplayhouse.org/events/build_fest.html
Wednesday, April 12th
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Feasting on fruits and vegetables cooking classes3 consecutive Wednesday Mornings. Lunchtime celebration of plant cookery that will teach you to fill your plate with color and vitality. You needn't be vegetarian to love this class!
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When: 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM
(Other dates include April 5th and April 19th)
Where: Agriculture Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC
Who: General Public
Cost: $40 for all classes, $15 for an individual class
Contact: Kirsten Dillman at [email protected]
Website: https://watagua.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/01/feasting-on-fruits-and-vegetables-cooking-classes-offered-3-consecutive-wednesday-mornings/
(Other dates include April 5th and April 19th)
Where: Agriculture Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC
Who: General Public
Cost: $40 for all classes, $15 for an individual class
Contact: Kirsten Dillman at [email protected]
Website: https://watagua.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/01/feasting-on-fruits-and-vegetables-cooking-classes-offered-3-consecutive-wednesday-mornings/
Thursday, April 13th
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Greens Culinary ClasSStudents in the Foods II Enterprise class will compete in groups, preparing dishes featuring locally grown greens for the faculty and staff to judge. All recipes will be made available for the judges. Prizes will be awarded on April 28th.
When: 10:00 AM Where: Watauga High School Who: Students, Faculty, and staff of Watauga High School Cost: Free Contact: Margie Mansure at [email protected] |
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Movie: Farmer/VeteranEnjoy a Thursday night in Blowing Rock with dinner and a movie!
Here’s how it works: pick up your ticket anytime during museum hours on the day of the film, and present it at Bistro Roca for a 10% discount on your meal (offer only valid the day of the film). Then, come on over to Blowing Rock Art & History Museum for a film and discussion. |
Home from three combat tours in Iraq, Alex Sutton forges a new identity as a farmer hatching chicks and raising goats on 43 acres in rural North Carolina. He dives into life on the farm with his new love Jessica, but cannot shake the lingering traumas of war. The stories he tells about battlefield experiences become unmoored from reality as he cycles between states of heightened awareness and “feeling zombified” from a cocktail of prescriptions meant to keep him stable. For the viewer, as for Alex, what to believe about his past is uncertain. The farm becomes a terrain to unearth what is buried, what it really means to be “the perfect soldier,” and where to find the way forward.
When: 7-10 PM
Where: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Who: Students, Faculty, and staff of Watauga High School
Cost: $5 students with ID, seniors, active military, EBT cardholders, $7 general admission
Contact: 8282959099 or [email protected]
When: 7-10 PM
Where: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Who: Students, Faculty, and staff of Watauga High School
Cost: $5 students with ID, seniors, active military, EBT cardholders, $7 general admission
Contact: 8282959099 or [email protected]
Tuesday, April 18th
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Goat 101During this workshop, we will be discussing fencing, housing, pasture management, managing parasites, feed, breeding, kidding, milking, and more. After the workshop, we will be tossing pizza into the wood-fired oven, so make sure to stick around afterwards!
When: 3 PM Where: Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy Who: All are welcome Cost: $10 Website: http://www.brwia.org/homegrownworkshops2017.html |
wednesday, April 19th
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village vision at ambMusic by Leah Matthews and other local artists, a prize raffle, and promo for Village Vision.
When: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Where: Appalachian Mountain Brewery in Boone. Who: All are welcome Cost: Free Contact: [email protected] |
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Feasting on fruits and vegetables cooking classes3 consecutive Wednesday Mornings. Lunchtime celebration of plant cookery that will teach you to fill your plate with color and vitality. You needn't be vegetarian to love this class!
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When: 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM
(Other dates include April 5th and April 12th)
Where: Agriculture Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC
Who: General Public
Cost: $40 for all classes, $15 for an individual class
Contact: Kirsten Dillman at [email protected]
Website: https://watagua.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/01/feasting-on-fruits-and-vegetables-cooking-classes-offered-3-consecutive-wednesday-mornings/
(Other dates include April 5th and April 12th)
Where: Agriculture Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC
Who: General Public
Cost: $40 for all classes, $15 for an individual class
Contact: Kirsten Dillman at [email protected]
Website: https://watagua.ces.ncsu.edu/2017/01/feasting-on-fruits-and-vegetables-cooking-classes-offered-3-consecutive-wednesday-mornings/
Thursday, April 20th
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local food community dinner for the western watauga food outreachLocal food community dinner for the Western Watauga Food Outreach
When: 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Where: Cove Creek Community Center (Public Library) Who: All are welcome Cost: Free Contact: [email protected] |
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From Fresh Chevre to Bloomy Rinds: Cheesemakers of WNCKick off Savor Blowing Rock at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum and meet makers of artisanal cheese from four Western North Carolina creameries and dairies.
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Have you ever wondered about the difference between fresh and aged cheese? Feta vs. Chévre? Or where a bloomy rind comes from? What is a cave-aged cheese? Cheesemakers will discuss all of these things, as well as their experiences making and selling cheese. The event will feature cheese tastings and purchasing options from: Blue Ridge Mountain Creamery, Heritage Homestead, Spinning Spider Creamery and Yellow Branch Cheese
When: 6-7 PM
Where: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free admission for Museum members, $5 entry for Non-members
When: 6-7 PM
Where: Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free admission for Museum members, $5 entry for Non-members
Saturday, April 22nd
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Country Ham, Cushaws, & Stack Cakes
Roving journalist, author, and filmmaker Fred Sauceman will explore some of the iconic products and dishes of the region as he tells the stories of the people behind the food. He’ll talk of pepperoni rolls from West Virginia, sorghum syrup made on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, the Dip Dogs of Virginia, the glories of Beans All the Way, and the profound simplicity of redeye gravy. He’ll herald cooks, farmers, and restaurant owners who dedicate their lives to feeding their neighbors and to building community in Appalachia.
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When: 12:30 PM until 1:20 PM
Where: Blowing Rock Art & History Muesum
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free with museum admission
Where: Blowing Rock Art & History Muesum
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Free with museum admission
Monday, April 24th
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Habitat Conservation & FarmingStarting in 2009, Shady Grove Gardens has been working with the NRCD to eradicate invasive species and maintain stable habitat for the Golden Winged Warbler. The WHIP program pays minimal amounts to farmers to maintain various habitats. In addition, maintaining conservation lands can give NC state qualified property tax breaks.
At this workshop, farmer Brent Cochran will show his habitat work and talk about his experience working with the NRCS, NWRC and NC/Ashe Co. on property tax adjustments. Patrick Farrell, a NC Wildlife Resources Technical Assistance Biologist, will also speak about the Wildlife Conservation Lands Program. Patrick has been working with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission over 30 years. |
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When: 3:30 PM, Potluck to follow
Where: Shady Grove Gardens Who: All are welcome Cost: Free Contact: Dave Walker at [email protected] Website/RSVP: http://craft.brwia.org/workshops.html |
Tuesday, April 25th
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Garden PlantingHands-on workshop for best practices for planting seeds & plants.
Where: Hospitality House Led by: Richard Boylan & Lauri Wilson Cost: Free Website: http://www.brwia.org/homegrownworkshops2017.html |
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Friday, April 28th
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Award Ceremony: Greens Culinary ClasSPrizes will be awarded to the students in the Foods II Enterprise class will compete in groups, preparing dishes featuring locally grown greens for the faculty and staff to judge. All recipes will be made available for the judges.
Where: Watauga High School Who: Students, Faculty, and staff of Watauga High School Cost: Free Contact: Margie Mansure at [email protected] |
sunday, April 30th
High Country Local First boone block party
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A street festival celebrating local art, business, music, and the non-profit community.
When: 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM Where: Howard Street (Below FootSloggers and the bottom of the Town Hall Parking lot) Who: All are welcome. Businesses, farms, and non-profits are invited to sponsor and/or have a booth at this event. Cost: Free Contact: Victoria Potter at [email protected] / highcountrylocalfirst.org |
Saturday, may 5th
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Farmers' Market Opening DayJoin us on the first Saturday in May for the opening day of Watauga County Farmers' Market. Spring will be in full bloom as the market opens with live music from local musicians, cooking demos from local food enthusiasts, activities in the kids corner, and the unbeatable atmosphere that makes the market "Boone's Town Square Since 1974!"
When: 8:00 AM until Noon Where: Horn in the West Parking Lot - 591 Horn in the West Dr. Boone, NC 28607 Cost: Free Contact: [email protected] |
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village vision festivalVillage Vision Festival will take place directly after the opening day of the Watauga Farmers Market at The Daniel Boone Park. Festivities include local music, art and craft vendors, local food and beer, kids activities, and workshops. Funds raised will go to the Cost Share program of the High Country CSA and the Double Bucks program of the Watauga Farmers Market.
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When: 12pm until 9PM
Where: Daniel Boone Park
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Students: pre sale=$10, at the door =$12. General pre sale= $15, at the gate=$20. Kids 16 and under free
Contact: [email protected]
Where: Daniel Boone Park
Who: All are welcome
Cost: Students: pre sale=$10, at the door =$12. General pre sale= $15, at the gate=$20. Kids 16 and under free
Contact: [email protected]
past events
Tuesday, March 21st
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mountain pathways lettuce learn garden dayCome help us prep the garden with the kids!
When: 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM Where: Mountain Pathways Who: All are welcome Cost: Free Contact/Registration: [email protected] |
Saturday, march 25th
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two Rivers lettuce learn garden dayCome volunteer to help us prep the school garden!
When: 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM Where: Two Rivers School Who: All are welcome Cost: Free Contact: [email protected] |
