For Appalachian State
University students, fall consists of a few weeks before huddling
inside for the long months of winter. But before going indoors completely,
be sure to check out some of the High Country’s unique autumn
festivals.
Oktoberfest at Sugar Mountain will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sugar Mountain Resort in Banner Elk. Admission
is free.
“This is the 13th year [of Oktoberfest],” administrative
assistant at the Sugar Mountain Resort Marsha Ruppard said. “[This
year] we have over 40 arts and crafts vendors.”
At 11 a.m., an abundance of Old World foods will be served, including
Bratwurst, German potato salad, Sauerkraut and German beer, Ruppard
said.
Other activities include the Little Oompah Band, hayrides, and ski
lifts to the top of the mountain. “We have around 3,000–4,000
people every year,” Ruppard said. “Everybody always has
a good time.”
For more information about Oktoberfest, call 898-4521 ext.#261 or
visit www.skisugar.com/oktoberfest.
The Todd community hosts the ninth annual Todd New River Festival
on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Around 50 vendor booths will feature crafts and foods.
“Everything from candles to jewelry,” Bob Mann, owner
of the newly renovated Todd General Store, said.
The festival will provide entertainment, including storyteller Orville
Hicks and nine musical groups.
Mann said that music would include gospel, blues and country, including
Southern Accents, which features national guitar championship winner
Steve Lewis.
There are also children’s activities, including the first Todd
New River rubber ducky race.
Parking is available by the covered bridge, Mann said. Shuttles
will be provided to transport people to the fairgrounds.
For more information, call the Todd General Store at (336) 877-1067.
The Holy Cross Episcopal Church of Valle Crucis sponsors the 25th
annual Valle Country Fair on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m. Parking is $5.
“The money raised is used to support organizations in both
Avery and Watauga counties,” Ann Greene, parish administrator
of the Holy Cross Episcopal church, said.
More than 150 vendors will provide activities such as old-fashioned
farm demonstrations, local crafts, local foods and mountain music
and dancing. |
