2009 Calendar of Events

February 21: Highlands Annual Chili Cookoff

Taste all kinds of delicious chili while enjoying entertainment from the authentic Mariachi Jalisco. 6:30 to 9:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the Highlands Visitor Center on Main Street.
Highlands Community Center
Highlands, NC
www.highlandschamber.org/calendar

February 21: Nantahala Hiking Club

The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 5-6 mile hike to Rock Gorge and Big Bend falls on the Chattooga River. Meet at 9:45 AM at the Bank of America in Highlands. Visitors welcome. Call leader Virginia Talbot for reservations.
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-4904
www.maconcommunity.org/nhc/

February 28: Third Annual Great Sapphire Outhouse Race

Build your outhouse, recruit your 3-person crew and race, or just watch the madcap fun! Prizes for race winners and outhouses. Call Mary Beth Gillies for more information.
Sapphire Valley Ski Slopes
Sapphire Valley, NC
(828) 421-7348
(828) 743-0510

February 28: Nantahala Hiking Club

The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 3.5 mile hike from Upper Whitewater Falls to the Bad Creek Reservoir. Meet at 10:00 AM behind Wachovia Bank in Cashiers. Visitors welcome. Call leaders Mike and Susan Kettles for reservations.
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-1079
www.maconcommunity.org/nhc/

March 28: Heritage Apple Day

Enjoy Heritage Apple Day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society. Bring cuttings from your favorite producing or non-producing apple tree to be grafted.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

April 25: Earth Day

The Fifth Annual Earth Day in the Mountains will be held between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM at the Village Green in Cashiers, rain or shine. This event is sponsored by The Jackson-Macon Conservation Alliance, the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, the Upper Cullasaja Watershed Association and Whole Life Market. There will be a bouncy castle and climbing wall for the younger attendees and live music, educational information and samples, eco-friendly art projects and many other fun activities.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC
(828) 526-9938, ext. 320

May 2: Tour de Cashiers

A challenging day of bike riding through the beautiful Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. A variety of rides that fit all levels of interest, experience and conditioning will be offered. Riders meet at the Village Green. Registration required.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC
www.tourdecashiers.com

May 16: Mountaintop Relay for Life

Mountaintop Relay for Life will hold its annual Kickoff Celebration in the parking lot of Helen's Barn in Highlands. Activities start at 8:00 AM with a gourmet breakfast prepared by Fressers Owner/Chef Debbie Grossman. There will also be music, clogging by the County Cloggin' Kids, raffles and more. Call Linda Henderson for more information.
Helen's Barn
Highlands, NC
(828) 743-3295

May 23: Growing Up in Appalachia

Folklorist and storyteller Gary Carden and balladeer Sheila Kay Adams team up for an evening of stories and music about what it means to them to have grown up in Appalachia. Both have won much critical acclaim for their writings and performances. Tickets are $15. Event begins at 7:30 PM.
Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-9047
www.highlandsperformingartscenter.org

May 29-30: Collective Spirits Wine Festival

A two-day festival, which will be the first major event to be held in The Bascom art center's new $11 million, six-acre facility. Featured activities of the wine festival include grand wine tastings, silent auction, food by local chefs, a symposium, and a gala seated dinner on The Bascom's new terrace, followed by a live auction of exceptional wines and special wine-related items.
The Bascom
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-4949
www.thebascom.org/collective-spirits

May 29-31: Appalachian Music Symposium

Enjoy traditional Appalachian music at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society. Those scheduled to appear include David Holt, Sheila Kay Adams, Lee Knight, The Queen Family, Jacob Jones, Dr. William Ferris of UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Doug Orr, President Emeritus of Warren Wilson College, Art Rosenbaum of the University of Georgia, and local historians Jane Gibson Nardy and Gary Carden.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

June 2: Concert on the Slopes: The Magic of Sinatra

An evening of Frank Sinatra favorites starring Paul Salos, voted Best Sinatra in the USA on television's America's Got Talent. Concert begins at 7:00 PM. Advance tickets available.
Sapphire Valley Community Center
Sapphire, NC
(828) 743-7663
www.sapphirevalleyresort.com

June 3: Third Annual Land Trust Day

Treat yourself to a great day of shopping and dining and support the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, which works to preserve the natural areas and green spaces on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Participating businesses to be announced.
Cashiers and Highlands, NC
(828) 526-1111
www.hicashlt.org

June 11: Garden Party

Learn about table setting, floral design, food preparation and wine pairing at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn. Featuring demonstrations by Chef Johannes, Oakleaf Flower and Garden and Joe Extine of Acorn's Boutique. Cost is $75 per person for champagne upon arrival, lunch, wine, dessert and seminar. 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-8008
www.oldedwardsinn.com

June 12: Jane Nardy Ramble

Enjoy the Jane Nardy Ramble at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

June 13: Front Porch Family Fun

Enjoy Front Porch Family Fun at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

June 13-14: Cashiers Valley Rotary Spring Fling

Join us at the Cashiers Village Green from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for arts, crafts, food and fun! Pets needing homes from the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society will be on hand to love and adopt.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC
www.cashiersrotary.org

June 14: Bare Boards Party

Enjoy music, hot air balloon rides, activities, food, fun and more at the Bare Boards Party, hosted by the Village Green. This event runs from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and will launch the fundraising effort to redevelop the old Charter School site, which is located on Frank Allen Road next to the post office.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-3295
www.villagegreencashiersnc.com

June 15-19: Finding Your Form Through Nature

Clay artist Alice Ballard will be giving a workshop for beginning to advanced skill levels called "Finding Your Form Through Nature". From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Registration required; basic materials and firing included.
The Bascom
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-4949
www.thebascom.org/adult-classes-and-workshops/2009-classes-by-date

June 20: Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Patron's Party

This year, instead of the formal gala, a party will be held at a home in Highlands. All proceeds go to the shelter!
Highlands, NC
www.chhumanesociety.org

June 20: Paws on Parade

Attention dog lovers! This event will include herding, agility, freestyle, tunnel running and dock diving, as well as contests for youngest dog, oldest dog, dog with the longest ears and many other categories.
Sapphire Valley Resort Athletic Field
Sapphire Valley, NC

June 26-August 7: Relay for Life Mountain Music Concert Series

Sponsored by the Just for You Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society, the Mountain Music concert series features music and dance mountain style! Come enjoy the entertainment, along with modern western square dancing, clogging, raffles and more. A different musical group will perform each Friday. Dancing begins at 6:45 PM and the bands perform from 7:30 until 9:00 PM, in the old gym at Highlands School. Admission is free.
Highlands School
Highlands, NC

June 27-28: Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show

Features a wide variety of artisans, including contemporary and country crafts, folk art, fine jewelry and much more. Enjoy music and food while you browse. Free admission and parking. For more information, contact Sandra Fischel.
Sapphire Valley Resort Athletic Field
Sapphire Valley, NC
(828) 743-1163
www.sapphirevalleyresort.com
svma@aol.com

June 26-August 7: Relay for Life Mountain Music Concert Series

Sponsored by the Just for You Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society, the Mountain Music concert series features music and dance mountain style! Come enjoy the entertainment, along with modern western square dancing, clogging, raffles and more. A different musical group will perform each Friday. Dancing begins at 6:45 PM and the bands perform from 7:30 until 9:00 PM, in the old gym at Highlands School. Admission is free.
Highlands School
Highlands, NC

July 4: Fourth of July Fireworks

Enjoy the fireworks show with your neighbors at the Cashiers Community Center. Contact Kathie Finley for more information.
Cashiers Community Center
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-3518

July 4: Mountain Music Festival

A great day of music and family fun at the Village Green, presented by the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce. The Isaacs, The Heartland Band, Mountain Faith, Sweet Tater, The Him's, Tucker's Town, Lizzy Long and The Rye Holler Boys are scheduled to perform. 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. General admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 years old, and free for children under 6 years old. Parking is free.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-5191

July 4: Big Ol' Mountain Country Breakfast

Enjoy a Big Ol' Mountain Country Breakfast and help those in need! Sponsored by the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry. Starts at 7:00 AM. Contact Carol Stork for more information.
Cashiers Community Center
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-3222

July 4: Yankee Doodle Dandy Day

Celebrate Independence Day with the family! Sapphire Valley is hosting Yankee Doodle Dandy Day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Activities include food, pitch and putt golf contest, inflatable jumps, slides, obstacles courses, swimming pool games, pony rides, cake walk, face painting, tennis tournament, horseshoe tournament, basketball shooting, softball throw, tug-o-war, soccer kick, outhouse race and more.
Sapphire Valley Recreation Center
Sapphire Valley, NC
(828) 743-7663
www.sapphirevalleyresort.com

July 5-August 9: Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

Enjoy the 28th season of this historic festival with a month of chamber music at its finest, along with beautifully intimate settings, the cool mountains, fine art, dining, theatre and film. Numerous exciting music, art and dining events at locations throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Cashiers and Highlands, NC
(828) 526-9060
www.h-cmusicfestival.org

July 7, 9-11: Mountains in Bloom

The Bascom will host the 11th annual Mountains in Bloom garden festival with garden tours, a flower show, home and garden shop and lectures by Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill and Chip Callaway . Lectures start on Tuesday, July 7th; the full event, kicking off with the Patron's Party gala, begins on Friday, July 10th.
The Bascom
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-4949
www.mountainsinbloom.com

July 9: Leonid Treer and Judith Burganger in Concert

The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association presents classical pianists Leonid Treer and Judith Burganger in concert at the Cashiers Village Green, starting at 7:00 PM. Judith and Leonid will play solo piano compositions from Chopin, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Gerschwin, followed by a four-hands performance of select Hungarian Dances by Johannes Brahms. Bring a picnic, drinks and your lawn chair. Admission is free! For more information, contact Buddy Mix.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC
(828) 966-9574

July 10-11: Telluride Mountain Film Festival

The Telluride Mountain Film Festival on Tour comes to Cashiers! On Friday, enjoy the flamenco/jazz/world music sounds of Cabo Verde, and the screening of History Making Farming Author on the Move, with a Q&A featuring director Matt Morris. On Saturday, musical group Trainwreks will perform, along with the screening of a different film. Festival to be held at the Cashiers Village Hillside Park (up the hill behind Tommy's). Gates open at 6:00 PM. Ticket prices are $45 for one night or $80 for both nights. Price includes dinner, two free beverages, music, films and coupons to local businesses.
Cashiers Village Hillside Park
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.mountainfilmcashiers.com

July 10-11: Church of the Good Shepherd Auction and Bazaar

Don't miss the live and silent auctions on Friday night, July 10th, at the Church of the Good Shepherd. The bazaar will be held at the Cashiers Community Center from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Saturday, July 11th.
Church of the Good Shepherd
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-2359
www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com

July 10-11: Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival presents The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet. Concerts begin at 5:00 PM. On Friday, July 10, the concert will be at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park in Highlands and on Saturday, July 11, it will be at the Zachary-Tolbert House in Cashiers. Bring a picnic, wine and a blanket.
Cashiers and Highlands, NC
(828) 526-9060
www.h-cmusicfestival.org

July 23: Judy Collins

A one-night engagement with world renowned and much loved musical artist Judy Collins. Enjoy her beautiful voice and signature blend of folksongs and contemporary themes in the acoustically acclaimed Performing Arts Center.  General admission tickets are $100 each; a limited number of Dress Circle tickets are available at $200 each, which include a seat in the first three rows and the opportunity to socialize with Ms. Collins at a private reception. Performance begins at 7:30 PM.
Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-9047
www.highlandsperformingartscenter.org

July 24-26: Cashiers Antique Show

The annual Cashiers Antique Show runs from Friday to Sunday. Call Hazel Giles for more information.
Blue Ridge School
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-9270

July 30: Groovin' on the Green

The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association presents Groovin' on the Green, featuring acoustic rock and jazz band We are Bak. Admission is free! Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Concert starts at 7:00 PM.
Village Green
Cashiers, NC

June 26-August 7: Relay for Life Mountain Music Concert Series

Sponsored by the Just for You Relay For Life Team to benefit the American Cancer Society, the Mountain Music concert series features music and dance mountain style! Come enjoy the entertainment, along with modern western square dancing, clogging, raffles and more. A different musical group will perform each Friday. Dancing begins at 6:45 PM and the bands perform from 7:30 until 9:00 PM, in the old gym at Highlands School. Admission is free.
Highlands School
Highlands, NC

July 5-August 9: Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

Enjoy the 28th season of this historic festival with a month of chamber music at its finest, along with beautifully intimate settings, the cool mountains, fine art, dining, theatre and film. Over 20 exciting events at locations throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Cashiers and Highlands, NC
(828) 526-9060
www.h-cmusicfestival.org

August 1: Make-A-Wish Festival and Car Show

The 5th Annual Make-A-Wish Festival and Car Show will feature music by Shades of Bluegrass with special guest Bill Fisher, Wild Hog Band, Hurricane Creek Bank and Cashiers Music Company, plus children's activities, silent auction, general store and more. Admission is free. Event runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Sapphire Valley Community Center.
Sapphire Valley Community Center
Sapphire, NC
(828) 743-9191

August 8: Front Porch Family Fun

Enjoy Front Porch Family Fun with Lee Knight at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

August 8: Manes and Tails Benefit

Support a great cause and join the Manes and Tails Benefit for Carpe Diem Farms and Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. The event will be held at Carpe Diem Farms in Highlands. For more information, call Cassie Welsh, Executive Director of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.
Carpe Diem Farms
Highlands, NC
(828) 743-5752
(828) 723-5369

August 8-9: Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Show

Features a wide variety of artisans, including contemporary and country crafts, folk art, fine jewelry and much more. Enjoy music and food while you browse. Free admission and parking. For more information, contact Sandra Fischel.
Sapphire Valley Resort Athletic Field
Sapphire Valley, NC
(828) 743-1163
www.sapphirevalleyresort.com
svma@aol.com

August 21: 12th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse Patrons Party

The kickoff party for the Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse, presented by The Cashiers Historical Society.
Nancy Hanks House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

August 22-September 6: 12th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse

Presented by The Cashiers Historical Society, this year's showhouse will be the summer home of the late Nancy Hanks, who is widely credited with spearheading the federal government's involvement in the arts.
Nancy Hanks House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

August 28: Relay for Life

Relay for Life of Mountain Top is holding the Relay for Life event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, celebrate those who have survived cancer and remember those who have been lost.
Highlands Recreation Center
Highlands, NC
main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=13159

September 5: Mountain Tail Waggers Walk and Pet Fest

The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society presents the first Mountain Tail Waggers Walk, starting at the Highlands School and ending at the Pet Fest on Pine Street. There will also be a craft show, competitions, demonstrations, music, food and microchipping. Registration starts at 8:00 AM, or pre-register online. Pet Fest runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Rain or shine!
Highlands, NC
(828) 743-5752
www.chhumanesociety.org

September 24: Founder's Day

Presented by The Cashiers Historical Society.
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

October 2-3: Autumn Festival

To celebrate autumn, The Bascom will host a gala and auction on Friday and a casual autumn party on Saturday. Last year's event included live and silent auctions, dinner, spirits and live entertainment.
The Bascom
Highlands, NC
(828) 526-4949
www.thebascom.org/gala

October 5: Rotary Club Charity Golf Tournament

Hit the links and support some terrific causes at the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley's Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley. For more information, contact Ron Keller.
Country Club of Sapphire Valley
Sapphire, NC
(828) 743-9920
www.cashiersrotary.org

October 15: Jane Nardy Ramble

Enjoy the Jane Nardy Ramble at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

October 17: Front Porch Family Fun

Enjoy Front Porch Family Fun at the Zachary-Tolbert House, brought to you by the Cashiers Historical Society.
Zachary-Tolbert House
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-7710
www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org

October 17-18: Sapphire Valley Arts and Crafts Festival

Features a wide variety of artisans, including contemporary and country crafts, folk art, fine jewelry and much more. Enjoy music and food while you browse. Free admission and parking. For more information, contact Sandra Fischel.
Sapphire Valley Resort Athletic Field
Sapphire Valley, NC
(828) 743-1163
www.sapphirevalleyresort.com
svma@aol.com

November 12-15: Highlands Culinary Weekend

The Highlands Culinary Weekend returns for its third year. Start the weekend off on Thursday with the Opening Night Celebration and enjoy favorites from local chefs and wines from notable wineries. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, indulge at one of the wine dinners, take a cooking class or just sip and stroll in charming downtown Highlands. This event is sponsored by The Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Highlands, NC
(866) 526-5841
(828) 526-2112
www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com

December 12: Cashiers Christmas Parade

Watch this much-loved holiday parade through downtown Cashiers. 1:00 PM.
Cashiers, NC
(828) 743-5191
www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com