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Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center
May 7, 2008

I had a great week in California with my brother, but it is so good to be back home in Alleghany County.

-- Bob

Chamber Spring Fling set for May 31
So many of you have asked, what happened to our St. Paddy's Fundraising Dance. Somehow the time just got away from us, but we've not given up. Saturday, May 31, we are holding Spring Fling at the Silver Dollar Music Park beginning at 7:30p. The Corvairs play beach, funk, soul and other great oldie sounds. Check them out at their website. There will be lots of hors o'dourves and beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25 each and should be in the office and in the hands of Chamber board members by Friday! APPALACHIAN FANS, we have some homecoming tickets we are going to auction/raffle. So you will especially want to be there. Come by our office at 58 South Main, or grab me or a Chamber Board member before the tickets get gone.

New face in the Chamber office
Pat Harmeson, the Chamber's administrative assistant, has been wanting to get a taste of retirement. When you have such a super employee, you try to accommodate them, so we have a new person in the Chamber office, sharing Pat's position. Cheri Turner is the likely person you will see behind the desk on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and Saturday during the summer and fall. (I say likely because they switch days sometimes to keep me on my toes.) Drop in and say hi. Cheri would love to meet you.

Thursday, May 8, 2008
Help plan a birthday party -- Alleghany County's
Sparta - Alleghany County turns 150 in 2009 and we all need to celebrate. To get the ball rolling the Chamber has partnered with the Historical Society to sponsor a kick-off event for the big year this Thursday evening beginning at 6p at the Silver Dollar Music Park. We are hoping to create some good ideas and lots of excitement that will energize individuals and groups to plan activities that celebrate this great event throughout next year. Old timers and new times interested in playing a role in this celebration are invited to be at the Silver Dollar this Thursday. Light refreshments will be served. Click to read more about this event and to see some memorabilia from the 1959 Centennial celebration or call the Chamber at 372-5473.

Monday, May 12, 2009
Balloon Lady kicks off Children's Book Week
Sparta - The Children's Book Week celebration kicks off with an after-school special visit by the Balloon Lady at 4p at the Alleghany Library. Kids of all ages will enjoy this free program. 336-372-5573

Thursday, May 15, 2009
An evening with the doctors of music
Sparta - Alleghany Library is featuring an evening of music with Drs. Keith Oliver and Jack Cahn as part of the Hometown and Heritage Series beginning at 6:30p. No charge for this program. 336-372-5573

Help with spring cleaning and help a good cause
The Alleghany Rotary Club is asking for your donations for their big auction to benefit Alleghany Memorial Hospital in August. If your spring cleaning uncovers serviceable items (they should be in working order and no clothes please) that you are not longer using -- furniture, appliances, work-out equipment (for goodness sake, dust off that Nordic Track for Rotary and buy a Wellness Center membership), TVs, etc. -- call 372-8684 or 372-3281 and they'll make arrangements to pickup items from you home. What could be easier? And it's tax deductible!

SPECIAL EVENTS EACH WEEK IN THE AREA: Check the following list to see if there isn't something to pique your interest.
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Tuesday, RISE & SHINE BAND, 7p; and Saturday, BAREFOOT PICKERS, 8p, 25 N. Main. Admission each night is $4. 336-372-4591
>> Bella Nottè Italian Restaurant: Live music Friday and Saturday Nights. Shows start at 6:30p, 7:30p and final show at 8:30p. No cover charge. No reservations needed. 41 North Main St., Sparta. 336-372-2888
>> Crouse House Pickers: Local blue grass and old time musicians jam each Monday, 2 blocks north of the Courthouse at the Crouse House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6 p.m. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 372-5473
>> Friday Night Dance: Our friends at Skatezone, 498 Beaver Creek School Rd., in West Jefferson have a dance one Friday of each month from 10p to 12:30a. Admission $5. Call 336-246-3232 for more information or to confirm dance dates for coming months.
>> Parents & Grandparents Skate for $1: In an effort to encourage more families skating together, Skatezone, 498 Beaver Creek School Rd., in West Jefferson permits parents and grandparents to bring their youngsters and the adults can skate for only $1, Thursdays and Sundays. More info at www.skatezonenc.com or call 336-246-3232.
>> Station's Inn: Live music every Sunday from 2-5p at no charge at this popular gathering for motorcyclists in downtown Laurel Springs. FOUR WHEEL DRIVE is slated for this coming Sunday.

Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for Recurring Activities, Events and local Meetings. Check them often and let us know if your activity is not listed.

Bob Bamberg
Executive Director
Alleghany Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1237
Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473

SpartaChamber@inbox.com
Sparta-NC.com

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