Wednesday, November 23, 2011 —
Stanly County has much to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving weekend. We like to think of ourselves as an oasis of calm in the midst of North Carolina’s busy urban centers. Untouched by sprawl, we are a land of rural beauty with scenic byways, lakes and streams and ancient mountain tops worn into softly contoured hills. The cool weather of autumn draws many visitors to enjoy hiking and boating at Morrow Mountain State Park, and this is the time of year when our small communities host holiday parades and craft shows and cruise-ins.
When the turkey is a memory and the pumpkin pie is no more, begin your weekend on Friday with a visit to the Falling Rivers Gallery on West Main Street in downtown Albemarle. This unique venue run by members of the Stanly Arts Guild displays the work of local artists and features paintings, pottery, jewelry and more. From now until December 24, 2011 the Gallery features the Saggy Frog Holiday Craft Show. With a wide variety of local one-of-a-kind hand-made crafts by local artisans to choose from, this is the place to find those special Christmas gifts.
Later on Friday, stow those newly-purchased gift items away and head out to Oakboro for the monthly Cruise-In. This event continues throughout the winter on every fourth Friday of the month. Although the crowds are thinner, giving the visitor more opportunity to see the lovingly restored old cars and trucks, and the Burn-Out will not begin again until next April, the event is still a popular place for photo opportunities and friendly conversation with the car owners.
On the other end of the county, from 7 pm to 10 pm, the Badin Inn continues its popular Friday night Pickin’ on the Porch. The porch itself is now winterized, a warm and cozy place to hear local groups entertain. This Friday, don’t miss the music of Loose Change as you wine and dine in this beautiful setting.
On Saturday, Locust comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. This is a great place to begin your holiday festivities. The Christmas Festival opens at 12:30 pm followed by a concert at Locust City Hall featuring Wayne and Gina Stewart. The Christmas Parade, sponsored by the West Stanly Lions Club, begins at 3 pm. At 3:30 pm to 7 pm there is a Community Blood Drive in the Community Room at the Town Center. At 4:30 pm Locust will hold the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Locust Government Center with Congressman Larry Kissell. 5 pm brings another concert by Wayne and Gina Stewart and from 5 pm to 5:30 pm visitors have the opportunity to tour the Locust City Hall. And for the grand finale, be sure to catch the 6 pm tree lighting.
Sunday afternoon between 12 pm and 5 pm is a great time to visit Uwharrie Vineyards. This 14,000 square foot facility located on Austin Road in western Stanly County, features a spacious visitors center, a formal banquet hall, large tasting bar and unique gift shop. Surrounded by 50 acres of beautiful grape vines, it’s the place to go to sample some of the award winning wines, tour the operations, bring a picnic lunch, relax in the rocking chairs, camp on the grounds or just enjoy the afternoon. Uwharrie Vineyards feels that life, like great wine, should be enjoyed to the fullest. Amen to that and Happy Thanksgiving.
Entertainment
This Weekend In Stanly County November 24
- Entertainment
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Websites go dark in protest of anti-piracy bill (VIDEO, POLL)
Dozens of internet websites – from web resources like Wikipedia to online communities like Reddit – went dark Wednesday in protest of a bill in Congress that aims to stop online piracy.
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Viral video: Announcer goes nuts after full-court shot wins game
One college basketball play-by-play radio host likely needed some throat lozenges when he woke up Sunday morning, a day after his shocked, screaming reaction to a game-winning basket.
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Viral video: Groom surprises bride with Justin Bieber dance
The choreographed wedding dance is a staple of a healthy viral video diet, right up there with cute kittens and babies laughing at everyday sounds. Still, it's hard not to smile when you watch one as well-executed as this groom's Justin Bieber tribute to his new bride.
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Cartoon techniques with Marcus Hamilton
Come learn cartooning techniques from a professional illustrator, Marcus Hamilton, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Jan. 21. He has been the cartoonist for the daily panels of “Dennis the Menace” since about 1996. The cost is $25 for adults. The workshop is appropriate for all ages and children can attend with a paying adult for an additional $10.
Pre-registration and pre-paid, non-refundable tuition is required to reserve a seat.
Make checks payable to Marcus Hamilton and mail to Falling Rivers Gallery. To register or for more information, contact Falling Rivers Gallery at (704) 983-4278, email Marcus Hamilton at dtmsouth@carolina.rr.com or e-mail fallingrivers gallery@yahoo.com -
Viral video: Top recruit picks Alabama; mom rolls eyes
A top recruit made his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama during a live television announcement Thursday night, but it’s his mother’s reaction to the news that’s getting attention.
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Viral video: Marriage proposal rejected at basketball game
Having your marriage proposal rejected is heartbreaking. Having your marriage proposal rejected on camera in front of thousands of people at a sporting event? Well, that’s a viral video on YouTube.
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Viral video: Anchor has Ron Burgundy moment on live TV
A morning meteorologist at a TV station in Green Bay, Wis., had a real-life Ron Burgundy moment this week thanks to a prank by one of his co-workers.
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Viral video: Clerk punches would-be robber
A clerk at a gold-buying store in North Carolina punched a would-be robber in the face Friday, knocking the man out after he barged in with a gun and demanded money.
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Transportation Museum chief named manager of Reed Gold Mine
The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources and the Division of State Historic Sites announce the selection of Larry K. Neal Jr. as site manager of Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site in Midland.
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Viral video: Woman makes amazing hockey goal, wins truck
Some folks are calling it a "miracle on ice." A 59-year-old woman who had never held a hockey stick made a nearly impossible goal, sending a puck into a tiny opening to win a brand new truck.
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