2008 Calendar of Events

Ongoing
Bi-monthly Saturday Night Dances
Bimonthly Saturday night dances at the John C. Campbell Folk School, 8-11 p.m. Contra and square dances for adults, children, beginners, singles, and couples, with live music and callers from near and far. Visit the John C. Campbell Folk School web site or call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.

Folk School Concerts
Folk School Concerts are open to the public. They are scheduled for most (but not all) Friday evenings at 7:30. The public is welcome to enjoy a public display of Folk School student crafts from 6:40-7:00 p.m. in the Keith House Community Room, where the concerts are held. Free Admission.

Fireside Friday
Second Friday of every month, featuring local writers, poets, and musicians. 5-7 pm. at Curiosity Shop Bookstore.

Pickin & Playing at Clay's Corner
The best in home-spun Appalachian music. Brasstown, NC every Friday Night. Call 828-837-3797 for more info.

Murphy Mornings
Every Saturday from 10 am- 2pm, April-October in the pocketparks on the corners of Peachtree and Tennessee streets, downtown Murphy, featuring Cedar Valley Farmer's Market; quilters and crafters welcome. For more information, call Jeremiah Smith, 828-837-5143.

Murphy Public Library
Story time for preschoolers and caregivers every Monday at 10 a.m. Enjoy books, music, rhymes, and fun. It's free! For more information, call Children's Librarian Maureen McGee at 828-837-2025.

Music in the Shoppes of Murphy
The 1st Friday of each month, March thru October, a live band performs from 7-10 p.m. The 3rd Friday of each month is Dance Night at the Daily Grind. Other events include wine tastings. For more information contact the Daily Grind at 828-835-7322.

Monthly Events

January

20
Moscow Nights & Golden Gates
Moscow Nights is a colorful and exciting group of musicans performing authentic traditional instrumental and vocal Russian folk music. Joining them is dance troupe Golden Gates, lauded as one of the most exceptional and traditional representations of the Russian folk culture by children. This performance is being held at Peacock Theater in Hayesville at 2:30 p.m. For information call: 828-389-0033 or 828-835-9465.


February

2
The Icycle Mountain Bike Race Event
A mid-winter classic, the Icycle, starts on Saturday, February 2, 2008. The race schedule includes a daytime cross country race and a night time downhill race. Don't miss the popular annual chili & cornbread supper between races. The awards party will be held after the downhill event. Voted one of Western Carolina's best mountain bike races by Mountain Express in their "Best of WNC 2007 Edition". Get more information and registration information from the sponsors at J&W Events. Also, contact Fontana Village Resort at 828-498-2211.


March

15
Empty bowls
5 pm
Location: Olive Dame Campbell Dining Hall
First, select a handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by area potters. Next, fill your bowl with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread and dessert. Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home with you to keep as a reminder of hunger in our local and global communities. Tickets are $25 (includes the bowl and meal) and are available beginning the second week of February at the following locations: Cash and checks only.

• Folk School Craft Shop (828-837-2775; Mon-Sat, 8 am-5 pm; Sun, 1- 5pm)
• United Community Bank in Hayesville, NC (828-389-6363)
• Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in Murphy, NC (828-837-2242)

Raffle drawing at 6:00 pm for fine pottery items donated by Folk School instructors and local potters. Raffle tickets $1 each. All proceeds will go to the Cherokee County and Clay County food banks. A dance follows at 8 p.m. in the Keith House.

23
Anne Oland
This Danish-born pianist, renowned for her recordings of all 32 Beethoven's sonatas, studied at The Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen will be at the John C. Campbell Folk School, 2:30 p.m. in the Keith House. For more information call: 828-389-0033 or 828-835-9465.


April

6
The Musica Vera Consort
An Early Music ensemble in Renaissance costume, will be performing at the John C. Campbell Folk School, 2:30 p.m. Enjoy musical instruments of the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. For more information call: 828-389-0033 or 828-835-9465.


May

3
Murphy Spring Festival
Downtown Murphy. Crafts, food, music, antique car show, family fun, including a kid's corner. For more information contact Barbara Hughes: 828-837-6821.

10
Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival
Top bluegrass bands are featured at Fontana Village Resort. Festival begins at noon and ends at 9:00 p.m. It will be held in Fontana's recreational hall. Tickets are $25.00 for adults (13 and over), $12.50 for children 13 and under. Children age 6 are free with paying adult. For more information about this event and others held at Fontana, call 800-849-2258 or visit their website at www.fontanavillage.com

16-17
American Cancer Society Relay for Life
Walk to raise money for American Cancer Society. Begins at 7:00 p.m. and will continue all night with closing ceremonies Saturday morning. For more information call Rod Springer:828-835-4183 or 828-837-9180 (home).


June

13-14
Georgia Mountain Roots & Music Festival
Featuring Murphy's own "Irons In The Fire", this 2 day musical event includes an Arts & Crafts Village. In addition to the first-class music performances at Anderson Music Hall and the Mountain Music Stage, the festival will also host an open-microphone event in the Pickin' Pavilion prior to the concerts each day. For tickets call The Georgia Mountain Fair (706) 896-4191.

27-July 4
51st Wagon Train
Will gather in Andrews. Saddle up to ride and explore the area in and around Andrews and the Valley River valley with the nation's oldest wagon train. For more information call: 828-321-2376.


July

4
Murphy Fourth of July Celebration
The Business Women of Murphy, Cherokee Co. Recreation Dept. and the Town of Murphy are organizing the 2nd annual Fourth of July Hometown Celebration that begins at 8am Friday, July 4th with a 5-K run and ends with a spectacular fireworks display in Konehete Park at dark. During the day, enjoy food & craft vendors, games, prizes, fishing and softball tournament, entertainment, peanut drop & more! 5K run starts at 8am. Parade starts at 10am at The L&N Depot. Call Marie at 828-361-6834 for more info

4
Andrews Fourth of July Celebration
Will be held at Andrews Recreation Park. Food, music, contests, fireworks, and fun. For more information call: 828-321-2135.

12
Bubbles in the Park
Will be held in the Konehete Park in Murphy from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Join us for a day of fun. For more information call Family Resources: 828-837-3640.

16-27
Georgia Mountain Fair
Look forward to the 58th annual Georgia Mountain Fair, held at the historic Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds this summer! Tickets are $8 with $2 parking, and children under 10 are admitted for free. A FunFair Pass is also available for $20 (That's a $4 savings!) It is valid any 3 days of the Fair and can be purchased in advance or at the gate. For tickets call The Georgia Mountain Fair (706) 896-4191. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com


August

16
Benefit Auction
Will be held at the John C. Campbell Folk School in the Keith House. Silent Auction and Live Auction Preview from 1-2 p.m. Live auction with Tim Ryan & Bob Grove 2- 5 p.m. Free Admission. Participate in an exciting afternoon as auctioneers sell one-of-a-kind handcrafted items such as jewelry, paintings, weavings, metalwork, pottery, quilts, woodturnings, and more. Proceeds will benefit the craft programs at the non-profit Folk School. For more information call: 828-837-2755 or 800-365-5724.


September

6
Eighth Annual Heritage Walk & Festival
Step back in time and experience "the way it was" in Cherokee County long ago. All-day historic walking tours and a heritage festival celebrating area artists, crafters, growers, food, live stage entertainment, and more. All events are free and open to the public. For more information call Barbara Hughes: 828-837-6821.

13
Eighth Annual Appalachian Highland Games
Food, competitions, music, and including children's games will be held in the Andrews Recreation Park. Contact Pat Love: 828-321-4547.

19-20
7th Annual Business Expo and 3rd Job Fair
Will be held at Tri-County Community College Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday morning time is tentative and will be for high school juniors and seniors. Free admission, popcorn, balloons, and other free items and gifts. Come see what Cherokee County has to offer. For more information call: 828-837-2242.


October

4-5
35th Annual Fall Festival
Held at the John C. Campbell Folk School from 10 am-5pm at the school campus. Featuring the craft of 200 craftspeople, continuous music and dance performances on two stages of old time, bluegrass, folk, and gospel styles. More than 40 craft-making demonstrations including a Mountain Life area, food, kid's activities and much more. 828-837-2775, 800-365-5724 or www.folkschool.org.

10-12
Jeep Jamboree
Will be held in Murphy. Registration will be held at the Rock Gym Thursday evening. Friday dinner will be catered by the Foster Sisters at their new barn facility. Saturday dinner will be at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Visit their website: www.jeepjamboreeusa.com.


10-19
Georgia Mountain Fall Festival
Look forward to the 2008 Fall Festival. With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Each October, the 10-day event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia's Official State Fiddlers' Convention. For tickets call The Georgia Mountain Fair (706) 896-4191. www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

11
13th Annual Cherokee County Chamber Chili Cook Off
Come taste the best darn chili in Cherokee County. Competition for trophies for the best chili based on public vote. For more information call Sande Kimball at the Cherokee County Chamber: 828-837-2242.


November

1
BlackSmith Auction John C. Campbell Folk School
hosts auctioneers Tim Ryan and Bob Grove in the Community Room of the Keith House. A large variety of handmade crafts including pottery, forged metal, fiber, jewelry, wood items, and more donated by friends of the Folk School. For more information call: 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 www.folkschool.org.

14
The Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration
Begins at 6 p.m. Friday, November 14, with a tree-lighting ceremony, choirs, and food. For more information call Barbara Hughes. 828-837-6821.


15
Downtown Murphy Christmas Shopping Day
will be Saturday, November 15, complete with Santa strolling around town and merchants offering incentives to shoppers such as sales, snacks, etc. For more information call Barbara Hughes. 828-837-6821.


December

6
Hometown Christmas Parade Downtown Murphy
Crafts, food, entertainment, and parade. Parade starts at 2 p.m. but come early to experience the fun downtown. For more information call Barbara Hughes: 828-837-6821.

13
Andrews Night Time Christmas Parade
Experience a night parade in downtown Andrews. Food, fun, singing and Christmas fun for the whole family. Contact Wendell or Sarah Hedden for more information:828-321-4377.


31
14th Annual New Year's Eve Possum Drop
Attend this famous and unusual New Years Eve event at Clay's Corner in Brasstown, NC. Ring in the New Year with a Miss Possum Contest, bluegrass music, Little Brasstown Church Choir, cider and good clean fun. For more information call: 828-837-3797.