It has continued to rain hard, about every other afternoon. Some of the thunderstorms have been quite strong, and the rain has done a lot of damage to the steeper roads and driveways. I’ve heard a lot of complaining – along with some carping and grousing – about how much rain we’ve had. I’m enjoying it, because this is what it was like twenty or so years ago, when we really were a temperate rain forest. We’ve had a few summers in the past ten or so years that started out this way, but this is the longest we’ve gone into the summer with the old afternoon thunderstorm pattern in place.
The Blue Ridge Arts Association is having their annual Community Quilt Exhibit from June 29 to July 19. The opening reception is from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on July 6. This is always a wonderful exhibit for those who appreciate quilts and the work that goes into them.
As always, there will be a lot of other activities around the 4th of July.
On July 3, the Southern Nights Fireworks on Tater Hill in McCaysville/Copperhill will begin about 9:30.
On July 4, the traditional Epworth celebration starts at 8:00 AM with a pancake breakfast. There will be booths, activities, and a cake auction, with events ending about 2:00 PM.
July 5 is the first day of the two-day Miner’s Homecoming in Ducktown. On the 5th, there will be music on the city stage in Ducktown from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM. On the 6th, there will be pancakes at the Hoist House from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The parade starts at 10:15. There will be music at the Hoist House from 4:00 – 7:00 and on the city stage from 7:00 – 9:30.
On July 6, the Benton McKaye Trail Association and Trout Unlimited are sponsoring Hike the Trout Adventure Trail. The event requires pre-registration at 706.851.4121 and should be suitable for children.
On July 6, there will be a parade in downtown Blue Ridge featuring the Feed & Seed Abominable Band out of Atlanta. They are always a lot of fun, with a bit of a Charles Ives meets The Kingsmen vibe. The parade begins at 10:00 AM.
On July 6, the Blue Ridge Marina will feature BBQ, music, and other events starting at 3:00 PM. Fireworks over the lake begin at dusk. I favor Morganton Point for viewing the fireworks, but you should be prepared to come early and bring a lawn chair and some snacks.