Calendar of Events

JDRF Greater Western Carolinas Chapter kicks off its 8^th annual JDRF One Walk® at McCormick Field. Aiming to raise more than $126,000 to help fund critically needed type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, the event, organized by JDRF Greater Western Carolinas, is expected to attract more than 700 supporters, including teams representing local businesses, families, schools and other organizations. The event is one of approximately 160 JDRF One Walks nationwide that bring together hundreds of thousands of people each year who share JDRF’s vision to create a world without T1D.

“Each year more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the United States,” explains Jamie Hayes, Executive Director. “We are thankful for the City of Asheville, our volunteers, donors and local sponsors like the Asheville Tourists for their continued support. Every participant and supporter of the JDRF One Walk helps us fund critical research that can lead to scientific breakthroughs and ultimately a cure.”

JDRF encourages people of all ages driven to support a great cause to participate in JDRF One Walk and enjoy a day of family-friendly fun with kid’s activities, music, snacks, and a walk route through Asheville starting and ending at McCormick Field. Paramount Kia of Asheville has recently announced that they will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the JDRF One Walk with a donation of $15,000 to JDRF. Jackie Steward, a former volunteer and now staff member of JDRF, will be honored at the One Walk for her continued support to JDRF since her son Michael’s diagnosis 10 years ago. Jackie was integral in bringing JDRF to the Asheville community and helping begin this local Walk. Pre-registration is recommended and on-site check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The entire JDRF One Walk will be approximately 3 miles long.

A 5k and half marathon that takes place on an open road course in the beautiful lands of WNC

https://www.facebook.com/events/335284263865098/

Capture photos of your friends and family members enjoying the vivid hues of fall and enter them into our photo contest. We’ll use the winning entries on our website and Facebook album, and you’ll win some fun prizes. Photos must be taken within the Chimney Rock section of the Park.

No additional costs to enter.

The first-place winner will receive an overnight getaway to Hickory Nut Gorge with a stay at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, two passes to the Park, brunch for two at the Historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.

The contest’s second-place winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at the Old Rock Cafe and two tickets for a tour with Lake Lure Boat Tours.

Chimney Rock’s Facebook followers will select the People’s Choice Award winner. Followers will have a week to like and share their favorite photo from an album of Winter Photo Contest entries posted on the Park’s Facebook page at facebook.com/chimneyrockparknc. The People’s Choice Award Winner will receive two passes to the Park, lunch for two at Old Rock Cafe and their photo will be featured on the Park’s Facebook page.

Shutterbugs interested in capturing Mother Nature’s wintry beauty can do so by entering Friday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Park’s winter hours.

All entries must be submitted to [email protected] or to the Parks’ Facebook page through Facebook messenger.

https://www.facebook.com/events/453143675217439/?event_time_id=453143738550766

You adult child won’t speak to you? Find support through our weekly meetings, every Saturday, Sept. 7 – Nov. 9, 2019, 8:30 am to 9:45 am, at First Congregational Church Library, 1735 Fifth Avenue West.  It’s not about who’s right or wrong.  It’s about getting on with life.

It’s over a century old. It’s a cornucopia of sights and sounds—a treat for all your senses. It’s a carnival and an agriculture show. It’s an art show and a game show. There’s food, music, and rides. It’s pure, unfiltered fair entertainment with that unmistakable Cherokee touch.

General admission is $10 per person at the ticket booth (gate), Tuesday through Saturday. Children ages 6 to 10 are $5 per person. Youth under 6 years old will be admitted for free. Enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other federally recognized tribes will receive free admission with their enrollment card.

Tuesday: Parade Day (gates open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.)

Wednesday: Children’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and from noon until closing, youth 17 years old and younger are admitted for free and will get a wristband to enjoy complimentary rides)

Thursday: Elder’s Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Elder’s ages 59 and a half are admitted for free)

Friday: Veterans’ Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and all Veterans’ are admitted for free)

Saturday: Community Day (gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 11 p.m. and will feature a variety of traditional competitions for the communities to compete against one another for a chance to win cash prizes)

You can join a team, create a team or sign up as an individual. Minimum donation of $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under are FREE! up as an individual. Minimum donation of $20 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and children 5 and under are FREE!

Join us for one of our 25, 40 or 63 miles routes at the 6th annual White Squirrel Cycling Classic! The race is a classic fall spinner during fabulous fall leaf season starting and ending at the Tasty Weasel tasting room at Oskar Blues Brewery North Carolina in Brevard, NC! Riders will head out on flat valley roads near the base of Pisgah National Forest. They’ll meander along the French Broad River before heading into Henderson County and then back to Oskar Blues. These routes will lead riders on a fully guided and supported tour of some Transylvania County’s finest roads! Fully supported rest stops with medical assistance available and SAG wagons.

REGISTER NOW: https://www.blueridgeadventures.net/white_squirrel_cycling_classic/race-8/?fbclid=IwAR3ZHrTMVeUUEHjPOEYpm6GXIAZSz0Kno26uzfrdulBk3TrWtrlxmMKzBxA

https://www.facebook.com/events/345308176253767/

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 24th annual Carolina Bonsai Expo will be held on Saturday, October 12, and Sunday, October 13, 2019, in the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.

This nationally known event features juried displays by bonsai enthusiasts hailing from a multi-state region. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the displays, watch free demonstrations and purchase bonsai plants and supplies. Also featured are an invitational show and sale of the work of bonsai potters and a display of floral art by members of the Asheville Chapter of Ikebana International. As the premier annual bonsai event of the Southeast, the Carolina Bonsai Expo offers programs for both the bonsai community and general public.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, October 12

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

11 a.m. – Noon   Free ikebana educational program (More information to come) in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1^st floor

1 p.m. – 5 p.m.   2019 Carolina Bonsai Expo Main Event presentation: “The Art of Bonsai Pottery,” featuring bonsai pottery artist Ron Lang, illustrated lecture program in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Pre-registration required; fee charged for this program. Registration is not yet open.)

Sunday, October 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.   Arboretum’s bonsai on display in the Bonsai Exhibition Garden; main bonsai exhibit open in the Education Center, 1st floor; ikebana exhibit open in the Education Center, 2nd floor; vendors market open in the Baker Exhibit Center, 1st and 2nd floors; food service available in the Education Center, 1st floor

1 a.m – Noon   Free bonsai educational program, (More information to come), in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.   Live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items, in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor (Register onsite Expo weekend; $1 fee charged for this event.)

3:30 p.m.   Raffle drawing, presentation of “People’s Choice” award, and closing remarks in the classrooms of the Education Center, 1st floor

Our Parents Morning Out program provides a safe nurturing environment for children to participate in a variety of organized activities, while giving parents a break. Each Parents Morning Out has a different theme. Open to children 12 months to 12 years, and occurs the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Sign up at the front desk.

https://www.facebook.com/events/640690433075829/?event_time_id=640690456409160

Community Garden located at the Buncombe County Sports Park.
The mission of Sand HIll Community Garden is to share in garden space, knowledge, and labor with all members of the community.  Using organic growing practices we promote community health and wellness by providing fresh produce for garden members and local people in need of food.

The race course will be approximately 6.5 miles and include a portion of the Dwelling Trail, including the new Flow Trail as well as a portion of the Van Michael Trail (VMT Race Cut, minus the Kevorkian Section and 420 Climb). None of the South Loop will be used in the 2019 event. We have shortened the laps to allow racers to complete more laps of the course in the 6 hour time limit as well as add to the fun factor by having riders hit the Dwelling Flow Trail each lap.

The 2019 course includes a parade lap on Lap 1, then a fast, flat and wide start on Hamilton’s Hop Trail. Riders then take a left turn and ride the majority of the Dwelling Loop CLOCKWISE this year. The course will utilize the new Dwelling Flow Trail, but will retain the more advanced lines on the other sections of Dwelling. The tread is 2-3 feet wide in most places and rolls along with views of Lake Allatoona. After completing Dwelling Loop, riders will have a short ride on Mosquito Flats/Bite, then tackle the VMT Race Cut Loop (VMT minus the Kevorkian Climb and 420 Climb Section) also in a CLOCKWISE direction. Riders will exit VMT onto Mosquito Flats and continue back up into the parking lot for each loop. Full details here: http://mountaingoatadventures.com/blankets6hour

https://www.facebook.com/events/696275017421814/

Silver River Center for Chair Caning, the only chair caning school and museum in the USA, has created an 8 ft tall chair arch to honor Torno’s three decades of contributions to the RAD. Built by chair nerds, Brandy Clements, Dave Klingler, and Lucy Kruesel, the CURVE garden Chair Arch is inspired by a chair arch built in 1877 by the furniture makers of High Wycombe, UK to welcome Queen Victoria. The Chair Arch will be unveiled @ 4:30pm in the garden with a bit of the bubbly.

10am to 6pm                    Extended Open Studio Hours • all studios

2pm                                  Cassie Butcher Artist Talk “Unearthing the Soul “ • 5 downstairs

4 to 6pm                          Happy Hour • drinks and snacks in the garden Chair Arch unveiling • with bubbly in the garden

4:30pm                            Chair Arch unveiling • with bubbly in the garden

5pm                                 CURVE 30th Birthday Cake cutting • 5 downstairs

CURVE Studios 30th Birthday Celebration is free to the public. Plenty of parking is available at CURVE and in two adjacent public lots & a free trolley will be available to take visitors around the River Arts District from 11am to 5pm. This event will happen, rain or shine!

Homestead Dreams is an entry level, exploratory workshop designed to help you incorporate small-scale, self-sufficiency and sustainability into all aspects of your life. Regardless of whether you own or rent a home, or live in a rural or urban setting, you can move towards more self-reliance NOW!

Excellent for those in the exploratory stages of getting started with a land-based life. We cover common sense, relevant information to help maximize your independence, increase your connection to community, place, and self, and plan out your dreams for the next 1 to 5 years.

Appropriate for those who are incorporating agriculture, renewable energy, green building, land planning, hand-made products, and land-based living of all kinds. Includes a panel of local homesteaders and a regional expert on soil, climate, rainfall, typography, vegetation, wind, and how that affects and determines life, farming, and building in our region.

Taught by Lee Warren & Brandon Greenstein.

Lee Warren is the Executive Director of Organic Growers School; the co-founder, designer, and builder, of an off-grid, sustainably-built CoHousing Neighborhood at Earthaven Ecovillage; founder and manager of Imani Farm, 5-acre pasture-based cooperative farm; and managing partner of SOIL, School of Integrated Living, which teaches organic food production, regenerative systems, and community living. Lee is also an herbalist, writer, teacher, and food activist, with an avid interest in rural wisdom, sustainable economics, and empowered self-reliance.

Brandon is the Home-Grower Program Director for OGS, developing new initiatives to provide services to home-growers. His background is in Renewable Systems, Earth Works, Energy, Water, Homesteading, Permaculture. He offers consulting, design, and technical services for the creation of low impact and energy conserving systems through his company, Integrated Ecological Solutions.

https://www.facebook.com/events/544461786020619/

Join us any Saturday for outdoor activities at the garden. Local youth involved in programming for building life skills, improving literacy and leadership development welcome young people in the area to join them, and we are always in need of adult volunteers to help with mentoring. Involvement in the Shiloh Community Garden also includes the experience of growing produce organically, lessons in permaculture and the science of sustainability, healthy meal preparation, and entrepreneurship. Come join the fun!

https://www.facebook.com/events/524392424698351/?event_time_id=524392464698347

Qigong (alternatively spelled chi gung or chi kung) is a form of gentle exercise composed of movements that are repeated a number of times, often stretching the body, increasing fluid movement (blood, synovial and lymph) and building awareness of how the body moves through space.

The classes and the introduction to Qigong will be taught by Dr. John Akers.

Dr. Akers is a recently retired Wofford language professor and classical guitarist who has taught wellness classes at Wofford, the Spartanburg YMCA, and Zen Garden. Dr. Akers played and coached collegiate soccer, has practiced meditation over 40 years, and teaches a daily routine of yoga and core strengthening enhanced by Qigong energy play. Dr. Akers is also an avid golfer committed to carrying his own clubs, without a cart.

https://www.facebook.com/events/414684999313998/?event_time_id=414685072647324

From Oct. 1-11, guests can enjoy 20-minute guided walks that highlight Grandfather Mountain’s fall colors. On Oct. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., guests can meet the park’s naturalists at the Nature Museum to obtain a map and information on where to find the most beautiful fall color. Plus, special programming throughout the day will allow families to explore the natural phenomenon.

This event is included with regular admission.

https://www.facebook.com/events/2326407340907982/?event_time_id=2326407377574645

Family friendly fun.  try out the various games and challenges provided by Buncombe County Recreation Services.  Face painters, popcorn, Fire Truck and much more.  This is a FREE event.

This annual mountain family tradition is free and open to kids, teens, and adults of all ages. This year’s theme, Get Curious About the Outdoors, is inspired by the adventures of Curious George that feature themes of learning, forgiveness, and playful curiosity. Festival goers are encouraged to attend dressed as their favorite children’s book characters or in another costume.

“Autumn is a special time at Lake Julian, with vibrant colors on the trees and crisp air that’s distinct to our area,” according to Lynn Pegg, Buncombe County Recreation Services Program Manager. “This year, the Fall Festival celebrates the creativity and boundless imagination of Buncombe County’s youngest citizens throughout the park.”

Festival games include an obstacle course, water balloon toss, scavenger hunt, ring toss, baseball target, foam bow and arrow, and alphabet walk. Free face painting, popcorn, cotton candy, and storytelling areas will be set up within Lake Julian Road, the main loop in in the park. Regular park amenities including the pirate-themed playground (installed in 2018), volleyball, horseshoes, picnic tables, walking trails, and disc golf are also accessible at no cost.

Fishing, paddleboats, water trikes, and a boat launch are available for a small fee. Food will be offered for purchase from Frank & Steins Hot Dogs, Kona Shaved Ice, and Papa John’s Pizza. Publix has provided supplies for a free cupcake decorating station. Free water stations are sponsored by Mountain Valley Spring Water. (Please bring your reusable water bottle.)

Other stations include Asheville Museum of Science (learning activities), Buncombe County Fire Marshal (kids’ fire house), Buncombe County Libraries South Asheville Branch (story time), Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office (BEAR CAT tactical vehicle and K9 handler), Lakeview Putt and Play (mini golf), Skyland Fire and Rescue (fire engine), Smokey the Bear and the United States Forest Service (outdoor education), and WNC Safe Kids (safety information).

The event will include rotating demonstrations in Raku, large-pot-throwing, carving and other surface design treatments. Over 1000 pots from the Raku, oxidation, gas, and wood ash kilns will be for sale, and the gallery will feature a special exhibit titled “Women of Influence: Honoring women who shape us”. Patrons who make any purchases in the gallery will automatically be entered to win a very special prize, and events will take place throughout the entire facility.

The annual Multi-Kiln Opening has become a highlight of the year at The Village Potters Clay Center, giving the public a chance to see the expanded facility and experience the full spectrum of works being produced by six resident potters, as well as learn about new things happening. In 2019, for instance, a newly created Hands-On Workshop was inaugurated, and several more workshops are planned for later this year and into 2020. And in addition to the continued growth of the Clay Distribution Center, where area potters and teaching facilities can stock up on Laguna Clay, attendees will be able to see models of and place orders for the “Clontz Kiln”, a portable Raku kiln, and the “Rolland Kiln”, a reduction kiln design by TVPCC co-founder George Rolland.

The festivities, which are also taking place during American Craft Week, occur on Second Saturday in the River Arts District, and so patrons may enjoy a free trolley between 11am-4pm throughout the area.