Berners Visit Beech

July 2011

The Blue Ridge Bernese Mountain Dog Group met at the home of Jill Ezell in July.

They visited, did some drafting, and the Berners had a ball. 

Weather was perfect for the furry friends and humans alike.

Good job, Berners!  I'm sure this Club loved visiting Jill and her three Berners with the cool weather and beautiful play yard that Jill and her husband, Boyce, have established for them.

How Much String Does It Take to Fly a Kite a Mile High?

August 17, 2011
Press Release

Craig Distl has provided information on the upcoming MILE HIGH KITE FESTIVAL ON BEECH MOUNTAIN.

Only a couple hundred feet if you visit the ninth annual Mile High Kite Festival on Labor Day weekend atop Beech Mountain.  This festival takes place Sunday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the meadow, located above 5,000 feet in elevation across from Town Hall.

Ample room is available for everyone to fly, plus there's a reserved field for demonstrations from the Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society (WACKOS) and the Richmond Air Force club from Richmond, VA.

Kite-flying music and announcing will be provided by Terry Murray of Kitebus Festivals. Meanwhile, prizes will be given for biggest kite, smallest kite and best decorated kite.

Other activities include: races with kids pulling parachute kites, face painting, and a variety of craft and food vendors.

"We like to float the idea to come up and make a weekend of it," says Calder Smoot, the event organizer. "There's a kite maker's competition Saturday judged by master kite builder Charlie Dunton, and an all-ages street dance Saturday night in front of town hall. It makes for a great early fall weekend on Beech Mountain."

There's no admission charge to Saturday's street dance or Sunday's kite festival, and the first 300 children under age 12 receive a free kite on Sunday. Volunteers will be on-hand with materials to help decorate the free kites, while vendors will have kites for sale.


For more info or lodging options, call (800) 468-5506, or visit: www.BeechMtn.com.

Welcome...International Wizard of Oz Club! A Beech Mountain Tribute.

August 5-7

We are pleased to welcome the members of The International Wizard of Oz Club to Beech Mountain for their annual convention.

There are several events presented by the Club as well as Emerald Mountain, our town businesses and the Town of Beech Mountain to bring all Oz fans together.  Take this opportunity to meet Club members, walk the yellow brick road and/or see the classic film under the stars.

EVENTS

Friday, August 5th @ 7pm:  Historic presentation and short performance by various speakers from the 1970s theme park, the LAND OF OZ, our own local theme park which operated in what is now Emerald Mountain.  This event will be held at Evans Auditorium on the campus of Lees McRae College.  $7 per person.

Friday, August 5th @ dusk (typically around 9pm):  Showing of the classic film The Wizard of Oz in the field next to The Brick Oven and across from Town Hall.  Bring your folding chairs and/or blankets for this free event.

Saturday, August 6th from 2:00 - 5:00 pm:  The historic LAND OF OZ will be open to the public for a walkthrough and a visit with 1970s costumed characters.  See the characters as they were portrayed when LAND OF OZ was open and visited by untold numbers of people during the 70s on Beech Mountain.  $10 per person.

Saturday, August 6th at dusk:  The Town of Beech Mountain will present the classic MGM film The Wizard of Oz outdoors on the sledding hill.  Bring your blanket and enjoy this free event.

Sunday, August 7th from Noon - 4:00 pm:  Dressing of a Legend, a display of a collection of Judy Garland's gowns, as well as a tribute to Oz films, at Buckeye Recreation Center.  Another free event for all to enjoy.

We invite town residents, guests and the public to help us welcome the members of The International Wizard of Oz Club.  If you have questions about membership in the Club, please feel free to ask any of them while they are here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT 828-387-9283