Blues, Brews, BBQ and Canoes

The entertainment is set and the list of participants continues to grow for the Blues, Brews, BBQ and Canoes event planned for May 19.

Wahoo's Adventures owner Jeff Stanley began organizing the event to bring all tourism-based businesses together for networking and as a means to thank front-line employees from across the High Country.

The event is free for businesses to set up an information table and free for area employees to enjoy food, beer and live music while learning about other businesses in the areas.
Since last week, interest and participation has continued to grow.

Beginning at approximately 11 a.m., front line employees - anyone who works in the area and deals directly with tourists - are invited for a free canoe, kayak or tubing trip on the New River, provided by Wahoo's. Trips can be arranged from one to five hours long, and rafts will be available for those who don't want to get too wet.

Live music will begin at around noon with, in order of appearance, Joe Shannon, the Neighbors, Nashville recording artist Steve Virginia, the King Bees and Upright & Breathin' playing until approximately 8 p.m.

Shannon is sponsored by Mountain Home Music; Casa Rustica and Horn in the West are sponsoring the King Bees; and Upright & Breathin' is sponsored by Peddler Steakhouse and Leatherwood Mountain.

The stage will be powered by the Watauga County Green Business Plan using solar energy.

Food, provided by local restaurants, and beer will be served at approximately 2 p.m. and continue until it's gone. Sagebrush will provide ribs, Sledgehammer Charlie's barbecue, Speckled Trout Cafe smoked trout, and the Gamekeeper appetizers.

Peabody's Wine and Beer Merchants is providing some beer, and Wahoo's will supply the rest.

There will be door prizes and free passes to area attractions given away throughout the day.
Boone Rent-All and Parties Too will be providing a large tent, and the show will go on rain or shine.

"This will be the mother of all parties," Stanley said. "We're trying to show front line folks how much we value and appreciate them and want them to feel rewarded."

Attendees will be asked to register by providing their name, place of employment, manager's name and identification as proof of age, since alcohol will be served. There is no charge for food or beer.

The event has garnered the support of all area chambers of commerce, the Tourism Development Authority and the N.C. Department of Travel and Tourism. Representatives of the state agency will be present at the event.

Other businesses that will be represented at the event include: Dan'l Boone Inn, The Blowing Rock, Leatherwood Mountain, Hawksnest, Banner Elk Winery, Foscoe Trout Ponds, Horn in the West, Bistro Roca, Intuitions, Glidewell's, Covery Hollar Hunting Preserve, High Country Host, Ski Beech, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Honeybear Campground, Village Inn, Inn at Ragged Gardens, Stickboy Bread Company, High Country Inn, Meadowbrook Inn, Boone Bike and Touring, Crippen's Country Inn, CiCi's Pizza, and other hotels and motels.

Stanley said businesses can still RSVP for free booth space until May 17 by calling (828) 262-5774.

The event will be held at Wahoo's outpost on the New River. Directions: from New Market Center go north on N.C. 194 approximately 5 miles, turn right onto Big Hill Road. Travel a little more than three miles to the outpost on the right next to the bridge.