Recently in Holiday Category

February 14^th, Valentine's Day, is a commercialized holiday.  None of us should pay a bit of attention to it, but we do.  We get suckered in.  And all of us, male and female, young and old - long for someone to reach out to us on that day, of all days, and make us feel special. Because of this, Alison Garrett created "The Cupid Project". (thecupidproject.com)

There is probably someone in your life who needs and deserves to feel special and appreciated, and Valentine's Day is a great day to let them know.  So this year, start your own Cupid Project.  And it may surprise you that the person you lift up the most this Valentine's Day, is yourself.  For after all, "the heart that gives, gathers."

Pepper's has Valentine's Weekend Dinner Specials. For $39.95, you get a choice of dinner, drink, and a desert to share! Pepper's is located in the Shadowline Shopping Center in Boone. Call 262.1250 for more information.

Watauga County residents who don't live in Town of Boone limits and won't have their Christmas tree picked up can take their tree to the Watauga County Landfill. Watauga County officials said there is no charge for Christmas tree disposal.  For more information, residents can call the Watauga County Landfill at (828) 264-5305. As a quick side note, the Town of Boone Facilities Maintenance Division will pick up Christmas trees for Town of Boone residents during the ice storm debris removal process. Officials said trees should be placed curbside and free of decorations, wire and nails.

The Downtown Boone Development Association is asking any individual, group, or civic organization that would like to participate in the Boone Christmas Parade to call the association for information or a parade application. The Boone Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. Interested residents can call the Downtown Boone Development Association at 262-4532 for more information.

On December 11th there is only one place you can find Santa Claus, hear "The Night Before Christmas" read by Mayor J.B. Lawrence and his wife Lynn, you can enter a gingerbread house contest, buy your Christmas tree or wreath, hear roving carolers, win prizes, shop late and so much more. "Festive Friday: A Hometown Holiday" is sponsored by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and will run from 5 until 8:00pm. Chamber Executive, Charles Hardin said "We know how hard it is for residents in Blowing Rock, Boone and the surrounding areas to shop and eat downtown during the peak tourist season.  This is a great opportunity for locals to come out and enjoy their town, local merchants and restaurants."

The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association (NCCTA) has much to celebrate this season: a vivacious new director, a substantial federal grant, and 50 years of service and a growing Choose and Cut program. The association's new Executive Director Jennifer Greene says she wants to help educate people about the industry and that it's a big part of the local environment that shouldn't be taken for granted. Five Avery County residents founded the association--a nonprofit that makes and receives grants--in 1959. It operates with a $200,000 annual budget and has approximately 400 members from across the country. The majority of members are from North Carolina, and many are from the High Country. The United States Department of Agriculture recently granted NCCTA a two-year $60,000 grant to promote the North Carolina Frazier Fir. Perhaps these marketing funds can help High Country Christmas tree growers weather the stressed economy and present an abundant supply. The association's annual, growing Choose and Cut Program is underway all across the High Country. For more information, ncchristmastrees.com/  and chooseandcutfestival.com/.

High Country residents are invited to join Santa Claus, friends and neighbors in downtown Boone for the annual Boone Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 12, at 10:00 a.m. The parade takes place along King Street. The Friends of the Watauga Public Library will host a reception immediately following the parade. The reception will feature photos with Santa Claus, music, refreshments and holiday festivities. For more info, call the Downtown Boone Development Association at 262-4532 or the library at 264-8784.

The Watauga Humane Society is holding a special fundraiser where family pets can have their picture taken with Santa Paws. Ellen Jo Kramer of the Humane Society said Santa Paws will be visiting the Little Red School House, behind the Mast General Store, in Valle Crucis on Saturday and Sunday December 5 and 6 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Kramer said all types of animals are invited to have their picture taken, but all dogs must be on a leash. A 5x7 costs $10 and additional photos are available for $5 each.