What’s Next for DWA?

Yesterday, Thursday January 17^th, I spent the morning and into the early afternoon with a group of people making strategic decisions for the Downtown Waynesville Association (DWA).  As an at-large (no longer merchant) member of the Board of Directors, I attended the annual planning meeting.

Around the table sat 17 people who each have a unique view and vision for the DWA and its role on Main Street, in the Town of Waynesville, in our community and in our region.  The Mayor of Waynesville, Gavin Brown attended along with the Town Manager and the Assistant Town Manager.  The three of them are responsible not just for the municipal service district (MSD) that is the DWA but also for the rest of the Town: Historic Frog Level, Hazelwood, Russ Avenue and all of the nooks and crannies within the town limits.  It is interesting to hear and listen to the perspective of growth and service that these three individuals possess and pass along to the other staff and elected officials and appointed committees within the Town of Waynesville.

Many in the group owned commercial property within the MSD – yet another perspective on the use and stewardship of a great resource to our entire region.  Some of them spoke of “holding out” for the right tenant to enrich and strengthen our NC Main Street town.  Others spoke of the tax burden being heaped upon the struggling merchants and galleries.  Another interesting group were the real estate agents who happened to play dual roles such as property owner and/or retailer.

All in all a group of people who with vision and discussion crafted a four point plan of attack for 2013 in the MSD of the Downtown Waynesville Association.  The four points are

Organization: strengthen by-laws to improve performance of the group; work effectively with groups outside of the MSD to provide programs and services within the MSD and to be involved in programs outside the MSD; increasing involvement of all board members

Promotion: event and festival planning guidelines and participation guidelines for merchants, galleries and organizations; guidelines for if and when alcohol will be allowed at events; some new festivals or events being added to the calendar

Gateway to the Smokies sign at night

Design:  sign ordinance review and input to give to the Town committee working on this issue; local historic district consideration; parking area refurbishing; cleanliness of business district

Economic restructuring: recruitment of businesses that enhance and improve the shopping, dining and cultural experience of the visitor

Next week I will be facilitating the promotions sub-committee planning meeting.  This will be an opportunity for those “in the trenches” (merchants, gallery owners and restaurant managers) to take the board plan a step further.  I’ll keep you updated on those plans!

So for your comment consideration:

What type of business will enhance your experience as a visitor on Main Street in Waynesville?   Do you find historic districts while you are visiting other areas?  What needs to be considered for improvement in events and festivals?

Until next time, if you need event information, check out the previous posts!

Rain and Snow in the Forecast

Today’s post is brought to you by RAIN!  It has been raining for well over 36 hours at my house.  It is wet.  It is soggy.  It has produced some beautiful waterfalls and water flows that we don’t normally view.  Water can be awe inspiring. It is powerful.  A small drop that falls alone may be ignored, forgotten.  But if that small drop is joined by millions and millions more…..can produce results!

The small creek near my house!

Take note:  our actions are the same as one small drop of rain.  What are your results?

January 15

Haywood County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual elected officials reception on January 15 beginning at 530pm at Laurel Ridge Country Club.  There is a $10 registration fee.  Call 828-456-3021 for details.

Voices in the Laurel is having auditions for new youth singers from area counties in grades 1-12 on Tuesday January 15th in Waynesville including a new ensemble featuring changed male voices! For more information or an audition appointment, please call (828) 734-8413. www.voicesinthelaurel.org

Haywood Community College Small Business Center will be offering a course on writing a business plan.  If you are considering a new business or revamping a current business, writing a business plan is a must.  This is a great course to get started with the basics and to fine tune a plan already in the works.  Contact the Small Business Center for more details.

January 15 through January 17

Ms. Arty Pants has events and activities just for you!  They do ask that you call or text to register so that materials can be available for your art experience.  January 15 Toddler Tuesday; January 16 Morning Open Paint 9a to 11a and After School Open Paint 330 to 530; January 17 Open Paint 7p to 9p.  The number to call or text to register or for more details is 828-400-6232.

January 16

Networking at Anthony Wayne’s at the Gateway Club in Downtown Waynesville NC.  Contact Wayne Porter of Monetize Your Vision on Facebook or their website www.monetizeyourvision.com to RSVP or for more details.

January 16 through February 9

The Haywood County Arts Council will host an exhibition entitled Fire and Ice: Pottery, Glass and Metalwork”.  Gallery 86 on North Main Street in Waynesville is open 10am until 5pm Monday through Saturday.  There will be an artist reception on Friday January 25 from 6-8pm.  You can find more details at www.haywoodarts.org or on their Facebook page.

January 17

Haywood Community College Small Business Center will be offering a program to teach beginners how to use eBay.  The course will teach the basics of buying and selling.  Contact the Small Business Center for more details and to pre-register.

January 18 thru January 20

Kevin King will be on stage in the Feichter Studio at HART in the adult comedy production of 21A.  Friday and Saturday shows are at 730pm with a Sunday matinee at 3pm.  For ticket information call 828-456-6322 or email harttheater@gmail.com

January 19

MLK Holiday Weekend will begin with a pride march that starts at Harris Chapel AME Zion Church on Prospect Street in Canton.  The march will be followed by the showing of the movie “Skin” at the Colonial Theatre.  The movie will be shown for free at 1pm and again at 6pm.  Call 828-646-0125 for more details.

The Classic Wineseller and Angelino’s Tapas and Wine Bar will host an evening with Musica Nostra beginning at 7.  The event will include a four course meal, dancing and music.  For reservations or more details call 828-452-6000 or visit www.classicwineseller.com .

Hurley’s Creekside in Maggie Valley will be hosting the CrossRidge Band at 10pm.  Check out their Facebook page or call for more details at 828-926-1566.

January 20

MLK Holiday Commemorative Service will be held at 3pm at the Church of God of Prophecy in Canton.  Call 828-646-0125 for more details.

The Haywood County Arts Council Sunday Concert Series for 2013 begins on January 20 at 3pm.  The free event will be held at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library in January.  Performing will be Jim Ridd, currently with Coffee Branch Band of Canton.  Call 828-452-0593 or visit www.haywoodarts.org for more details.

January 21

MLK Holiday Prayer Breakfast will be held at Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  Breakfast begins at 8am.  Tickets are available for sale at the Berea Welcome Center.  Call 828-646-0125 for more details.

January 22

Altrusa Annual Soup and Cornbread. The funds raised from this event go to scholarships for Haywood county students. Each year Altrusa awards about $8000 in scholarships and all these monies come from the sales at the Soup and Cornbread.  The event is Tuesday January 22nd.  Tickets are $8.00.  Visit www.waynesvillealtrusa.org for more information.

Haywood Community College Small Business Center will be offering a seminar on business start-up issues.  If you are considering a new business venture, this is a great way to look at all the small things that can give you headaches as you start out.

January 24

Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will be hosting their first professional development event of the new year on January 24 at 8am at Bethea Welcome Center.  Contact the Chamber or join them on Facebook for more details.  Andrew Sanderbeck of People Connect Institute will be the guest speaker.

Haywood County Arts Council Annual Meeting will be held at Gallery 86 in Downtown Waynesville.  Call 828-452-0593 for details.

Haywood Community College Small Business Center will be offering a seminar on eBay for the serious seller.  There will be a second course offered on the same day on setting up a store on eBay.

January 29

Haywood Community College Small Business Center will be offering a seminar on increasing sales.  The course is designed to get salespeople thinking about the sales environment from the customer’s perspective.  There will also be information on recognizing and utilizing verbal and nonverbal cues to increase sales.  Contact the Small Business Center for more information and to register.

February 2

Balsam Range will continue their winter concert series at the Colonial Theatre in Canton.  Missy Raines and the New Hip will be performing with the group.  For information, check out their Facebook page or website or call the ticket office of the Colonial at 828-235-2760.

February 23

The Blue Ridge Bridal Event will be held at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  The event is being presented by the Mountaineer Publishing Company.  Vendor spaces are still available by calling 828-452-0661 x125 or x129.

March 2

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will be offering Scene Study class with Martin Rader starting March 2, 2013 and lasting eight weeks. The class will be held in the Feichter Studio Theatre on Saturdays from 10:00-1:00. Open to all levels. Enrollment is limited. Please call 828 622-3344 or e-mail mrader@earthlink.net (subject line: HART acting class) to reserve a space.

Ongoing

Smoky Mountain Cinema is open seven days a week showing first run movies.  Monday thru Thursday showings are at 6:50pm.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday times vary based on the length of the movies currently playing.  This week “Les Miserables”, “Lincoln”, and “The Guilt Trip” will be showing.  Show times and the complete lineup can be found by calling 828-452-9091.

Smoky Mountain Sk8way has skating, wall climbing and fun and games galore!  There regular schedule is Tuesday Afternoon Home School Skate 1-4pm; Wednesday Night 6-9pm; Fridays 6-11pm; Saturday day session 11-6pm and night session 6-11pm; Sunday 1-6pm.  They are always open for school or church events as long as there are 30 people or more scheduled to attend.  You can call 828-246-9124 for more information.

Smoky Mountain Jumphouse is open Monday from 10am until 2pm; Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 5pm; and Friday and Saturday from 10am until 6pm on Muse Drive in Waynesville.  (This is above Thad Wood Auction House in west Waynesville, past exit 98).  These are open jump times but they also have times for private jump parties on Sunday afternoons and later on Saturday nights.  There is a party room available for rental with a group jump rate at all times the Jumphouse is open to the public.  On out-of-school days, the Smoky Mountain Jumphouse will sometimes have special hours available.  Call 828-734-8647 or check out their Facebook page for more information.

Hurley’s Creekside in Maggie Valley has DJ Side 3 every Friday night.

The Classic Wineseller on the corner of Church and Main Streets in Waynesville continues their Friday Night Live events.

Tipping Point Tavern in Downtown Waynesville has a weekly Trivia Night at 730pm on Wednesdays.  Call 828-246-9230 or visit www.tippingpointtavern.com for more details.

Announcements

Wall Street Wines will be hosting a winemaking class in the near future.  Reservations and prepayment are required.  Call 828-450-6399 or visit www.jaspercarrot.net for more detailed information.

The Haywood County Arts Council currently has three opportunities available for local artists.  Check our their website for descriptions of the three calls for artists at www.haywoodarts.org

January through March 31

The Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library will be hosting an artist exhibition for Laurel Tewes.  The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular library hours.  This exhibit space is made available by the Haywood County Arts Council.

The Canton Armory will be the site for the an indoor “Pickin’ in the Park”!  This event is scheduled to be held twice monthly until it can once again be held outside.  Call Carroll Nelson at 828-648-2287.  The event is free and open to the public.

Cataloochee Ski Area has ongoing programs for skiers of all levels from beginners to the most advanced.  There are also snowboarding programs for all levels.  The CAT Adult Challenge Cup Race Series is on Thursday nights. Registration is at 6pm, racing starts at 7pm. On Sundays, there is NASTAR public racing at the CAT with registration beginning at 11am. Everyone can participate, helmets and goggles are required. Alley Cat Racing Trail will be closed from 12 noon until 4pm for racing on Sunday.  You can check out their website for more information at www.cataloochee.com They have lots of SNOW!

Blah blah blog…..What do you think?

What are you doing?  How are you?

Why did you read this blog post today?  What will have you coming back time after time to this site?   I want to incorporate your answers into my planning as I look ahead to the new year.

I don’t ever intend to replace the newspapers or magazines or their roles in our world.  I don’t want to review the food or entertainment or the organization of an event.  (I have too many friends who work too hard for me to be publically critical of them and their work.  I am willing to offer constructive criticism in an appropriate private venue.)  I don’t want to become a public calendar like the ones on the websites of the Chamber of Commerce or Smoky Mountain News or The Mountaineer.

So today I am simply asking, “What do you want to see?  Do you want more postings?  More dates?  More listings of events?  Or fewer postings?  More detailed stories about events?  More stories about my life?”

One thought is to have the blog look like this:

Posts occurring about four times a week depending upon what is happening in life and the community.

One or two posts per week that are dates of upcoming events and activities.  The list would include information as far away as a month, give or take.

One post per week that includes all of the current “ongoing” events: movies, skating, jumping, gallery shows, entertainment listings, etc.  This will be updated as new movies are announced or specific artists added, etc.

One or two posts per week highlighting shops, restaurants and galleries throughout the community.

What do you think?  Become a follower and comment so that I can hear from you.

Music, Cornbread, Art, Prayers and More for January

January 3

For later in the week, the Dulcimer U Winter Weekend is January 3-6 at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  The event at the Terrace Hotel is sponsored by Western Carolina University Continuing and Professional Education.  Registration is required.

January 4

Frog Level Auctions at 255 Depot Street in Waynesville will host their weekly personal property, estate and benefit auction beginning at 6pm.  These are booked dealer sales.  For more information call 828-775-9317.

Hurley’s Creekside in Maggie Valley has a DJ Side 3 every Friday night.

The Classic Wineseller on the corner of Church and Main Streets in Waynesville will be continuing their Friday Night Live events including this Friday.  Jay Brown will begin playing live at 7pm this Friday.

Smoky Mountain Sk8way will be open as usual on Friday evenings for more family fun.  Friday night skates are from 6 until 11pm.

Frog Level Brewing in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville will host live music on Friday evening.  Chris Minick begins playing at 7pm.  Don’t forget to that Blue Ridge Barbeque and Smoky Mountain Sub Shop will deliver or you can bring your own food.  Call 828-454-5664 for more information.

January 5

Frog Level Brewing in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville will host live music on Saturday evening too!  Ginny McAfee begins playing at 7pm.  Don’t forget to that Blue Ridge Barbeque and Smoky Mountain Sub Shop will deliver or you can bring your own food.

January 16 through February 9

The Haywood County Arts Council will host an exhibition entitled Fire and Ice: Pottery, Glass and Metalwork”.  Gallery 86 on North Main Street in Waynesville is open 10am until 5pm Monday through Saturday.  There will be an artist reception on Friday January 25 from 6-8pm.  You can find more details at www.haywoodarts.org or on their Facebook page.

January 19

MLK Holiday Weekend will begin with a pride march that starts at Harris Chapel AME Zion Church on Hillside Street in Canton.  The march will be followed by the showing of the movie “Skin” at the Colonial Theatre.  The movie will be shown for free at 1pm and again at 6pm.  Call 828-646-0125 for more details.

January 20

MLK Holiday Commemorative Service will be held at 3pm at the Church of God of Prophecy in Canton.  Call 828-646-0125 for more details.

January 21

MLK Holiday Prayer Breakfast will be held at Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  Breakfast begins at 8am.  Tickets are available for sale at the Berea Welcome Center.  Call 828-646-0125 for more details.

January 22

Altrusa Annual Soup and Cornbread. The funds raised from this event go to scholarships for Haywood county students. Each year Altrusa awards about $8000 in scholarships and all these monies come from the sales at the Soup and Cornbread.  The event is Tuesday January 22nd.  Tickets are $8.00.  Visit www.waynesvillealtrusa.org for more information.

January 24

Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will be hosting their first professional development event of the new year on January 24 at 8am at Bethea Welcome Center.  Contact the Chamber or join them on Facebook for more details.  Andrew Sanderbeck of People Connect Institute will be the guest speaker.

February 23

The Blue Ridge Bridal Event will be held at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  The event is being presented by the Mountaineer Publishing Company.  Vendor spaces are still available by calling 828-452-0661 x125 or x129.

Today is local artist Gretchen Clasby’s birthday.  She was walking by some paper and crayons one day and just had to stop for a few minutes to create this beautiful Sonshine Promise just for me (and you too, of course!)  Have a great day

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!!

The photo in this post is from Breakfast with Santa in Canton. It was taken by Garrett Photography. I don’t usually scan and post photos from professional photographers but I am giving credit and they wouldn’t let me take my own photos on their background. So here it is. We had fun at the event. Thanks to FOCUS for putting it on. And to Garrett Photography for taking photos. And to Smokey Mountain Santa for being such a great Santa.

I want to wish you all the merriest of Christmas seasons! Starting tonight and for the next twelve days until January 6 is the season of Christmas. (We’ve been in Advent, you know.)

I’ll send out a post later this week about weekend events in the Haywood County community. If you have anything special that you want me to post, just let me know.

Naughty or Nice, Checking It Twice

My love of Santa (and specifically Smoky Mountain Santa) is well known.  I respect the tradition and legends that bring Santa to us and that encourage hope and expectation in the lives of our children.  In the last 7 years, I’ve seen “Santa” deliver some pretty big miracles for people of all ages and stages through the work of his helpers.  It is a common legend and spirit that people of almost any faith or creed (or of no faith or creed) can work through and with in their own good deeds.

My children know that I love Santa and that I know the “real” Santa who comes to many of the great events in Haywood County.  I’ve never been one to use Santa’s naughty and nice list as a parenting tool on a regular basis because I want my kids to love the spirit of Santa as much as I do.  Recently, my seven year old son was having a particularly hard evening.  He stopped himself mid-tantrum and said, “Mom, do you think I’m on Santa’s naughty list?  I really want something besides coal.”  My response: “If your behavior doesn’t improve drastically, I’m sure you will be on the naughty list for me.”

About that time, my eight year old daughter chimed in, “It’s OK.  Santa loves Mom so much he would never leave you coal!”  I guess it is a good thing I don’t use that as a tool in my quiver!

I’ve added some pictures to the Facebook page so check them out if you get a chance.

Remember to shop local during this last week of the year. As you celebrate your traditions with your family, friends and loved ones, take time reflect on your blessings, spread some joy to those around you and have some fun!!

Happy Holidays, Happy Advent and Merry Christmas

I’ve held off writing this post because I have been at a loss for what to say.  So many things have run through my mind and heart in the last 6 days that it is hard to pin them down and then to pen them down.

Like many of you, at times, I’ve been overwhelmed with sadness and despair and at the same time thankfulness and undeserved blessing.  I’ve felt the joy of holding my children close, the sadness of seeing the fear in their eyes.  I’ve laughed at their silly antics and answered their questions even as I struggled with my own questions.

It seems easy to say that I support and pray for the people of Sandy Hook community and the faculty and staff at all of our schools.  It seems easy to blame the lack of mental health service options and the broad range of weapons available.  It is never that easy.

In the end, as many of you who know me well can attest, I will pray and continue to pray: for peace in our hearts and souls; for the people of Sandy Hook community; for the faculty and staff at all of our schools; for the right dialog to occur to make these incidents stop; for guidance to do my part; for those suffering with mental disorders and illnesses and their caregivers; for courage for our political leaders who stand at the edge of meaningful change; for our democracy and the protection of our freedoms; for gun control discussions to be open and meaningful and complete on all sides of the issue; and for guidance and direction and movement in the faith community to be a part of the dialog and work in a meaningful way.

I also believe that to stop our lives and stand still in fear and despair is to allow the terror in our lives to “win”.  It is with that spirit, that I post today’s list of activities for the weekend. If you have any events coming up for your group, organization or business, please send the information to me as a comment here or at funthingsetc@gmail.com I have people asking about family friendly New Year’s Eve activities, so that will be especially appreciated!

Thank you, Happy Advent, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Remember to support our local galleries, shops and restaurants. Purchase those gift cards at your favorites and help spread the word about them through gifts!  No amount is too small because every dollar makes a difference.  Most local shops have sales and specials going on right now in advance of the holidays so check out their wares.

ONGOING

Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders have their model trains on exhibit at Lambuth Inn this holiday season.  The exhibit will run through December 20 and is open to the public.  The exhibit will be open during times when meals are served at the Lambuth Inn.  If there are no reservations for a particular meal, the exhibit will not be open.  So if you want to be sure to see it, make a reservation to eat!  Call Sam Hopkins with Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders at 773-9550 for more information.

The Haywood County Arts Council show, “It’s A Small, Small Work” will continue through the end of the month.  Gallery 86 is located at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.  The Gallery is open 10am until 5pm Monday through Saturday except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Call 828-452-0593 for more details.

Smoky Mountain Cinema Beginning Friday, December 14: The Hobbit (PG13) Fri:4:30 8:00 Sat&Sun:1:00 4:30 8:00 Rise of the Guardians(PG) and Flight(R) Fri:4:30 6:50 9:15 Sat&Sun:2:00 4:30 6:50 9:15 All Shows Mon-Thur: 6:50 ONLY  Coming Soon: “Jack Reacher” and “Django Unchained”

Smoky Mountain Sk8way always has fun stuff going on with skating and a climbing wall and fun activities.

Smoky Mountain Jumphouse is open to get all of the holiday energy out!  Call them for hours and details.

Cattaloochee Ski Area will be open until sometime in March.  Hours, slopes and conditions change constantly so check their website.  I’ll announce special upcoming events and days as I have information.

December 20

Tipping Point Tavern in Waynesville will be hosting Beermageddon on Thursday 12-20/ 2012.  The event will have activities throughout the day with door prizes and music.  There will be jazz in the afternoon with Ian Moore performing live beginning at 7pm.  Food and drink specials will also be available.  This is a customer appreciation event as well as a celebration of our “last night on Earth” according to the Mayan calendar.   Call or check their Facebook page for more details.  828-246-9230

December 21

The Classic Wineseller and Angelino’s Piattion Ristorante at 20 Church Street in Waynesville will be hosting live music every Friday night in December.  Call ahead for reservations if possible at 828-452-0593.

December 22

December 22 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 6 until 8pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 24

December 24 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 11:30am until 2pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 31

December 31 Smoky Mountain Sk8way will have a New Year’s Eve Party starting at 6pm.  Check their Facebook page for details.

Tree Farms and Updates

Just a little update and a reminder to check out the blog post from yesterday for the weekend activities.  There is information from local craft breweries, local galleries, local potters, local crafters, and local gift shops.  Shopping local makes a world of difference to the shop owners and to our local economy.

If you haven’t chosen your Christmas tree yet, there are several choose and cut farms in our local area.  Boyd’s in Jonathan Valley is the most well-known in the area but there is Smoky Mountain Farm and Mehaffey Tree Farm.  Both of them are located off of Hempfill Road, past Boyd’s.  Nesbitt’s Tree farm is in Clyde.  Our family goes each year to choose a tree.  It has become one our more treasured traditions.  The kids love to run all the way to the top of the mountain before choosing a tree that will fit “just right” in our house.  This year, my youngest brought home the bottom foot of a tree that someone had left in the field to decorate his room!  Purchasing a tree at one of the farms or local tree lots is another great way to support our local economy.

I hope you have a great weekend.  I love to hear from you about local events and activities.

Santa Sightings

We’ve talked about parades and craft fairs and auctions and festivals…..I’ve even listed some of the upcoming SANTA SIGHTINGS in Haywood County.

I love Santa and his love of children.  He has such a sweet spirit.  The conversations that I’ve had with Santa recently confirm my belief in the spirit of Saint Nicholas since childhood.  He gives wholly of himself in a grace-filled and graceful manner that challenges me to reach beyond my self and my wants and desires to fulfill the desires of those around me.  The legend of Saint Nicholas is fascinating and inspiring.  The spirit of Saint Nicholas from hundreds of years ago carried forward into Santa Claus and his helpers of today is beautiful.  Protect the innocence of children for as long as you can.  Once innocence is lost, it is never regained.

(As a side-note, I went to see “Rise of the Guardians” with my kids at Smoky Mountain Cinema just before Thanksgiving.  It was a good movie in my opinion about protecting the innocence of children – and having fun!  And you know I love FUN!)

I want to list a few more of those SANTA SIGHTINGS and re-cap the ones I’ve listed before.

December 3 Santa will be at Pheasant Hill on Main Street in Waynesville on Monday December 3 from 3 until 5 (before the parade).  This is sponsored by Pheasant Hill.  Santa will be in the parade.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 6 Santa will be sitting on the porch at Sid’s on Main in Canton before the Christmas Parade.  This is sponsored by the Canton Business Group.   

December 8 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville during A Night Before Christmas from 6 until 9 pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 9 Santa will be at Pheasant Hill on Main Street in Waynesville from 4 until 7pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 15 Breakfast with Santa at the Canton Armory from 8am until 11am.  This is sponsored by FOCUS.  Kids will be able to purchase some small gifts from mom and dad from local crafters.  Every child will leave with a treat bag and a toy from Santa. Breakfast will be $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids 10 and under.  Pictures can be purchased from a professional photographer or bring your own camera.  Proceeds will be donated to Haywood County Hospice

December 22 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 6 until 8pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association. 

December 24 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 11:30am until 2pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association. 

So do you know of any other Santa Sightings that I should post for people?  Post some pictures on our Facebook page too so we can see!  Thanks!

Shopping Local Every Day

Good Saturday morning!

Today I’ll be out and about a bit to do a little Small Business Saturday shopping.  I try to shop small and local any time I can so a special day is great but not much different from other days for me.

My order of shopping preference:  straight from the producer (farmer,artist), at local market, at local gallery or shop, at locally owned gallery or shop, online locally owned gallery or shop, regionally owned gallery or shop, locally owned franchise, local big box store, online big box store.   For restaurants, it is the same: locally owned, regionally owned, locally owned franchise, chain. The more money I spend in Haywood County, the more of my friends and neighbors have jobs!   How do you spend your money?

Tomorrow I’ll post some events from the coming week and month.  If you have any local events that you want to add to my list, comment here.

Thanks for your support and don’t forget that I have cornhole bags if you need them for Christmas gifts!

Denise