Alleghany County has a rich tradition of old-time and bluegrass music. The music is more shared than performed with an unspoken expectation that audiences are active participants. Whether the audience dances, claps or simply pats their feet, everyone take a role.
This Saturday night, June 20th at 5:00 pm, The Crooked Road Ramblers will take the stage at Crouse Park in Sparta, NC. This event is part of the Summer Jamboree. These are family friendly events where neighbors spend time with neighbors and visitors are treated neighborly.
The Crooked Road Ramblers are one of the region’s premier old-time bands. Kilby Spencer furnishes a driving fiddle that is played in the tradition of Thornton Spencer and Albert Hash . Last year the Ramblers garnered 1st place titles at the Ashe County and Fries Fiddlers Conventions. They came in 2nd in Alleghany County and Galax.
Their competitive success is overshadowed by their pure passion for music. While they may call some of the outlying areas of Grayson and Ashe Counties home, the Crooked Road Ramblers will bring a spirit to Sparta this Saturday that is Absolutely Alleghany.
———————————————————————————————————————————————-
For more information on summertime events in Alleghany County visit the Chamber of Commerce’s events calendar here or call 800-472-5473
Culture is a term that is sometimes difficult to define. A dictionary definition would focus on the collective beliefs, customs, and arts of a particular group of people. A more layman definition is “the way we do things – most of the time.”
In Alleghany County, the arts culture stretches along a lengthy continuum. Locally raised country music star Del Reeves and Bill Monroe’s fiddler, Art Wooten, anchor spots along that continuum. A variety of old-time and bluegrass musicians are scattered up and down that line. Visual artists craft beautiful pottery, baskets, quilts, paintings and stained glass panels. Writers and poets craft prose that stirs our imaginations. Local farmers add to the arts culture with symmetrical rows of Christmas trees, fields of pumpkins, and acres of rolling pastureland.
Reflective of that arts culture is an overall way of life that is self-reliant and self-sufficient. Yet, we understand the necessity and value in coming together to accomplish things that can’t be accomplished alone. On the surface it seems to be an odd mixture of independence and interdependence. But, in fact, the mixture makes perfect sense.
A group of diverse, county women are working together to bring the symphony to Alleghany County. Suzanne Mellow-Irwin, Rita Woodruff, Frances Huber, and Una Lindh have deep roots in the community and a strong desire to deepen the arts culture of the county.
Rita Woodruff, Una Lindh and Frances Huber
This isn’t a new idea. Some 60 plus years ago, Gene and Margaret Motsinger brought the North Carolina Symphony to Sparta. Before settling in Alleghany permanently, France Huber recalls being invited to the symphony by the Motsingers in 1994. When she returned to Atlanta, her city friend asked what exactly she did when in Alleghany County. Conscious of the subtle accusation, Frances answered rather smugly, “I attended the symphony.”
Native residents recall the buildup during their school days leading up to the symphony’s arrival in town. They listened to recordings and learned about the various instruments. They remember a presentation in which a group of children sang along with the performance.
But somewhere along the way, the symphony stopped coming to Sparta. Three years ago, this dedicated group of women decided it was time to bring classical music back up the mountain. With the help of Charlie Scott of Alleghany Community Television, the group was put in touch with Western Piedmont Symphony. Based in Hickory, NC, the company has brought their musical talents to Sparta for the past two years.
The mission of this endeavor is very much the same as when the Motsingers began this journey years ago: to expose school aged children to the symphony (grades 3-8 will experience a special afternoon concert); to reinforce the love of all music throughout the community; and to generate broad appeal for all artistic mediums.
It has been said that music bridges perceived gaps that separate individuals and brings people together. Classical cellist Yo Yo Ma, bassist Edgar Meyer and bluegrass fiddler Mark O’Conner teamed together to blend classical and traditional mountain music, exhibiting how the two genres aren’t so far apart.
Here in Sparta, this group has set out to do the same. Their desire is to see a full house of happy people leave the concert eager to experience the vast array of Alleghany culture -the way we do things around here (at least most of the time). Taken collectively, it is all Absolutely Alleghany.
The Western Piedmont Symphony will perform at the Alleghany Community Auditorium on August 27, 2015. The pubic performance begins at 7:00 pm. Seating is priced from $20.00 to a very affordable $5.00.
“We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist.”
It is easy to complain. We all have a tendency to fall in to the “should” trap, especially when it comes to kids.
“Kids should turn off the TV and go play outside.”
“Kids should learn to respect nature.”
On and on it goes. Should traps.
Locally, the 13 member Hunters Helping Kids – Blue Ridge Chapter aren’t falling into those traps. They have committed to exposing kids and their parents to the natural beauty of Alleghany and surrounding counties. While hunting and fishing may seem to be the chapter’s focus, John Davis, points out that just getting kids outdoors where they can learn to appreciate nature is their primary motivation.
John Davis
John considers himself fortunate to have grown up in Alleghany County and to have had someone who taught him to hunt and fish. Because of that he feels an obligation to pass his passion for the outdoors on to the next generation of sportsmen.
In addition to being president of the local chapter, John serves on the national board of directors for Hunters Helping Kids. His national position led to Alleghany County hosting the Ultimate Kids Hunt. This hunt is open to five boys and five girls between the ages of 10 and 15. In addition, at least one special needs child is selected. The young hunters are given a rifle, camouflage clothing, boots and other accessories. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Alleghany Inn supports the hunt and assists with housing the hunters and their parents. Kids from across the eastern United States have attended this hunt.
John points out that the local chapter has one fundraiser, a banquet, each year. Each local chapter of Hunters Helping Kids keeps at least 50% of their funds to use for local projects (the other 50% covers insurance and administrative expenses). The Blue Ridge Chapter has used their funds to buy youth bows and targets to introduce kids to archery, sponsored two $1000 scholarships to a male and female Alleghany High School student, supported a youth hunt for Alleghany County kids, and will offer an all-girls hunt this fall in neighboring Ashe County.
On June 11, 2016 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Blue Ridge Chapter will host a free fishing event behind the Cherry Lane Community building on Hwy 21 South. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) will stock trout in Brush Creek for this event. The NCWRC has also waived license requirements for adults who are assisting the kids. In addition to fishing, the event will include a mobile pellet rifle range supervised by local wildlife officers and the archery equipment purchased with banquet funds. A drawing for a lifetime hunting and fishing license will be held for the participating kids. Last year, 65 young anglers participated and there is hope for an even higher number this year. This one of 35 similar events held across North Carolina as part of National Fishing and Boating Week.
Some question exposing kids to hunting and fishing. John has been asked that question many times. He views it as an opportunity to explain the role of hunting and fishing in the conservation of wildlife resources, and to describe how hunters and anglers were the first wildlife conservationists. Most importantly, the chapter members are well aware that there is more to fishing than catching fish. Luther Standing Bear (1868-1939) may have summed it up best when he said, “Man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard; [the Lakota] knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too.”
On June 11th, a group of Alleghany County conservationists will set out to soften kids’ hearts and deepen their respect for the natural world. They encourage anyone with children to bring them to this event.
In rural areas, life often revolves the local school. Schools are the places where lifelong friendships are formed. Piney Creek Elementary and Glade Creek Elementary are located in those respective communities at opposite ends of Alleghany County. Sparta Elementary is located in Sparta. All are K-8 schools whose students reflect the diversity of the county as a whole. School activities pull together families that may not otherwise interact. Administrators are quick to point out that the success of the schools rely heavily on community support.
Alleghany County Auditorium photo by Charlie Scott
The Alleghany Community Auditorium is an example of the collaboration of the school system and community. In 2010, the Friends of the Alleghany Community Auditorium partnered with the Alleghany County Schools to renovate and manage the auditorium. The school system took care of some pressing structural needs such as roof repairs. The Friend’s group has replaced the sound system and added a number of padded seats.
photo by Charlie Scott
The auditorium has become the center for performing arts in Alleghany County. The performances are varied and reflective of the people who call Alleghany home. There have been plays by the Barter Players and the Alleghany Community Theatre (ACT). The Hillbilly Comedy and Variety show is an annual favorite. Musical acts range from the Highland Camerata which preformed Handel’s Messiah to the Western Piedmont Symphony to Alleghany’s Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM). At some point during the year, there is something for everyone on the auditorium’s stage.
The next phase of renovations is the improvement of the auditorium’s lighting. There will be a benefit concert on April 4, 2015 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm to raise funds for this next project. The line-up is an all-star cast of local and regional musicians anchored by Wayne Henderson and Helen White, and the Loose Strings Band. Local celebrity, Wes Brinegar, will serve as emcee. By any measure it is an entertainment deal at $10 admission. Emphasizing the family nature of this evening, children under 6 will be admitted free.
There is an adage that “the value of the whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts.” Our schools reinforce that notion as much by necessity as by design. There is a vision by some that the Alleghany Community Auditorium can be more than most can imagine. On April 4, 2015 we have a chance to get a glance at that vision.
Even though the snow is lingering, the temperatures are creeping through the 40s toward 50 degrees. Days like these generate a longing in trout anglers to pull on a pair of waders and hit the creek. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is fueling those desires by stocking trout in the Little River in Alleghany County.
NCWRC trout trucks at the Armstrong Hatchery near Marion, NC
During the month of March and until the 1st Saturday in April, streams designated as hatchery supported are closed to fishing. This allows hatchery crews to stock trout and gives time for the fish to disperse. However, streams designated as delayed harvest remain open, providing opportunities for trout anglers when most streams are closed.
Staff loads trout from the hatchery raceways
Regulations for delayed harvest streams require anglers to practice “catch and release.” To help ensure that the fish are not injured, lures are required to only have a single hook. Natural bait is prohibited. A legal definition of natural bait can be found here. Beginning the 1st Saturday in June, fish may be kept and natural bait is allowed. This change takes place because release survival rates decrease as the waters warms.
In Alleghany County, a section of the Little River is designated as delayed harvest. That section of stream is marked by black and white signs that list the basic regulations. It includes a popular stretch of creek alongside the Rifle Range Road.
While most view trout fishing as a recreational pastime, others view it as an economic driver for mountain communities. According to a 2008 study by Responsive Management and Southwick Associates, the NCWRC’s mountain trout program has a $174 million impact on the economy of western North Carolina and the state as a whole. Those funds support almost 2,000 jobs and reach into virtually all mountain communities.
But to those who seek to shake the shackles of snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures, trout fishing takes on an almost spiritual quality:
“In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing. We lived at the junction of great trout rivers in western Montana, and our father was a Presbyterian minister and a fly fisherman who tied his own flies and taught others. He told us about Christ’s disciples being fishermen, and we were left to assume, as my brother and I did, that all first-class fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fishermen and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman.”
Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through it and Other Stories
The weather is warming and there’s fish in the creek – it’s time to go fishing.
Photo by Cole Welch via NC Wildlife Resources Commission
Absolutely Alleghany 