An Historic Hometown, An Ancient River, A Continuing Legacy

Photos: Fresh Organic Produce - Farmers Market; Our Middle School Drama Department's State Overall Best Actor and Actress, Mountain Heritage High School Eco-Club Students rafting down the South Toe River, Toe River Arts Council Chamber Ensemble and Toe River Community Chorus, OakMoon Farm and Creamery local handcrafted goat cheeses, Ayles Creek within THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.

Do you love outdoor adventures, ecology, wonderful arts and crafts, farm-to-table organic foods, orchestral ensembles and choral groups that YOU can join, not just enjoy.

Our small,historic hometown of Burnsville, NC, boasts its own Toe River Chamber Ensemble and Toe River Chorus - actually comprised of musicians from 5 local counties, ages 10-89, and pulled from every walk of life - farmers, librarians, real estate salesmen, potters, ministers, photographers, administrative workers, construction workers, teachers, students, doctors, hospital technicians and more. Come hear them perform the Easter portion of Handel's Messiah on April 12th at 7:00 pm at First Baptist Church on the town square of Burnsville - for free, of course. The talent here will simply astound you. Remember that I have said that when we claim more artists, per capita, than anywhere else in America, this includes the performing arts as well as the visual arts.

Speaking of which...Mountain Heritage High School has taken top state honors in drama for many years. But just recently our Middle School Drama Department took top state awards - Superior Play, Best Overall Actor, Best Overall Actress, Excellence in Directing, Acting, Live Music, Overall Design, Ensemble and Set Design.

One of my favorite things about this area is the co-mingling of all ages in most all activities - the building of Habitat for Humanity houses on campus at our high school with students and community volunteers working side-by-side, youth and adults throwing pots together for an Empty Bowl Benefit, painting Quilt Blocks together for the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, performing in music and theater productions alongside one another, and even farming and selling their own organic produce in our farmers markets.

Each year, one of our young farmers is recognized for excellence in agriculture. Come meet these amazing farm owners at our Farmers Market - opening April 23rd behind Town Square and the Town Center on Saturdays from 8-12. Market activities often include such events as health screenings, face painting, live music, and gourmet cooking demonstrations. Featured on opening day will be lots of plants, baked goods, crafts, cheese, meat, jams and jellies, honey, and some early produce. My personal favorite cheese in the world is OakMoon Farm and Creamery's Mountain Mediterranean Goat Cheese with Fresh Garlic and Olive Oil served on homemade bread from Nana's Kitchen. Both will be at the Farmer's Market and will sell out quickly.

Come back to the simple way of life of our American roots. Join us in this back-to-nature, we-can-do-this-together approach to living. Our lifestyle and our mountains are breaths of fresh air.

The Handel's Messiah concert is under the direction of Lisa Mauney and is made possible by the Toe River Arts Council with a Grassroots Arts grant awarded to the council by the North Carolina Arts Council.