July 4, 2011 Celebrations - the NC Blue Ridge Mountain Way

Thousands of nerve-shaken, over civilized people

are beginning to find out that going to the mountains

is going home.

-John Muir

Come back with us to our American roots to celebrate our nation's birth, our simple way of life. Unwind, relax, breathe the mountains, live the dream. You are home.

Enjoy these events within 10 minutes of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.

June 24th - "GRAMMY NOMINATED ROCK LEGEND, JOHN PARR, RETURNS TO USA t

o Perform Songs From His Brand New Album"Letter to America" - Including US #1 hit St. Elmo's Fire, US rock radio #1 hit "Naughty Naughty", and his billion dollar box office movie tracks from "Three Men And A Baby", "The Running Man", "St. Elmo's Fire", "American Anthem" and many more...A Special Intimate Solo Performance - The Burnsville Town Center (828) 682-7209 Showtime: 8:00 pm"

June 24 to July 09 - "Parkway Playhouse Presents "1776"

by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards. It is the summer of 1776 and the nation is ready to declare independence - if only the members of the Second Continental Congress can agree to vote to free their fledgling nation from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. This insightful and patriotic musical puts a human face on the pages of history. 682-682-4285"

July 2 - July 4th Celebration on July 2nd (begins at 10:00 am)- Burnsville, NC historic town square - an old-fashioned celebration with live music on stage, grill-out by the Lion's Club, local artisans and crafters, children's activities, FIREWORKS after dark, followed by: STARS ON THE SQUARE - Local astronomers bring their telescopes and help us all better understand the marvels of the universe (ends at midnight).

July 10 - A YANCEY COUNTY CONCERT FOR PEACE! "Coming up fast is the first ever YANCEY COUNTY CONCERT FOR PEACE, sure to be the highlight of Summer 2011! Join your Yancey County neighbors on Sunday, July 10, 2-4pm at Hooting Owl Hall in Patience Park on the beautiful South Toe River, 2 miles south of Micaville on Rte 80 South. The concert, featuring Asheville's Sahara Peace Choir, is sponsored by the Yancey County United Fund in honor of the Yancey County peace community, spiritual community, and families who have loved ones in harm's way in the U.S. military overseas. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for kids--infants and toddlers free. Picnic fare will be on sale after 1pm for anyone wishing to enjoy lunch by the river beforehand. All proceeds benefit the Yancey County United Fund."

John Parr - Letter to America tour

Parkway Playhouse

July 4th on July 2nd Burnsville Town Square

Sahara Peace Choir

Stargazing with Amateur Astronomers on our Historic Town Square

Man has always turned his eyes and thoughts to the stars for guidance, inspiration, wisdom and hope.

On January 6th, Christianity celebrates Epiphany or Holy Lights - a night when stargazing led to a miraculous discovery by 3 Wise Men as they followed the Star of Bethlehem .

On January 8th we will gather as a community on our historic town square of Burnsville,turn off all the lights, and once again marvel at the stars over these ancient mountains. Amateur astronomers will be there with their big telescopes, hot chocolate and cookies will be served, and we can all begin the new year with "a window to the infinite and beyond." Please join us for this special event presented by our Small Town Main Street committee.

"I have long thought that anyone who does not regularly--or ever--gaze up and see the wonder and glory of a dark night sky filled with countless stars loses a sense of their fundamental connectedness to the universe. And as the astounding vastness of the universe becomes obscured, there is a throwback to a vision of a universe that essentially amounts to earth, or one's country, or state or city. Perspective becomes myopic. But a clear night sky and a little instruction allows anyone to soar in mind and imagination to the farthest reaches of an enormous universe in which we are but a speck. And there is nothing more exhilarating and humbling than that."-Dr. Brian Greene, Columbia University Physicist.

Make home a place where star gazing can be a nightly ritual - the beautiful, pristine Cove at Celo Mountain. Far enough away in the mountains to feel the touch of the infinite; close enough to a top destination city to maintain connectedness.

For videos and stargazing preparedness