Berryville Main Street

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Jewelry Showcased in Art of Making Art Demonstration

Berryville Main Street’s Fire House Gallery offers its next installment of the Art of Making Art series, December 7, from 11am to 3pm at the gallery, 23 East Main Street, Berryville. The event features the jewelry of Christy Dunkle, Charmaine Jackson, and Linda Sinish.

Visitors are welcome to stop by the gallery, meet the artists and talk with them about their art and creative approaches to making it. The artists’ works will be for sale during the show—a fine opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping, points out gallery director Kate Petranech.

Light refreshments will be served.

The Art of Making Art is a series of live art demonstrations launched by Berryville Main Street with help from a grant from the Marion Park Lewis Foundation in 2010 to increase knowledge about art and raise appreciation for its value in our lives. Every form of art is explored from sculpture to photography and from stained glass to fiber art.  The monthly sessions are extremely informal.  Visitors to the gallery are invited to watch artists work, asking questions about the materials or technique being demonstrated as they occur. By seeing as well as hearing about each medium’s unique requirements, program planners hope community members of all ages – and from every background – will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to make a work of art. And why it’s worth doing so.

The event is sponsored in part by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the

Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 

Gallery Holiday Baskets

Leaves have fallen and the smell of wood smoke floats on the country winds. The holiday season is coming. Time to visit Berryville Main Street’s Fire House Gallery for the annual seasonal gift basket.

“It’s guaranteed to delight family and friends on your shopping list,” said gallery director Kate Petranech.

This year’s holiday basket, which sells for $85 is once again filled with beautiful handmade items made by gallery artists, but, says Petranech, chosen with a slight twist. Instead of asking a jury to determine the contents, the gallery looked to customer preferences for direction, selecting four of the gallery’s most frequently purchased items for the basket.  These are the “crowd pleasers” the gallery can’t keep on its shelves, items like fiber artist Joyce Badanes’ tie-dyed bamboo cotton socks.

“Besides the socks,” said Petranech, “basket purchasers will find a stunning custom-glazed pottery vessel with lid by Robert Craig, charming hand blown lamp work earrings from jewelry artist Charmaine Jackson, and a distinctive hand-turned wine stopper by Terry Lund.”

In addition, Barns of Rose Hill, has donated a “Buy One Get One Free” voucher for an upcoming program at the beautiful performing arts center.

If purchased separately, the combined value of all these goodies would be $115.

“Historic Rosemont has provided a fabulous bonus gift to make the basket virtually irresistible,” said Petranech. All purchasers will be entered in a raffle to win “Tea for Two” at the historic home including a tea with all the trimmings plus a private tour of the rooms.  This alone is valued at $120.

You can give the entire basket or separate the items to make four gifts. And if you win the bonus gift? “Reward yourself and a special someone with an afternoon of pure enjoyment at one of the most beautiful, and historic, spots in Clarke County,” said Petranech.

Only 15 baskets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop by or call the gallery at 540-955-4001 to reserve a basket.  Payment by credit card or check must accompany the order.

The gallery’s 2013 Holiday Basket initiative is sponsored in part by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Around Clarke County in November

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November

 15 The Bumper Jacksons

Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville. $12 advance, $15 at door. The Bumper Jacksons are described as a big, fat party, playing tunes inspired by traditional jazz and old country and paying homage to traditions while crafting their own style. Purchase tickets at www.barnsofrosehill.org.

 16 Clarke County Little League Auction

Ruritan Fairgrounds, Berryville. 9am–3pm. Time to clean out your garage and closets and donate items to help the “Give Our Kids Light” project, providing lighting at Little League ballfields. Furniture, electronics, lawn mowers, tools and the like gratefully accepted. Lunch available. For more info, call Charles (Peanut) Wright, 540-550-6100.

16 Annual Grace Episcopal Church Bazaar

Grace Episcopal Church, Berryville. 9am-2pm. Attic Treasures sale, handmade items from the Craft Group, bake sale. Delicious turkey luncheon for $10. Call 540-966-1610 for more info.

16 Dance for Blue Ridge Fire & Rescue

Benefit Dance Party for Blue Ridge Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. Blue Ridge Fire Hall, 131 Retreat Road. 7pm-midnight. Dance lessons, dance competition, live & silent auctions. Sponsored by the Horseshoe Curve Benevolent Association. For details, visit www.blueridgefire.org.

18 Full Moon Walk

Blandy Experimental Farm, Boyce. 6-7:30pm. FOSA members, $8; non-members $10; family, $20. Reservations required. Explore the Arboretum under the full moon. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a flashlight, and explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural world after dark. Register at www.blandy.virginia.edu or call 837-1758.

 19 CraftWorks Drum Circle

Join this free musical jam session where the focus is on fun, recreation and community.  It’s improvised and incorporates all ages and all levels of skill. 6:30-9pm, Sign up at wvcraftworks.org.

19 Yin Yoga with Turi Turkel

Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville. Doors open at 5:30pm, class from 6-7:15pm. This class is the first of a five-week series on Tuesday evenings. $70 for series, $16 per class for walk-ins. Yin yoga is a slower-paced practice to nourish the whole body. For more information, email director@barnsofrosehill.org or visit the website at www.barnsofrosehill.org.

23 Remembrance and Anticipation Concert

A chorale concert at Market Street United Methodist Church, 131 S. Cameron Street, Winchester. 7:30pm. $10 suggested donation. Join the Arts Choral of Winchester to enjoy a new chorale work by American composer Donald McCullough commemorating the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s death, the season of Advent/Christmas, and the remembrance of people, places, and events. Visit www.artschoralewinchester.org for more information.

 23 Longaberger Basket/Vera Bradley Bingo for BRCTH

Longaberger Basket/Vera Bradley Bingo for Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. War Memorial Building, Jim Barnett Park, Winchester. Doors open at 1, bingo at 2. $20 in advance, $25 at door. Special games, raffles and drawings, loads of beautiful baskets and handbags. Funds raised support the BRCTH’s therapy horses and ponies through the winter and scholarships for children and adults. For tickets and information, contact Margie Youngs at 540-533-2777 or brcthinc@hotmail.com.

23 Drawing & Painting Group

Join Rebecca Jones at CraftWorks for a monthly workshop of of artists. Enjoy a demo, studio time and critique. All levels welcome; no experience necessary! 2-5pm, Register at wvcraftworks.org.

 24 Beth Greer Concert

Berryville Baptist Church, 114 Academy Street, Berryville. 7pm. Free. Join Beth Greer, a gifted bible teacher, speaker, worship leader, and vocalist for an evening of worshipful music. For information, contact Mary Sue at 540-955-1423 or online at www.berryvillebaptist.org.

24 Remembrance and Anticipation Concert

A chorale concert at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9114 John Mosby Highway, Upperville. 4pm. $10 suggested donation. Join the Arts Choral of Winchester to enjoy a new chorale work by American composer Donald McCullough commemorating the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s death, the season of Advent/Christmas, and the remembrance of people, places, and events. Visit www.artschoralewinchester.org for more information.

 24 Polymer Clay & Mixed Media

A free monthly gathering at CraftWorks for artists working in polymer clay and mixed media to work together, network and learn from each other. 11am-4pm, Sign up at wvcraftworks.org.

30 Mariana Mihai-Zoeter’s “Lucky 13”

Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville. Doors open at 6:30, show at 7pm. $12 in advance, $15 at door. This soprano singer travels back in time to the years 1613, 1713, 1813, and 1913 where she uncovers lesser-known treasures for soprano and piano. Also featuring clarinetist Garrick Zoeter and pianist Lisa Bloy. For more information, email director@barnsofrosehill.org or visit the website at www.barnsofrosehill.org.

December

3 Ornament making workshop with Amy Oliver

Barns of Rose Hill, Berryville. 4pm-7pm. $10/child. Children will sculpt, paint, and decorate holiday ornaments under the instruction of potter Amy Oliver. Ages 3-6 from 4-5pm; ages 7-10 from 5-6pm; ages 11-14 from 6pm-7pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.barnsofrosehill.org.

 5 Help With Housing & FISH

Help With Housing & FISH of Clarke County Open House, 36 East Main Street, Berryville. 6pm. Help warm the new headquarters of these two beneficent organizations now housed in the former Clarke County library building. Join the mayor of Berryville and the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber for ribbon-cutting, refreshments, and tour of the building. Contact Ardis Cullers at 540.955.1706 for more information.

7 Berryville Christmas Parade

Downtown Berryville. Noon. Get in the holiday spirit with a wonderful small-town parade featuring Santa, local groups, and much more! For more information, call 540-955-5187.

7 CraftWorks Holiday Potluck

Bring your favorite homemade soups, salads and bread, beverages provided. Entertainment provided by the Washington High School Chamber Choir. 5-7pm, Sign up at wvcraftworks.org.

 7 Old-Fashioned Christmas

December 7 & 8. Millwood Old-Fashioned Christmas Fair, Millwood Community Center, 1610 Millwood Road, Millwood. 9am-4pm. Holiday shoppers will find a plethora of items from regional artists and crafters, including artwork, pottery, ornaments and décor, jewelry, candles, soaps. Home baked goods and a hot meal available for purchase and served by the Goodwill Association. Christmas trees and wreaths, too! Sponsored by and benefitting the Millwood Community Association and the Goodwill Association. Crafters interested in selling at the event should contact millwoodcommunity@gmail.com or call 540-837-2252.

 7 Holiday Workshop – Wreath Making

Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Boyce. 9:30am-noon. Create a wreath with fresh, local, natural greens and adornments. 12-inch mixed evergreen wreath. $30 for FOSA members, $35 for nonmembers. 20-inch mixed evergreen wreath – $40 for FOSA members, $45 for nonmembers. Sponsored by the Virginia Boxwood Company. Register and pay online at www.blandy.virginia.edu or call 540-837-1758, ext. 224.

8 Fiber Arts Group

A free monthly gathering for folks who create with fiber-art quilts, freeform crochet, embroidery, needle felting and mixed media. Share your techniques at CraftWorks. 2-5pm, Sign up at wvcraftworks.org.

10 Amazing Art with Polymer Clay

Learn to create with polymer clay in this two evening workshop at CraftWorks. All materials provided, all skill levels welcome. Dec. 10 & 12, 6:30-9:30pm. Register at wvcraftworks.org.

 15 Holiday Cookie Swap

Share your sparkle and dazzle. Bring 4 dozen cookies, cupcakes, brownies or other sweet treats to CraftWorks. 2-4pm, Free, Sign up at wvcraftworks.org.

17 CraftWorks Drum Circle

Join this free musical jam session where the focus is on fun, recreation and community.  It’s improvised and incorporates all ages and all levels of skill. 6:30-9pm, Sign up at wvcraftworks.org.

21 Historic Long Branch Christmas Open House

December 21 & 22. Historic Long Branch, 830 Long Branch Lane, Millwood. 11am-5pm. Area Garden Clubs decorate the historic house following the theme of “An 1850s Christmas.” Go to www.visitlongbranch.org or call 540-837-1856 for more info.

 22 Holiday Cheer at Historic Long Branch

Following the holiday service at Old Bethel Church near Millwood, Historic Long Branch invites guests for light fare and warm drinks. Guests will also be asked to participate in the first-ever “Historic Long Branch Viewer’s Choice Art Competition.” Go to www.visitlongbranch.org or call 837-1856 for more info.

Current & Ongoing

For a myriad of art classes and workshops for all ages at Opus Oaks Art Studio, visit www.opusoaks.org.

For a list of all classes and events at Clarke County Parks and Recreation, visit www.clarkecounty.gov/parks or call 540-955.5140.

Educational Seminar Targets Help for Neglected Equines

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Educational Seminar Targets Help for Neglected Equines

The Clarke County Humane Foundation, along with the Clarke County Equine Alliance, is hosting an educational seminar on Friday, Nov. 1 featuring what local residents can do to help in suspected cases of equine neglect or abuse. A reception begins at 7 p.m. and the program starts at 7:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting area of the Camino Real Mexican Restaurant in Berryville. Light refreshments and door prizes will be available. The event is free and open to the public.

Dr. Ian Harrison of the Harrison Equine Clinic in Berryville, a noted presenter on equine illness and disease and a Board-Certified Equine Surgeon, will be the featured speaker. Dr. Harrison, who is the Clarke County-appointed veterinarian when issues of equine neglect occur, will address signs and symptoms of potential neglect and/or abuse and discuss what steps a veterinarian takes in these instances. Clarke County Sheriff Tony Roper will address the legal aspects of what area residents can do if they suspect an equine is being neglected or abused.

“Unfortunately we have experienced some of these situations in our area,” said George L. Ohrstrom II, president of the Clarke County Humane Foundation. “With the approach of winter, colder temperatures, and lack of natural food sources, this program serves as a resource to identify equine situations that could potentially become serious problems,” Ohrstrom said.

The Humane Foundation works with Clarke County to provide a quality, well-maintained animal shelter as a resource to pet owners, lost and stray dogs and cats, and serves as a temporary location for larger animals such as equines. Existing through private donations, the Foundation sponsors an annual rabies clinic (Oct. 26 this year), spay and neuter programs, educational opportunities, as well as assisting with ongoing shelter operations.

The Clarke County Equine Alliance, a non-profit organization representing equine enthusiasts and a member of the Virginia Horse Council, works to promote the county’s equine-related businesses and activities while connecting professionals and amateurs involved in equine sport and pleasure.

Gun and Prepper Expo Benefits Fire Company

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It’s a safe bet that a lot of people who watch Doomsday Preppers and other survival shows spend almost no time thinking about or preparing for emergencies—from the mundane to worst case scenarios. Jay Blevins and friends are trying to change that, and they’re backing it up by helping raise funds for people who provide essential emergency services to a big chunk of Clarke County’s population, the Berryville Fire Company and Rescue Squad.

The Berryville Gun & Prepper Expo is planned for November 2–3 at the John Enders Fire Company, 9 S. Buckmarsh Street in Berryville. The event is sponsored by High Caliber Events and SEPS; Saturday hours are 9am–6pm; Sunday the expo runs 10am–4pm.

Organizers say the goal of the expo is to educate the public on the importance of emergency preparedness, and provide goods, services, and topics related to prepping.

Jay has appeared on National Geographic Channel’s series Doomsday Preppers, Access Hollywood Live, The Steve Harvey Show, The Today Show and CNN Headline news’ Jane Velez-Mitchell show. He has been interviewed on syndicated and major market radio and web programs, and has been covered by major domestic and international print media outlets like the Washington Post, USA Today, and Agence France Press.

Blevins also served as a Deputy Sheriff in the Washington DC metro area, where he worked as a patrol and SWAT officer, and currently works as an analyst at a business consulting firm.

The event will include several speakers addressing topics of preparedness. In addition to Blevins, speakers include Dr. Thomas Stoner, a board certified practicing adult medicine specialist who has been in medicine since 1991. Stoner is co-owner of TSSP Inc, a company that provides emergency consulting as it relates to “survival scenarios” and common-sense emergency kits. His most recent book is MED-P, which describes modern diseases and techniques to prevent contracting them.

Nicole Sundine, who teaches women and girls personal protection skills, presents her “Realistic Safety Strategies,” based on a combination of psychological, interpersonal and physical components that empower girls and women to protect themselves from a wide spectrum of threats to their safety.

Ryan McCullough, author of Law, Money and the Bank, and president of Liberty Union Metals Exchange which buys and sells precious metals offers information on financial preparedness.

A variety of vendors will provide prepper-related items like firearms, knives, bugout bags, lights, food, fire starters, silver and gold coins, books, real estate, survival gear, firearm accessories and much more.

Historic Long Branch Reopens

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Preservation Group Invites Community To Experience The New Long Branch

Historic Long Branch, the steward of an American architectural treasure on 400 preserved acres in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, is planning to make history once again. On Friday, October 25, Historic Long Branch will re-open its doors to the public to experience newly installed exhibits and period rooms designed to complement the rich, 200-year history of the site. At the opening preview night, 6–9pm, guests will be treated to an evening in the home and talks by staff curators who have overseen the project and plans for the next phase.  Recently acquired historic objects will also make their public debut. Admission to the opening night event is free and all interested are encouraged to attend.

“It’s the start of something entirely new, exciting and important,” said Long Branch executive director and historian Nicholas Redding. He continued, “Together with a board of passionate supporters, we have embarked on a new journey and are very eager to throw open our doors again to re-introduce our friends to this special place.”

The completely new exhibit galleries explore various themes from the home’s 200-year history and the development of the Shenandoah Valley. The Long Branch Story takes visitors on a journey through the history of the house in the context of regional and national history. The Harry Isaacs Legacy is a gallery devoted to telling the story of the last owner of the home and the individual responsible for establishing Long Branch as a publically accessible site. Finally, rounding out the exhibits, History Detectives is a behind-the-scenes investigation of how historians and preservationists uncover the hidden history of historic sites.

Re-opening events will continue through the weekend on Saturday, October 26, 11am–5pm, and Sunday, October 27, 11am–4pm, and will feature self-guided and guided tours of the over 200-year old home, interpretive programs, and walks around the historic landscape, 19th century crafts & games and live old time string band music featuring music from Clarke County’s past. The Potomack Company will also be providing antique appraisals with a suggested donation fee that will be used to assist Long Branch’s acquisition of original furnishings.

Admission both days is $5 per person. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and enjoy the beautiful grounds and gardens.

On the evening of Saturday October 26 6–8pm, the house will remain open for “Long Branch after Dark” with a candlelight tour of the house featuring unique stories from the site’s long history. Admission is $15 per person and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

The weekend marks the beginning of a new era at Long Branch with historically-focused programs and events designed to enrich, educate and entertain. Visitors interested in attending the weekend events or to learn more about Long Branch are encouraged to visit Long Branch’s new website at: visitlongbranch.or

Clarke County HS Class of ’63 Celebrates 50th Reunion

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The Clarke County High School Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th class reunion September 14, 2013. The day began with tours of three of the county’s schools: Boyce Elementary., Berryville Primary, and Johnson Williams Middle School. The tour culminated at the Bell Tower overlooking the JWMS campus. The administrators of each school opened their doors so alumni could walk in, and off they went reminiscing and looking for memories like first-grade classrooms, and, says Alice Hummer, “what Ms. Holmes would think of us now.”

The group ended the day by celebrating at John H Enders Firehall with Mr. Herman Lloyd, principal of Boyce; Mrs. Betty Levi, PE teacher and coach at CCHS, and Mr. Rudy Telek, PE teacher and coach at CCHS.

Third Annual Purcellville Halloween Block Party

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Third Annual Purcellville Halloween Block Party

Over 6,000 people attended the Purcellville Halloween Block Party last year coming from all over Loudoun and Clarke counties and beyond; ranging in ages from infant to ninety years old. This family friendly event promises to be even bigger and better this year. The party will be Saturday October 26 from 5–9pm in Old Town Purcellville on 21st Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into Loudoun County’s largest Halloween Party.

Starting at 5pm, Mr. Knick Knack, one of the area’s best-loved children’s musicians, will have the little ones dancing and groovin’. With just his guitar and his voice he plays upbeat and uplifting music

centered on the power of the human heart.

Roam up and down the street all evening, watching the funny and ghoulish characters walking around. You can only wonder if these people are wearing costumes‑or has Purcellville been invaded by ghouls? Play tons of Halloween theme games, The Rat Toss, Pumpkin Tic Tac Toe, Pin the Nose on the Witch, among others, all with prizes for all.

Plan on having dinner at the party, food from Magnolias, Boodacades BBQ, The Roving Italian food truck, Lickety Splitz Hawaiian Shave Ice and Fun Country Kettle Corn, all set up right on 21st Street. The spotlight of the night will be the costume contest with four divisions: infant to 5 years old, 6 to 12 years old, and the Pet division (everyone’s favorite), which is open to all pets that come in costume. Last but not least, the teen and adults division will be judged. Over $2,000 in cash, prizes, and trophies will be awarded including $500 grand prize for the best overall costume.

Admission is free to the Purcellville Halloween Block Party along with free parking throughout the town. For contest rules and information visit www.purcellvillehalloween.com, find the event on Facebook (Purcellville Halloween Block Party) or contact Michael Oaks and Kim Patterson at Re-Love It Consignment Shoppe, 540-751-0707, or email reloveit@aol.com.

Gallery Artists Gather To Look Ahead

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Gallery Artists Gather To Look Ahead

Artists to suggest new programs with grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts

Twenty of the 50+ artists who show and sell their work through Berryville Main Street’s Fire House Gallery gathered at the gallery on September 5 for something gallery director Kate Petranech calls, “a very pleasant task.” The group is exploring ideas for new events and activities promoting art and artists in Berryville, made possible by a $5,000 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

This is the third consecutive year that Berryville Main Street received the grant, demonstrating the funders’ satisfaction with the quality and variety of its programs which include:

Solo Artist Exhibits, such as last year’s highly praised Wood-Turning Wonder: Robert Van Meter, a homage to the late master wood-turner’s life and work.

Group Artist Shows like Fabulous Fibers for All. Featuring the work of a dozen-plus fiber artists, this show was so well received it will be an “evergreen” or staple in the gallery’s annual offerings. Indeed, the 2nd Annual Fabulous Fibers for All exhibit opens on October 18 with a special reception from six to eight p.m.

Art Awareness Endeavors such as the widely publicized 2011 and 2012 Community Supported Art (CSA) program. This novel initiative—modeled after one created to promote the purchase of local fruits and vegetables—encouraged people to buy a “share” or basket of art.

Art Pays Dividends for Local Economies

While fostering knowledge and appreciation for art is both desirable and laudable, initiatives such as these bring more than just a “pretty face” to a community. They can be economic engines that drive traffic and revenue to a town’s commercial center. That kind of promotion is the mission of Berryville Main Street, and a key reason BMS created the gallery.

A quick look at the numbers suggests it’s working. According to Petranech, “Since the Fire House Gallery doors opened in January 2010, close to 7,000 people have stopped by to have a look. They came to view art, attend exhibits as well as pick up brochures and flyers about other places to shop or events to attend in and around Berryville,” she said.

Even more significant, almost 2,000 of them made a purchase, putting coins into more than 50 artists’ pockets, contributing a small but meaningful amount of revenue to the county coffers.

Bigger and (Even) Better Ahead

Petranech says three themes emerged from discussions September 5.

  • Increase offerings of current programs to one or more each month. This is already off to a good start, says Petranech, with the gallery’s new “Little Shows,” small displays of a single artist’s work. The next one, featuring hand-built pottery by Neenja Jhaveri, November 1. In addition, the number of the Saturday Art of Making Art demonstrations will increase.
  • Increase exposure with two new exhibits. Like the Robert Van Meter and fiber arts exhibit mentioned above, these are major endeavors that offer an in depth look at an artist, a medium, or a theme. Ideas presented at the September meeting include: By the Beautiful Sea, photography, watercolors, fiber art, ceramics; From the Earth, wood, textiles, jewelry made from gemstones; Black and White, photography, painting, glass, jewelry, ceramics.
  • Increase traffic and revenue by raising awareness about the gallery’s proud history, unique collection, and gifted artists. This will be done, says Petranech, through a reimagining of the gallery website. Funding will finally allow the gallery to hire various professionals to shoot the collection for promotional purposes, conduct interviews with artists; and do an overall audit to assess quality of content, visual appeal and ease of use.

“It’s an ambitious agenda,” said Petranech. “But with funding available and volunteers pitching in, it’s eminently doable. And a lot of fun to boot.”

 

Have a desire to work in the gallery? On an exhibit? Behind the scenes? Check out your options by sending an email to info@firehousegallery.com. Put “Gallery Volunteer” in the subject line.

First Farmers’ Harvest Ball Set For October

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First Farmers’ Harvest Ball Set For October

Guests invited to “eat a little pig, dance a little jig, and go whee, whee, whee all the way home!”

Three Clarke County non-profit groups are joining forces to bring the community the bounties of local harvest with the farmers who provide them. The Farmers’ Harvest Ball will be hosted by Berryville Main Street, Barns of Rose Hill, and the Clarke County Farmers’ Market at the Barns on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

“We wanted to collaborate on a party or activity that would bring the community together for an evening in Berryville, similar to the Blue Moon parties held in the past,” said Luanne Carey, director of Berryville Main Street. When the Farmers Market got involved, that “activity” became an event where local food will be provided by members of the market and prepared, for the most part, by Boyd’s Nest restaurant. Pulled pork and barbecued chicken and a variety of side dishes and desserts will be served, along with beer, wine, and soft drinks. After supper, “the Apple Valley Square dance club will give a square dancing demonstration and Rich Studman will call some dances for everyone to join the fun,” said Carey.

If eating good, locally grown food, mingling with friends and farmers, and dancing a jig isn’t incentive enough, proceeds from the event will be split evenly among the three groups, helping to fund the programs of each organization. The Barns of Rose Hill’s mission is to serve as a community center “celebrating life, the arts, and our culture,” according to its newly revamped website (www.barnsofrosehill.org). The Clarke County Farmers Market, going stronger than ever after 18 years, serves to support and promote local farmers by bringing their goods to one place for the community to purchase and enjoy, every Saturday from May through November. Berryville Main Street’s mandate is to encourage economic development, support local business, enhance community projects, and help beautify downtown Berryville.

Tickets cost $50, which includes two drink coupons for wine and beer, and may be purchased by contacting Carey at Berryville Main Street at 540-955-4001 or Kellie Hart or Morgan Morrison at Barns of Rose Hill at 540-955-2004. The Barns’ doors will open at 5pm for a mix and mingle; dinner will be served at 6pm, and dancing will commence at 7pm. The invite’s jingle is “eat a little pig, dance a little jig, and go whee, whee, whee all the way home!”

“We’re hoping the evening will be a fun, old-fashioned gathering to celebrate fall in Clarke County!” Carey enthused.

— Jennifer Lee