WEEKLY MUSIC

Old Fort Mountain Music - FRIDAY nights local and visiting musicians gather to play Bluegrass and traditional music. SATURDAY nights with country music. Downtown Old Fort. 6:00pm until ? For more info call (704)668-7717

YEARLY EVENTS CALENDAR

McDowell Arts & Crafts Association - Activities throughout the year: twelve art exhibits, 4 to 8 Foothills Community Theatre Productions (659-PLAY), art and craft classes, Appalachian Potter's Market(see below). 25 South Main St., downtown Marion. For more info call (704)652-8610

Lake James Fishing Tournaments - Spring and night tournaments. Dates vary according to weather and lake conditions. For more info call Lake James Landing, (704)652-2907 or Burnett's Landing, (704)652-3531.

Interpretive Programs at Lake James State Park - Special programs held on designated weekends throughout the year. Activities designed to introduce park visitors to the wonders of this beautiful mountain lake. Call (704)652-5047 for info.

Pioneer Day - Celebration of pioneer heritage in Old Fort; crafts, music and food. Held on the grounds of the Mountain Gateway Museum. Third Saturday in April. For info call (704)668-7717.

Mayfest - A weekend of flowers, music and dance to herald in the arrival of Spring in the mountains. Activities include a traditional maypole dance and a May Day breakfast. Third weekend in May; Little Switzerland. Call 1-800-654-4026 for more info.

McDowell County Singing Convention - Third Saturday in May, 6:30pm at the Glenwood Elementary School, Old Hwy 221 S., Marion. Please call (704)652-1103 for info.

Freedom Celebration - Independence Day festivities in Marion, Old Fort and Little Switzerland. Call 1-800-237-6111.

Old Fort Rodeo - Annual pro championship event held in conjunction with July 4th activities. Events include bareback bronc riding, calf roping, bull riding and special entertainment. I-40 and Catawba River Rd., Old Fort. (704)668-7717 for info.

Overmountain Victory Trail - Volunteer marchers from Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, commemorate the defeat of British soldiers at King's Mountain on October 17, 1780. This historic trail winds its way through McDowell County on its way from Abingdon, Va. to Kings Mountain, NC First week in October. Call (704)652-4240 for details.

Mountain Glory Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show - Handmade quilts display. First two weeks in October. 25 South Main St., downtown Marion. For info call (704)652-8610.

Mountain Glory Festival - A celebration of mountain heritage in Western North Carolina, held in downtown Marion; crafts, entertainment, children's arena, foodfest. Second Saturday in October. (704)652-4240 for more info.

WBRM Antique Auto Show - Classic autos, vintage trucks, and interesting vehicles. McDowell High School, Marion. Third Sunday in October. Please call (704)652-9500 for details.

Oktoberfest - A weekend of Oom-Pah-Pah, scrumptious German food and lots of fun! Activities include German music, artists on exhibit, hayrides, dinner dance and storytelling. Last weekend in September; Little Switzerland. 1-800-654-4026 for info.

Appalachian Potters Market - Pottery craft fair. McDowell High School, Marion. First Saturday in December. For details please call, (704)652-8610.

Ole' Mountain Christmas - Activities depicting celebrations of Christmas' past. First Three weekends in December. (704)668-7717 for more info.