Events

April

Chapel of Rest Easter Eve Service

A beautifully restored 1909 Episcopal Church, the Chapel of Rest presents a traditional Easter eve service featuring music starting at 4 p.m. Originally opening its doors in 1887 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chapel of Rest has been the home of a spring and fall classical music series since 1984. The Chapel of Rest is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 2.4), nine miles north of Lenoir. For more information, call (828) 758-8619 or (828) 758-0906, or visit www.chapelofrest.org.

Kite Flying Days at Fort Defiance

The skies above Fort Defiance burst into color as internationally known kite fliers display and demonstrate a variety of artful kites from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fort Defiance is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 4.5). Visit www.fortdefiancenc.org for more information.

Chapel of Rest Spring Concert

Since 1984, the Chapel of Rest has been home to the Joan & Robert Rogers Memorial Concert Series, with annual concerts in spring and fall. The Chapel of Rest is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 2.4), nine miles north of Lenoir. For information on upcoming performances, call (828) 758-8619 or (828) 758-0906, or visit www.chapelofrest.org.

Late April or early May

Happy Valley Plow Day

Happy Valley's annual Plow Day highlights traditional farming methods practiced for generations. This day-long event features horse- and mule-drawn plowing demonstrations, local foods, wagon rides, music making and examples of the "old ways" of farming practiced by the Valley's early settlers. Groups from the N.C. Draft Horse Association showcase their equipment during the event. Depending on weather conditions, Plow Day is held on a Saturday in late April or early May on the Jones Farm (mile marker 7.7). It is one of the last working farms along the Highway 268 corridor striving to continue a traditional agricultural lifestyle. For more information, call (828) 726-0323.

May

Daniel Boone Day, Whippoorwill Academy and Village

Each year educator Edith Carter hosts a Daniel Boone Day at the Whippoorwill Academy and Village (mile marker 15.4). The event includes musical entertainment and a drama presented by the Tom Dula Players. Visit www.explorewilkes.com/whippoorwill.php for more information.

August

Happy Valley Mow Day

Mow Day is an opportunity to watch antique mowing machines being pulled by livestock as they cut hay the way it's been done for generations in Happy Valley. About two dozen participants will ride colorful traditional mowers with decorative painting on a Saturday in mid-August at the Jones Farm (mile marker 7.7). It is one of the last working farms along the Highway 268 corridor striving to continue a traditional agricultural lifestyle. Local players of traditional music provide entertainment during the day, which includes horse drawn wagon rides for kids and foods from local community groups. Exact date depends on growing conditions; call (828) 726-0323 for more information.

Labor Day Weekend, September

Happy Valley Fiddlers' Convention

Joining a North Carolina tradition that dates back to Union Grove in 1924, the Happy Old-time Fiddlers’ Convention is held for three days over Labor Day weekend and offers cash prizes for fiddle, banjo, guitar and mandolin as well as for bluegrass and old-time bands. Along with the instrumental competitions, the event offers folk singing, instrument making, old-time dance demonstrations, hayride tours, corn shucking, flat footing and local home-cooked foods. A fiddler himself, Tom Dooley would have felt at home at this gathering at Jones Farm. Coincidently, the site is the final resting place of Laura Foster, who was buried here on the banks of the Yadkin after her body was found in May 1866. Visit www.happyvalleyfiddlers.com for more information.

September

Living History Days, Fort Defiance

African American slave storytelling is part of this annual tour of the restored 1792 home of General William Lenoir, which features more than 300 pieces of original furniture and artifacts highlighting the craftsmanship of two centuries past. Visitors also can experience historic encampments, period cooking and wagon rides. Fort Defiance is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 4.5). Visit www.fortdefiancenc.org for more information.

October

Chapel of Rest Fall Concert

November

Chapel of Rest Thanksgiving Eve Service

A beautifully restored 1909 Episcopal Church, the Chapel of Rest presents a traditional Thanksgiving eve service featuring music starting at 4 p.m. Originally opening its doors in 1887 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chapel has been the home of a spring and fall classical music series since 1984. The Chapel of Rest is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 2.4). For more information, call (828) 758-8619 or (828) 758-0906, or visit www.chapelofrest.org.

December

Colonial Christmas, Fort Defiance

Music, dancing, wassail drinking, the roasting of a pig and fowl and the traditional "Burning of the Holly" are just part of this old-fashioned 18th century Christmas at the restored 1792 home of General William Lenoir. Fort Defiance, named for a historic stockade, features more than 300 pieces of original furniture and artifacts. This festive weekend includes candlelight tours in the evening. Fort Defiance is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 4.5). Visit www.fortdefiancenc.org for more information.

Chapel of Rest Christmas Eve Service

A beautifully restored 1909 Episcopal Church, the Chapel of Rest presents a traditional Christmas Eve service featuring music starting at 4 p.m. Originally opening its doors in 1887 and now on the National Register of Historic Places, the Chapel of Rest is located on Highway 268 (mile marker 2.4). For more information, call (828) 758-8619 or (828) 758-0906 or visit www.chapelofrest.org.