Justin Winter’s Carolina Lake and Mountain Blog

Calendar of Events, September 2007

9/4-8 The 46th Annual South Carolina Apple Festival American as apple pie, this small town festival is filled to the spilling point with a wide variety of events and attractions. A perfect way to spend a day with the family. www.westminstersc.com

9/6-9 Hickory Nut Olympiad III Athletes gather from around the country to participate in a wide variety of outdoor sports, from archery to rock climbing to kayaking. Spectators will find plenty to do, watch, and eat at this popular gathering at Chimney Rock State Park. www.hickorynutolympiad.com

9/7-8 IPRA Championship Rodeo The 16th Annual Apple Festival Rodeo, sanctioned by the I.P.R.A., promises two days of family fun at the Bibb Street Arena in Westminster. www.westminstersc.com

9/8-9 Annual Dahlia Society Show Hundreds of dahlia blooms in a rainbow of colors on display. Enjoy walks, tours, family activities and a flower sale! NC Arboretum events and activities are free unless noted; usual parking fees apply. 828.665.2492 or www.ncarboretum.org

9/14-16 Southern Exposure’s “Taste of the South” This three-day experience will showcase food, wine and music through programmed tasting events, round tables, musical performances, and celebrity chef-hosted culinary demonstrations. Restaurant owner Carl Sobocinski and platinum-selling singer and songwriter Edwin McCain host this weekend of exclusive activities that bring Greenville to the forefront of the culinary and the cultural communities. www.southernexposuregreenville.com

9/15-10/7 Beauty and the Beast The South Carolina Children’s Theatre presents this classic tale at The Peace Center’s Gunter Theatre. For ticket prices and performance times, go to www.scchildrenstheatre.org

9/16 Big Tree Bushwhack Guided Hike The “Off the Beaten Path” guided hike series continues with this trek to view some of the largest tree specimens of Chimney Rock Park. Included will be the NC State Champion sand hickory. www.chimneyrockpark.com

9/17 Converse College Presents: Rebecca Lister, Soprano Dr. Lister will provide commentary on each composer she will perform, while addressing issues of early vocal style and technique. She will be assisted by Dr. Peter Marshall on harpsichord. 8pm, Daniel Recital Hall. Free admission. www.converse.edu

9/23 Hawk Watch Guided Bird Walk The 2007 “Simon Says” series of guided bird walks continues. Join ornithologist Simon Thompson to view large flocks of Broad-Winged Hawks, sometimes numbering as many as 500, soaring over the Park as they migrate south. Smaller numbers of Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s and Red-shouldered Hawks also pass through. 9am -12pm. For ticket prices go to www.chimneyrockpark.com

9/27 Light Up the Night Walk Furman University hosts this walk benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The night includes a casual evening walk, music, food and family activities. Everyone is welcome! 7pm www.lightthenight.org

9/28-29 Albino Skunk Bluegrass Festival Named after the albino skunks found on the grounds, “The SkunkFest” was initially a private event but is now open to anyone with a love for Bluegrass music. www.albinoskunk.com

9/30 Orchid Auction The Western NC Orchid Society hosts its annual fall orchid auction. A preview will begin at 12:30 p.m., and the auction will begin promptly at 1 p.m. 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Education Center - NC Arboretum. Visit www.ncarboretum.org