Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Blowing Rock will celebrate Mitford Days Sept. 12-16, with author Jan Karon, a resident of Blowing Rock when she wrote the Mitford series. A tentative schedule has been set. To keep up with schedule changes, check out www. mitforddays.com.
The Blowing Rock Stage Company presents “Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford,” the world premiere of Robert Inman’s play based on Karon’s Mitford series at the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center, Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Thursday ó Guided Trolley Tours of Blowing Rock. Visit locations believed to have inspired places in the Mitford series. Tours leave from First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock on Sunset Drive, starting at 9 a.m.; tickets: $15 per person.
– Afternoon Tea with Jan Karon at the Blowing Rock Country Club featuring High Tea, characters from the novels and a commemorative gift for each attendee. Meet at the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center 30 minutes prior to ticket time for complimentary transportation. Times available: 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Tickets: $75 per person.
Friday ó Guided Trolley Tours of Blowing Rock from First Baptist Church on Sunset Drive, starting at 9 a.m.; $15 per person.
– “An Afternoon with Jan Karon” ó Listen as Jan Karon shares her inspiration for the Mitford series at the Hayes Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m., $25 per person.
– Community Band in Memorial Park throughout the day.
– Gallery Stroll, downtown Blowing Rock, 5-8 p.m., free.
Saturday ó Mitford Country Fair, patterned after the Mitford Fairs with sack races, Marmalade cake contest, Barnabus look-alike contest, canning and quilters exhibit. Memorial Park, Main Street, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
– Mitford Main Street Parade, starting at 2 p.m., free.
– “Miss Fannie’s Hat,” written by Karon and performed by the “TOPS” Theatre at the Hayes Performing Arts Center, 10 a.m. and noon.
– Blowing Rock Charity Antique Fair, Blowing Rock Elementary School, Morris Street, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Continues Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Sunday ó Concert, St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church, 2 p.m.
*Subject to Change*
Thursday
Guided Trolley Tours of Blowing Rock
Visit the locations that are believed to have inspired the fictitious places in Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
Tours depart from the First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock located on Sunset Drive.
Starting at 9:00 AM
Tickets: $15.00 per person
Limited Tickets available online.
Afternoon Tea with Jan Karon
Reception for Jan Karon at the Blowing Rock Country Club featuring High Tea,
characters from the novels,and a commemorative gift for each attendee.
Meet at the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center 30 minutes
prior to ticket time for complimentary transportation.
Times available: 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Tickets: $75.00 per person
Limited Tickets available online beginning Friday, March 16th at 10:00 AM.
“Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford”
Showtimes: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Friday
Guided Trolley Tours of Blowing Rock
Visit the locations that are believed to have inspired the fictitious places in Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
Tours depart from the First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock located on Sunset Drive.
Starting at 9:00 AM
Tickets: $15.00 per person
Limited Tickets available online.
“An Afternoon with Jan Karon”
Listen as Jan Karon shares her inspiration for the Mitford series
at the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center.
10:00 AM
Tickets: $25.00 per person
Limited Tickets available online beginning Friday, March 16th at 10:00 AM.
Community Band in Memorial Park
Throughout the day.
Gallery Stroll
Stroll through downtown Blowing Rock’s participating galleries.
5:00 – 8:00 PM
FREE
“Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford”
Showtime: 8:00 PM
Saturday
Mitford Country Fair
Patterned after the Mitford Fairs with sack races, Marmalade cake contest,
Barnabus look-alike contest, canning and quilters exhibit.
Location: Memorial Park, Main Street, Blowing Rock
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
FREE
Mitford Main Street Parade
Starting at 2:00 PM
FREE
“Miss Fannie’s Hat”
Written by Jan Karon and performed by the “TOPS” Theatre at
the Mariam and Robert Hayes Performing Arts Center.
10:00 AM and Noon.
Blowing Rock Charity Antique Fair
Location: Blowing Rock Elementary School, Morris Street
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
“Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford”
Showtimes: 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Sunday
Blowing Rock Charity Antique Fair
Location: Blowing Rock Elementary School, Morris Street
Noon – 5:00 PM
“Jan Karon’s Journey to Mitford”
Showtime: 2:00 PM
Concert
Location: St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church
2:00 PM