ChickenFest is May 28, 29, 30 at The Record Park

The fifth annual ChickenFest – a celebration of Americana music and the area’s poultry industry - is gearing up to be the best ever.

The three-day festival will be held Friday, May 28, Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30, at The Record Park at the corner of Fourth and E streets in North Wilkesboro. The event is free.

ChickenFest, hosted by The Record, will feature more than 20 acts performing on The Sammy Lankford Stage in the Tyson Pavilion. Many others will perform on the Tut Taylor Spotlight Stage.

This year’s lineup includes Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame member David Johnson, who will close out Saturday’s entertainment with a bluegrass set.

Other will include:

The Local Boys, Charles Tesh, String Hysteria, Zephyr Lightning Bolts, R.G. Absher and Friends, Linda Cabe, Steve Englebert, Lauren Stutts, Gabriella and Anna Lankford, The Bobby Billings Band, Porch Dog Revival, Rude Mood, Ernest Johnson and Friends, Lynn Stallmach and Kirk Walker, Deeper Roots String Band, BackPorch Bluegrass, Sonny Remington and Friends, Maple Creek, The Elkville String Band, Tut Taylor and Friends, the Davis Family and the Key City Boys.

Other musicians will include, Lynn Swaim, Jimmy Wagoner, Larry Griffin, Edwin Osborne, Andy Rhodes, Wes Osborne, Keith Mangold, Keith Watts, Jerry Lankford, and members of the Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society.

Food, which will feature all chicken dishes, will be for sale from Arbor Grove United Methodist Church, Church of God Union Assembly and Dennyville Baptist Church.

On Friday, May 28, ChickenFest will run from 6 p.m. to around 9:30 p.m. Saturday’s hours will be from 11 a.m. until around 9:30 p.m. Sunday’s segment will begin at 11 a.m. with a church service conducted by Rev. Ed McKinney and members of Arbor Grove United Methodist Church. An afternoon of gospel music will begin after the church service.

ChickenFest is a alcohol-free family event.

For more information, call The Record at 336-667-0134.

 

 

North Wilkesboro Fire Department celebrates 100 years

Saturday event to commemorate centennial

By JERRY LANKFORD

Record Editor

In 1910, the citizens and businesses of North Wilkesboro were made safer with the establishment of a dedicated fire department.

On Saturday, the 100-year anniversary of the North Wilkesboro Fire Department will be commemorated. Various modern fire equipment, historic displays, food, music and children activities will be the fare of the day at an event at Rotary Park in West Park in North Wilkesboro. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is free.

“We’re hoping for a big turnout,” said North Wilkesboro Fire Chief Nikki Hamby.

He added that there will also be music by Eric Ellis and Friends from noon until 2 p.m., as well as free fire safety items for kids. Hot dogs and other refreshments will be provided to the public at no charge. State Sen. Steve Goss, along with town and local officials, will be on hand.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating our 100-year history,” Hamby said.

The North Wilkesboro Fire Department was established in early 1910.

Initially the station was located at 708 B Street and there was also one hose house located in front of 204 C Street. The first apparatus consisted of three hand hose reels with 600 feet of two and a half inch cotton rubber-lined hose each and two hand hook and ladder trucks.

The first fire truck purchased by the department was an American LaFrance in December of 1926 for $12,500 and this truck remained in service until April 12th, 1958.  Shortly thereafter on March 29, 1927 a committee was formed to make arrangements for storing of the fire truck and employing a man to operate it. 

On Aug. 31, 1939 the fire station relocated to Town Hall building (currently the police station) on Main Street.  The next year, in 1940, firefighters Hub Hutchinson and Fred Lane were appointed as the daytime and nighttime drivers for the department. 

In 1955 land was purchased from North Wilkesboro resident Bud Jones for construction of the current station at 709 9th Street. Construction was completed in 1958 at a cost of $64,255.32. On Tuesday, May 20, 1958, at 7 p.m., all trucks and equipment moved from the Main Street station to the new station location. The new station was publicly dedicated on Sunday, Sept. 21, 1958 and is currently still in operation.

Throughout the history of the department there have been eight Chiefs who have led the department.

Hamby was appointed to the post on Jan. 1, 2003. He succeeded Edgar Harris, who served from Oct. 7, 1995, to Dec. 31, 2002.

Other fire chiefs included:

Conley Call – Aug. 1, 1985 – Oct. 5, 1995;

J.T. Vannoy – July 1, 1972 – July 31, 1985;

Tam Shumaker – July 1, 1969 – June 30, 1972;

John Thurman Kenerly – Jan. 1, 1945 – June 30, 1969;

C.G. Day – April 6, 1928 – Dec. 31, 1944:

D.S Lane – February 1910 – April 5, 1928.

Call recalls his decade as fire chief – he served on the department for a total of 37 years – as one of “rigorous” training and improvements. “We trained every month,” he said.

He added that the fire department’s rating went from 7 to 4 during his tenure (with 1 being the best). That upgrade made fire insurance policies significantly less expensive for businesses, he said. “We were able to do this in cooperation with the Water Department and town government.”

Call said that American Drew had much to lose in the advent of a fire and that the company wanted someone who worked there on the department.

“The company was glad to have me serve,” Call said. “And, I wanted to serve. I knew a lot of people in the department from other organizations I was involved in. There was a lot of camaraderie.”

Today, the North Wilkesboro Fire Department is looking to build a new fire station at the site of the now closed American Drew Furniture complex between D Street and the CBD Loop.

“We’re maxed out on space as far as personnel and equipment,” Hamby said.

Architects are drawing plans and conducting space need studies for the new station which is expected to cost between $3 million and $4 million. The old factory portion of the American Drew complex will be demolished to make room, Hamby said.

 “At the time the present station was built, it was adequate for the call volume and equipment,” Hamby said. “It was modified for the aerial truck when it was purchased in 1988. At the new station, we’d like to have room for training as well.”

And, with added space for training and equipment, Hamby said that the fire department’s rating should be increase from its current Class 4, which would offer, particularly businesses, more savings on fire insurance.

One of the most import aspects of any fire department is team work.

According to Hamby and Call, that’s always been in abundance in regards to the North Wilkesboro Fire Department.

“In a fire department, everyone has to trust the fella on his right and the fella on his left,” Call said. “The fire department is not an ‘I’ organization, it’s a ‘we’ organization. It takes an entire community to make a good fire department. If you don’t have the support and good will of everyone, it’ hard to get the job done.”

 

 

 

Chick-fil-A opens new restaurant, brings 65 new jobs

Chick-fil-A is opening a new restaurant on U.S. 421 in Wilkesboro this week, bringing 65 new jobs to the community.

And, the restaurant chain and its renegade cows, who this year mark 15 years of encouraging people to “Eat Mor Chikin,” will celebrate the opening of Wilkesboro’s first stand-alone Chick-fil-A restaurant on Thursday, May 13 by awarding a free year’s supply of Chick-fil-A to the first 100 adults in line that morning.

Started more than six years ago as an idea for an Arizona restaurant opening, Chick-fil-A’s First 100 Celebration has become the signature event of each grand opening around the country. The chain’s loyal customers often arrive 24 hours in advance of the opening -- no matter the location or weather conditions.

A similar scene is expected in Wilkesboro where Chick-fil-A will award a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 certificates) to each of the first 100 adults in line, age 18 and older with identification, at the restaurant located at 2007 W. Hwy. U.S. 421.  The line officially opens at 6 a.m., Wednesday, May 12, with the free meal cards being awarded Thursday, May 13, sometime between 6 a.m. and 6:10 a.m. The restaurant will open for business immediately thereafter.

If there are more than 100 people by 6 a.m. on Wednesday, all 100 spots will be determined by a raffle. See www.chick-fil-a.com/#insidersfirst100 for complete rules. 

The new stand-alone Chick-fil-A in Wilkesboro is one of 78 new locations the chain plans to open this year. Despite the nation’s economic challenges in 2009, Chick-fil-A continued to expand, actually increasing the number of locations initially projected for the year. The chain opened 80 new restaurants and reached $3 billion in sales for the first time.

“Thanks to our family of operators and restaurant team members who provide freshly prepared food and going-the-extra-mile customer service, Chick-fil-A is fortunate to be able to continue to grow,” said Dan T. Cathy, president and COO, Chick-fil-A, Inc. “We are very fortunate to be blessed with not only committed Operators and team members but also with a tremendous following of loyal customers. They are the reason we do what we do every day.”

The First 100 event at each restaurant opening is one way Chick-fil-A both thanks and celebrates its customers, many of whom travel hundreds of miles to participate. Extreme weather conditions or distant locations do not dampen the enthusiasm of those who bring tents, electronics, swimming pools and other gear to pass the time until the restaurant opens.

Chick-fil-A has awarded nearly $11.2 million in free food at restaurant grand openings, with nearly another
$1.8 million to be given away in 2010. Once Cathy saw customers willing to camp out in Chick-fil-A parking lots, he decided to join in the fun with his own tent and sleeping bag. December 2009 marked Cathy’s 100th overnight campout with customers at Chick-fil-A grand openings.

 “I doubt anyone has as much fun with their customers as I do at these First 100 campouts,” said Cathy, who
enjoys hosting campers for a late night Chick-fil-A Ice Dream Party where he often serenades them with his trumpet. “From
nugget parties and dance contests to basketball games and karaoke, we turn them into all-night parties. For me, there is no
better way to get close to our customers and find out their needs than spending the night outside a Chick-fil-A restaurant.”

Wilkesboro native Mark Eller has been selected as the franchisee to operate the new location.  Eller attended West Wilkes High School and graduated from University of North Carolina in Asheville with a degree in business administration.  He received a Masters of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest.  Eller has also served 21 years with the Army National Guard after joining what was then Company D 505^th Engineers in Wilkesboro.  Prior to joining Chick-fil-A, he worked with Samaritan's Purse International Relief as the Director of International Projects.  Mark and his wife, Kathy, have two daughters, Olivia and Lydia.

“Truett Cathy started Chick-fil-A more than 42 years ago with the aim of providing the best in freshly prepared food and customer service,” said Eller.  “The goal remains the same for my team as we open our new Wilkesboro restaurant.”

Chick-fil-A's award-winning drive-thru service is a convenient way for Chick-fil-A customers on the go to get their favorite Chick-fil-A menu items. For the sixth time in the Drive-Thru Performance Study's 12-year history, Chick-fil-A ranked number one in 2009. Following a three-month industry study of 20 quick-service restaurant chains, Chick-fil-A was selected the overall winner in the annual survey which measures order accuracy, speed of service, menu board appearance and speaker clarity.

“There are several reasons why Chick-fil-A has consistently finished on top,” said Brian Baker, president of Insula Research which conducted the survey on behalf of QSR magazine. “Ultimately it comes down to the fact that Chick-fil-A is an exceptionally well-run organization at all levels of management.”

The chain was number one in order accuracy, a category consumers indicate is a key concern, with an accuracy rate topping 96 percent. In addition, the study found the chain had the best speaker clarity and friendliest service with Chick-fil-A team members identified as the happiest while serving customers.

The new Chick-fil-A in Wilkesboro features a 4,596 interior that seats 138 and has warm colors and wood accents and a convenient, award-winning drive-thru while children will enjoy an indoor play area featuring an interactive section for toddlers. The new restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving a full breakfast menu until 10:30 a.m. which features the addition of two new menu items, the Chick-fil-A Yogurt Parfait and the Chick-fil-A 100 percent Colombian coffee, medium roast, to the popular breakfast line-up.

Aware of rising health concerns among the population and especially for children, Chick-fil-A has eliminated artificial trans fat from its entire menu and was among the first national quick-service restaurant chains to offer a complete menu – from entrées to condiments – with zero grams of trans fat. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Community Happenings

 

Wilkes Toastmasters is an interactive workshop to improve your communication and leadership skills.  Meetings are held every Thursday 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm at the Addison Inn on Hwy 421 N in Wilkesboro.  For additional information, email wilkestoastmasters@gmail.com or visit Toastmasters.org.

 

The fourth annual Friends of the Library’s antique appraisal event is scheduled for Saturday, May 15 at the Wilkes County Library in North Wilkesboro.  The event will be in the Friends Meeting Room from 2-4 p.m.  Contact the library for more details.

 

Amalfi’s Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser with entertainment by West Wilkes High School Chorus, featuring songs by the TV show “Glee” will be held May 16 at 5 p.m. at the Stone Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 10 and under, and no charge for kids 3 and under.  This is a pre-sale event; no tickets will be sold at the door unless circumstances apply for special consideration.  Contact Marilyn at 973-4503, ext. 173 for more information.

 

Odd Fellows Lodge # 331 and Rebekah Lodge # 167 are having a yard sale and bake sale on Saturday, May 15 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Odd Fellows building beside Mulberry School. Rain or shine!

 

A family reunion for the descendants of Rosa “Bell” Spears Church Yates will be held Saturday, May 15 at 3 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located on Highway 16 in Wilkesboro. Please bring a covered dish and a drink. For more details, call 973-4361 or 973-4898.

 

The Wilkes Community Action Committee, (WCAC) a supportive arm of Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission (BROC) is holding a chicken-que at Memorial Park on Friday, May 14 starting at 10:30 a.m. Plates are $6.00 each and proceeds will benefit the elderly, disabled and low-income with emergency fuel, food, electricity, and medication. Delivery is available. Call 667-7174 to place order.

 

Vacation Bible School will be held at Congo Pentecostal Holiness Church, located off West Hwy 421 N on South Holinesses Church Road, and the theme will be Son Harvest, Growing the Fruit of the Spirit. The dates are May 30, June 6, 13, and 27 (Sunday evenings only.)  The times will be from 5:30-7:30 each night.

Classes for all ages.

 

Wanted: Baseball Players – American Legion Baseball Sign-ups will be on Saturday, May 15 at Wilkes Central High School Baseball Field. Juniors+ 16 and under at 5 p.m. Seniors+ 19 and under (born in 1991 or later) at 5 p.m. For additional information, call Bob at 336-984-8266.

 

Revival services will be held at Billings Hill Baptist Church, May 24-29 at 7 p.m. nightly and prayer room opening at 6:45. There will be special singing each night and the guest speaker is Claude Lloyd. For more information, call 957-8287.

 

Oak Grove Baptist Church in Millers Creek presents songwriter, guitarist and singer Tina B. Smith in concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. Pastor Keith Lyon and church family invite you to come and receive a blessing.

 

Registration for the 2010 Yellow Jacket Football teams will be held at VFW Park off NC Hwy 115 on the following days. Thursday, May 20, 6:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 21, 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 22, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Wilkes County students who are in first through eighth grades are eligible to play, including all public, private, Christian and home school students.  Coaches: 1-2 grade, full contact and tackle, Coach Dwight Shumate, 927-4137. 3-4 grade, Coach J.T. Triplett, 670 2144. 5-6 grade, Coach Mike Huffman, 696-3965. 7-8 grade, Coach Mark Whittington, 670-3177, 838-2061. Mini Camps:
5-6 Mini Camp will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, at VFW Park. 7-8 Mini camp will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 29, at VFW Park. Practice begins Monday, July 26. For more information go to www.wilkesyellowjackets.com.

 

Mayo's Baseball School: Dream Bat Baseball Camp Fundamental Baseball Clinic. June 29-July 2 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ages 6-14, Memorial Park, North Wilkesboro $150.00 membership fee. Free T-shirt for every camper. Registration deadline June 4, after which a $15.00 late fee will be charged. Spaces are limited. For more information contact Jeff Mayo at 336-684-4861 E-mail: mayosbaseballschool@charter.net.

 

You’re invited to an Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast to benefit Barry Williams. All proceeds will go to help cover some of the costs associated with his cancer treatment. Cost:  $4.00 Children 12 and under and $7.00 for adults. WHEN: Saturday, May 22, 2010, 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. WHERE: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, 1909 A Highway 421, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.  

 

The Relay for Life event schedule is as follows:

* Thursday, May 13^th –Sharing the Flame is having a card party fundraiser at Wilkesboro UMC on Thursday, 5/13/10 at 7:00 pm. 

* Sunday, May 16^th – M&M’s, First Baptist Church, N. Wilkesboro, will be having a luncheon @ 12 pm in the Wayland Fellowship Hall.  Adults will be $10 and ages 5-12 will be $5 and children 4 and under will be free.  There will be music performed by Chancel Choir, Hand bell Choir, Ensemble, Instrumental solos and duets and lastly a sing-a-long of your favorite old hymns.

* Moravian Falls Milers will have a pork BBQ supper on Friday, May 21^st from 4pm until.  Carry outs are available for $7 per plate and there will also be a bake sale.  This event will be held at Moravian Falls Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

* Bud’s Angels will have their annual Relay for Life Dog Show on Saturday, May 22^nd from 10-2pm at the Hidden Oaks Dog Park (at Cub Creek).  There is a $5 entry fee and all proceeds go to Relay.  For more information, contact Angela Bond @ 838-6111.

* Liberty Grove Freedom Fighters are sponsoring a Beauty Control mini spa on Sunday, May 23^rd.  For a $10 donation you will receive a one hour session with a Beauty control Specialist with a heated neck wrap, a mini manicure, mini pedicure and a product consultation.  Contact Kirsta @ 696-5636 or Sherry @ 957-7680 for an appt.  Groups of 10 will be taken and the sessions are for 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 o’clock

* Oakwood’s Baptist church will have a Pork BBQ fundraiser on Monday, May 24^th.  Lunch can/will be provided to work locations or can be picked up at the church.  Cost will be $6/plate and each plate includes: Pork BBQ, slaw, baked beans, roll and a dessert.  For more information, contact Oakwood’s Baptist Church @ 667-7838.