Join in the many events scheduled throughout the month of May 2015 to celebrate Barn Month here in Madison County culminating in Barn Day on Saturday, May 30th. Madison County has more than 10,000 barns and was the largest producer of burley tobacco in North Carolina in the mid 20th century. Many of those tobacco barns and other general purpose barns from 100 years ago still stand. Agriculture has been a way of life since the first settler arrived and shapes the culture and the scenery and so, the Appalachian Barn Alliance has partnered with others in the county to celebrate that heritage during the month.
May 1 through May 31: HISTORIC AGRICULTURAL PHOTOS DISPLAY
Location: Madison County Visitor Center, 56 S. Main Street, downtown Mars Hill (828 680-9031) Open Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm
The Visitor Center will have a display from the Farmers’ Federation Collection from the Liston B Ramsey Center for Regional Studies of Mars Hill University available for viewing during the month. These photos capture the rural life in black and white to serve as the setting for our Barn Month theme.
Unveiling on Saturday, May 2: ANTIQUE BARN CONSTRUCTION TOOLS DISPLAY
Location: NC Cooperative Extension Service, Madison County Center, 258 , Marshall (828 649-2411 Open Monday through Saturday 8am to 4:30pm
Antique tools used for barn building will be the theme of the initial display of panels illustrating “The History of Agriculture” at the Extension Service building. The Appalachian Barn Alliance is proud to be the sponsor of the first in this series to be built over the next several years.
Saturday, May 2 9:30am to Noon: PRESERVING YOUR BARN WORKSHOP
Location: NC Cooperative Extension Service, Madison County Center, 258 Carolina Lane, Marshall (828 649-2411)
Learn how to preserve your barn and other structures with some important tips–especially about powder-post beetles and carpenter bees. An extension specialist from the Raleigh office will guide you through information to help you. Save a spot by making a reservation by calling the Extension Office –Cathy Brackins at 828 649-2411. Payment of the $15 can be made on the day of the workshop.
Saturday, May 2 from 7 to 9pm: BARN DANCE WITH THE BAILEY MOUNTAIN CLOGGERS
Location: Chambers Gym on the Mars Hill University campus (864 915-4486 for info)
The National Champion Bailey Mountain Cloggers will hold a barn dance teaching easy steps and guiding you through the fun. www.baileymountaincloggers.com. $5 or donation.
Saturday, May 16 10am to 4pm: OPEN HOUSE AT MUDLUSCIOUS GARDENS & POTTERY
Location: Mudluscious Gardens, 2993 Hamburg Road, Mars Hill (828 689-4353)
Spend some time at a combination farmstead and pottery studio. Pick up some pollinator-friendly plants for your garden or flower bed, tour the gardens, tour the studio, choose some pottery pieces. Enjoy a drive through the rural roads on your way to the gardens. Information at http://www.mudlusciouspottery.com
One of the weeks in May: BARN WEEK IN ALL 4TH GRADE CLASSES
Saturday, May 30 2:30pm to 7:30pm: BARN TOUR DAY LINK