Mary Sitton Hendersonville, NC and WNC Area

Discount ticks are now available for the 2008 NC Mountain State Fair. Save up to 50% on tickets on events before the doors open September 5^th -14^th at the WNC Ag center. You can purchase your discount tickets at any on of the Western North Carolina Ingles grocery stores, and even some stores in upstate South Carolina from August 1^st to September 4^th.

The 10 day event features educational exhibits, art, music, dance & song, livestock shows, competitions, petting zoo, rides and more.

For a complete list of events and hours of operation please visit http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/fairs/mtnfair/index.htm

For my 35^th birthday my husband Ken, my daughter Isobella and our fat dog lovingly named Gizmo loaded onto the family car for a picnic lunch in beautiful Lake Lure North Carolina. It's one of my favorite places to visit for the day. Nestled between the Piedmont region and Appalachian Mountains, Lake Lure is located in the western part of North Carolina and is best known for being the real-life location of the 1980's hit movie, "Dirty Dancing".

The lake is the number one attraction and the reason so many families visit Lake Lure year after year. National Geographic has called Lake Lure one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the world. Visitors come to enjoy the 720 acres of lake, sparkling clean beach area, and the incredible Blue Ridge mountain range including Chimney Rock. In addition to scenic views, Lake Lure offers plenty of outdoor recreation, everything from waterskiing and lake touring to fishing and even a scenic area to hike. We love Morse Park as it offers a picnic area and child friendly playground. For more information on the Town of Lake Lure please visit the attached official website: http://www.townoflakelure.com/

The Henderson County Public Library has been serving the people of our community since its doors first opened in a small facility on King Street in 1914.

I had the privilege of taking my three year old daughter Isobella to our public library. As we entered into the children's reading section I couldn't help but notice a small crowd of little ones anxious to enter a door that would open promptly at 10:30am. Curious, I approached the front desk clerk in order to discover what was taking place and if it was possible to join the group.

To my delight the young lady informed me that it was a preschool story time and that it is available for anyone who has a preschooler or toddler. So we entered and for the next 30 minutes we were engaged in singing, storytelling laughing and at the end we participated in a craft. I highly recommend taking your child, children or grandchildren to the library on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings and enjoy this wonderful, free opportunity. As we left the library Isobella said to me "I had a great time".

For additional information on times and dates please visit the following web site: http://www.henderson.lib.nc.us/hcpl_kids.html

As of August 5, 2008 the City of Hendersonville is implementing mandatory water restrictions to ensure the ability to meet the core water needs its customers. By declaring a Phase II water shortage condition, the City and County will enforce restrictions on a number of uses, and violators may be subject to disconnection of their water services or a fine of up to $500.00.

Until mandatory restrictions are lifted, the following restrictions are in place:

•· Watering of lawns, shrubs, trees, and flowers is prohibited

•· Vegetable gardens may only be watered once a week up to one inch of water

•· New or existing pools may not be filled

•· Washing of decks, sidewalks, driveways, patios, or homes or buildings is prohibited

•· Washing cars is prohibited, unless at a commercial car wash which recycles water

•· Operation or filling commercial fountains, pools or ponds is prohibited

•· Drinking water shall not be served at restaurants unless requested by the patron

•· Operation of water-cooled air conditioners is prohibited, unless the water is recycled

•· Any other unnecessary use or intentional wasting of water is prohibited

Voluntary conservation above and beyond the mandatory restrictions is strongly encouraged. Use of rain water or other recycled water for any of the above uses is not restricted. The City of Hendersonville will continue to use recycled water to water plants in planters on Main Street.

The City of Hendersonville water system serves a population of over 60,000 residents in Henderson County, and draws its water from Mills River. The City also purchases water from the City of Asheville. In addition to its direct customers, the City provides water to the Town of Laurel Park and the City of Saluda, both of which will be required to implement mandatory restrictions based on Hendersonville's restrictions.

August 1^st -3^rd will mark the 49^thAnnual sidewalk Art on Main in Historic Downtown Hendersonville North Carolina. The even offers 70 artists and crafts people from across the south.

What a wonderful opportunity to purchase one of a kind treasures while enjoying the many stores and restaurants Downtown Hendersonville has to offer.

Art on main hours are:

Friday Noon to 8 pm.

Saturday 10 am. to 6 pm.

Sunday 11 am. to 4 pm.

The art league of Henderson County will host a silent auction and raffle of a work by acclaimed water-colorist Tony Couch. Raffle tickets are $5.00 each or five tickets for $20.00. Proceeds will benefit the art departments of Henderson County Schools.

Photograph by Mike Dirks - photographer for the Hendersonville Times newspaper.