Scottish Christmas Market brings out-of-county visitors
Dec. 12—FERGUSON — The valley was filled with music, food, art and Santa this past weekend with the 2nd annual Scottish Christmas Evening Market at Whippoorwill Academy and Village in Ferguson.
Visitors came from Watauga, Iredell, Yadkin, Ashe, Caldwell, Alexander and Burke Counties.
Events like this would not be possible without the many volunteers who turned out to help and the many talented musicians and artists who shared their talents. When the village bagpiper who was scheduled to perform came down with the flu and had to cancel, the village was blessed to have the wonderful voice of Craig Tidline and keyboard talent of Deborah Cole to come to the rescue. The Ralston family wowed everyone with their talented family and the difficult song, "Carol of the Bells." Ferguson resident Kyesha Horton's beautiful, soulful voice brought tears to many listeners.
Organist Michael Riggs of Caldwell County took guests back to earlier times with his performance on the pump organ. Celtic fiddler Lily Harwell has become a favorite performer at Whippoorwill with her crystal clear voice and fiddling skills. Later in the evening, Bob and Roberta Kogut, RG Absher and RC Stamper performed at the Ferguson home place.
Hot Scottish tea and scones were a huge hit at the Ferguson home place. Santa gave many hugs and treats to visiting children. Folks of all ages made Christmas ornaments. Artist Tim Larson demonstrated his painting skills in the Smokehouse gallery, and at the end of the evening, his Santa painting was raffled off with the winner, Zela Beckett of Taylorsville, taking home the framed painting. Proceeds from the raffle go to the Edith's Barn Project. All who have helped with this event before agreed that this was the best one yet.
On Sunday night, Maria's Chapel in the Grandin Community of Caldwell County hosted an event to raise money for the people of Ukraine with a moving concert by Madison and Luke Morris. Original music was performed with a variety of instruments. Madison is originally from Wilkesboro and Luke is from Galax, Virginia. Madison teaches private music lessons. Her violin named Maya looked like a Bob Kogut piece, and it was. Bob Kogut is a renowned luthier and violinist from Caldwell County. Madison and Luke have a new album coming out soon. To learn more about this talented couple, log on to highlandreverie.com
Mariah's Chapel is a historic one-room chapel that overlooks the Yadkin River.
The Ferguson Grange will have their annual Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 16 at the home of Mike and Faye Kennedy. Members are asked to bring a covered dish and also a gift for the Dirty Santa game.
Beaver Creek Advent Christian church will hold their Christmas play on Friday, Dec. 23rd at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be shared at the close of the program in the fellowship hall.
The Beaver Creek Baptist church will have their Christmas play on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m.
The Chapel of Rest located at 1964 in Patterson on Highway #268 adjacent to Patterson School will host a Christmas Eve service at 4 p.m. with music by Patrick and Kay Crouch. A Christmas homily will be shared by Melissa Eggers. Kay Crouch and Rocky Brooks will read the story of the birth of Jesus. Following the service, cider will be served.
While shopping for Christmas gifts, remember area art galleries for something totally unique and made by local artisans. Many galleries also carry music by local musicians. When we support the talent in our area, we all benefit.
