News & Events

The mountain towns in North Carolina are well on their way to celebrating the spring and making the most of this glorious region—from outdoor recreation, to mountain festivals—the hills are full of life. As we take part in all these glorious Lenoir NC events, it’s impossible not to look forward to what the summer months will bring, and of course who doesn’t have the North Carolina Blackberry Festival on their summer dream list?  This foodie festival in North Carolina is the perfect follow-up to our Fourth of July celebrations, and another sweet occasion to come together with friends, family and the tight-knit community.  For nearly two decades folks have gathered together for the Blackberry Festival, and this year promises to deliver three jam-packed days loaded with wholesome fun.

Here’s the full schedule of the blackberry events:

THURSDAY, JULY 12TH, 2018 – “AN EVENING OF EVERYTHING BLACKBERRY”

• 6-9 pm–A ticketed event kicking off the NC Blackberry Festival weekend on Lenoir’s Main St., featuring blackberry infused cuisine, drinks, music and dancing, and the swinging styles of The Starlighters.  Swing dancing class for those who want to really move!   Sample and vote on local restaurants blackberry appetizers, entrees and desserts, while you sip the finest from local breweries and distilleries from the mountain towns in North Carolina.  Tickets $35–Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, www.caldwellchambernc.com or (828) 726-0616.

FRIDAY, JULY 13TH, 2018 – “THE BLACKBERRY JAM”

• 5-10pm–Experience the tastes of our regional and local breweries on the Square in Historic Downtown Lenoir, during the Friday Night Blackberry Jam, featuring the Black “Beery” y Garden, and live music by contestants of The Blackberry Jam Competition and emceed by the Sycamore Bones band.

6 pm—Blackberry Belle Pageant Preliminaries

7 pm–Live Music—Blackberry Jam Singer Songwriter Contest

7 pm—Blackberry Recipe Contests

9 pm—Glow Run 5K & Fun

Tickets and wristbands will be made available downtown during this event.

SATURDAY, JULY 14TH– VENDORS, FOOD, MUSIC, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND BLACKBERRIES FOR SALE ALL DAY 10 am -4pm

9 am-5pm—Black “Beer” y Garden, featuring local breweries and craft beers

10 am—live music all day

10 am—Blackberry Belle Pageant Finals

10:30 am–Blackberry Festival Blood Drive

11:15 am—Blackberry Eating Contests (Youth and Adult)

12 pm—Presentation of Colors Ceremony

12:15 pm—Colossal Cobbler Parade

12:30 pm—World’s Largest Patchwork of Cobbler

3:30 pm—Blackberry Jam Winners

This year’s Singer-Songwriter competition is one of the finest Lenoir NC events will have a great panel of judges and awards will be given: first place winner–$300 Grand Prize and a 30-minute performance on Saturday; second place winner–$150; third place–$75. The on-site live competition takes place at the Main Street Stage in Downtown Lenoir during the Blackberry Jam on Friday, July 13th. Each song in the finals must be performed live by the composer (and/or co-writer), with no more than one accompanist. When there are two or more songwriters, the limit on stage is three individuals. No pre-recorded tracks will be allowed. Songs which result in a tie will be decided based upon the highest score given to a song by an individual judge.

T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST—any questions contact Candice Simmons– 828-726-0616

Also be sure to bring your little ones to the Chick-fil-a “Blackberry Patch” Kids Area with Waterlife Church– a designated kids area featuring a variety of inflatables, arts & crafts activities, a puppet making area for the Colossal Cobbler Parade Brigade, and children-friendly music and more.

Shopping at the festival is one of the biggest draws with something incredible for everyone!

2018 VENDORS

FOOD & BEVERAGES; Four Corners Grill; G&T;  Hot Diggity Dog; Java Sweets LLC; Kara’s Grill; Nectar of The Vine; Sherri’s Crab Cakes; SnoBar Southeast; Sweet Mornings Farm; That’s a Wrap; Turkish Grill; World Cuisine

RETAIL & CRAFTS–Alco Creations; Bamboo Pillows and Sheets; Carolina Legacy; Crafts by Janice; Creative Arts by Cathy; D & M Creative Designs; Greg’s Antiques and Garden Iron; Heather Leigh Designs; Jess Ann Smith; Lilla Rose Hair Accessories; Log Cabin Naturals; My Pillow; Ocean Palms Jewelry; Paparazzi/Precious Jewels; Rhineland Cutlery; Southern Soap Shop; The Mail Room; Salt Soothers; June’s Doggie Boutique; Lularoe; Splentique Fashion Boutique

ATTRACTIONS–Good Times Inflatables; Vacation Village Resorts

HOME & GARDEN–All American Gutter Protection; B&B Outdoors; Carolina Home Remodeling; Greg’s Antiques and Garden Iron; Henry Frye Mantles; KR Communications; Paradise Home Improvement; Security Force INC; SkyLine/ SkyBest; Tarheel Basement Systems; The Hickory Nut

AUTHORS–Jordan Greene

ORGANIZATIONS–Gideons International; Keychains for Cancer Research

Volunteer at this festival in North Carolina and feel the amazing sense of community —“We need everything from a Stage Emcee to a Beer Pourer; from a Cobbler Collector to Recipe Judge. Or maybe you’ve got big muscles…we need help moving and lifting too! Whatever your special skill, we need your help! There are many ways to get involved at the NC Blackberry Festival, so please consider volunteering at one of our multiple stations over the four days of the festival.” Please contact the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce at 828.726.1616.

Our residents at The Coves Mountain River Club are sure to attend this amazing festival in North Carolina, one of the many perks of calling this majestic spot “home.”  Lenoir NC events are diverse and happen year-round, adding joy and adventure to The Coves’ community. 

This is an excellent time to take a gorgeous summer ride through the mountain towns in North Carolina, join the Blackberry Festival celebration, and discover first-hand the inspiring views and warm hospitality that await you at The Coves. While you’re here, check out our new tiny houses collection, floor plans starting in the mid $50s.

Whether as a second home or for downsizing a permanent residence, we are now offering, on a limited base, affordable tiny homes. These residences offer slightly more square footage than your typical tiny house plus all the benefits of living in an award winning mountain community. Come and select your homesite, floor plan and interior selections and we will make every effort to have you in your new home in 4-6 months.

Request the tiny houses information package by calling us at 828.754.0700!