The Bascom Barn Dance: An Evening of Appalachian Tradition and Bluegrass Music Highlands, is set for Aug. 15, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. An evening of square dancing, bluegrass music, and an old-time country caller. Complimentary popcorn, food and drink available for purchase, and a cash bar. Ticket price is $10 for adults, free for children under 12. Reserve tickets by visiting www.thebascom.org or by calling (828)526-4949.
The Annual Good Stuff Sale hosted by the Women’s Guild of St. Francis Church is Friday, Aug. 16, 12 to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, 299 Maple St., Franklin. The event supports the Guild’s ministry activities. Household and kitchen items, linens, books, toys, tools, exercise equipment, furniture, craft supplies, yard tools, and plants. Everyone welcome.
Grace Johnson Art Collection Reception & Friends of the Library Fundraiser is Friday, Aug. 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room. Johnson spent much of her retirement years volunteering with the Friends of the Library, and her family is exhibiting some of the art she collected throughout her career, which took her to Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Grenada, Iran, as well as stateside locations. Art will be on display throughout the month of August and available for bidding to raise funds for the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served.
Macon Aero Modelers will hold its annual introduction to RC (remote control) airplanes flying class on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m., at 516 Tessentee Road, Otto, for anyone 10 years and older. Instructors will be on hand to demonstrate how an airplane works and RC simulators will be available for those who show an aptitude for flying. First come, first served. Weather permitting. Questions may be sent to [email protected].
Saturday Mid-day Music at Friends of the Greenway (FROG) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 573 E Main St., Franklin. On Aug. 17, is acoustic guitarist Jim Corbett; and crooner Barry Roma on Aug. 24. For information, email frog28734@ gmail.com; or call (828)369-8488.
Blue Jazz performs at The Slanted Window – the Tasting Station – at 587 Harrison Ave., Franklin, on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Harvest String Duo performs Aug. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.; J.B. and Roscoe perform Aug. 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.; and Dave and Daughters Trio performs Aug. 25, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Aglow International Franklin Lighthouse is hosting a gathering on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., at Restoration Church of Franklin, 164 Iotla Church Rd. Contact (407) 951-4286 for more information.
American Legion Post 108’s Proud to be a Blood Donor event is Monday, Aug. 19, from 12 to 5 p.m., at 614 W. Main St., Franklin. To schedule an appointment, visit https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/sponsor_code; or, call (828) 524-4306.
Where We Live: History, Nature, and Culture series continues with a screening of the film, “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut.” Monday, Aug. 19, at Cowee School Arts and Heritage Center. The free program takes place in the center’s auditorium at 6:30 p.m., at 51 Cowee School Road, Franklin.
Eat Hearty! Be Good to Your Heart with the DASH Eating Plan presentation is Tuesday, Aug. 20, at 4 p.m., in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room. Registered Nutritionist Veronica Garcia from Angel Medical Center will share how to eat for your heart with the DASH eating plan. The program is free to the public.
Free movie offered by American Legion Post 108 every other week through December as part of their Americanism series. “American Citizenship and its Decline,” presented by Victor David Hanson, Hillsdale College, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m., 614 West Main Street, Franklin. For questions, contact Richard Litchford at (828)421-1328.
Pickin’ on the Square is held at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin on the second and fourth Saturdays, May through Mid-October (weather permitting). Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Food vendors onsite. Upcoming: Aug. 24 – Macon County Line (Country/Southern Rock).
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m., weather permitting. On Aug. 21, meet at the Macon County Public Library parking lot; Aug. 28, meet at Big Bear near the playground. Directions and a check list can be found at https://www.little tennessee.org /franklin-bird-club.
Fontana Regional Library 80th Anniversary Reception is Thursday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. What began in 1944, when the Tennessee Valley Authority sponsored a regional bookmobile to visit the most remote areas of Jackson, Macon, and Swain Counties, eventually became the Fontana Regional Library system.
Angel Medical Center’s Teddy Bear Clinic is Friday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 124 One Center Court, Franklin. Children can bring their own teddy bear or stuffed animal and learn about the hospital and various medical procedures and help alleviate fears children may have about healthcare settings. For children that may not have their own teddy bear, some will be available for adoption. Each child’s teddy bear or will receive a check-up and if they have a “boo-boo,” our team will operate to stitch them up. For more information, contact AMC at (828) 524-8411.
Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive to benefit the students in the Macon County School System is sponsored by Chick-Fil-A of Franklin. Bring school supplies Aug. 23-24 to put inside a bus at Chick-Fil-A, 1410 Siler Road, Franklin.
A life-saving training course is being offered by Otto Fire and Rescue Saturday, Aug. 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., called “First on the Scene.” Located at 60 Firehouse Road, Otto, the free course covers hands-on CPR, administering naloxone and epinephrine, responding to life-threatening bleeding, positioning injured patients, and more. To sign up for the class, email [email protected].
“Playing with Pollinators” Family Fun Day, Saturday, Aug. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Winding Stair Farm and Nursery. The free event offers live music, face painting, a food truck, story time, free activities, books, and more. 57 Saunders Road, Franklin.
The Annual Macon County Fair will be held Sept. 18-21, with this year’s theme “Bringing the Harvest Home.” Local organizations can construct educational booths using this theme. Booths must be constructed on Monday, Sept. 16 (one day only). All work on educational booths must be completed between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., on Monday, to be eligible for judging. Requests for booth space must be submitted prior to Friday, Aug. 23. For more information about establishing a booth, or for additional questions, contact Debbie at (828)349-2050.
Gentle Yoga Class is held Thursday mornings, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to all ages and fitness levels by Victoria Rundquist, who has more than 25 years of yoga instruction experience. No set fee is charged but a donation will help offset facility costs. Classes are held at The Spiritual Light Center, 80 Heritage Hollow Drive, behind the Gazebo Restaurant, Franklin. For questions, email [email protected].
Franklin Alcoholics Anonymous “Open Meetings” are for anyone who thinks they may have a drinking problem or for anyone interested in the A.A. recovery program. In-person meetings are Tuesdays 5:30 p.m. at No Wrong Door, 102 Thomas Heights Rd.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 5:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Outreach Center, 66 Harrison Ave.; Mondays at noon, Tuesday at 8 a.m., and Thursdays at noon at St. Agnes Episcopal Church on 66 Church St. On-line meeting information at www.aawnc80.org, or to speak with a member of A.A. call (828)349-4357.
Franklin Women’s Club meets the second Friday of every month at noon, April through December, at the Smokestack Café, 61 S. Patton Ave. For more information, contact Valerie Eldred, at (863)221-0258.
Care Connection, an adult day program is offered Monday through Friday at the Crawford Senior Center. Activities and supervision for adults with dementia and other forms of memory loss. For more information, call (828)349-0211.
Open Mike Night every second Friday, 6 to 8 p.m., at Cowee Arts & Heritage Center, 51 Cowee School Dr.
Macon Milk meets every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Macon County Health Department. This is a local mothers connection group for all moms, babies and children.
Franklin Women’s Club meets the second Friday of every month at noon, April through December at the Smokestack Café, 61 S. Patton Ave. For more information, contact Valerie Eldred, at (863)221-0258.
Karaoke with DJ Don at Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m., 56 E. Main Street, Franklin.
Email calendar items to [email protected].
Macon County Fair coming up Sept. 18-21
The Annual Macon County Fair will be held Sept. 18-21, with this year’s theme “Bringing the Harvest Home.”
Fair organizers are encouraging both adult and youth residents of Macon County to enter their Art & Photography, Baked Goods, Best Cake Contest, Best Pie Contest, Clothing, Crafts, Farm Products, Flowers, Food Preservation items, House Furnishings, Needlecraft, Hand-weaving & Spinning items, Poultry, Rabbits, and more into this year’s fair. All exhibits will need to be entered on Sept. 17, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your items to the information booth at the fair entrance, receive your numbered ticket, and then take your item to the appropriate booth to be entered. To learn more about the rules and classes for each exhibit category go to the websites: macon.ces.ncsu.edu or www.themaconcofair.com.