Rutherford Weekly

OUR 23 rd YEAR • ISSUE NO. 20 • MAY 21, 2015 RutherfordWeekly.com 828-248-1408 FREE FREE THE AREA'S #1 ADVERTISING SOURCE THE AREA'S #1 ADVERTISING SOURCE By Allison Flynn • allison@rutherfordweekly.com By Allison Flynn • allison@rutherfordweekly.com Memorial Day, while not intended to be, serves a kick off to summer for many travelers. But with AAA estimating that travelers will encounter higher lodging costs this year, why not plan to visit all that's offered right here in your own backyard? "We like to say we are in the middle of nowhere yet close to everything," said Clark Poole, director of the Rutherford County Chamber. "But that's not true - we have everything." With a rich historical heritage that dates to before the Revolutionary War to museums, trails and waterways, Rutherford County has plenty to offer for visitors and residents alike. So why not check them out? "We here at the Chamber hear comments from people all that time that they've never been to such a friendly place," Poole explained. "We live in a place that some just get to visit." Vacationing in your own area - a staycation - gained popularity during the economic downturn beginning in 2007. Staycationing means to participate in leisure activities within driving distance but sleeping in your own bed at night. According to Wikipedia, some staycationers follow a set of rules by setting a starting and ending date, planning ahead and avoiding routine in order to create the feel of a traditional vacation. By staying in Rutherford County, money flows through the local economy more rapidly, Poole pointed out, and by understanding what's offered right here at home helps to develop a sense of community. "Rutherford County has so much to offer, and our visitors remind us of that daily," said Michelle Yelton, owner of the McConnell Group Public Relations, who handles public relations for Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority. "I challenge residents and visitors to explore the wide variety of activities, attractions, restaurants and shops that make Rutherford County a very special place." Both TDA and the Chamber have publications dedicated to all that's offered here in the county as well as regionally. For more information, visit rutherfordtourism.com or rutherfordcoc. org. Holiday travel is expected to increase 4.7 percent over last Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA, the highest travel volume for the holiday in 10 years. The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as today through Monday. Article Provided By: Amy Bridges, downtown/community development manager, downtown/community development manager, Town of Forest City. Town of Forest City. Photo Provided By: Anheuser-Busch Photo Provided By: Anheuser-Busch The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, the symbol of quality and tradition for Anheuser- Busch since 1933, are scheduled to make several appearances in the area on May 28-30, including one in the Town of Forest City on Friday, May 29, in conjunction with Fox Distributing's 35th Anniversary. The Clydesdales will arrive in Forest City at McNair Field parking lot around 2 p.m. on Friday, May 29. Before being hitched and harnessed to the famous red beer wagon, the "Gentle Giants," as they are often referred to, will be available for photo opportunities. At 4 p.m. they will leave McNair Field on their way to parade down historic Main Street. They will travel East on Main Street and turn around near the North Powell/Main Street intersection before heading West on Main Street back to McNair Field. They will be leaving McNair Field around 5 p.m.. Folks are encouraged to stay in Forest City for the rest of the evening as the Forest City Owls host the Florence RedWolves. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. After the game, enjoy the fireworks sponsored by StaffMasters. The Clydesdales' appearance in Forest City is one of hundreds made annually by the traveling hitches. Canadians of Scottish descent brought the first Clydesdales to America in the mid-1800's. Today, the giant draft horses are used primarily for breeding and show. Horses chosen for the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch must be at least three years of age; stand approximately 18 hands – or six feet – at the shoulder; weigh an average of 2,000 pounds; must be bay in color, have four white legs; and a blaze of white on the face and black mane and tail. A gentle temperament is very important as hitch horses meet millions of people each year. A single Clydesdale hitch horse will consume as much as 20-25 quarts of feed, 40-50 pounds of hay and 30 gallons of water per day.Each hitch travels with a Dalmatian. In the early days of brewing, Dalmatians were bred and trained to protect the horses and guard the wagon when the driver went inside to make deliveries. The Budweiser Clydesdales can be viewed at the Anheuser-Busch breweries in St. Louis, Mo.; Merrimack, N.H.; and Ft. Collins, Colo. They also may be viewed at Grant's Farm in St. Louis and at Warm Springs Ranch, the 300-plus acre Clydesdale breeding farm located near Boonville, Mo. WORLD-RENOWNED BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES TO APPEAR IN FOREST CITY APPEAR IN FOREST CITY Article Provided By: Amy Bridges, Article Provided By: Amy Bridges, STAY AND PLAY RIGHT HERE IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY Boat docks at Lake Lure Town Boat docks at Lake Lure Town Center provide easy access to Center provide easy access to restaurants across from the Lake restaurants across from the Lake Lure Beach. Lure Beach. Photo by Michelle Yelton. Photo by Michelle Yelton. From antiques to modern hotrods, From antiques to modern hotrods, Bennett Classics Antique Car Bennett Classics Antique Car Museum has a pristine collection Museum has a pristine collection featuring more than 70 vehicles. featuring more than 70 vehicles. Photo by Michelle Yelton Photo by Michelle Yelton Visit the Bechtler Mint Site to learn more about Rutherfordton's claim Visit the Bechtler Mint Site to learn more about Rutherfordton's claim to fame as the hometown of America's fi rst one-dollar gold coin. to fame as the hometown of America's fi rst one-dollar gold coin. Photo by Michelle Yelton. Photo by Michelle Yelton. HOLIDAY TRAVEL STATISTICS FROM AAA - Most drivers will likely pay the lowest Memorial Day gas prices in at least five years. Today's national average price of gas is $2.66, $1 less than the average price on Memorial Day last year. - More than 88% of travelers will travel by automobile, an increase of 5.3 percent over last Memorial Day. - Travel by other modes of transportation (cruises, trains and buses) is expected to decrease 3.6% this Memorial Day. 140 W. Main St. • Forest City 828-245-5792 † Licensed & certiÀ ed nationally recognized award-winning Licensed & certiÀ ed nationally recognized award-winning member of the US Black Belt Schools member of the US Black Belt Schools $ 39 39 95 95 Anniversary Special Anniversary Special First week First week & uniform & uniform No reg. fee. No reg. fee. Classes for Classes for 5 years-adult 5 years-adult ©Community First Media Community First Media We are all about bringing out the best in ones mind, body & spirit. This will be accomplished if you never give up. The Years Teach Much That The Days Never Knew... The Years Teach Much That The Days Never Knew... 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