Grandfather Mountain

This morning I washed the little Teardrop trailer from a pail of water. I didn't want to "mess up" yesterday's professional KIA car wash by taking Little Guy to a self-service. I'm getting ready for the trip, this weekend, to Grandfather Mountain and attractions in that area. ~~ I'm feeling very good; no aftermath from the extraction!! ~~ Another hot and humid day but I'm not complaining!! Weatherman says 88 to 91 degrees.

85th Annual Singing on the Mountain - June 28, 2009
The "Singing" is a day-long gathering held out-of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with a break at mid-day for the sermon. Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying performances by top Southern Gospel groups.

The Reverend Freida Hartley Hobson, pastor of the Forest Hill United Methodist Church in Concord, North Carolina, will bring the message at the 85th annual gathering. Mrs. Hobson is the granddaughter of Singing founder Joe L. Hartley and uniquely qualified to lead the faithful as they celebrate the longevity and tradition of her grandfather's legacy.

In tribute to the contribution that long-time Music Master Arthur Smith made to the Singing on the Mountain, Grand Ole Opry member George Hamilton IV will be joined on stage by his son, George Hamilton V, and by Arthur's nephews Tim & Roddy Smith, sons of Brother Ralph Smith. The old friends will share warm memories with the crowd as they celebrate the hymns of Arthur Smith.

The Greenes of Boone, NC, welcome a host of other great entertainers including The Primitive, The Cockman Family, Jubilee, Four Anointed, The Melodyaires, The Gospel Enforcers and Michael Combs. In honor of the 85th anniversary another great group from long years past is returning to wow the crowd with their southern-style praise: Naomi and The Segos.

Admission to the "Singing on the Mountain" is free, and camping (without hookups) is available on the grounds on a first come basis. The "Singing" grounds are located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville and one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Read more at 85 Years of Memories .

I also plan to visit Linville Caverns and Blue Ridge Parkway.