The legend of Pilot Mountain unfolds in a four part series
Not That Kind of Fiber
Old skills. New appreciation.
Publisher
Executive
Kevin Pyles
: Derina Pyles
Director: Sabrina Lee Baker
Associate Editor: Veronica Green-Gott
Creative Director: Josh Snow
Graphic Designer: Sabrina Lee Baker
Contributors: Listed on Pages 4-5
Photographers: Sabrina Lee Baker, Natalie Snow & Sybil Slate
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By Gosh, By Josh
Sabrina L. Baker
Sabrina hails from Tobaccoville, NC. The passion for arts led her to photography, where she carved her niche. She balances motherhood and her professional pursuits. At 30 years of age, she embraced Jiu-Jitsu, proving there is no age barrier to personal growth. Sabrina is known for her creativity and commitment, her ability to embrace change, and her perseverance. She writes to inspire others to face challenges head-on and to craft their own paths to success.
Eddie lives in Copeland, NC. His column reflects his life experiences and stories that have been passed down to him. He is an encourager and considers himself a cheerleader for daily life. Eddie builds custom-crafted furniture in his small business, New Venture Woodworx. He also turns wooden bowls on a lathe and sells those at art and craft shows.
Kevin is a Christian business owner who loves serving Mount Airy and its citizens.
In addition to being the publisher and owner of Surry Living Magazine, he is also a physical therapist, Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and published author. His passion is to help others find their way to health, success, and happiness through his areas of expertise. Kevin has assembled a first-rate team of therapists dedicated to keeping Surry County residents out of pain and in motion. He has an unstoppable, positive attitude that is contagious, and we hope you catch it through his column.
Contributors
Blake grew up in and around the outskirts of Winston-Salem. He and his wife, Angie, currently live in the small town of East Bend. Blake graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree in psychology and loves finding
ways to help others. He also enjoys reading the Bible, painting, and spending time outdoors.
Carmen is a NC Cooperative Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences. Making quick, easy, healthy food that tastes great on a budget is a challenge. Carmen and her husband have two grown children, both of whom were involved in sports from grade school through college. With busy careers and lots of time at sporting events, coming up with quick, healthy meals was a necessity. Carmen shares ideas and recipes to make this tough job easier.
Kage Pyles
Derina is the executive editor and owner of Surry Living Magazine. She is also a professional horsewoman with a passion for connecting horses, nature, and people. Derina lives on her ranch in Westfield, NC, with her husband, Kevin, son, Kage, and daughter, Kaleah. She enjoys horse riding, traveling, and attending church at Asbury Evangelical Presbyterian.
Kage Pyles, a professional Jiu Jitsu athlete from Westfield, NC, is known for his powerful presence on the mats and his dedication to strength training. With a relentless work ethic and disciplined mindset, Kage brings intensity and precision to every match. Off the mats, he’s passionate about sharing his knowledge to help others grow stronger, both physically and mentally. Starting in May 2025, readers can catch his insights in each issue of Surry Living magazine.
Blake Johnson
Derina Pyles
Eddie Lowe
Kevin Pyles
Carmen Long
Contributors
Joanna Radford Larry VanHoose
Joanna is the County Extension Director for NC Cooperative Extension in Surry County as well as the Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent with expertise in entomology, gardening, and pesticide education. Joanna began her career with NC Cooperative Extension in Stokes County in 1995 as a 4-H Agent, later switching to Field Crops and Pesticide Education in Surry County. She lives on a farm with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Josh Snow
Josh Snow, from King, NC, is known for his big personality and love for adventure. An avid fisherman, he finds peace on the water. At 41, Josh took on the challenge of jiu-jitsu, proving it’s never too late for new beginnings. He cherishes spending time with family and friends, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every gathering.
Larry is the Executive Director for the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central North Carolina. Some of you may know him as the former co-owner of SLM. He has more than 30 years of experience as a writer, graphic designer, photographer, and book and magazine publisher. Larry and his wife, Trina, have four wonderful, grown children and live on a small farm just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson County, VA.
EMERGENCY STROKE CARE
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with Kevin Pyles
You Cannot Start Over, But You Can Start Now
There are moments in life when we wish we could rewind the clock. We think about the decisions we would change, the opportunities we would take, or the words we wish we had said differently. It is human nature to look back and imagine how things might have unfolded if we had made different choices. But life does not offer a rewind button.
The past is permanent. It cannot be edited, revised, or erased. Every experience, both victories and mistakes, has already been written into the story of our lives. While that reality may feel discouraging at first, there is a powerful freedom within it.
You cannot start over. But you can start now.
When you truly understand that idea, everything begins to change.
Many people spend years trapped in regret. They replay past failures in their minds and allow those moments to define who they believe they are. A missed opportunity becomes “I always miss my chance.” A financial setback becomes “I am not good with money.” A broken relationship becomes “I am not good enough.”
Over time, these thoughts begin to shape beliefs, and those beliefs begin to shape actions.
The truth is the past does not have the power to control your future unless you allow it to.
Every day presents a new decision point. The direction of your life is not determined by where you have been, but by the choices you begin making from this moment forward.
Think of your life as a book that is still being written. The earlier chapters may be finished, but the story is far from over. What matters most is not what happened in chapter one, two, or even ten. What matters is how you choose to write the next chapter.
That decision begins with a shift in thinking.
Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” a more powerful question is, “What can I create from here?”
When people focus on where they are going rather than where they have been, everything begins to shift. Their energy changes. Their actions change. They begin setting goals again and believing in new possibilities.
Slowly, the direction of their life begins to move forward. It does not require a perfect plan or waiting for the right time. Waiting is often what keeps people stuck.
The most powerful moment in your life is always the present one.
Right now is where decisions are made. Right now is where courage shows up. Right now is where momentum begins.
Some of the most powerful stories of success and reinvention began long after people believed their best opportunities had passed. They simply decided the past would no longer define their future.
You cannot go back and rewrite yesterday.
But today, you can begin writing a new ending.
And sometimes, the most meaningful chapters of life begin when someone decides to turn the page.
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Quote of the Month:
“The season does not create the growth, it reveals what was ready all along.”
— Unknown
S t o r e H o u r s
M o n - F r i : 8 a m - 5 : 3 0 p m
S a t u r d a y : 8 a m - 4 p m
Hometown Heroes
Submit your hometown hero’s photo along with 1-2 paragraphs on why he or she is a hero and we may use it here.
I am struggling with the loss of my grandparents. They played a huge role in my life, and their absence feels heavy. Even though it has been some time, I still find myself unable to process and move past the loss. How do I deal with grief that does not seem to fade over time?
KEVIN PYLES, PT
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous, Thank you for taking the time to write and share your struggle. I am very sorry for your loss. As difficult as it is, if we live long enough, we all face losing loved ones. Though it is inevitable, it is never easy, and there is no perfect way to move through it. Some may appear to handle loss better than others, but everyone experiences pain. For most, the intensity of that pain reflects the level of attachment. The struggle is a reflection of the bond you shared.
In last month’s article, I included a summary of the stages of grief many people experience, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. People may move through these stages in different orders and may experience some
stages more than once. Each experience is different. Understanding the process can help ease the transitions. The fact that you feel unable to process and move forward suggests you may not have reached acceptance. The heaviness you describe may indicate a stage of depression. Sadness is a normal part of this stage and often appears as the reality of the loss settles in. This can feel overwhelming, especially in close relationships. As mentioned, grief varies from person to person, and you may move in and out of these stages several times. However, if it begins to interfere with daily life, leads to hopelessness, or feels impossible to move through, seeking professional help is important. Therapy and, in some cases, medication can be very effective.
Many say time heals all wounds, but not all wounds are the same. Losing a loved one often leaves a space that cannot be filled. One way to move forward is to live a life that honors those who once filled that space. I often think about my own loved ones and feel a sense that they are still present in some way. That thought motivates me to become a better version of myself, one they would be proud of. Take time to reflect on your relationship with your grandparents. Since they played such an important role in your life, it is clear they would want the best for you. Consider what that version of you looks like. Set small goals and use that journey as a way to stay connected to them. When you reach those goals, imagine sharing those moments with them. In that way, they are not entirely absent.
Losing loved ones is one of the most difficult experiences we face. We can move forward, but it is not necessary to completely let go of the loss. Those relationships become part of who we are. I believe God allows us to form these bonds with the promise that we will be reunited one day. Scripture reminds us, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Hold on to that promise and continue living in a way that honors both God and those you have lost. If you need support, continue talking with others. Sharing can make a meaningful difference. And if needed, do not hesitate to seek professional guidance.
Again, I am very sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in time.
God bless,
Blake
Products & Education
By Gosh! BY JOSH
The Legend of Pilot Mountain
Part 2 of a 4-Part Series – The Arrival of the Moravians
By Gosh, did you know in the late 18th century the wilderness surrounding Pilot Mountain was beginning to change? What had long served as a guiding landmark for Native Americans and early explorers was becoming part of a growing frontier shaped by European settlers. Among those drawn to this region were members of a deeply spiritual and disciplined community known as the Moravians.
As described in Chapter 2 of Faces of Pilot Mountain by J. P. McKelvey, the Moravians arrived in the area around 1792, bringing not only tools for settlement but also a strong sense of purpose and faith. Originally part of a Protestant movement that began in Central Europe, they had already established thriving communities in North Carolina, particularly in what is now Winston-Salem.
Their expansion into the lands near Pilot Mountain was intentional. The Moravians were known for careful planning, detailed record keeping, and a thoughtful approach to settlement. They sought fertile land, access to water, and areas that could sustain both agriculture and community life. The region surrounding the mountain offered all of this and more.
At the time, the land was rugged and heavily wooded. Trails were narrow, and much of the area remained untamed. Yet the presence of Pilot Mountain provided a constant point of reference. Like those before them, the Moravians used the mountain as a natural guide as they explored and settled the surrounding countryside.
What makes their story compelling is not just their arrival, but how they lived. The Moravians built close knit, orderly communities centered on faith, cooperation, and hard work. They believed in a balanced life where spiritual devotion and daily labor worked together.
According to McKelvey, their presence began to shape the region in quiet but lasting ways. They cleared land for farming, established routes for travel, and contributed to the gradual transformation of the wilderness into a more connected landscape.
Even as they worked the land, the mountain remained unchanged, watchful and constant. It stood as a reminder that while people come and go, the natural world endures. For the Moravians, this likely held spiritual meaning. Their writings reflect a deep appreciation for the beauty and order of creation, and it is easy to see how the mountain influenced that perspective.
The Moravians were also meticulous record keepers, documenting their journeys and daily lives. These records provide a clear picture of the region at that time, including dense forests, abundant wildlife, and a landscape that required both resilience and faith.
Their arrival marked an important shift. What had once been a natural landmark and cultural touchpoint for Native Americans became part of a developing frontier. Paths became roads, clearings became farms, and the area grew into a network of communities.
Despite these changes, the mystery of the mountain remained. If anything, it deepened. New settlers brought their own stories and beliefs, and the mountain continued to inspire curiosity and reverence.
The arrival of the Moravians reminds us that history is shaped not only by major events, but by the steady movement of people, the building of communities, and the ways landscapes influence human experience.
Next in Part 3: The rise of local legends, including mysterious stories, hidden places, and the folklore that still surrounds the mountain today.
by Josh Snow
Is in the Air
“Surry county holds such a big place in our hearts.” -David & kim branch
Submit a photo of the one you love and we may use it here.
Email: Info@surryliving.com
Subject Line: Love is in the Air
The Holistic Path to Fitness: Body, Mind, and Spirit
May: The Perfect Month to Begin Moving Again
There is something about the month of May that feels like a reset. The days grow longer, the air turns warmer, and the natural world comes alive again. Trees are full, flowers are blooming, and people begin spending more time outdoors. It is a season that quietly invites us to move.
For anyone thinking about improving their health, May is one of the best times of the year to begin a fitness routine. Not because it marks a new year or a strict resolution, but because the environment naturally encourages momentum.
The truth is, fitness does not require a perfect starting point.
Some people believe they need to be in better shape before they begin. Others think they need the right equipment, the right gym membership, or the perfect plan. But the most important step in any fitness journey is simply movement.
Movement is where change begins.
Whether it is walking through the neighborhood, stretching in the morning, hiking a local trail, or joining a group class, the act of moving your body sends powerful signals throughout your system. Your heart rate increases, circulation improves, and your body begins producing chemicals that support better mood and energy.
But physical movement is only part of the equation. The second part is often overlooked: elevated emotion.
When people move while experiencing positive emotions such as gratitude, excitement, optimism, or simple enjoyment, the effects multiply. The body and mind begin to work together. Exercise stops feeling like a chore and begins to feel like progress.
That shift is what allows routines to last.
Too often, fitness is approached with frustration or pressure. People feel they must run farther, lift heavier, or push harder than the day before. While discipline has its place, long term consistency often grows from a different place, one that combines movement with a sense of possibility.
May is a perfect time to rediscover that mindset.
The weather is inviting. Parks and trails are full of opportunity. Even a simple evening walk can feel refreshing. These small steps may seem minor at first, but they create momentum, and momentum is one of the most powerful forces in personal change.
It is also important to remember that fitness is not the same for everyone. Some people are beginning for the first time. Others are returning after time away due to injury, work, or life responsibilities. Many are continuing routines they have followed for years.
Wherever you are, the starting point matters far less than the decision to move forward.
A walk today can become a routine tomorrow. A short workout can grow into a lasting habit. The energy created through movement often carries into other areas of life, improving focus, confidence, and overall well being.
May reminds us that growth is always possible.
Just as nature begins a new cycle each spring, we can do the same. By combining simple movement with positive emotion, anyone can begin building a healthier and more energized version of themselves.
Sometimes the best time to start is simply when the season invites you to step outside and move.
by Kage Pyles
by Eddie Lowe
Factory Reset
As the band began their set and people found their seats, the voices around me grew louder as more gathered, talking with friends and strangers alike. With strangers who had become friends, our conversations stretched beyond the present and into shared life experiences.
What I am describing is my current setting on spring break aboard a cruise ship. My wife and I choose a cruise each year, making payments and plans for the months ahead. The title of this piece may seem unusual, but for me, vacation has always served as a kind of factory reset. It is a time to reflect on the past year and prepare for the one ahead.
A simple definition of a reset is removing the past in preparation for future use. While that idea is often used in a technical sense, it fits just as well into our daily lives. Many people choose the new year as a time for resolutions, but for me, vacation feels more natural.
Earlier, I mentioned the band, the crowd, and new friendships forming, even if only for a week. It is here that I share a personal belief. Nothing is by chance.
There are nearly three thousand people on this ship. Some are young, some are older, representing different backgrounds and nationalities. Among them, a husband and wife happened to take the seats beside mine. Our conversation began lightly, covering where we were from, what we enjoyed, and what had brought us here.
Then the subject of occupation came up.
Both of my new friends worked in government positions and had done well. They were kind and easy to talk with. When it came my turn, I shared what I do. I am a Baptist pastor.
Often, when I say that, the conversation shifts. People begin talking about faith, past promises, church experiences, or spiritual questions. I never force that direction. It simply happens.
But this time was different.
Within minutes, the conversation turned to something far heavier.
Cancer.
In the middle of music, laughter, and applause, my new friend began to speak. As she did, tears filled her eyes and a deep fear surfaced. She had faced cancer before, and now it had returned.
With it came the harsh realities that so many know. Her hair was gone, and with it, pieces of her confidence. The weight of uncertainty and the fragility of life pressed heavily on her spirit. More tests awaited them when they returned home. This trip, they shared, was meant to be a final break before difficult answers and challenging treatments.
A factory reset.
A reminder to take time to take time.
Out of thousands of people, they sat beside me. Not by chance or luck, and not because of anything I had done, but because I believe God placed them there.
They are now my friends. My prayer concern. People I will continue to check on, even from a distance.
Through them, I have come to see even more clearly the meaning of a true reset. It is not about erasing the past. It is about embracing the moment you have been given.
It is the quiet decision to say, I have this moment. And when the sun rises tomorrow, I will be ready to face it, trusting the One who makes tomorrow possible.
by CARMEN LONG
Flavor Your Food the Fresh Way
Warm days make me want to dig in the dirt. There is something magical about planting seeds or plants and watching them grow. One of the easiest edible things to grow is fresh herbs.
I like planting herbs in containers filled with potting soil and leaving them on my porch for easy access to my kitchen. It is fun to go out and snip the herbs needed for a recipe, and it is amazing how much flavor they add. Growing your own herbs is the freshest way to have access, and they are also the least expensive. You can buy a package of seeds or a plant for about the same price you can purchase cut herbs from the produce section of the grocery store.
The growing seasons of herbs vary between different plants. I have parsley and cilantro in a raised bed in my yard that we enjoyed all winter. Not all herbs are that hardy, but now that May has arrived, it should be safe to plant without having to worry about frost.
If you grow more herbs than can be used at one time, they can be frozen or dried for future use. To substitute dried herbs for fresh, use half as much. To use fresh herbs in a recipe that calls for dried, double the amount. For more information on harvesting and drying herbs, check out the NC Cooperative Extension publication: https:// content.ces.ncsu.edu/harvesting-and-preserving-herbs-forthe-home-gardener
May is salad month. Brown Rice Salad is an example of a recipe that can be made in hundreds of ways. Add one or two vegetables, one or two fruits, a grain, a bean, and dress with a citrus vinaigrette. This recipe uses avocado and orange. You could use cucumber, tomato, onion, or shredded squash, really any vegetable. For the fruit component, any citrus, mango, or pineapple works well. Choose any whole grain and any canned bean. This is a great way to use up leftover grains from other meals. This recipe can be a side dish or served on top of a mixed green salad.
To make the recipe easier to prepare, prep the brown rice ahead of time by cooking several servings at once. Scoop the cooked rice into a 1/2 cup measuring cup. Place the scoops of rice on a cookie sheet lined with wax or parchment paper. Put the cookie sheet into the freezer and freeze until the rice is firm. Once frozen, transfer the portions of rice into a freezer bag or container and store until needed.
• Juice from 1 lime or lemon (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine avocado, brown rice, orange pieces, black beans, and onion in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, combine juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
3. Pour dressing over salad and stir to coat.
4. Add herbs to the bowl and stir to combine.
5. Salad can be kept refrigerated for several days.
Nutrition Information per Serving
(Based on 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Vegetables: 3/4 cup
Fruits: 1/4 cup
Calories: 337
Carbohydrates: 48 grams
Fiber: 12 grams
Protein: 10 grams
Fat: 13 grams
Sodium: 155 mg
Source: Med Instead of Meds
farm, Garden Home, &
Navigating Life with a Horse, Faith, and Common Sense
“Hay-Woman, quick, get over here with my alfalfa. My belly button is starting to gnaw on my backbone.”
Shaking my head, I turned toward my dappled grey friend. “Traveler, you don’t have a belly button so that’s not even theoretically possible.”
“Well, if I did have one, I’m sure it would feel like my stomach does right now.” We both giggled as I served up his usual portion. I lingered in his stall, enjoying the sound of him munching on the sweet hay.
“Did you see that new roan horse that your neighbor has in for training?” he asked between bites. “She looks handier than a shirt pocket. And what about that other bay horse of his? He knows more about a cow than a bull does.”
“Oh geez, Traveler, you have obviously been spending way too much time around those cowboys next door. How many more one-liners ya got? Go ahead and get them all out.”
“I think that’s all for now,” he said proudly. He abruptly changed the subject, knowing I would limit his turnout time in the pasture that boarded my neighbor’s ranch if the one-liners kept coming. “Remember a few years ago when your neighbor had that nice cutting mare?”
“I do remember, she was a beautiful, talented horse. She won a lot of money in the show pen.”
“Do you remember she foaled a filly one spring that looked just like her? I loved seeing them together frolicking in the pasture.” Travelers eyes softened. “That little filly would just kick up her heels at that mama, jump on her, run around her all day long. You know, I never saw the mama get angry with her. She would just gently nudge her away. The only time I ever saw her get riled up at that baby was when she was too close to the electric fence. That baby couldn’t resist the sweet grass on the other side. I wanted to warn that little filly, but heard your voice in my head telling me not to stick my nose in. One day, after about a week of trying to keep her away from the fence, I saw that mama simply watch as she pranced over and stuck her head, once again, under the fence. Well, wouldn’t you know it, she got too close and BAM! She got shocked She must have
jumped twenty feet sideways, hollering the whole time, till she got back to her mama. The mama stood there and wrapped her head around that baby until she settled back down. I never knew why that mama let her hurt herself, but I never saw her do it again. Funny, about a month later, the filly was gone. I’ve always wondered what happened. Do you think it was because of that accident?”
Somewhat surprised at this memory, I carefully explained. “Oh no, Traveler, not at all. That filly went off to train to be a show horse herself. That’s why she left the ranch. I’m sure it was hard on the mama, and she didn’t want her baby to be hurt, but after being warned time and again, she had to let her figure it out herself. Unfortunately, that meant a lesson with a few tears. That mare was an excellent mother, nurturing her child without coddling her.”
“That is such a relief Hay-Woman.” Pondering his next question carefully, he said, “Do you think Jesus was taught lessons like this by his mother, Mary?”
“When I think of Mary, I always remember the verse Luke 2:19, ‘But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.’ I believe all mothers worry if they are making the right decisions for their children. The only path is to keep Jesus’ teachings in mind and follow our hearts.”
He looked content and lowered his head to the ground. Sticking out his lips, he began to search for any scraps of hay he may have missed earlier.
“I always enjoy our heart-to-hearts, Traveler…and it beats listening to anymore of your cowboy one-liners.”
by DERINA PYLES
New Roots, Fresh Start at Local Farmers Markets
With the arrival of spring and early summer comes a sense of renewal across our community. Fields begin to green, gardens come alive, and farmers prepare for another growing season. It is a time of new roots and fresh starts, and one of the best places to experience this seasonal renewal is at your local farmers market. Farmers markets offer much more than a place to buy food. They serve as community gathering spaces where neighbors meet, families shop together, and local farmers and artisans share the fruits of their hard work. Each market day reflects the dedication of producers who plant, tend, harvest, bake, craft, and prepare products for their communities.
Across our area, farmers markets are filled with an exciting variety of locally produced goods. Shoppers will find fresh vegetables and fruits picked at peak ripeness, locally raised meats, farm fresh eggs, honey, bedding plants, flowers, baked goods, handmade crafts, and more. Every week offers something a little different as crops come into season and new products appear on vendor tables.
One of the greatest benefits of shopping at a farmers market is freshness. Much of the food found in grocery stores travels long distances before it reaches the shelf. In fact, it is often estimated that grocery store food travels around 1,500 miles from farm to plate. By the time it arrives, it may have been harvested days or even weeks earlier.
Local farmers market products are different. Many items are harvested the day before or even the morning of the market. This shorter journey from farm to table means better flavor, better texture, and often better nutritional value. When you purchase food directly from local growers, you are truly experiencing food at its freshest.
Shopping at farmers markets also strengthens the local economy. Every dollar spent supports local farmers, food producers, and small businesses who reinvest in the community. These purchases help maintain farmland, encourage new agricultural ventures, and keep local food systems strong.
Another unique aspect of farmers markets is the connection between consumers and producers. At the market, you can ask questions about how food was grown, learn cooking ideas for seasonal vegetables, or discover new varieties you may not see in the grocery store. Farmers are often happy to share recipes, growing tips, and stories about their farms.
On Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, the Elkin Farmers Market welcomes shoppers at 226 North Bridge Street in Elkin. Visitors will find a wide range of seasonal produce and locally crafted items in a lively community setting with live music.
If you are looking for ways to eat healthier, support local agriculture, and enjoy fresh seasonal foods, visiting a farmers market is a great place to start. Fortunately, our area is home to several vibrant markets that make it easy to shop locally throughout the week.
The Mount Airy Farmers Market takes place on Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and is located at 232 W. Independence Boulevard in Mount Airy. This market offers a welcoming place to begin the weekend with fresh foods and friendly vendors.
Later on Saturdays, the Pilot Mountain Farmers Market opens from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 300 South Key Street in Pilot Mountain, offering a convenient afternoon market where shoppers can pick up fresh ingredients for weekend meals.
Whether you stop by for a basket of tomatoes, a loaf of homemade bread, a jar of local honey, or a bouquet of fresh flowers, each purchase supports local farmers and helps strengthen our agricultural roots.
This season, take time to visit a local farmers market and experience the spirit of “new roots, fresh start.” Bring a friend, meet your local farmers, and enjoy the simple pleasure of truly fresh food.
Buy local. Eat local. Enjoy fresh food close to home.
by JOANNA RADFORD
Discovering the annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest in Sparta, North Carolina
When I first heard about the Blue Ridge Fiber Fest coming to Alleghany County several years ago, I will admit something right up front. I was confused.
You see, Alleghany County was one of the first rural counties in North Carolina to get high speed fiber internet. It was a big deal. Suddenly, folks could live in the mountains, work remotely, run businesses online, and still enjoy the peace and quiet of country life or a vacation in the mountains without losing connection to the outside world.
So when someone mentioned a brand new event called the Blue Ridge Fiber Fest, my mind immediately jumped to broadband cables, internet infrastructure, and maybe a few tech vendors showing off routers and data equipment.
I remember thinking, well, that is interesting. But what exactly does a fiber optics festival look like, and why would anyone want to spend a beautiful day in the Blue Ridge Mountains in June learning about it?
Turns out, I was about as wrong as a sheep at a goat show.
The Blue Ridge Fiber Fest has nothing to do with internet cables and everything to do with a much older kind of fiber: wool, yarn, fleece, and the centuries old craft traditions that helped shape mountain communities like ours.
Since its first festival in 2018, the Blue Ridge Fiber Fest has grown into a colorful two day celebration of fiber arts held each year at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds in Sparta. The event brings together farmers, artisans, instructors, and fiber enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
If you have never been to a fiber festival before, imagine a place where creativity, craftsmanship, and Appalachian heritage all come together.
You will find vendors selling hand dyed yarns in colors that rival a Blue Ridge sunset. Tables overflow with skeins of wool, alpaca, and cotton in every shade imaginable. Throughout the fairgrounds, visitors can watch demonstrations of weaving, felting, crochet, knitting, and spinning.
In many ways, that is the heart of the festival. It is about sharing traditional skills while introducing them to a new generation of curious visitors.
One of the moments that always stops people in their tracks happens at a booth where a fiber artist demonstrates spinning yarn in a fascinating way.
Sitting calmly in her lap is a fluffy angora rabbit while she gently gathers the rabbit’s naturally shedding hair and feeds it into a spinning wheel.
With a steady rhythm of the wheel and practiced hands, the loose fibers twist and tighten until, almost like magic, they become yarn right before your eyes.
It is a little mesmerizing. One moment it is soft rabbit fluff, and the next moment it is beautiful yarn ready to become a scarf, hat, or sweater.
For many visitors, it is the first time they have ever seen the journey from raw fiber to finished yarn happen live.
Moments like that are what make the Blue Ridge Fiber Fest special. It is not just a marketplace for beautiful handmade goods. It is a living demonstration of skills that have been part of mountain life for generations.
Northwest North Carolina and neighboring Southwest Virginia have long histories tied to fiber arts. Long before mass produced clothing filled department stores, mountain families depended on these skills to create blankets, garments, and household goods. Spinning wheels and knitting needles were once as common in Appalachian homes as kitchen tables.
Today, festivals like this help preserve those traditions while introducing them to people discovering fiber arts for the first time.
A big part of the festival’s success comes from the Mountain Homespun Fiber Guild, whose members play an important role each year. Guild members demonstrate techniques, welcome vendors and guests, teach beginners basic knitting and crochet, and even create small handmade gifts for instructors and vendors.
Their enthusiasm and hospitality give the festival a warm and welcoming atmosphere that visitors notice right away.
The 2026 Blue Ridge Fiber Fest will take place June 5 and 6 at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds in Sparta. Admission is free, and activities take place throughout both days.
Whether you are a longtime fiber artist, a curious beginner, or someone who simply enjoys discovering mountain traditions, the festival offers a chance to experience the creativity and craftsmanship that have been part of this region for generations.
And if you happen to show up expecting a lesson about broadband infrastructure like I once did, do not worry.
You may not learn anything about fiber optic cables.
But you might leave with a whole new appreciation for the kind of fiber that has been connecting mountain communities for hundreds of years.
by Larry Van Hoose
MAY EVENTS
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MOUNT AIRY
First Friday in Mayberry
Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Downtown Mount Airy
200 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Mayberry Farmers Market Opening Day
Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Downtown Mount Airy
144 N Main St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Surry Arts Council Spring Concert Series
Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Andy Griffith Playhouse
218 Rockford St, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Mount Airy Parks & Recreation Youth Baseball Games
Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Riverside Park
350 Riverside Dr, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Mother’s Day Celebration at Cross Creek Country Club
