Andrews Weekends in Andrews are chock-full of activities and events no matter the season. While the town has become well known throughout the area for its warm season events – from the Andrews Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spring Fling and summer Food Truck Fridays to the autumnal events Oktoberfest and Trunk or Treat – the colder temperatures have also brought plenty of frivolity and fun to downtown.
Lots to laugh about
The Blue Stage has cemented its place in Andrews’ nightlife over the last year and a half with its Andrews Idol series as well as concerts from national headliners – and also as a landing pad for the best in regional comedy, with Friday night being the fourth Comedy Night.
With four comedians ranging from Asheville to Peachtree City, Ga., to Greenville, S.C., the all-male review of Ryan Cox, Andy Gunnin, Ryan Schrilla and Tom Emmons brought the punchlines to downtown. Serving as emcee, Schrilla provided the “thrilla” with his warmup and between segment introductions.
His signature style focused on self-deprecation of his diminutive stature, with jokes about finding booster seats in restaurants and how many new nicknames exist thanks to both Generation Z and the internet for those of a shorter stature. Too, Schrilla emphasized how driving mountain roads in north Georgia leave one almost as nauseous as in western North Carolina.
Featured comedian Ryan Cox led with how many comedians are just failed musicians, eliciting big guffaws from the crowd. Cox then launched into definitions of “hotness,” and how they change with both age and a burgeoning love of classic cars.
The third to perform, Andy Gunnin, did indeed bring big guns with his wit and observations about how pets are really just our hostages when you think about it, and how a pet funeral can cause nothing but plumbing problems no matter the size or species.
Headliner Tom Emmons, also known as “Peachy Tom,” led with how the Grinch not only could steal Christmas but all joy if you relate certain dreams to a spouse. Emmons emphasized what it’s like to visit many a small Southern town, picking up on local billboards that seem to offer both firearms and illicit substances.
Jingle all the way to 5K
This bright and sunny but crisp Saturday morning saw the first Jingle Bell Jog take place. Born from the recent fundraising and supply drive at Andrews Middle School for Owen Middle School in Swannanoa and coordinated by Mary White, the first 5K fun run or walk took place at 10 a.m. with a loop through both downtown and the riverwalk around the recreation department fields.
More than 60 participants showed up, dressed in their holiday finest and funniest to give to a good cause. Plenty of elf ears and cozy fleece onesies were worn to warm the cool morning mood.
The cross-country team also made big strides throughout the day. The event raised close to $1,400 and was a fun time for everyone involved, whether on two legs or four paws.
Friends Hannah Anderson and Ashley Brooks braved the brisk morning “to help a good cause” in their matching tutus, “Merry and Bright” shirts and Christmas light leggings. According to the school’s Facebook page, they’re already thinking ahead to next year for both improvements and promotion.
House divided proves united
While the annual and historic rivalry 125th year of the Army vs. Navy football game typically signals the end of the regular college football season, Saturday’s event was a sort of beginning of tradition with the game broadcast at The Blue Stage and sponsored by Warriors Veteran Outreach and Director Mark Ware, outreach program specialist with N.C. Works Veterans Services.
Several members of the Blue Ridge U.S. Military Veterans Motorcycle Club, also known as the Blood Mountain Crew, were on hand to watch. That included President Reboot Wilson, vice president Doghouse Wojcik and treasurer Helo Runyon.
With three branches covered between their service, Wojcik joked that because of his Marine service he always let Wilson, who served in the Navy, take him wherever he needed to go. Runyon chronicled tales of his service with both the Army and his final stint as a flight engineer with the Air Force.
With a crowd split 50/50 due to their own branches of service, which included Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines the game provided a chance for local veterans to gather and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship of watching in a “neutral” space. The game also served as a nice warm-up and perfect spectator spot for the annual Andrews Christmas Parade.
With a Navy win secured 31-13, attendees were mainly satisfied, but wondered if the game was all it could be since Navy extended their streak with the Midshipmen winning over the Black Knights.
That Cat. That Hat.
Saturday evening’s annual Andrews Christmas Parade was a brilliant illumination, with several floats decorating in the year’s theme of “What Does The Cat in the Hat Know About Christmas?”
Turns out quite a bit, as the procession drove from Industrial Opportunities Inc. to Ingles along the downtown route.
With local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7620 Commander Scott Ramler and family leading the way for grand marshals Lynnie Anderson and Nancy Purser driven by Mayor James Reid, candies rained from each float and vehicle to the delight of children of all ages, as they raced to the edges of the sidewalks to grab sweet treats.
Anderson, long known for her various volunteer efforts, and Purser of Nancy’s Treasures, who is also known for her efforts with the Andrews Garden Club and beautification projects around town, were both honored to serve as grand marshals this year.
A variety of fire trucks from all over Cherokee County and other first responder vehicles blazed through the early evening dark and periodically rang out with shouts of “Merry Christmas!” and peals of alarms and sirens, which elicited many squeals from the crowds lined along the way.
A bright light among the floats was the SECU branch, with their iconic Fat Cat at the front flaunting his wisdom of all things festively Christmas and frugally astute.
The event was bigger than last year’s, according to Andrews Recreation Department special events coordinator Brian Wilson, and with more folks in attendance, the rain stayed away. However. there were showers of prizes for float winners, which included in third-place Raine Boutique, second-place Big! Realty and first-place winner Town of Andrews Administration.
Every time a bell rings
To cap off a busily buzzing day in Andrews, the ACT2 Players offered the second of their performances of It’s A Wonderful Life presented as a radio show, replete with old-fashioned commercials at intervals.
With a cast of 12 playing all the various parts, and with first-time director Dayna Jones at the helm, the play came together in “just over a month, thankfully,” Jones said.
In her program note to the audience, she praised the work of the veteran cast of performers for their attention to “voice characterization, sound props and costumes.” She went on to say, “It was a blessing for me.”
The only character remaining dedicated to one role was Philip Dekle as George Bailey, turning in a heartwarming performance as the main character in the tale of personal woe over a life not lived as planned, but which was made better by the enrichment of plans derailed and the family and friends who surround, no matter the time of year.
Announced by Judd Cresman, who also played additional roles, the show ran seamlessly with on-stage sound effects run by Kyia Zane, in her flawless blonde wig and emerald dress, who made use of both her desk and nearby doors to great effect with the iconic bell ringing as angel Clarence, played by Sawyer Bradley, celebrated getting those wings winging at the end.
But, wait! There’s more
If you think this is just a one-off of a confluence of Christmas events in Andrews, you’re mistaken. The town also offers live music at Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. several times a month, along with their mid-week trivia night and monthly open mic and periodic visits from Nathan the Magician to entertain guests on the weekends.
Too, weekly trivia happens on Mondays along with live music every Friday at The Tattered Tartan Pub, with artists doing three-hour tours in the restaurant space and outdoors on the patio in warmer months.
Andrews has become a year-round destination for not only tourists or those with second homes but locals as well looking to support local venues and artists. With new businesses and events at the Valleytown Cultural Arts Center, downtown has something for everyone, every day.