Dashboards and Saddlebags the Destination Magazine™ Issue 029 August 2013 | Page 30

Last Days of Summer Continued From Page 16 is used to decide which vendors will showcase for the event and festival goers will be pleased with the variety of crafts on hand. Local Bands will perform throughout the day and the festival will conclude on Saturday evening with “The Fantastic Shakers”. Known for their great beach music, The Shakers are considered one of the “South’s Finest Show Bands”. They have performed many memorable engagements, including featured performances at the Grand National Dance Championships in Atlanta, GA on three occasions, the Lincoln Center in New York City (Hot Summer Nights Dance Fest), and the American Bop Association Convention in Cincinnati Ohio. Local attractions such as the Waldensian Museum, The Waldensian Trail of Faith, The Waldensian Heritage Winery and Piedmont and Western Railroad will remain open all day Saturday for those that want to know more about the settlers of Valdese. A special church service will be held at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church followed by a traditional Waldensian meal at 11:30am. Tickets must be purchased for the meal and can be ordered by calling 828-874-2531. A shuttle bus will be available to drive visitors to all the attractions and will be running hourly. For those that enjoy sports, be sure to check out the bocce tournaments! A state qualifying tournament will be held at the Les Phares Des Alpes (LPDA) on Laurel Street South and a Junior Tournament will be held in front of the Presbyterian Church on Main Street. The final night of the festival will also conclude the production of “From This Day Forward” held at the Fred Cranford Amphitheater. The 4th longest outdoor drama in North Carolina, “From This Day Forward” tells the story of the Waldensians and their struggles in their homeland of Italy and their re-location to Valdese, North Carolina. Showtime is 7:45pm. Whatever your interest, The Waldensain Festival has it all and you will not be disappointed. For further information go to www.visitvaldese.com or call 828-879-2126. Presenting Sponsors for the Waldensian Festival are Town of Valdese, Food Lion, Paramount Ford/Hyundai, Buffalo’s Breath Café, Blue Ridge Healthcare and The Hampton Inn of Morganton. 30 Dashboards and Saddlebags The Destination Magazine™