This Weekend in Stanly County
By Bridget Huckabee
Happy New Year! We’re off to a quiet start—still recovering from all the Christmas festivities, perhaps—but the coming year will see lots of activity in our corner of the world. Sometime this weekend would be a good time to take a ride to the top of Morrow Mountain for a little quiet reflection. Sit on the stone wall and look at the landscape of small farms cut out of what was once a great forest. The modest houses, lush green fields, well fed horses and cows grazing in the pastures give a sense of serenity and are a tribute to the hard-working folks that make up our county. Off to the north, the Uwharrie National Forest spreads for miles, a tribute to those who have worked to save our country’s natural beauty. And on a clear day, look south west along the skyline and you will see, fifty miles away, the two towers of Charlotte’s commercial center, the Duke Energy building and the Bank of America building, a tribute to the industry of these great corporations.
Farming, preserving nature and commerce are all achieved in great harmony at the truly beautiful Fork Farm and Stables at Norwood. On Thursday and Friday, the Farm will hold a two day clinic with a unique format wherein three long standing friends and nationally ranked equestrians come together to share their knowledge, stories, energy and laughter. The friends have spent the last two seasons watching each other deliver top finishes at the World Equestrian Games, Rolex, Burghley and the Pan American Games. Come down and meet these young women at Stanly County’s outstanding equestrian facility.
The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce organizes a Leadership Stanly Class each year. On Saturday, the class of 2010 challenges business and running buddies to gather up their competitive spirit for a 5K relay race. Teams of 3 will each run a 5 K to find out who has the fastest running group or business group. Race Day registration is available. The course is a 3.1 mile run through downtown Albemarle. If you don’t run, come on out and line the course to cheer on those intrepid athletes.
The Stanly County Senior Center presents its annual New Year’s Eve Dance at the Senior Center from 8:15 pm to 12:15 am. The Hi-Liter band will perform. Tickets are just $7 per person. Bring a finger food to load up the goody table, put on those dancing shoes and get ready for a fun evening as you bring in 2012.
Whether you choose to run a race, ride a horse or dance the night away, have a very happy New Year here in Stanly County.