LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Lots of events at Sunset coming up; more hiking; festivals

Busy couple of weekends coming up at Sunset

ASHEBORO — Downtown Asheboro’s venerable Sunset Theatre sees its share of action throughout the year. Most recently, RSVP filled back-to-back weekends reintroducing “Four Old Broads” to local theatre goers.

But the next two weekends will bring even more bustling activity. You can get more details in today’s Calendar of Events, but here’s a quick breakdown:

■ Thursday, Nov. 5, 1 p.m. — The Thrifty Thursday movie “Ordinary Angels” tells a moving story starring Hilary Swank and Alan Ritchson.

■ Friday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. — Asheboro’s own one-man show Brandon Shepherd adds some of his timeless impersonations (Michael Jackson, Elvis, Roy Orbison and more) to a “Christmas Show and More.”

■ Saturday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. — Elvis tribute artist Rick Brooks returns to Asheboro for another unique take on the Elvis story.

■ Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m. — Jordan Poole, another Elvis tribute artist, returns for a show entitled “A King’s Encore.”

■ Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. — Jordan Poole is back for a second night with “An Evening at the Opry” in which he celebrates classic country music with a celebration of greatest hits that helped build the genre.

■ Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m. — Squeezed between Poole’s pair of performances will be a visit from Southern Grace in a program entitled “A Night of Faith, A Message of Hope.”

■ Sunday, Nov. 15, 3-5 p.m. — The Rady Lady Foundation presents “An Afternoon at the Sunset” with Southern Gospel band Glory Road to help the nonprofit organization raise food for local pantries.

Tickets are reasonable for these events and the last one just requires a can (or more)  of food.

MFC Week 6: Walk in Seagrove, hike on Purgatory Mountain

This is the next to last week of the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. Be sure to convert your activities to steps and log your steps on the Healthy Communities website www.healthycommunitiesA3.com by midnight on Nov. 15. This week:

Mayor’s Walk: Clay Presnell Park, Seagrove

Date: Saturday, Nov. 7.

Where: Meet at Clay Presnell Park at 5129 Seagrove Plank Road in Seagrove at 9 a.m.

Walk Length: 2 to 3 miles

Dogs: Welcome on a leash at all times.

Seagrove Mayor David Fernandez will be leading the walk. In the event of bad weather, the walk will be cancelled. There is no cost to participate, and no pre-registration is needed. This event is open to all who can walk this distance unaided.

Sunday Hike: Purgatory Mountain at NC Zoo

Date: Sunday, Nov. 8

Where: Purgatory Mountain Trailhead at the NC Zoo located next to Parking Lot A (“Alligator Lot”) near the entrance to North America.

Time: 1:30 p.m. at the Farmer’s Market in Downtown Asheboro at 134 Church St. or 2 p.m. at the trailhead at the NC Zoo.

Length: About 2 miles.

Degree of Difficulty: Moderate with gradual uphill to the top of Purgatory Mtn.

Dogs: Welcome on a leash at all times.

Comments: Bring water and a backpack. May want walking sticks due to loose stones on part of the trail. If it is raining at the time of the hike, it will be canceled. No cost to participate, no pre

THIS WEEK

Two weekends, eight chances to see ‘Little Women’

ASHEBORO — RhinoLeap’s latest production “Little Women” has shows set for Thursday-Sunday this week and Thursday-Sunday next weekend. The first two performances were sold out. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. each night and 2:30 p.m. The exception is the Thursday, Nov. 5 show, set for 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are $30. You can visit rhinoleap.com to find out which shows have seats available and purchase tickets online (which includes fees) or Brightside Gallery, 170 Worth St., Asheboro, to buy them for face value between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

All performances will take place in a converted barn at 1803 Old Lexington Road, which allows patrons to step into a world of wonder where four actors transform a humble attic into a whimsical world where time bends, and the March sisters’ journey comes to life. Theatre goers are asked to use the utility road entrance to the left of the main house.

‘Rhapsody in Blue’ Quilt Show this Friday and Saturday

ASHEBORO — The Randolph Quilters Guild will present its “Rhapsody in Blue” Quilt Show on Friday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Randolph Senior Center, 347 W. Salisbury St. Asheboro.

The show features quilts from beginners to professionals and includes vendors, a Rhapsody in Blue raffle quilt with tickets available, a boutique with handmade items, a professional scissors sharpener, door prizes, a quilters yard sale including vintage items, blocks and fabric perfect for upcyclers.

Admission is $5. The winning raffle quilt ticket will be drawn at 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information,n contact the Randolph Quilters Facebook page or randolphquiltersguild@gmail.com.

Postponed Franklinville festival this Saturday afternoon

FRANKLINVILLE — Fall Into Franklinville, which was postponed due to weather in October, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Riverside Park Pavilion. Apple cider and pastries will be complimentary to get you started while enjoying heritage demonstrations, a scarecrow competition, history talks, a time capsule ceremony and eventually an outdoor screening of “Pocahontas.”

Bring your a blanket and chair. Popcorn and juice boxes will be provided for the movie.

Farmer Civitans celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday

FARMER — Farmer Civitans will be having a celebration of Thanksgiving at their November monthly breakfast, which is set for Nov. 7 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Farmer Civitans Clubhouse, 3986 Old NC 49, Asheboro. The all-you-can-eat breakfast includes hot biscuits, fresh eggs, gravy (white and red-eye), buttered grits, Thomas Brothers center cut ham and sausage and pancakes. The beverage selection includes hot coffee (reg and decaf), cold sodas, water and orange juice, served by club president Becky Greer.

The suggested cost is a $10 donation, but other donations will be taken up for Destinee Beane, a young mother facing major issues to her health from cancer. Her story will be shared at the breakfast. The October breakfast collected $300 to send to a young missionary fighting cancer.