As Morganton plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of CoMMA this fall, two women reflect on their childhood visions for a theater where the community asset sits now.
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- Angela K. Copeland
The Rock School Arts Foundation has announced the winning artists in its 39th Annual Open Art Competition winners, which officially opens Saturday, Aug. 8, coinciding with the 51st annual Waldensian Festival activities.
- By MADISON LIPE madison@thepaper.media
As Morganton plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of CoMMA this fall, two women reflect on their childhood visions for a theater where the community asset sits now.
- Angela K. Copeland
The 51st Waldensian Festival — Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8 — is one of Valdese’s signature celebrations, drawing more than 15,000 visitors and residents for a two-day tribute to the town’s unique heritage.
- By MADISON LIPE madison@thepaper.media
The owners behind The Reptile Cantina have expanded into live music with the opening of The Reptile Upstairs, a new downtown Morganton venue focused on supporting musicians and creating an inclusive space.
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- By MICA BANKS mica@thepaper.media
Every year, Valdese’s Old Colony Players finish the season with the outdoor drama, which shares the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the Waldenses.
- By MADISON LIPE madison@thepaper.media
The owners behind The Reptile Cantina have expanded into live music with the opening of The Reptile Upstairs, a new downtown Morganton venue focused on supporting musicians and creating an inclusive space.
- By MADISON LIPE madison@thepaper.media
Morganton's barbecue landscape is changing as Butch's BBQ & Breakfast and Boulevard Barbeque close while The Honey Hog opens Wednesday.
- Angela K. Copeland
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s J.E. Broyhill Civic Center's 2026-2027 season features 12 months of events and a greater variety of both entertainment and purchase options.
- Josh McKinney
Families are invited to experience an hour of laughter, imagination, and interactive storytelling when CoMMA Performing Arts Center presents “Donna Washington: Fun, Foolery & Folktales” on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 11 a.m.
More from this section
- Angela K. Copeland
The Rock School Arts Foundation has announced the details of its annual Open Art Competition.
- Allen VanNoppen
Maxine Cooper McCall, a longtime Burke County educator, theatre advocate, historian and philanthropist, has been named Appalachian State University College of Arts and Sciences’ 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient for her broad public service.
- By MICA BANKS mica@thepaper.media
Fans of Sunset Slush of the Blue Ridge’s Italian ice will soon be able to have the frozen treat year-round with the opening of the business’ brick-and-mortar location in Valdese.
- By JACOB CHRISTOPHER jacob@thepaper.media
The grass still soaked the shoes of the crowd with fresh rainwater as the first horse burst from the gates at J.R.’s Rodeo last Friday night, clumps of mud flying from its hooves and the rider waving an American flag steeped in the setting sun.
- Allen VanNoppen
Burke Primary Care has added a new provider, a move the practice says will expand access to primary care for patients in Burke County and nearby communities.
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