2026 CHRISTMAS MARKET-VENDOR OPPORTUNITY
The Burke County Fairgrounds is seeking artisans, craft vendors, food vendors, and food trucks to participate in the 2026 Burke County Fair’s Christmas Market.
The event will take place inside the fairground’s heated entertainment building on four consecutive Saturdays, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited to 24 12-by-12-foot spaces and are $20 per space/day.
Interested in being a vendor? Call 828-443-1258 or email events@burkecountyfairgrounds.org.
MARCH TO THE
POLLS RALLY
Interfaith leaders, civic organizations, and community members are inviting Burke County residents to join March to the Polls on Saturday, Oct. 24, in Morganton.
The gathering will begin with a rally at noon at Calvary Lutheran Church at 119 King St. in Morganton. A march will follow the rally, bringing participants together in a shared commitment to democracy, community, and civic engagement.
Organizers describe the event as an opportunity for people of different faiths, backgrounds, and perspectives to stand together in support of democratic participation.
“Love Forward Together, Not One Step Back,” a message attributed to Bishop William Barber of Repairers of the Breach, reflects the spirit of the gathering and its call for unity, compassion, and continued civic involvement.
The event is open to all members of the community. Organizers emphasize that residents are welcome to participate regardless of their political affiliation.
To help make the event accessible, transportation will be available for those unable to walk the route. Crossing guards will assist participants along the march, and water will be provided at the end of the route.
The rally and march are scheduled on a day when polls are open until 3 p.m.
WESTERN PIEDMONT SYMPHONY OPENS 62ND MASTERWORKS SEASON
See “Mystic Horizons” on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at P.E. Monroe Auditorium in Hickory.
Opening the symphony’s 62nd Masterworks season, this captivating performance features internationally acclaimed, Grammy Award-winning tabla virtuoso Sandeep Das alongside Music Director Matthew Troy and the orchestra for an evening of music that crosses cultures, traditions, and musical boundaries.
Rich with stories, vivid imagery, moments of sublime beauty, and the driving rhythms of North Indian classical music, “Mystic Horizons” invites audiences on a journey across genre, time, and place.
The evening’s program features Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight,” Behzad Ranjbaran’s “Seven Passages,” Dinuk Wijeratne’s “Concerto for Tabla and Orchestra,” and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.” From Richter’s meditative melodies to the colorful storytelling of Scheherazade, the program offers a remarkable range of musical expression, including the distinctive sounds of the tabla, a pair of hand drums central to North Indian classical music.
GOSPEL MUSIC PROGRAM
First United Methodist Church Valdese invites the community to “A Month of Sundays,” a special series of gospel-music programs held each Sunday evening in October at 6 p.m.
This Sunday’s performer is award-winning pianist and hymn singer Howard Smith, who will perform Sunday, Oct. 25.
Each program is free and open to the public. A love offering will be received.
First United Methodist Church Valdese is at 217 St. Germain Ave. SE, Valdese.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
First United Methodist Church Valdese is working with Burke United Christian Ministries to provide a Mobile Food Pantry, providing groceries to families who need them. The pantry will be open from 9 a.m. to noon (while supplies last) on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the church. Limit two households per vehicle.
The church is at 217 St. Germain Ave. SE, Valdese.
CHORAL EVENSONG
The Chancel Choir of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will sing Choral Evensong for Feast of All Souls’ Day, on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 5:30 p.m.
The Feast of All Souls’ falls on Nov. 2 each year and is an opportunity for us to remember all those who have lived faithful lives and are with us no longer.
St. Alban’s is at 130 39th Ave. Place NW in Hickory.
NAACP BRANCH ELECTION
The Burke County Branch of the NAACP will hold its election of officers and at-large members of the Executive Committee on Thursday, Nov. 5. The vote will be administered using an electronic voting platform. Voting will be open from 2-6 p.m.
To vote in a Branch election, you must be a member in good standing of the Branch 30 days before the election. The election will be conducted electronically by the National office. Ballots will be sent electronically to the email and/or mobile phone on record.
Should a run-off election be necessary, that election shall occur at a date and time determined by the Branch. Run-off elections shall be conducted not less than 10 days after the original election.
GLEN ALPINE MEMORIAL TREE
Honor a loved one by making a contribution ($1 per name) to the Glen Alpine Memorial Tree lighting, which will be held at 4 p.m. on Nov. 29. The memorial tree lighting is a fundraiser for the Glen Alpine Ruritan Club, and donations are now being accepted by any club member.
All names will be read aloud at the Glen Alpine Bandstand, 113 Linville St., starting at 4 p.m. Ceremonies will be led by the Rev. Kevin Crawford.
Come help honor loved ones past and present. Call Jean Lane (828-413-4888), the Rev. John Terry (704-242-3455), Reid Scott (828-443-4660), and Patsy Scott (828-430-1909) for more information.
