Archive for the ‘Entertainment’ Category

The 17 th Annual Eastern Shore Artisan Guild Holiday Tour Was A Huge Success !

Friday, December 6th, 2019

DSC_7373This annual studio tour, held the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving ?each year, is one of our very favorite arts ? events of the year. Covering studios reaching from Capeville at the Shore’s very southern tip as far north as Onancock, offering dozens of mediums ranging from heavy oils to silk embroidery to decoy ? carvings, from huge wood sculptures to finely cast bronzes to intricate ceramics and jewelry and much more, this event truly has something for nearly every taste. And a great way to find unique gifts ? for folks on your holiday list.

We started at Danny Doughty’s studio in Onancock which is not on the official tour but which is so close to 4 locations on the tour that it’s easy to drop in to take a peek78318591_1195745894148400_5490258846255415296_o at his new pieces- – not to speak of the beautiful ?tree Danny always decorates for his studio. From there, off to Ker Place with decoys, ?paintings and jewelry, then off to see Vesna’s new pottery pieces. Heading out from there to the historic Onancock School, which sports a new LOVE ❤️ sign, where embroidery “paintings” , decoys and Bobby Bridges whimsical wind directionals added lots of color to the show.

DSC_7430By The Bay ? Alpaca farm was delightful, such cute and furry creatures, calm and patient. And if you’re looking for the world softest and warmest, must try alpaca sox ?! But the other incredibly soft item for sale was a tiny alpaca fur ? teddy bear, so sweet, ready for lots of hugs and kisses from a new owner. Next up, sculptor Moe Spector’s place where several different artists had organized tents for the Tour including Marty Burgess, Guy Shover, David Crane and Brenda Clark offering paintings, stoneware and ceramics. From there to Wachapreague for Jacobson and Bilicki Fine ?Art. Sadly, it was not possible to do all the stops, so at sunset we were off to our last stop, Windsor House at the very southern tip, to see the Lewin’s hand crafted fine furniture, Buck Doughty’s steel sculptures and some amazing pots from Gecko Pottery. And that wrapped up the 2019 Tour for us, looking forward to Thanksgiving 2020.

 

 

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GOODBYE EASTERN SHORE SUMMER 2019?

Friday, December 6th, 2019

36696286_795095574213436_8869024899788701696_oThough vivid colors of Autumn ? now brightly greet us,
dull Winter’s ? chill surely follows close behind.
But memories of our Summer ☀️ days shall to mind spring ever sweetly.

 

 

 

 

 

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CONGRATULATIONS TO GAIL DREBES, WINNER ? OF THE 1st ? PRIZE IN THE BLUE HERON REALTY DRAWING CELEBRATING THE CAPE CHARLES SUMMER OF LOVE ♥️ FESTIVAL!

Thursday, September 12th, 2019

69542284_1108651932857797_7237632781298171904_nPresented by Blue Heron Realty agent Nicole Killebrew, Gail and husband Jim Drebes, local Cape Charles town residents, came by yesterday to pick up the $900 gift certificate to the fabulous “At Altitude” Gallery on Mason Avenue, the 1st ? prize in our ♥️ Drawing. Gallery owner Gordon Campbell was on hand to congratulate Gail and welcomed them both to stop in the Gallery to browse as much as they wish before making that hard decision on which photo ? to select.

2nd and 3rd prizes in the Blue Heron Drawing were both won by ladies who were visiting friends or relatives on the Eastern Shore when they stopped by to register.69691533_1108651209524536_2364476008658108416_o Cheryl Jones from New Jersey won the 2nd ? prize of the $125 gift certificate to the Oyster Farm Eatery – Cheryl is looking forward to her next visit to Cape Charles to enjoy her delectable winnings ! The 3rd ? prize of a $75 gift certificate to Gull Hummock Gourmet was won by Pat Lasome from Maryland. Pat visits the Shore frequently and now has some delectable treats and wine? to choose on her next visit to town. ( Thanks again to Honey Moore of Gull Hummock Gourmet who helped Barrett Cree with the Drawing ! )

69489158_1108652686191055_2516419161177980928_oThe Cape Charles 50 Days of the Summer of LOVE ♥️ Festival was such fun – – so many exciting ? activities all over town ! For 50 days ! Our thanks to everyone who entered our ? Drawing. Even if you didn’t win one of our 3 prizes, you got a commemorative LOVE♥️ mug and our interesting new Cape Charles Landmarks map. The whole Blue Heron Realty crew enjoyed this Festival so much, we hope you did too !! Come see us at 113 Mason Avenue and catch a ride to find your dream ? home on the HeronMobile

Serenaded ? By “Schooner Or Later”, The 4th Annual Community Potluck Wowed Hundreds From Cape Charles

Thursday, September 5th, 2019

1 FoodA myriad of ? flavors, an abundance of food and plenty of camaraderie marked the Cape Charles 4th Annual Community Potluck Picnic. Sponsored by Citizens for Central Park, the Potluck also coincided with the very last Harbor For the Arts Summer band concert held in the Gazebo- – plenty of catchy ? music by “Schooner Or Later” kept everyone tapping toes. Having a town-wide Potluck is a wonderful idea, absolutely loads of fun, unique on the Shore. Grilled burgers ?and hot ? dogs were provided by Citizens for Central Park. Everyone was responsible for bringing a couple side dishes which were as varied as they were delicious. Beautiful ? salads and slaws of every description, hot dishes ranging from 3 kinds of baked beans, homemade mac & cheese, (of course), a very creamy chicken Alfredo, German and many other kinds of potato salads, fruit ? salads, watermelon ? slices and the list goes on. Plus fab desserts, pies, cakes ?cobblers, ? cookies, muffins and brownies ! An absolute cornucopia of flavors ! Already looking forward to the 5th Annual, planning to bring an even bigger pan of mac & cheese.

 

 

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THE WEATHER WAS COOL BUT THE MUSIC WAS HOT AT CAPE CHARLES CENTRAL PARK

Thursday, August 8th, 2019

67956727_1086112798445044_5267650356296286208_oOne of the many things we love ? about Blue Heron being one of the sponsors of the Harbor for the Arts ? music in the Park series is that it just seems a bit more fun to come and enjoy the various bands if you are helping to sponsor them. Last Saturday evening the weather was cool but the music ? was definitely ? hot ! The Bobby “BlackHat” Walters band performed, playing with feeling and wildly popular with the crowd ! A breakout moment came when Bobby ? announced “OK, we’re going to play “Get Your Red Shoes On.” And I want to see some dancing going on out there in the audience ! “ Well, 1, 2, 3 – out poured the music and up jumped the crowd, definitely folks had their red ? shoes on. And just about everyone caught the spirit, young, old and in between, on their feet, dancing ! ( Possibly a first for a Central Park band concert ? ) Bobby also played a touching harmonica rendition of Leonard Cohen’s famous composition, “Hallelujah”, to much applause, a song made indelible to many when it was performed on Saturday Nite Live a few years ago.

Also super popular Saturday night was Cape Charles Main Street’s table, brimming , as promised, with colorful Summer of LOVE ♥️ T shirts for sale. Business67832277_1086110738445250_8637846159072690176_o was brisk, T shirts in every hue, plus hats, totes, doggy neckerchiefs, you name it, everything ♥️ flying off the table and into bags at a dizzying pace. We managed to snag the very last Men’s Large in burnt sienna for our son-in-law, who has an amazing collection of local event T shirts that he loves wearing all summer. Shirt Mission Accomplished !

67703782_1086112655111725_7030784669536747520_oEverything was downhill easy from there for the rest of the night. The sun set, the music played, people swayed, dogs frisked, kids skateboarded, teens played soccer, Gordo’s spicy tacos were relished, literature given out, refreshing Italian Ices savored, toddlers twirled, adults laughed, everything went per normal and all was right with the world….. and we had our Men’s Large Burnt Sienna Summer of LOVE ♥️ T shirt !

 

 

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Cape Charles Summer of LOVE ❤️

Thursday, August 8th, 2019

IMG_1449 croppedWhat do you get when you mix scores of wheels, Flower Power ? ? and a bonfire ?? LOVEFEST 2019 ! And a fabulous Golf Cart Parade ! Tons of fun and 1960’s costumes to boot, totally groovy ! Kicked off by a group photo at the LOVE sign, on to a “Start Your Golf Cart” command from Parade Master Jim Holloway, they were off to paint the town with peace and love. So many wonderfully decorated carts- I’m sure it was hard for the 3 judges to make call between 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. And congrats to Nancy and George Proto on their 50th anniversary. Their wedding ??themed golf cart was truly a work of art. After the Parade everyone gathered at the beach for a celebratory bonfire ? which was going strong until the storm came up and it had to be extinguished. But LOVEFEST was a great idea- hopefully it can become an annual event and we can look forward to LOVEFEST ❤️ 2020 !

 

 

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MOON OVER CENTRAL PARK’S UKE FEST 2019

Thursday, June 20th, 2019

DSC_5630What a fabulous afternoon last weekend in Cape Charles, VA for the 1st Annual Uke Fest ! Cool and breezy, an absolutely perfect Saturday was winding down into twilight as we arrived. The last act of the day, Rachael Manke, was just taking the stage at the Central Park Gazebo as we found seats on a comfy nearby bench to listen to her performance. After wrestling a bit with her hat, which was trying to go airborne in the breeze, Rachael began by creating a little ditty right on the spot as she tossed that uncooperative topper aside, strum, strum “Goodbye Hat”, triple strum, “Goodbye Hat”. A self-described Lutheran minister, she wisecracked that she couldn’t stay too late because she had an 8 am sermon to give in Richmond on Sunday, then launched into a wonderful repertoire of favorites laced with witty parody songs like “Has Anyone Seen My Mom” to the tune of “Has Anyone Seen My Gal” and the slightly naughty “Shovel Out of Buffalo”.

The music was delightful but watching the audience was heartwarming. I can imagine that this was the very scene that Citizens for Central Park had envisioned as they DSC_5717worked so long and so hard to get the Park funded and off the ground. Folks of all ages, in lawn chairs short or tall, sitting on the wide expanse of grass in front of the Gazebo, enjoying the performance. Colorful bankets spread by parents whose toddlers were swaying to the music. Dads holding infants, Moms wiping sticky Shave Ice from hands and faces. Guys and gals with the munchies tackling tacos and popcorn. Kids on bikes riding the winding sidewalk, teenagers playing soccer and tossing footballs near the fountain. Tiny groups in laughing conversation on the sidewalk, couples relaxing on Park benches. And dogs and owners ! Dogs of every size and description strolling peacefully on their leases, not a snarl in the air. What an amalgam of happiness, what a sense of calm and delight as the full moon rose, softly spreading pearly beams over the 2019 Uke Fest at the amazing and happy Cape Charles Central Park.

 

 

 

 

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“Art & Music on the Farm” 2019 – A Huge Success ! Again !

Thursday, May 30th, 2019

DSC_5442From traditional music rooted in rural Virginia to art in many forms and mediums, from Hog Island fig trees to twirling wind whirligigs, the Barrier Island Center and Museum’s annual bash, “Art & Music on the Farm”, was an exceptional event ! As always ! Even the weather could not have been better – – breezy, blue skies and mild temps conspired to make last Saturday a perfect day for an outdoor festival. This annual Machipongo event is one of the largest art/artisan festivals on the entire Shore, offering something for everyone. Dozens of little white tents filled with amazing decoy carvings, Windsor chairs, sculptures, bronze work, ceramics, plants and garden art, stuffed animals and children’s books, paintings in oil, watercolor and acrylic mediums, hand-crafted wood pieces, pottery and so much more were on offer for the numerous enthusiastic attendees. For animal lovers, 2 rare Hog Island sheep from Island View Farm were on hand, sweet woolly characters, Opal, and her week-old baby, Beep-Beep, wowed the crowd. Plus there was toe-tapping live music ! And lush Chatham Vineyard wines !

Of course, all that walking, talking and shopping was bound to work up some serious appetites. Fortunately, delicious aromas floated everywhere, originating fromDSC_5573 vendors like Kitchen Sync, with fresh strawberries in cream, shrimp orzo and chicken salad on its savory bill of fare. Around the corner, while Gordos Food Truck was wowing the crowd with tacos and gorditas, Cape Charles Lion’s Club was rapidly turning out burgers and crab cakes. Over at the Kielbasa tent, grilling was amped up to a fast pace to keep up with demand, their mouthwatering subs pairing well with ice cold liquids from the adjacent Beer Garden. For those craving a little caffeine, Coastal Roasting had its famous Marsh Mud iced coffee and fruity iced teas ready to pour. Plus their beautiful new custom ceramic coffee mugs were available to add a little pop of color and pizzazz while sitting on the porch enjoying your morning Joe.

DSC_5559For many, the music was unquestionably the highlight of the day. From 11 am till closing, over on the main stage 4 talented groups performed throughout the day. Adjacent to the stage, a tiny dance floor was in place for those who might want to accompany the lively music with a little free style dance. Fortunately, local clogging enthusiast Bill McLaughlin was on hand – he and several energetic youngsters added some impromptu entertainment with their spirited flatfooting. Toe-tapping and delightful, rooted in the genres of old time rural Virginia bluegrass and country, with styles and traditions that go way, way back, the music absolutely captivated the audience. In the Education Building, various Musician’s Work Shops were held- although we didn’t make it to any, they were likened to being “on the porch of the Floyd General Store during Floydfest – but right here on the Eastern Shore”. All in all, simply a terrific day, filled to its fresh, breezy brim with beautiful art, delicious food and timeless music. In short, another wonderful Art & Music on the Farm ! And hats off to all the volunteers, vendors and sponsors who make this fabulous event possible each year – thank you !

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DRUM ROLL PLEASE ! CAPE CHARLES FARMER’S MARKET SEASON 4 NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN

Friday, May 24th, 2019

DSC_5415How delightful it was to once again be able to look forward to Tuesday afternoons from 3-6 pm, May to October, as that special time each week to be able slip into the Cape Charles Farmer’s Market and stock up on super-fresh goodies. Rain or shine, hot or cold, our favorite vendors will be there with our old favorites plus new offerings, always something special to try.

On Tuesday, for those looking for veggies, Copper Cricket and Perennial Roots had plenty of just-picked DSC_5325selections on hand. Into our basket went some sweet May peas, peppery white radishes, lovely fresh scallions plus a tray of beautiful brown eggs. Fresher-than-fresh, tender asparagus was on offer from Pickett’s Harbor Farm, definitely couldn’t resist that, so great in an omelette or quiche. Further down the line, the Honey Guy from Eastville was ready for his customers, offering a sweet smile and even sweeter local honey from his busy, buzzy bees.

On the flip side of sweetness was the Horseradish Lady, whose creamed horseradish stood ready to make the ideal spicy cocktail sauce, perfect for the crab cakes and clams being sold at the Edward’s Seafood tent. Further down the line, Kitchen Sync was ready with freshly prepared ready-to-eat-good-food which can also be ordered for pickup at a later date at the Eastville Inn. So into our basket popped some chicken salad – – it was delish on toast for lunch on Wednesday.

Beauty got double billing in flowers with gorgeous offerings from the ever-popular Chatham Flower Farm ( keep an eye on their Facebook page for ticket availability to their amazing “Farm to Table” benefit dinner) as well as a colorful display from the Blooming Farmer. Nothing like a lovely bouquet to cheer up any room in the house ! Snagged a jar of bath salts with dried flowers for a friend, both beautiful and aromatic, a nice little gift. So many interesting items on offer from other local vendors including handmade cutting boards, intricately woven macrame, artful hand towels from She Seeks Wool and much more.

So don’t forget to mark your calendar. When the clock strikes 3pm on Tuesdays, it’s time to grab your basket and head over to the Cape Charles Farmer’s Market located on the grounds of the Museum on Stone Road. What a fantastic opportunity each week from now until October to buy fresh, buy local, buy delicious and nutritious ! LOVE it !

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Head ‘Em Up, Herd ‘Em Out !! Spring 2019 Eastern Shore Trail Ride.

Thursday, May 16th, 2019

DSC_5169A sight one doesn’t often see on Bayside Road in Machipongo are horses on the loose, happily cantering down the center line. So imagine my surprise, when driving to the office last Friday morning, keeping an eye out for any early bird trail riders, I had to come to an abrupt halt as I saw 2 horses, gaily unencumbered by riders, come racing across a farm field. They jumped the ditch just in front of me and continued on down the middle of the road, traveling at a pretty good clip. Fortunately, the driver of a pickup going north jumped out, and with some energetic clapping, yelling and arm waving, got the 2 runaways turned back into the field. As I turned towards the Trail Ride campsite to alert folks, an ATV came racing down Cedar Grove Farm Road, apparently a 2 person posse on the move, ready to round up the renegades. The chase was on, Round 1 of “The People vs. The Horses” and the horses were winning ! Those bad girls were tasting sweet freedom and being captured was not part of their action plan. The posse jumped off the ATV, lead ropes in hand, but every time they got within a 100 feet of the horses, off they galloped ! Stop start, stop start, until herding them with the ATV was obviously the only viable solution to move head ‘em up and move ‘em in ! After 15 minutes of this motorized round- up, the horses got bored with the game and headed back into camp where a very relived owner led them away, scolding softly.

With that, the Spring 2019 Trail Ride got off to a pretty exciting start ! The rest seemed like a pretty normal Station 16 Northampton Fire and Rescue Company DSC_5278sponsored Trail Ride, headquartered at the Smith Farm in Machipongo. Arriving attendees were busily unpacking, lighting fire pits, feeding, grooming and just generally making their horses comfortable after what had been, for many, a long trip to the Eastern Shore. Lots of folks were chatting with friends, getting ready to cook, walking dogs or saddling up for a relaxing ride. So many beautiful horses there, of every color and stripe, even a huge Shropshire draft horse, Devon, who was hanging close to his little buddy Isaac. We also met Callie, a sweet Australian sheep dog, whose grateful owner said that he had rescued her but then she turned around and rescued him right back, staying by his side for months during recuperation after he fell from a ladder and broke his pelvis in 4 places !

DSC_2010The big draw for attendees is the opportunity to soak up the Shore’s relaxing coastal ambiance, exploring winding trails through farm fields, riding along woodlands bordering large waterfront farms, past little freshwater ponds, across cross dams and over roads and out onto sandy Chesapeake Bay beaches, horses splashing enthusiastically through saltwater shallows. Saturday is always the biggest day, offering a long ride followed by a BBQ dinner and Silent Auction put on by the Fire & Rescue Company. And nobody lets some evening rain dampen their spirits, it’s just water going pitter patter on a horse trailer roof. So…. the beat goes on until the next Trail Ride, coming Fall 2019.

 

 

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