The Vance Birthplace State Historic Site (911 Reems Creek Road) presents the Annual Fall Militia Encampment on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27. Admission is free both days. Here’s the info about the weekend’s events:

Once again, history will come alive on the weekend of September 26.  Vance Birthplace State Historic Site will be hosting the annual Fall Militia Encampment, Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m .and Sunday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Admission is free.

This event will highlight the early years of our country’s history, when citizens banded together to form local militias to protect their lives and property.  Periodically, the militia’s officers would call a muster (a gathering of the members) for training, such as small arms drills.  The Catawba Militia, a group that portrays an early American citizens’ militia, will be encamped at Vance Birthplace throughout the weekend.  The group will demonstrate common camplife activities, drill routines and tell visitors what it was like to serve in the militia.  Members of the group will also provide some hands-on activities for children.

In addition to the Catawba Militia, the site will be receiving volunteer assistance for the two day event from the members of the site’s newly organized Tar Heel Jr. Historian Club. The club members will be providing assistance with the hands-on activities and with site tours and demonstrations.

Also, for 2009, the event will be highlighted as one of the events included in the Smithsonian magazine’s 5th annual Museum Day. On September 26th, the Fall Militia Encampment will be participating in a national program sponsored by Smithsonian magazine.  Details on the program are available at www.Smithsonian.com/museumday.

Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, the childhood home of Zebulon B. Vance, North Carolina’s Civil War governor, was settled in 1795 by David Vance, a Revolutionary war veteran.  The farm was the family’s home until the early 1830s.  Both David Vance and his son were officers in the Buncombe Militia during the early 1800s.  The site includes a visitor center, a reconstructed log house and six outbuildings.

Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, is located 12 miles northeast of Asheville on Reems Creek Road.  For more information call (828) 645-6706.

The rain stayed away.   A wonderfully successful Art In Autumn show.  Take a look.  Consider Dry Ridge Inn www.dryridgeinn.com and Weaverville  www.visitweaverville.com for your Western NC and Asheville Biltmore holiday.

The Weaverville Tailgate Market has been a great success this year thanks to all the local support it has received from Weaverville citizens and businesses.

Each Wednesday this summer the tailgate market offered a variety of locally produced vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads and preserves to the community. In addition, the market highlights local craftspeople and musicians. Often children are lined up to get their faces painted while their parents enjoy the friendly atmosphere and stocking up on fresh locally produced goods.Even still vendors are noticing new customers coming for their first visit to the market. It’s not too late to enjoy some of the late summer harvest! The market will continue until the end of October so if you have a free Wednesday afternoon come on by to enjoy some treats and friendly folks. The market is located in the Lake Louise Community center parking lot on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 6:30. Vendors are present every Wednesday rain or shine.

Thanks again to all the local people and businesses that helped make the market a success. The town generously allowed the use of the Lake Louise parking lot and several local businesses sponsored the endeavor. Sponsors include MyWeaverville.com, Tammy Allison State Farm Insurance Agency, Reems Creek Nursery, Mangum Pottery, Chris Hunter Logo Design, and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. In addition, many businesses posted our flyers and Weavervillians joined our Facebook Market Group.

All are welcome! Come on by and give the market a try before the season ends!