Festivals & Events » Workshops/Classes

Youth Equitation & Showmanship Clinic - More Info

May 19

9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This clinic will serve to help our youth practice and develop their equine skills. Clinicians will be available for western and gaited riding disciplines as well as showmanship. Participants will receive written feedack for each class entered. The clinic will be open to youth (ages 9-18) from throughout the region. This clinic will also serve as a qualifying clinic for youth participating in 4-H horse projects wishing to show at the Virginia 4-H State Horse Show. An approved helmet must be worn at all times when mounted. Also, Virginia Cooperative Extension and VA 4-H Horse Program policies will be followed. Youth must bring their own horse(s). Due to liability no horses will be supplied for youth to ride.

Seige at the Blockhouse - More Info

May 27

A re-enactment of an encounter in the late 18th century when there was a clash of cultures as settlers intruded on Native American hunting grounds on the western frontier. The 2-day event allows visitors to visit the blockhouse, encampments of both Native Americans and settlers and to see demonstrations of various aspects of life on the frontier. On Saturday there is a night battle and campfire storytelling. Sunday activities include a frontier worship service and social.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m

History of Saint Paul - More Info

Jun 2

The history of the Town of Saint Paul presented by Jerry Couch.

Nature Walk and Photography Lesson - More Info

Jun 2

Renowned SWVA photographer, Richard Kretz, will conduct a nature walk on the Sugar Hill Loop Trail beginning at 3 pm. Bring your camera for lessons in nature photography.

Mountain Music School - More Info

Jul 27

The 7th annual Mountain Music School will bring together students of all ages for a week of learning, music, and fun. Mountain Music School is dedicated to the preservation and continuation of Appalachian music and culture and will offer classes in "old time" fiddle, claw-hammer banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, and folk guitar. The faculty from MECC's traditional music program will include well-known local musicians Todd Meade, Ron Short, Chris Rose, Andy Ratliff, Cory Brown, and Steve Souther. Students will also be treated to class visits and afternoon concerts by master musicians. All afternoon concerts will be open and free to the general public as well. The Mountain Music School will wrap-up on Friday afternoon with a celebration and student/instructor concert open to family and friends of students and faculty. All students will receive a Mountain Music School tee-shirt. The Mountain Music School will enroll youth and adults ages 10 and over. The School will be offered for one week July 23th - July 27th 2012 and will operate from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, on the Mountain Empire Community College campus in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.