The Town of Blowing Rock, in partnership with Blue Ridge Energy, is pleased to share an update on ongoing efforts to improve cellular service throughout the community.  

Construction activities are expected to have minimal impact on the community; however, there will be some lane closures in a few areas to protect the community and workers. Flaggers will be present during these lane closures as they were during a recent AT&T project. 

Blue Ridge Energy has already completed 14 new AT&T installations in the Blowing Rock area and upgraded existing T-Mobile sites to enhance performance. Construction on Verizon small cell installations is expected to begin around June 15th, with completion anticipated by October 2026.

This multi-phase initiative is focused on improving both coverage and capacity. While residents may currently see strong signal strength indications on their devices, network capacity limitations have affected voice and data performance. These ongoing upgrades are designed to increase performances, available bandwidth, and better support current and future demand.  

The Verizon project involves installing small cell nodes in the place of existing Verizon Nodes on utility poles throughout the Town (pictured above). Once complete, this expanded network capacity will deliver significantly improved cellular coverage across Blowing Rock.  

We will continue our partnership with Blue Ridge Energy and look forward to delivering meaningful improvements in connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors.  

Art in the Park Tomorrow!

Celebrating more than six decades, Art in the Park returns to downtown Blowing Rock with a season of exceptional fine art and handcrafts.

Artists’ tents line Park Avenue in the heart of downtown, just steps from local shops, restaurants, and parks. Each show features a curated selection of artists, offering a wide variety of mediums. Browse one-of-a-kind pieces for your home, functional works like furniture and pottery, and wearable art including handcrafted jewelry and textiles.

June 13 | July 25 | August 15

September 12 | October 3

Time: 10 AM – 4 PM, rain or shine

Location: Park Avenue, Downtown Blowing Rock

Skip the search for parking and take the free Art in the Park shuttle from the Shoppes on the Parkway. The shuttle runs continuously from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Additional parking is available on Maple Street, Wallingford Street, and at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. Some locations, including Rumple Church and Blowing Rock School, may charge a small fee benefiting local charities.

The upcoming June 16th Town Council Meeting will address many important topics for the Town, including the public hearing for the 2026-2027 Town Budget, legislation changes to the ABC store, departmental reports, and more.

To view the agenda and all supporting documents, click the button below.

If you are unable to attend the Town Meetings, they are broadcasted live and recorded. Our YouTube Channel as well as other Town events and information can be found on our website blowingrock.gov.

You can also visit our YouTube channel by clicking below.

Jerry Burns Day

The Blowing Rock Historical Society invites you to celebrate Jerry Burns "Mr. Blowing Rock" Day June 18th from 4:00-6:00PM in the American Legion. There will be guest speaker Dr. Barry Buxton, the Jerry Burns Award Presentation, cake and refreshments.

If you didn't know Jerry, here are a few of his accomplishments that led to his beloved nickname "Mr. Blowing Rock":

• Editor / Writer / Photographer for The Blowing Rocket for 44 years
• Volunteer Fire Fighter & Founder of the BR Rescue Squad
• Town Council Member
• President of the Chamber of Commerce
• Recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award

Bicycle Rodeo! Saturday, June 20th

Join us Saturday, June 20th for Bicycle Rodeo! This event will be led by Chief Kirk and Lt. Dotson and will be teaching kids safe practices and proper hand signals to use while riding and will also have a course set up to practice going through an intersection. A special thank you to Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters who will be providing a bike checking station to look over the bikes and check brakes, tire inflation, and bike chains.

Dear Blowing Rock Community,

Thank you for the warm welcome you have extended to me as I begin my role as Town Manager. I am truly honored to join such a vibrant, engaged, and beautiful community.

In just a short time here I have already experienced the friendliness, pride, and dedication that makes Blowing Rock such a special place. I look forward to meeting more residents, business owners, and community partners as I learn about the issues, opportunities, and traditions that are important to you.

I am excited to work alongside the Town Council, staff, and community members to help preserve what makes Blowing Rock unique while thoughtfully planning for the future. Listening, collaboration, and service will be at the heart of my approach, and I welcome the opportunity to hear your ideas and perspectives.

Thank you again for your gracious welcome. I am delighted to be here, and I look forward to becoming an active part of this wonderful community.

With appreciation,

Alice Derian

Town Manager