 Where Creativity Blooms and Community Gathers This month, we’re leaning into the beauty of fresh beginnings—welcoming new makers, highlighting inspiring creators, and preparing for events that reflect the passion and purpose of our Blue Ridge community. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just discovering us, April is the perfect time to reconnect, explore, and be inspired.  What's Happening Round Town? Click the image to get directly connected to that event page! April  April 25th Foundry Park, Johnson City  2026 Trivia Pub Crawl
April 25th | May  May 8-9
Appalachian Fairgrounds  May 16th Memorial Park Community Center  May 23rd Parkers Chapel Freewill Baptist Church | & Beyond  June 12-13 Appalachian Fairgrounds  We are currently looking for Performing Arts and Athletic programs to set up and showcase what makes you special! Contact Cynthia to get involved! |
     | Meet the Maker:
Defender Creations At Blue Ridge Events, every maker has a story—and Defender Creations brings one rooted in service, creativity, and craftsmanship.
This veteran-owned and operated business began with a focus on sterling silver and genuine stone jewelry, creating timeless pieces with care and intention. As their passion for making grew, so did their offerings—expanding into laser-engraved designs on pens, pen boxes, trinket boxes, and wallets. Each piece reflects both precision and personality, blending function with meaningful detail.
Today, Defender Creations continues to evolve by incorporating 3D printing into their work, opening the door to even more unique and versatile items. From customized gifts to innovative creations, they truly offer something for everyone in the family.
What makes Defender Creations special isn’t just the variety—it’s the heart behind the work. Their journey reflects dedication, adaptability, and a commitment to creating pieces that people can use, gift, and treasure.
We’re proud to feature Defender Creations as part of our Blue Ridge maker community—where every item tells a story, and every maker brings something meaningful to the table. Stop by to see them and much more at the Street Rod Nationals: May 8-9 |
Flavor of the Month: Sexton Family Farms & Apiary 🍯🐝 This month, we’re bringing a taste of the region straight to your table with Sexton Family Farms & Apiary, a family-owned and operated farm based in Lee County, Virginia.
Established in 2015, their farm is rooted in hard work, tradition, and a deep connection to the land. While they raise registered Angus and commercial beef cattle, it’s their locally harvested honey that truly captures the flavor of the season. With multiple apiary locations across Lee County, their honey reflects the natural beauty and diversity of the area—offering a rich, local sweetness you can enjoy in everything from tea to baked goods.
In addition to their classic bottled honey, they offer a wide variety of specialty honey products, including hot honey, fire honey, and a delicious selection of flavored and infused honeys such as blueberry, lemon, blackberry, and even bold options like ghost pepper—plus many more unique blends. They also create a variety of beeswax and honey-based products, perfect for everyday use or thoughtful gifting.
Their passion for beekeeping goes beyond the hive—they’re dedicated to educating schools and the community about the vital role bees play in our ecosystem and food supply. They will even remove swarms and hives in unwanted places. So please contact instead of spraying!
Sexton Family Farms is also growing in exciting ways, recently expanding to include lavender with plans for a future “you-pick” experience on the farm. You can often find them at festivals and craft shows throughout the year, where they love connecting with new faces and welcoming back familiar ones.
From their fields to your home, Sexton Family Farms & Apiary brings a little extra sweetness to our Blue Ridge community—and we’re proud to feature them as this month’s Flavor of the Month. 🍯💛 Stop by to see them and much more at the Street Rod Nationals: May 8-9 |     |
    | Noteworthy Non-Profit:
 Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes is a nonprofit dedicated to creating custom-built costumes for children who use walkers and wheelchairs—completely free to families. Funded by donations and powered by a passionate network of volunteers, each costume is uniquely designed around a child’s mobility device, ensuring no two creations are ever the same.
Founded in 2015 in the greater Kansas City area by Lon and his son Reese Davis, the organization began after Lon built a Halloween costume for Reese and families across the country began reaching out for help. Over the past 10 years, they’ve delivered more than 250 costumes and expanded to include three chapters—including one in the Blue Ridge Region of East Tennessee—as well as dozens of volunteer builders, schools, and businesses.
With chapters at the University of Wichita and the University of Pittsburg, along with community-based teams, Walkin’ & Rollin’ Costumes continues to grow its mission of pairing families with local builders whenever possible. Costumes typically cost between $300–$500 to create, and when local builds aren’t available, they are shipped—often at an additional expense.
Build workshops are frequently hosted at maker spaces like The Inventor Center in Kingsport, TN. These hands-on events are open to the public and guided by experienced team members, making it easy for anyone—regardless of skill level—to get involved.
You can learn more, request a costume, volunteer, or donate through their website, and explore their incredible creations on social media. If you're interested in supporting their mission, consider getting involved through their Superhero Sidekick fundraising program or by reaching out directly. |
Sponsor Spotlight:
TN Water & Air At Blue Ridge Events, we are proud to highlight partners who share our commitment to community and care—Tennessee Water & Air Technology is one of those valued supporters.
Family-owned and Tennessee-proud since 1980, this trusted company has spent over four decades helping families and businesses across East and Middle Tennessee enjoy cleaner, safer water. With more than 25,000 systems installed, they specialize in customized water solutions tailored to each home or business—not one-size-fits-all systems.
Their process always begins with proper water testing, ensuring every solution is designed with purpose and precision. From whole-home filtration systems to water softening and reverse osmosis, their focus is on improving everyday water quality and long-term reliability.
Serving residential, commercial, and community spaces alike, Tennessee Water & Air Technology is grounded in values that reflect our own Blue Ridge spirit: trust, craftsmanship, and service to others.
We are especially grateful for their support of Blue Ridge Artisan Days and their investment in local artisans and community events. Sponsors like Tennessee Water & Air Technology help make it possible to bring people together in celebration of creativity, connection, and craftsmanship. |    |
   | 🐾 Pet of the Month: Meet Maisie 🐾
This April, we’re thrilled to introduce you to a little ray of sunshine—Maisie, our Pet of the Month!
Born on March 3, 2025, Maisie came into the world at Paddle Creek Pet Ranch & Rescue, the youngest of her litter to her mama, Winnie—a pregnant rescue given a second chance. With one older sister (now happily adopted by Maisie’s grandparents), Maisie’s story was already full of love from the very beginning.
But her journey didn’t stop there.
When Maisie found her forever home, her family was still healing from the loss of a beloved fur-baby. Bringing in a new pup wasn’t part of the plan—but as fate would have it, Maisie arrived exactly when she was needed most. From the moment she stepped into their lives, she brought light, comfort, and a renewed sense of joy.
Full of personality and charming little quirks, Maisie lives life to the fullest. She’s adventurous, outgoing, and always ready for the next experience—whether that’s a car ride, exploring somewhere new, or meeting new friends (who, without fail, fall in love with her instantly). She also enjoys spending time around the neighborhood with her human and furry companions and loves her special “pup vacations” with Auntie Ann.
Today, Maisie is truly the heart of her home—bringing love, laughter, and happiness every single day.
We’re so honored to celebrate Maisie this month—a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the right little soul finds you exactly when you need them most. 💛 |
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