The Savvy Shopper

There's a hint of Fall in the air! With mornings cooler and some leaves starting to change color, the outdoors is a great place to spend leisure time. The 2009 Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad "Summer Sports Festival" begins Thursday August 27 thru Sunday, August 30. As a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers, the annual event brings people together in the spirit of friendly competition for the broader purpose of promoting health and wellness, charitable giving, regional tourism and economic development. The Olympiad has given back over $120,000 to charities since 2005. One of the highlights of this year's event will be the Lake Lure Ski Club. The show line-up will include three water-ski pyramids, barefoot skiing, tantrum wakeboard flips and much more! The club will also highlight the influx of young talent with several children who learned to ski this season!

In addition to water skiing, there will also be tennis and volleyball competition as well as children's games. All three of these categories are in need of more participants.

For more information on volunteering, registering for events or to make a contribution, please visit http://www.hickorynutolympiad.com/, Facebook or call 828-429-9011. Tomorrow I will share a more complete weekend schedule with you.

Some troubling news to pass on to you - Scoops Ice Cream Shop in Forest City has closed its doors as of last week. That only leaves Doc's in Rutherfordton, Smiths Drugs in Forest City and Spindale Drug in Spindale for an ice cream cone in the TriLocal area!

Speaking of sweet treats, did you know that Davis Donuts has moved to a new location? They are now located next to Sherwin Williams Paint on Main Street across from the old depot building in Forest City. Stop by and check out their new digs - I understand they have added a few new items to their menu besides donuts.

*So what is going in to their old spot - well, City Table Catering is moving into it. Not only can you stop by and enjoy great BBQ at the City Table restaurant, but you

can also handle your catering needs right next door! Both are located on North Powell Street in Forest City.

*Do you clip coupons?? If so, look a new column in the Daily Courier beginning Saturday, Sept. 5th. It features Jill Cataldo, who is known as the Coupon Queen. Each weekly session will teach people how to track sales and use coupons to their fullest potential! There will also be coupons from local Rutherford County merchants included. For more information about the columnist, visit http://www.super-couponing.com/.

*If you're a local merchant who wants to participate in the weekly coupon offers, contact the Daily Courier at 828.245.6431 for all the details. A 2" x 3" ad is only $25.00 per week (deadline for 1st week is 9/2/09)!!