The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association (GCAMA) activities are keeping Cashiers Valley residents, visitors and tourists busy and entertained. The Summer 2011 Shoppers Guide Map, available in the shops of all GCAMA member merchants, allows visitors to check out all of the places to play, shop, eat and stay throughout the Valley.

Groovin’ on the Green, now a concert-lovers favorite during the season, continues on Friday evenings, 6:30 p.m. (rain or shine) through September on stage at the Cashiers Commons accessed off of Frank Allen Road or through the Village Green. July into September featured bands are July 29: Velvet Truckstop; Aug. 12: Les Freres Michot; Aug. 26: The Fishsticks; Sept. 16: The Carol Strickland Band; Sept. 2: Angela Reign and Band. On Sept. 9 local favorite Hurricane Creek completes the regular Groovin’ season. Food is available for purchase from a featured local restaurant at every concert or concertgoers may of course bring their own picnic- fare, beverages and snacks along with blankets or chairs.

The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts will host an evening of unforgettable American music with superstars Lee Greenwood and Louise Mandrell on Saturday, July 30, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $45.

Few artists have ever written a song that has become more a part of America’s cultural landscape than Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” If he’d never written or recorded another hit, Greenwood would have secured his place in music history with that powerful, inspiring ballad.

But it is only one of the many hits that have propelled Greenwood’s successful career. With his distinctive voice, insightful songwriting and unparalleled showmanship, Greenwood has been captivating audiences for decades.

The 2011 Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival Flower Show featured a breathtaking display of dazzling beauty and color with award-winning floral, horticultural and photography exhibitions.

Flower arrangement entries were showcased throughout the art center’s early 1800s hand-hewn post and beam barn. The show also featured a horticulture exhibit in the Dave Drake Studio Barn as well as a nature photography exhibit in the education gallery.

The flower arrangement division awarded blue ribbons in the following classes:

Interpretation – Debby Melnyk

Old Edwards Inn and Spa will host a Fall Fashion Show Luncheon on Thursday, Sept. 8. The new Farm Pavilion will be set up with a stage and runway where Acorns Boutique will debut its spectacular array of fall designer fashions and accessories for women of all ages and body types.

It all starts with a champagne arrival and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a delicious plated lunch by Executive Chef Johannes Klapdohr. Guest speaker, Richard René Silvin will speak about his friendship with the Duchess of Windsor and her impact on fashion. Silvin served as the Duchess’s personal escort in Paris after the death of the Duke in 1972.

After the show, guests are invited to Acorns Boutique to sip champagne and start sprucing up their fall wardrobe with a 10% discount. The Spa Boutique will also be offering a 10% discount on non-sale products during fashion week from Sept. 8 through Sept. 15.