The Border Collie demonstration behind Town Hall brought crowds attending the 15th annual Franklin Scottish Tartans Festival tot their feet. Bill Coburn, of Windy Knolls Farm, said that he loves working with the dogs. Border Collies are a special breed and are workaholics. He explained that he can usually get 14 to 15 good working years out of one of his dogs. Coburn jokingly added that “Border Collies work well with all kinds of livestock — even children.”

Franklin’s Scottish Tartan’s Festival was the first event that he demonstrated the dog’s ability outside of trials and he has been coming to the festival for almost 10 years. Now he travels up and down the east coast doing both demos and trials.

One hundred quilts will be showcased during the Airing of the Quilts, June 24-25 at the Jackson County Public Library and Historic Courthouse.

The "Library Quilt" above will be officially presented to library officials Friday at noon. It will hang permanently in the new library in the restored historic courthouse in Sylva. It was created by Tuesday Quilters, a Sylva guild.

Saturday's highlight is a fashion show and luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the courthouse.

The Overlook Theatre Company will present the musical comedy “Guys and Dolls” June 23-26 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts.

Sponsored in part by Teen Challenge of the Smokies, tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students.

Pictured are Steve Crabtree, Samuel Crabtree, Timothy Crabtree, Doug Egge, David Spivey, Everett Wright, TJ Hanson, Kathi Graham (Miss Adelaide), and Fred Berger (Nathan Detroit).

Photo provided

The Friends of the Rickman Store will be hosting a forum for the presentation of music and poetry this summer.

With performers such as Steve Brady, organizer and songwriter, Angela Faye Martin and many more, the public is encouraged to come out to the store, dust off that flat-top or bring out some of that stowed poetry to share among neighbors, songwriters, poets and local talents.

Short stories are welcome, too. The time of each presentation will be kept to around 15 minutes so that everyone gets a chance to present. To sign up ahead of time or ask any questions, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or arrive at the store at 7 p.m. where a first come, first serve sign-up sheet will be provided.