Students at Macon Early College celebrated Prom 2013 at Mountain View Elementary this past Saturday.

Chantelle Rondel and Mannon Salmonson , at right, were named Prom Queen and King.

“Twilight Woods” was the theme for the MEC prom.

Donnie Clay, coordinator for Pickin’ on the Square released a statement regarding the start date for Pickin’ and the location.

“Well, it’s that time again. Time for Pickin’ on the Square. I’m ready and hope you are, too. This year the location of Pickin’ will be changed to the Town Hall. There are to be some great renovations to be done to the gazebo starting in July. We have done several events at the town hall parking before and they were good.

“Pickin’ is scheduled to begin May 11. We have a great schedule for this year, some new acts, acts you have requested back, and some great dancers. Look for the schedule in next week’s Macon County News.”

The Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band just got the surprise of a lifetime. After being asked to gather together last Tuesday morning, band members, along with WCU staff members were surprised to receive the highly anticipated news that they have been selected to perform in the 2014 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Pride of the Mountains will join the line of marching bands in 2014 and begin their performance to the sound of “Let’s Have a Parade,” the iconic phrase that has signaled the start of every Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1924.

Pride of the Mountains was selected to be one of 10 marching ensembles in the 2014 parade beating out more than 175 applicants nationwide. Their outstanding musical ability, marching and performance skills and local recognition reinforced Macy’s decision to showcase the band’s talent during the grand march on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014.

The Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center (SMPCC) held its BBQ Dinner Fundraiser this past Saturday night. Terry and Ruth Bloemsma offered the use of their barn facilities located on Patton Road.

Macon County has been very blessed by this facility being opened up to the public for special occasions or events.

More than 200 plates of barbecue were served, hayrides were given that were packed full on each ride, and live music was provided all evening. The Southern Appalachian Boys and the Blue Mountain Movement a.k.a. the Clark & Drew Band, performed as Craig Peavy and his son, Cody, of Crossroads Entertainment kept things rolling in between sets. The bands sang gospel, bluegrass, and folk music to the appreciative crowd.