This weekend on a shoestring

Thursday, Aug. 16

• Join “The Canoe Guru” Eli Helbert, four time World Canoeing Champion, lead Instructor for WMI of NOLS and an American Canoe Association instructor trainer, as he shares highlights from recent canoe trips in the State of Veracruz during a meeting of the Western Carolina Paddlers. Free to attend. Held at Asheville REI, 31 Schenck Parkway. 6:30 p.m.

• The Cashiers Public Library, 249 Frank Allen Road, hosts a screening of Chariots of Fire, the true story of two British athletes, one a Christian and the other a Jew, competing in the 1924 Olympics. 4 p.m. Free. Info: 743-0215.

Friday, Aug. 17

• Learn more about the relationship between summer wildflowers and insects during “Sweet Summer Nectar,” an easy-to-moderate 2.5-mile hike to the open meadows near Sam Knob. Trip meets at the Black Balsam parking area at the end of Forest Service Road 816, MP 420. Bring water and sunscreen, wear walking shoes, and be prepared for changing weather. Info: 298-5330, ext. 304.

• ”Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from pop, oldies and rock to contemporary music,” begins a website for the weekly summer series. “Put on your dancing shoes and head to Music On Main Street for some good toe tapping music, where there is a dance area in front of the stage. Bring a chair and sit back, relax and enjoy the music from 7-9 p.m. Parking lot seating area opens after 5:30 p.m., early admission is prohibited. Please leave your pets comfortably at home; Hendersonville City ordinance prohibits animals in the event area. Admission is free. No alcoholic beverages or coolers allowed.” This week, the series features classic covers from Tuxedo Junction.

• From a February Xpress feature, “Formerly known as Do It To Julia, River Whyless is celebrating [its] album at CD release parties in Boone, its former home, and Asheville, its current address. A Stone, A Leaf, An Unfound Door is a concept album, built around the idea of the changing nature of relationships. And its creation is full of literary references. … River Whyless, who financed the album through contributions from Kickstarter, calls itself a baroque/folk group, but ‘broke folk group’ might better describe it, [singer/violinist Halli] Anderson said.  ‘The genre-fication is tough for us. We also like ‘nature pop’ and ‘progressive folk.’ But ‘baroque’ works for the album, because we’re got strings and storytelling in there. And it has an ‘older’ feeling to it. What I don’t want is to scare people off that we’re some overly pretentious art music group. I just want people to listen.’” Catch the band at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., with The Hill and Wood and Colorfields. $8/$10. 9 p.m.

River Whyless “Unfound Door” from Dane Smith on Vimeo.

Saturday, Aug. 18

• “Join us at ZaPow for a shop talk session with key members of the Southeast Chapter of the National Cartoonist Society,” invites an event page. “Learn how to get into the industry, write comics, manage your visual property and much more. It’s all completly free! Don’t miss out!” Featured speakers include Marvel and DC Comics artist Andy Smith, Jack Cassady, Bill LaRocque and more. 21 Battery Park Ave., Suite 101. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Spend your Saturday with a host of furry, four-legged friends at Dog Day Afternoon. The event, to benefit Animal Compassion Network, the Asheville Humane Society and Brother Wolf, will include a dog-friendly fun run, a doggie photo booth, contests, music by Xanderfly and Big Daddy Love, adoptable dogs, training tips for pet owners and more. Held at Carrier Park in West Asheville. Free to attend. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community invites the public to join in celebrating the completion of its new micro-hydro energy system with Big Splash, an afternoon of organic food, music, opportunities to play in Hickory Nut Creek and tours of the facility. Held in conjunction with ECO’s Green Home Tour. Directions to the community available here. Free to attend. Info: 712-7797.

• From an event page, “An exciting afternoon of charity and creativity will be happening in Pack Square to support the local nonprofit Caring For Children. Jonas Gerard will create and paint live to music, swiftly followed by a live auction of the paintings. Captivated by the bold strokes of Jonas’ brush, as the paint moves and flows to the beat of the music, the audience will become a part of the energy and creative process as several new paintings spring to life before their eyes. While the paint is still wet, we hope those eager, art-loving philanthropists in the audience will be bidding on the paintings during the action-packed live auction. Proceeds will benefit the charity, Caring for Children, in this emotional and exciting event.” Free to attend. 1-3 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 19

• “The Asheville Storytelling Circle (ASC) is a nonprofit organization of folks who love stories,” begins the circle’s website. “Some of the members are professional tellers, others are amateur tellers and still others just love listening to stories. However, all are interested in cultivating the traditional art of storytelling. The ASC is affiliated with the North Carolina Storytelling Guild.” Join the organization for “Folktales and Foolishness” at the Buncombe County Recreation Park, 72 Gashes Creek Road. Free. Info: 581-4603.