📫Food Truck Rodeo | Paying It Forward | Garage Sale Update | Trail Art Adds Surprise and Joy | Free Summer Meals 📍

Read Online

🎉 Hey Foodie Fam — You Made It! 🍟🎉

Happy FRY-day, friends — yep, you officially survived another week, and the reward is delicious. Not only is it Friday (cue the confetti), but it’s National Food Truck Day — aka the perfect excuse to ditch the kitchen, grab your sunnies, and hunt down your favorite rolling restaurant!

🌮 Craving tacos that slap?
🍔 Dreaming of a burger stacked taller than your inbox?
🍦Need a little soft serve therapy after a long week?

Whatever you’re hungry for, there’s a food truck parked somewhere nearby ready to turn your day around one bite at a time.

So fire up your favorite food truck finder app (or just scroll your local socials — we see you, Instagram detectives 👀), grab a friend, and hit the streets. Raleigh, Wake Forest, RTP — they’re all serving up flavor today.

You earned this. Go out and taste the weekend. 🚚💨

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

📍 Be sure to check the “Amazon Coupons” daily. It changes every day!! 📍

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

🎉 From Fashion to Gadgets – The Deals Are Always Changing! 🎉
Every day brings new savings, and we’re here to hook you up! Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, a last-minute gift, or just treating yourself (because why not?), we’ve got your back with fresh coupons and awesome deals — all through our link!

We hustle daily so you can save big for you and your family.
✨ Click. Shop. Save. Repeat. ✨

Let’s make shopping more fun and more affordable — together!

🕒 Deals change daily,

Please note that for some deals you mayneed to be an Amazon member.

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the food truck break up with the taco stand?
👉 Because it needed more space to ketchup on its feelings! 🌮🚚😂

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

🏆 Raleigh hosted one of the largest food truck rodeos in the Southeast. The Downtown Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo can feature over 50 trucks stretched across 11 city blocks!

_{Read Online}

🎉 Hit the Streets for the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo This Saturday!

Congratulations — you made it through the week! Now it’s time to celebrate big on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from noon to 6 PM on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. The Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo is back, and it’s ready to roll out some serious flavor (and fun) — with free admission and more than 50 food trucks parked across 11 blocks. Bring your appetite and your good vibes!

🍽️ What’s Cooking?

From tacos that tango on your tongue to sweet treats that’ll make your Insta pop, here’s what you’ll find:

• G’s Tacos and Hollywood Burrito Shop serving up Mexican favorites with flair

• Bulkogi bringing that crave-worthy Korean BBQ goodness

• JAM Soft Serve and The Kupkake Fairy tempting you with dreamy desserts

• Smash Masters flipping gourmet smashed burgers that hit the spot

• Party in a Pita dishing out bold Mediterranean flavors

• Plus smoothies, cheesecakes, and plenty more mouthwatering options!

🎈 Why You Can’t Miss This

• Massive lineup: Over 50 trucks spread across 11 city blocks — that’s a whole lotta yum!

• More than food: Live DJs, kids’ inflatables, face painting, a beer garden, misting stations, and even a Carolina Hurricanes photo booth for some selfie fun

• Family friendly & free: Just bring yourself, friends, and your hunger — the party’s on us!

🌟 Standout Trucks to Watch

• Bulkogi: Korean BBQ so good, it’s basically a love language

• Smash Masters: Because smashed burgers are the ultimate weekend fuel

• Kupkake Fairy: Mini cupcakes that are as cute as they are delicious — perfect for your feed!

🗓️ The Deets

• When: Saturday, June 28, 2025

• Time: 12 PM – 6 PM

• Where: Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh (400 Fayetteville St)

• Cost: Free entry — just pay for what you eat!

🔥 Pro Tips

1. Get there early to beat the lines and catch the music kickoff

2. Bring cash just in case some trucks don’t take cards

3. Use a food truck app like StreetFoodFinder to plan your foodie route

So rally your crew, mark your calendar, and get ready to chow down at Raleigh’s biggest—and tastiest—summer block party. Food trucks + good times = the perfect weekend combo! 🚚🍔🎶

_{Read Online}

Wake County Summer Camps Keep Kids Active and Engaged

Wake County Parks & Rec is offering a wide range of summer camps for kids, with options for all ages and interests. Camps include nature hikes, canoeing, fishing, crafts, wildlife exploration, and hands-on STEAM activities.

Programs are held at parks like Lake Crabtree, Crowder, Blue Jay Point, and Harris Lake. Some camps are full-day; others are half-day, with fees starting around $36. Wake County 4-H also offers free specialty camps in topics like cooking, drones, and fiber arts.

Spots fill quickly—register now at wake.gov/parks.

🍽️ Free Summer Meals (No Registration Required)

Thanks to USDA’s Summer Food Service Program, 16 sites across Wake County, including the new setup at Beech Bluff Park in Willow Spring, are serving free breakfast and/or lunch to kids aged 0–18 through late July or August

Trail Art Installation Adds Surprise and Joy to Local Greenways

Throughout the month of June, art lovers and nature walkers alike are discovering hidden treasures thanks to the "Trail Art" initiative. Each day, two small handcrafted art pieces or sculptures are placed along local greenways in Wake County.

These surprise works of art are free for the taking—if you find one, you’re welcome to keep it! The initiative is designed to spark curiosity, encourage outdoor activity, and showcase local creativity in a fun, interactive way.

Woman Hospitalized After Early Morning Fire

A woman was taken to the hospital after a house fire broke out around 2:50 a.m. Thursday on Fanny Brown Road near Banks Road in southern Wake County. Fire crews from Fuquay-Varina, Garner, and Raleigh responded quickly.

Officials say the woman suffered smoke inhalation and was transported for treatment. The fire caused significant damage to the home. The cause is under investigation.

🍕 Our Personal Foodie NY Pizza Review

We dove straight into the New Yorker Pizza, and let me tell you—it was piled HIGH with meats and absolutely delicious. The crust? A perfect, thin, foldable New York-style masterpiece that could easily transport you to a pizzeria in Manhattan. The sauce? It tasted like it was plucked straight from Italy itself—bright, tangy, and full of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes.

In Italian, “delicious” is “delizioso” — and that pizza was delizioso in every bite.

Vic’s menu is packed with Italian classics done right:

• Penne alla Vodka — Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor.

• Shrimp Fra Diavolo — Spicy and satisfying, perfect if you like a little kick.

• Chicken Parmesan — Crispy, cheesy, and comforting—what more could you want?

Start with the crispy fried calamari or buttery garlic knots to whet your appetite, then finish off your meal with the refreshing Lucia’s Limoncello Cake—a zesty, sweet treat that’s the perfect finale.

With cozy seating options and a charming atmosphere often enhanced by live piano music, Vic’s is a fantastic choice for everything from casual family dinners to romantic date nights.

Address: 331 Blake Street, Raleigh, NC 27601

From Struggles to Strength: How One Woman’s Simple Act Sparked a Movement of Giving

Meet Jessica Hernandez, a single mom from Asheville, NC, who turned her own challenges into a beacon of hope for her community. After losing her job during the pandemic, Jessica faced months of uncertainty and worry about providing for her two kids. Instead of sinking into despair, she decided to pay it forward in a small but powerful way.

One day, while waiting in line at a local grocery store, Jessica noticed a man in front of her struggling to pay for his groceries. Without hesitation, she quietly covered the difference. That small act of kindness didn’t just help a stranger—it ignited a spark.

Inspired, Jessica started a “Pay It Forward” fund in her neighborhood. Using donations from friends, family, and local businesses, she began covering grocery bills, utility payments, and even gas cards for people in need. What started as a modest effort grew quickly—neighbors began contributing, local stores offered discounts, and volunteers signed up to help distribute aid.

Fast forward two years, and Jessica’s initiative, called “Hope Basket Asheville,” has helped hundreds of families stay afloat through tough times. More than that, it has fostered a spirit of generosity and connection in the community.

Jessica says, “Helping others lifted me up when I needed it most. We all have the power to change lives—it just takes a little courage and a lot of heart.”

Her story reminds us that even the smallest gestures can ripple out to create big waves of good.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

_{Read Online}

🎉 Can’t-Miss Events in Wake County: June 27–29, 2025

🎭 Live Shows & Entertainment

• On the Border: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute
  Friday, June 27 | 8 PM | Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
  Rock out to all the Eagles classics performed live — a perfect date night or music lover’s treat.

• Burning Coal Theatre Presents: Forgive Us, Gustavito
  Sunday, June 29 | 2 PM | Burning Coal Theatre, Raleigh
  Dive into this compelling play that’s part of the “Wait Til You See This!” series.

🎨 Arts & Culture

• Harmonic Chaos Art Exhibit
  June 27–29 | 8 AM–5 PM | Block Gallery, Raleigh
  Explore stunning new works by local artists Martha Thorn and Tonya Thornton at this free gallery show.

• Linocut Printmaking Workshop: Visualizing Your Forage
  Saturday, June 28 | 10 AM–3 PM | Photo Farm, Chapel Hill
  Get hands-on with nature-inspired art in this unique printmaking class.

🎉 Festivals & Community Fun

• Fuquay-Varina Pride Celebration
  Saturday, June 28 | All Day | Fuquay-Varina
  Celebrate love, diversity, and community with a parade, music, food, and family-friendly activities.

• Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo
  Saturday, June 28 | Noon–6 PM | Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh
  Sample flavors from 50+ food trucks, enjoy live DJs, kids’ inflatables, a beer garden, and more!

🎶 Music & Outdoor Vibes

• Summer Jam Music Series: The Embers
  Saturday, June 28 | 7 PM–9 PM | MOSAIC Family Commons, Pittsboro
  Chill out with free beach music tunes from The Embers in a beautiful outdoor setting.

• Live Music at Raleigh Brewing
  Saturday, June 28 | 3 PM–6 PM | Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
  Sip craft beer and enjoy local live music — a great spot to relax with friends or a date.

🧠 Workshops & Learning

• Grant Writing Workshop
  Friday, June 27 | 10 AM–1 PM | Five Points Center, Raleigh
  Sharpen your skills in this hands-on grant writing class — perfect for nonprofits, students, and creatives.

• Crafternoon at Green Road Community Library
  Sunday, June 29 | 1 PM–3 PM | Green Road Community Library, Raleigh
  Get crafty with free DIY sessions for all ages — materials provided!

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events happening today and this week!

Sometimes, email servers can cut off parts of the newsletter, making it tricky to enjoy the full experience. For the best reading experience and to catch all the details, click here to view the entire newsletter!

👇👇👇

If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]