Good morning, Wake County—
As we welcome the weekend, we pause to recognize National Navajo Code Talkers Day and honor the courageous Navajo Marines who served during World War II. Using their native language, they developed and transmitted a military code that enemy forces were never able to break. Their extraordinary skill, bravery, and sacrifice helped protect American troops and contributed greatly to victory in the Pacific.
Today, we remember these remarkable heroes with gratitude and respect. May their legacy remind us that courage, ingenuity, and service can change the course of history.
Wishing you a meaningful Friday and a wonderful weekend ahead!
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
B’s Customer Designs – Handmade Wreaths That Make a Statement
Support a small business and a work-at-home mom when you choose a one-of-a-kind wreath from B’s Customer Designs.
Each piece is carefully crafted to be uniquely yours—beautiful, eye-catching, and the perfect statement for your front door.
Turn your entryway into something special. Shop B’s Customer Designs today and bring home the beauty of handmade.
Check out her latest creations and order your own: B’s Custom Creations by BR
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Friday.
Friday who?
Friday-lly! The weekend is finally here! 😄
A Feathered World Awaits
Discover flamingos, toucans, rare waterfowl and unforgettable hands-on encounters at one of North Carolina’s most remarkable hidden gems.
You do not need a passport to encounter birds from nearly every corner of the world. Tucked away in the small Halifax County town of Scotland Neck, Sylvan Heights Bird Park offers a colorful and surprisingly immersive wildlife adventure within an easy drive of Raleigh and Wake County.
The park features more than 2,500 birds from around the world, including flamingos, parrots, cranes, toucans, owls, swans, ducks and geese. Its affiliated Avian Breeding Center houses the world’s largest collection of exotic and rare waterfowl and plays an important role in protecting threatened and endangered species.
A self-guided visit takes guests through spacious walk-through aviaries organized around different regions of the world. Tropical plants provide the setting for brilliantly colored toucans, finches and turacos, while other exhibits showcase rare ducks, geese, swans, cranes and many other fascinating species.
The park also includes gardens and approximately one mile of trails, with benches and resting areas placed throughout the property. Visitors should allow at least two hours to explore, although bird lovers and photographers may easily spend half a day.
The highlight for many visitors is The Landing Zone, a large free-flight aviary filled with hundreds of friendly parakeets, Caribbean flamingos and other colorful birds.
Guests can purchase bird food and experience the thrill of feeding a flamingo or having a parakeet land on their hand, shoulder or head. Admission to The Landing Zone is included with the regular park ticket, although bird food costs extra.
The Landing Zone is currently open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Species on display may change with the season and weather.
Sylvan Heights is more than a tourist attraction. It is an avian conservation and education center committed to protecting waterfowl and wetlands.
Founders Mike and Ali Lubbock began breeding rare waterfowl in North Carolina during the 1980s. Their work eventually grew into the Sylvan Heights Avian Breeding Center, which now maintains important populations of endangered waterfowl. In some cases, the birds cared for and bred at Sylvan Heights represent a vital safeguard for species facing the possibility of extinction in the wild.
Visitors leave with beautiful photographs and memorable encounters—but also a greater appreciation for the importance of protecting birds and their natural habitats.
Location:
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
500 Sylvan Heights Park Way
Scotland Neck, NC 27874
Hours:
April through October: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
November through March: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays, except for certain holidays
Adults ages 13–61: $15
Seniors ages 62 and older: $14
Children ages 3–12: $12
Children age 2 and younger: Free
North Carolina sales tax is added at purchase.
Most of the park is outdoors, so comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The majority of the pathways are paved, and all aviaries are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Complimentary nonmotorized wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A major new exhibit, Penguin Point, is scheduled to open on October 17, 2026, bringing African penguins to eastern North Carolina for the first time.
For tickets, current information and special events, visit the official Sylvan Heights Bird Park website.
Whether you are planning an outing with the grandchildren, searching for a memorable date-day destination or simply looking for something wonderfully different, Sylvan Heights Bird Park is one North Carolina treasure worth putting on your list.
Water Babies of Greater Raleigh offers expert-led swim lessons for babies and toddlers from birth to age 4 in warm, welcoming Triangle pools.
You’ll be in the water together for fun, child-led classes filled with songs, play, and gentle skill-building—creating special bonding moments while your little one gains confidence.
Why parents love Water Babies:
✅ Builds early water confidence and helps prevent fear of water
✅ Introduces foundational water safety skills
✅ Supports healthy physical and emotional development
✅ Creates quality parent-child bonding time
✅ Taught by caring, highly trained local instructors
Give your child the gift of water confidence and joyful memories. Spots fill quickly—contact Water Babies of Greater Raleigh today!
Wake Tech Earns National Recognition
Wake Tech continues to shine as North Carolina’s largest community college, serving more than 72,000 students annually. The college offers over 250 degree, diploma and certificate programs, preparing students for university transfer and careers in health care, technology, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, public safety and skilled trades.
With nearly 100 fully online programs and workforce training designed around local employers’ needs, Wake Tech is helping residents build successful careers while strengthening the Triangle’s workforce.
A Bankable New Name for Raleigh’s Convention Center
The Raleigh Convention Center is getting a new name—and the city is getting a multimillion-dollar partnership. Following a unanimous City Council vote, the downtown venue will become the Atlantic Union Bank Convention Center.
Under the 15-year agreement, Atlantic Union Bank will pay Raleigh $525,000 during the first year, with the annual payment increasing by 2% each year. The agreement is expected to generate more than $9 million, with options for two additional five-year extensions.
The new partnership comes as Raleigh prepares for a nearly 300,000-square-foot expansion of the convention center. The larger facility is expected to attract additional conventions, visitors and business activity while supporting the continued growth of downtown Raleigh.
From Graduation Cap to Career Map: Cary and Raleigh Make the Grade
New college graduates searching for the right place to begin their careers may not have to look beyond Wake County. A 2026 CoworkingCafe study ranked Cary No. 9 among midsized cities and Raleigh No. 12 among large cities for recent graduates.
The study examined more than 300 U.S. cities using government data on employment opportunities, income, affordability, benefits and lifestyle amenities. Cary stood out with a median income for college graduates approaching $90,000 and a cost of living about 2% below the national average. Raleigh earned recognition for its strong employment opportunities and high rate of employer-provided health insurance.
Together, the rankings reinforce Wake County’s reputation as a place where young professionals can build careers, enjoy a high quality of life and put down lasting roots.
School’s Out, Friday Fun Is In!
Looking for a way to turn an ordinary Friday evening into a family adventure? From dancing in the streets to splash-pad fun and classic amusement rides, Wake County has several great ways to kick off the weekend with the kids on Friday, August 14.
Dance the Evening Away at Friday Night on White
Bring your lawn chairs—and your dancing shoes—to downtown Wake Forest for Friday Night on White. The Amazing Lounge Lizards will perform classic rock, pop, Motown and dance favorites along South White Street from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Admission is free, and food trucks and downtown restaurants will offer plenty of choices for dinner or a sweet treat. The concert is family-friendly and weather permitting.
Make a Splash in Knightdale
Cool everyone down at the Knightdale Station Park Splash Pad, which is open until 8:00 p.m. The free, 2,000-square-foot attraction features 20 water sprayers and plenty of space for children to run, splash and play.
Pack swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and dry clothes for the ride home. The splash pad is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. during its summer season.
Take an Evening Ride at Pullen Park
Make memories on the historic carousel, miniature train or pedal boats at Pullen Park in Raleigh. Friday amusement hours continue until 8:00 p.m., giving families time to enjoy the park after dinner or when the afternoon heat begins to fade.
Ride tickets are $2 per person and can be purchased at the Welcome Center. Availability of individual attractions, particularly the kiddie boats, may vary.
Galaxy Quest—For Families Who Already Have Tickets
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is hosting Museum Movie Night: Galaxy Quest from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. The evening includes music, hands-on science activities, the movie, an expert discussion and trivia.
However, the museum has announced that this event is sold out, so it should only be included in your family’s plans if you already have tickets.
Whether you dance, splash or ride into the sunset, Friday evening offers plenty of opportunities to put down the screens, gather the family and start the weekend with a little Wake County fun!
Want to see even more things to do in Wake County?
Click the banner below to explore the complete Wake County Events Calendar, featuring more of today’s events, tomorrow’s activities and exciting events happening throughout the month. I just posted 50 more things to do this weekend!
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For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
