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The Brand Behind the World's Best Kitchens Just Launched Cast Iron
You've probably seen Made In Cookware® by now. They're the cookware brand used in 4,000+ professional kitchens, including 100+ Michelin-starred restaurants, and adopted by millions of home cooks.
Well, they just dropped a full cast iron collection. And they did it differently.
Where most cast iron has a rough, pebbly cooking surface, Made In machined theirs smooth. That means better searing, easier food release, and cleanup that doesn't require a degree. Every piece is cast, machined, and seasoned in the USA, oven-safe to 900°F, and compatible with all heat sources, including open flames. This is heirloom cookware, built to be the last cast iron you ever buy.
Their Cast Iron Skillets are where most people start: perfect for frying eggs, searing steaks, or getting that smashburger crust.
StranRead Online
Good morning, Wake County!
Today is National Dog Day, so give your favorite four-legged friend an extra belly rub, a tasty treat, and a little appreciation for keeping life interesting—one muddy paw print at a time! Whether your pup is a champion cuddler or a professional squirrel chaser, today is their day to shine.
Now grab your coffee, scratch those floppy ears, and see what’s happening around Wake County. It’s going to be a doggone good day! 🐶
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 Custom 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 Custom Creations. 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 Custom Creations today and bring home the beauty of handmade. Check out her latest creations and order your own: B’s Custom Creations by BR
Why did the dog sit in the shade?
Because he didn’t want to be a hot dog! 🐶🌭
The North Carolina Town That Disappeared
Fontana Lake looks like a mountain postcard, with shimmering water surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. But beneath its peaceful surface lies a forgotten piece of North Carolina history: the lost community of Judson.
Once a small Swain County town along the Little Tennessee River, Judson was home to working families and sawmills. Then World War II changed everything.
In 1942, construction began on Fontana Dam, providing power needed for wartime production. When the reservoir began filling in November 1944, Judson and other mountain communities disappeared beneath the rising water. More than 1,300 families across the affected area were displaced. Tennessee Valley Authority, Explore Bryson City
The losses extended beyond homes. Forty cemeteries and more than 2,000 graves were relocated, while other burial grounds became difficult to reach. Families were promised a new road to restore access, but only a short section was completed. Today, it is known as the Road to Nowhere. North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Today, visitors enjoy boating, fishing, and spectacular mountain views. When the lake drops to unusually low levels, traces of the past sometimes reappear—a quiet reminder that beneath the water rests a community North Carolina should never forget.
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!
Let’s find more summer in Wake County!
Around the World in One Weekend—No Passport Required!
Get ready to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the world when The International Festival arrives at Theatre Raleigh on Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30.
This colorful celebration features Spanish flamenco, Brazilian samba, Hawaiian hula, Chinese lion dancing, Bollywood performances, African drumming, and Middle Eastern dance. Guests can also explore an international bazaar, enjoy global cuisine, and participate in a family-friendly cultural scavenger hunt.
Unlike a traditional street festival, this year’s event features a show-style experience with food, entertainment, and one drink included with admission. Visit Raleigh
Location: Theatre Raleigh, 6638 Old Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27616.
Saturday, August 29: 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 2–5 p.m., or 5–9 p.m.
Sunday, August 30: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $30 and include performances, international food, and one drink ticket.
WAR, The Family Stone, and The Ohio Players
The iconic band WAR is bringing its “Why Can’t We Be Friends” 50th Anniversary Tour to Cary, joined by The Family Stone and The Ohio Players.
Expect an energetic night of classic funk, soul, and unforgettable music from the artists behind favorites such as “Low Rider,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends?,” and “Love Rollercoaster.”
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026.
Time: Concert begins at 7 p.m.; gates open at 6 p.m.
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC 27518.
Cost: Tickets advertised from $49; current prices and availability may vary. Visit Raleigh
Tickets and event information: Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Three legendary acts, one beautiful outdoor venue, and a soundtrack that will have everyone dancing—this is a Saturday night worth putting on the calendar!
Touch-A-Truck
Saturday, August 29 | 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Location: The Factory, 1839 S. Main Street, Wake Forest.
Cost: $5 per person or $20 per family of any size.
Explore police cars, fire trucks, a helicopter, a boat, a Humvee, and military vehicles. Food and dessert trucks will also be on-site. Proceeds benefit Special Olympics North Carolina. Town of Wake Forest
Mingle on Main
Friday, August 28 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Rolesville, including Cobblestone Village and the intersection of Young and Main streets.
Cost: No admission price is listed; food, drinks, and purchases cost extra.
Enjoy live music, local shops, pop-up vendors, food, beverages, and a free raffle featuring prizes worth more than $750. Rolesville Chamber of Commerce
Splash Pad Bash
Saturday, August 29 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Location: Knightdale Station Park, 810 N. First Avenue, Knightdale.
Cost: Free, according to a local family-events listing.
The Town of Knightdale confirms the event will feature games, giveaways, a live DJ, and family-friendly water play. Town of Knightdale
Live Music at Oak City Brewing
Saturday, August 29 | 5–8 p.m.
Location: Oak City Brewing Company, 616 N. First Avenue, Knightdale.
Cost: No admission charge is listed; food and beverages are available for purchase.
Musician Ian McMahan performs on the patio. The Aroma de Cuba food truck is scheduled from 3–8 p.m., and a bakery pop-up runs from 5–7 p.m. Oak City Brewing Company
Something Exciting Is Coming for Wake County Small Businesses! ❤️
Small businesses are the heart of Wake County. Behind every storefront, restaurant and local service is a family, and someone working hard to succeed and reach their dream.
At Wake News & Events, supporting these businesses has always been part of our mission. Now, we're taking that commitment even further.
🏆 Introducing the Wake News & Events Readers’ Choice Awards!
Coming soon, Wake County residents will have the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite local businesses across a variety of categories. You nominate. You vote. We celebrate the winners!
The awards are currently in pre-launch, so now is the time to get ready. Subscribe to the FREE Wake News & Events Newsletter and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and customers to join, too. Subscribers will be among the first to know when nominations and voting opens.
⭐ And the Winners Get BIG Recognition!
Each winning business will receive:
⭐ ONE FULL YEAR of FREE advertising in the new Wake News & Events Business Directory
🏆 An official Wake News & Events Readers’ Choice Award
📰 A special Business Spotlight in the Wake News & Events Newsletter
That's a full year of added exposure—FREE!
If you're a business owner, start rallying your customers and supporters now. If you're a reader, start thinking about the local businesses you couldn't imagine Wake County without.
Our local businesses support our schools, charities, families, events, and neighborhoods. Now it's our turn to support them.
📣 Nominations are coming soon!
Subscribe. Share. Nominate. Vote. Support Local. ❤️
And, please share Wake News & Events with a friend today and invite them to subscribe FREE. The more our community participates, the more we can shine a spotlight on the businesses that make Wake County special.
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!
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.”
