📫 Chinese Lantern Festival | Wake County’s Spook-tacular Halloween Eats & Treats 📍

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Hello friends!

Today, on National First Responders Day, we pause to recognize the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. From firefighters and police officers to EMTs and paramedics, your courage, dedication, and selflessness do not go unnoticed.

We are truly grateful for your service and sacrifice. Thank you for being there in moments of need, and for inspiring all of us with your unwavering commitment to helping others. 💛

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.”

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the tree take a vacation in October?
Because it wanted to leaf all its worries behind! 🍁😄

📍 Trivia 📍

Fall Fun: Late October in NC often coincides with peak fall foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making October 28 a great day for leaf-peeping. 🍁

🌟 Light Up Your November: The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival Returns to Cary! 🌟

Get ready to trade Halloween screams for oohs and aahs—the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival ignites at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary starting November 1, 2025, and runs nightly through January 2026. The first week (Nov 1–8) is pure magic: the grand opening glow, crisp fall air, and zero chance of a clown with a chainsaw jumping out at you. This is your post-spooky-season soul reset—and it’s spectacular.

Imagine strolling under a canopy of stars… and then realizing the real sky is upstaged by 40+ colossal silk lanterns handcrafted in China’s Zigong province, glowing with 15,000 LED lights. We’re talking a 75-foot-long dragon snaking across the lawn, a pandarium of life-sized pandas munching bamboo, and a Great Wall walk-through that makes you feel like you’ve teleported to Beijing—except with better parking and sweet tea on tap.

Each lantern is a masterpiece: artisans stretch silk over steel frames, paint intricate details, and wire thousands of bulbs to pulse, flicker, and breathe. The result? A dreamlike world where a phoenix rises from a lotus pond, koi fish swim overhead, and a pagoda tower glows in shifting colors like a giant mood ring. It’s Instagram catnip—bring a charged phone and a date (or the whole family).

But it’s not just look-don’t-touch art. Live performances nightly include acrobats flipping through the air, face-changing Sichuan opera (yes, masks switch in a blink!), and traditional Chinese dance under the lanterns. Grab dinner from food stalls—think dumplings, boba, BBQ fusion bao, and hot cocoa for the kids—then snag a spot on the lawn for the dragon dance finale that lights up the amphitheater like Chinese New Year on steroids.

Why go opening week (Nov 1–8)?

• Fresh vibes: The lanterns are at peak brightness, crowds are excited but manageable, and the weather’s perfect (50s–60s at night).

• Kickoff energy: Opening night often features a ribbon-cutting, extra performers, and that “we’re all here for the first time this season” buzz.

• Holiday head start: Beat the December rush and lock in your family tradition early.

Tickets & Tips:

• ~$20/adult, $15/kids (online in advance—saves $5 and skips lines).

• Gates open 5:30 PM, lanterns glow 6:30 PM–, last entry 9:30 PM.

• Dress in layers—nights get chilly by the lake.

• Free parking, but arrive by 6 PM on weekends.

• Strollers welcome; the path is paved and smooth.

This isn’t just a light show—it’s a cultural escape, a photo goldmine, and a cozy night out all rolled into one. Whether you’re a Raleigh local, a Triangle family, or road-tripping from Charlotte, the NC Chinese Lantern Festival is hands-down one of the state’s most enchanting holiday traditions.

Mark your calendar, grab your crew, and let 15,000 lights turn your November nights into pure wonder. ✨🐉

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Dog People, This One’s for You 🐾

Mark your calendars, pup parents — on October 29 from 5–7 p.m., Apex Nature Park is going full Halloween mode… for dogs! 🎃

Bring your four-legged sidekick (costumes highly encouraged!) and get ready for a tail-wagging good time. The park will be packed with pet vendors, rescue groups, and even custom pet art to capture your dog’s spooky-cute look. And yes, your pup gets in on the Halloween loot too — follow the “trick-or-treat” trail with treat stops made just for dogs.

That’s not all. The event also supports a great cause: there’s a donation drive for the Wake County Animal Shelter. Bring a bag of pet food or a cozy blanket, and you’ll snag a raffle ticket at check-in — an easy win for you and an even bigger win for shelter pets in need.

So grab your leash, your costume (matching ones are strongly encouraged), and your best “who’s a good boy?!” voice. Apex Nature Park is the place to be for a howlin’ good Halloween! 🐕👻

When: October 29 | Time: 5–7 p.m.
Where: Apex Nature Park
Bonus: Treats, art, rescue pups, and good vibes guaranteed.

🕸️ Wake County’s Spook-tacular Halloween Eats & Treats 2025

From free doughnuts for little ghouls to haunted brew nights and spooky-themed drinks, Wake County is serving up tricks AND treats this Halloween season. Here’s your ultimate guide to where to eat, drink, and celebrate in costume!

🍩 Sweet Treats

Krispy Kreme – Wake Forest (11721 Retail Drive)

• Deal: Free Original Glazed® or Classic Ring doughnut for anyone in costume.

• When: Saturday, Oct 25 and Friday, Oct 31, 2025

• Why it’s fun: Everyone gets a sweet treat—no age limit. (triangleonthecheap.com)

Oma’s Café & Wine (616 S Salisbury St., Raleigh)

• Deal: Seasonal Black Cat Mocha (espresso, black cocoa, sprinkles)

• When: Oct 27–Nov 2, 2025

• Why it’s fun: Cozy up with a Halloween-inspired drink that’s perfect for all ages. (raleighmag.com)

🍔 Family & Casual Dining Deals

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews – Wake Forest (11420 Capital Blvd.)

• Deal: Free sundae for kids in costume during their “Trunk or Treat” event.

• When: Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025, 5–8 pm

• Why it’s fun: Costumes + ice cream = a perfect pre-Halloween treat for the kids.

Outback Steakhouse – Raleigh / Wake Forest

• Deal: Kids Eat Free with purchase of an adult entrée (Halloween-themed: wear a costume!)

• When: Oct 31, 2025

• Why it’s fun: Let the little monsters eat free while you enjoy a full meal. (outback.com)

La Casa Restaurant & Rum Bar (Raleigh)

• Deal: Costume-friendly Halloween evening—ask about specials or themed menu

• When: Oct 31, 2025

• Why it’s fun: Perfect for a lively adult Halloween dinner experience.

Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen (150 Fayetteville St., Raleigh)

• Deal: “A Halloween Tradition Begins at Birdie’s” — vote on carved pumpkins, receive trick-or-treat bags. Ask about food specials for costumed guests.

• When: Oct 31, 2025, 5 pm–12 am (birdiesraleigh.com)

Morgan Street Food Hall (411 W Morgan St., Raleigh)

• Deal: Trick-or-Treat with multiple vendors; some offer free cookies or small treats to kids in costume.

• When: Oct 31, 2025 — check vendors individually

• Why it’s fun: Great variety for families and adults alike.

🍺 Boozy & Themed Fun

Raleigh Brewing Company (3709 Neil St., Raleigh)

• Deal: Murder Mystery Drag Show, tarot readings, costume contest, and beer×candy pairing flights.

• When: Oct 31, 2025, 6:30 pm–10:30 pm (raleighbrewing.com)

Kings Dining & Entertainment – N Hills (141 Park at N Hills St., Ste 120, Raleigh)

• Deal: Bowling special — for every 2 costumed bowlers, 1 bowls free.

• When: Oct 31, 2025, 7 pm–12 am (visitraleigh.com)

• Why it’s fun: Perfect for a group of adults or teens who want food, drinks, and a little competition.

Le Dive! (14 W Martin St., Raleigh)

• Deal: Halloween party with themed drinks, movies, and costume encouragement.

• When: Oct 31, 2025, 12 pm–2 am (downtownraleigh.org)

👶 Family-Friendly Halloween Festivals

Halloween Boo Bash – Downtown Wake Forest

• Deal: Trick-or-treating, food trucks (Lumpy’s Ice Cream, Nikki’s Delightful Treats), and fun for all ages.

• When: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025, 10 am–1 pm (wakeforestnc.gov)

• Why it’s fun: Pre-Halloween festival where the little monsters get their sugar fix before the big night.

From Bullied Teen to Beacon of Hope

At just 16, Keiran Piper faced challenges that could have easily dimmed his spirit. Relentlessly bullied at school, anxious and withdrawn, he struggled to find his place in a world that often seemed unkind. But then, Keiran discovered trampolining—and with each bounce, he didn’t just leap into the air; he soared into confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Trampolining became more than a sport—it became a lifeline. Keiran’s newfound strength and determination didn’t just transform his own life; it inspired him to uplift others. Today, he dedicates countless hours mentoring vulnerable children, including those living in poverty or relying on free school meals, offering guidance, encouragement, and the belief that they, too, can rise above adversity.

In 2025, Keiran’s remarkable journey earned him The Sun’s Saffie’s Smile Award, an honor recognizing young people who make extraordinary impacts in their communities. Out of hundreds of candidates, he was chosen by Andrew and Lisa Roussos, whose daughter Saffie-Rose was the youngest victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The award celebrated not only his achievements but the heart and compassion that define him.

As part of the recognition, Keiran met his football hero, enjoyed a VIP experience at an Arsenal match, and received a family holiday from On The Beach—tokens of celebration for a young man who had given so much to others. His coach, Carrie-Ann, applauded his unwavering dedication, while his mother expressed immense pride in her son’s transformation.

Yet, what stands out most is Keiran’s gratitude and humility. He credits the Roussos family for believing in him, and in turn, continues to pour love and support into the lives of hundreds of children, showing that even in the face of hardship, one young person’s courage and kindness can create ripples of hope that stretch far beyond themselves.

"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)

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