📫 Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater | 97th Annual Wendell Harvest Festival | Carolina Caviar | State Fair Time📍

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Diane

—Philippians 4:6
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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why was the dictionary always so calm?
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📍 Trivia 📍

Christmas Tree Industry

• Production: North Carolina is the second-largest producer of real Christmas trees in the U.S., producing over 3.2 million trees annually. The state's Fraser fir is particularly renowned for its quality and is shipped across the nation and internationally .

• White House Recognition: The Fraser fir has been selected as the official White House Christmas tree multiple times, attesting to its exceptional quality and appeal .

🔥 Sink Your Teeth into the Lexington Barbecue Festival!

Fall in North Carolina isn’t complete without a trip to Lexington, the “Barbecue Capital of the World,” for its annual Barbecue Festival. Set your calendar for Saturday, October 25, 2025, because Uptown Lexington will be sizzling with smoky flavors, lively music, and family-friendly fun that’s perfect for all ages.

At the heart of the festival is, of course, the barbecue. Over 20 local vendors line the streets, each offering their signature take on Lexington-style pork, brisket, and other mouthwatering specialties. Whether you’re a die-hard barbecue fan or a casual taster, the competition-style servings let you sample the very best flavors the region has to offer—and even vote for your favorite.

But there’s more than just food! The festival features live music throughout the day, ranging from bluegrass and country to rock and jazz, keeping toes tapping as you stroll through the festivities. Arts and crafts vendors showcase handmade treasures perfect for gifts or souvenirs, while a car show adds a touch of classic Americana, featuring vintage cars and custom rides that delight automotive enthusiasts.

Families will love the kids’ activities, including games, crafts, and interactive entertainment that keep young visitors engaged and happy. And for those looking to explore the town, Lexington’s charming streets, historic landmarks, and warm Southern hospitality make it a perfect fall getaway.

Recognized as one of the top food festivals in the country and listed in 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die, the Lexington Barbecue Festival is more than an event—it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and the art of slow-cooked perfection.

So grab your appetite, bring your friends and family, and get ready for a day full of flavor, fun, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss this iconic North Carolina experience—October 25, 2025, in Uptown Lexington is where barbecue dreams come true!

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97th Annual Wendell Harvest Festival: Parades, Pumpkins, and Plenty of Fun

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 4, 2025. Downtown Wendell is gearing up for one of its most beloved traditions—the 97th Annual Harvest Festival, set to bring the community together with a full day of family fun, live entertainment, and small-town charm.

This year’s festival promises all the classics: a lively parade marching through Main Street, pumpkin-decorating and fall-themed contests, and a vibrant marketplace featuring local vendors, artisans, and food trucks. Kids will love the games and activities designed just for them, while adults can browse handmade crafts and seasonal treats.

As the sun sets, the festival heats up with a live performance from a high-energy band that’ll have you dancing in the street. With music, laughter, and the glow of string lights overhead, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and connect with neighbors and friends.

The Wendell Harvest Festival has been a tradition since 1927, and nearly a century later, it’s still a highlight of the fall calendar. Whether you come for the pumpkins, the parade, or just the good old-fashioned fun, this year’s festival is sure to be one to remember.

🎃 Festival Schedule at a Glance

• 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM: Vendor booths, local artisans, and food trucks open throughout Main Street and 3rd Street.

• 10:00 AM: The Harvest Festival Parade kicks off in downtown Wendell.

• 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: The Kid’s Village is open — think inflatables, games, face painting, and more for younger festival-goers.

• 11:45 AM: Welcome ceremony (gather downtown for opening remarks).

• 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Live stage performances (local dancers, musicians, and more) take over downtown’s performance spaces.

• 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Children’s Entrepreneur Market — young vendors take center stage with their goods.

• 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Concert time! The Band of Oz brings the night alive with tunes that’ll have you dancing.

  Nostalgic Night at Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre

  There's something timeless about the soft hum of a car engine, the scent of buttery popcorn wafting through the air, and the flicker of a classic film under a starlit sky. For those in and around Henderson, North Carolina, this enchanting experience is alive and well at the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre, the oldest drive-in still operating in the state. Outdoor Theatre🎬 A Glimpse into the Past

  Opened in 1949 as "The Moon-glo," the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theatre has been a cherished part of the community for decades. Its towering screen and vintage charm transport visitors back to an era when drive-ins were the epitome of cinematic escapism. With the rise of multiplexes, many drive-ins faded into history, but Raleigh Road stands resilient, offering a nostalgic journey for both seasoned patrons and newcomers alike. The BigScreen Cinema Guide

  Carolina Caviar

  If there’s one food Wake County takes pride in, it’s pimento cheese. Known as “Carolina caviar,” this Southern staple has found its way into just about everything here, but nowhere does it shine brighter than on a good burger. Creamy, tangy, and just a little bit nostalgic, pimento cheese feels like home on a bun — and locals know exactly where to find the best versions.

  Two spots really stand out. Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar in Cary serves up a classic Pimento Cheese Burger that’s all about balance — their house-made spread melts perfectly over the patty, adding richness without overpowering the burger. It’s comfort food at its best, the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again. Up in Wake Forest, Norse Brewing Company puts their own spin on the Southern favorite with a Pimento Cheese & Bacon Burger. Pairing their creamy cheese with crispy bacon and a double patty, it’s bold, hearty, and pairs perfectly with one of their craft brews.

  Whether you’re a longtime fan or trying pimento cheese for the first time, these local favorites make a strong case for why Wake County just might do pimento cheese burgers better than anyone else.

  Shakespeare in the Park

  Shakespeare comes alive in Downtown Cary this weekend with a free outdoor performance of As You Like It on Sunday, October 5, from 3:00 to 4:10 p.m. at the Great Lawn Pavilion in Downtown Cary Park. Presented by Applause! Cary Youth Theatre, this abridged 70-minute version of Shakespeare’s classic comedy tells the story of Rosalind and Orlando as they flee into the Forest of Arden, where disguises, witty banter, and romance unfold. The production showcases the talent of local teens, offering a fresh and family-friendly take on the timeless play. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and a picnic to enjoy a magical afternoon of theatre under the open sky. The event is free and open to the public, making it a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon in Cary.

  NCDMV Expands Road Test Options for Teen Drivers

  The North Carolina DMV is now allowing certified private driver education schools to conduct road tests for teens moving from a Level 1 Learner Permit to a Level 2 Provisional License. This new option is designed to ease long wait times at DMV offices and give families more flexibility.

  Students who pass the test at a certified school will still need to visit a DMV office, but only to complete final paperwork. Each school sets its own testing fee, and a list of certified schools will be available on the NCDMV website.

  New Foods to Try at the 2025 NC State Fair

  Mark your calendars—the North Carolina State Fair runs October 16–26, 2025, and this year’s menu is bigger than ever! Organizers have announced 88 brand-new food options that promise to tempt your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

  From inventive spins on Southern classics to indulgent sweet treats and plenty of fried favorites, there’s something for everyone. A detailed food list and map of where to find each item are now available on the official NC State Fair website.

  Come hungry—the 2025 fair is set to be a foodie’s paradise! Read More

💌 A Heartbeat Across Time: A Mother's Love, a Son's Legacy, and a Shared Heart

On May 25, 2025, in the picturesque town of Hiawassee, Georgia, a wedding took place that transcended the union of two individuals—it united two families and two hearts in a profound display of love and loss.

Kaci Wilson, a 24-year-old stay-at-home mother from Andrews, North Carolina, had endured the unimaginable. On April 18, 2023, her 4-year-old twin son, Myles Godfrey, was tragically killed in a car accident. Despite the overwhelming grief, Kaci made the selfless decision to donate Myles' organs, knowing it was what he would have wanted. Her choice saved several lives, including that of 7-year-old Saleh Ahmad from Apex, North Carolina, who received Myles' heart.

Over the next two years, Kaci and Saleh's family connected virtually, sharing updates and forming a bond rooted in gratitude and remembrance. Then, on her wedding day, Kaci orchestrated a surprise that would forever intertwine their lives. She invited Saleh and his parents to her wedding, a gesture that culminated in an emotional meeting. Before walking down the aisle, Kaci listened to her son's heartbeat once more through a stethoscope, a moment that brought tears to her eyes and a sense of closeness to Myles she hadn't felt since his passing.

In a poignant act of unity, Saleh walked down the aisle with Kaci and her father, carrying with him the heartbeat of a boy who had touched his life in ways words could scarcely express. The ceremony, captured by photographer Brianna Hemphill, was filled with love, sorrow, and the undeniable bond between donor and recipient.

Kaci hopes that their story will inspire others to consider organ donation, emphasizing that through such acts, love endures beyond loss. She finds comfort in knowing that Myles' legacy lives on in Saleh, and that their families are forever connected by a shared heartbeat.

"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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Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

What’s Happening Today?

Thursday, Oct. 2nd

🎶 Music & Entertainment

• Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival – Kickoff Celebration
  🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Location: The Corner at NC State's Centennial Campus, Raleigh
  🎉 Details: Celebrate the start of the festival with live music, food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere. wakenewsandevents.com

🎭 Theater & Performing Arts

• What We Leave Behind
  🕢 Time: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
  📍 Location: Theatre Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
  🎟️ Details: A compelling one-woman musical addressing pressing questions of our time with both heartwarming humor and heart-wrenching honesty. WALTER Magazine

🍷 Wine & Social Gatherings

• Business After Hours – September 2025
  🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
  📍 Location: Raleigh, NC
  🤝 Details: Network with local professionals in a relaxed setting. This is Raleigh

📚 Library & Educational Activities

• "M" is for Menopause Art Exhibition
  🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  📍 Location: Southeast Regional Library, Garner, NC
  🎨 Details: An art exhibition exploring themes of menopause through various artistic expressions. Triangle on the Cheap

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Kids Activities

• The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
  🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: West Regional Library, Cary, NC
  🎭 Details: A dramatic reading of Mikhail Bulgakov's classic novel, suitable for teens and adults. Triangle on the Cheap

👵 Senior-Friendly Events

• Public Library Pop-up
  🕒 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  📍 Location: Harvey Hill, Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh, NC
  📚 Details: Enjoy a selection of books and resources in a relaxed outdoor setting. Triangle on the Cheap

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

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