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π Thank You for Being Part of Our Community!
We want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for subscribing to our newsletter. Your support means the world to us! π Every click, read, and share reminds us why we do what we doβbringing you the best events, stories, and updates in our community.
We also want to give a special shout-out to those of you who recommend our newsletter to friends and family. Your referrals are the highest compliment we could ever receive, and they truly help our community grow. Each recommendation spreads the word and helps us reach more amazing readers like you. π
And hereβs a little secret: we absolutely love your recommendations! If youβve spotted a fun event, a heartwarming story, or a local gem, please keep sending them our way. Your suggestions inspire our content and help us make this newsletter even better.
From all of us here, thank you for being part of our community, for sharing your thoughts, and for helping us grow. We couldnβt do it without you, and weβre grateful for every one of you!
π Keep sharing, keep recommending, and letβs make every issue better than the last!
See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane
βPhilippians 4:6
βDo not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.β
π From Fashion to Gadgets β The Deals Are Always Changing! π
Every day brings new savings, and weβre here to hook you up! Whether youβre shopping for a birthday, Christmas, a last-minute gift, or just treating yourself (because why not?), weβve got your back with fresh coupons and awesome deals β all through our link!
We hustle daily so you can save big for you and your family.
β¨ Click. Shop. Save. Repeat. β¨
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π Todayβs Chuckle π
Why was the dictionary always so calm?
Because it knew how to handle all the words! π
π Trivia π
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 .


Enjoy Our βDid You Know Sectionβ About North Carolina. Need to get away? Visit Beautiful North Carolina!

This Weekβs Feature-North Carolina Fall Festivals
π₯ Sink Your Teeth into the Lexington Barbecue Festival!
Fall in North Carolina isnβt complete without a trip to Lexington, the βBarbecue Capital of the World,β 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 thatβs 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 youβre a die-hard barbecue fan or a casual taster, the competition-style servings let you sample the very best flavors the region has to offerβand even vote for your favorite.
But thereβs 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 kidsβ activities, including games, crafts, and interactive entertainment that keep young visitors engaged and happy. And for those looking to explore the town, Lexingtonβs 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 eventβitβs 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. Donβt miss this iconic North Carolina experienceβOctober 25, 2025, in Uptown Lexington is where barbecue dreams come true!

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Iβm Marie! As a former teacher turned realtor, I help families relocate to Wake County with expert guidance on school zoning and the market. Iβm all about making the process stress-free and enjoyable. When Iβm not working, Iβm probably fostering dogs, reading, or supporting local businesses!Β Follow me on social media for real estate tips, local updates, and cute pups!
Check Out Our New Downloadable Home Buyerβs Guide! π

Whatβs Happening in Wake County?
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 traditionsβthe 97th Annual Harvest Festival, set to bring the community together with a full day of family fun, live entertainment, and small-town charm.
This yearβs 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 thatβll have you dancing in the street. With music, laughter, and the glow of string lights overhead, itβs 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, itβs still a highlight of the fall calendar. Whether you come for the pumpkins, the parade, or just the good old-fashioned fun, this yearβs festival is sure to be one to remember.
π Festival Schedule at a Glance
9:00 AM β 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 β 4:00 PM: The Kidβs Village is open β think inflatables, games, face painting, and more for younger festival-goers.
11:45 AM: Welcome ceremony (gather downtown for opening remarks).
12:00 PM β 3:00 PM: Live stage performances (local dancers, musicians, and more) take over downtownβs performance spaces.
12:00 PM β 4:00 PM: Childrenβs Entrepreneur Market β young vendors take center stage with their goods.
6:00 PM β 9:00 PM: Concert time! The Band of Oz brings the night alive with tunes thatβll 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㪠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 thereβs one food Wake County takes pride in, itβs pimento cheese. Known as βCarolina caviar,β 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 β and locals know exactly where to find the best versions.
Two spots really stand out. Corbettβs Burgers & Soda Bar in Cary serves up a classic Pimento Cheese Burger thatβs all about balance β their house-made spread melts perfectly over the patty, adding richness without overpowering the burger. Itβs comfort food at its best, the kind of meal youβll 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, itβs bold, hearty, and pairs perfectly with one of their craft brews.
Whether youβre 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 Shakespeareβs 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 calendarsβthe North Carolina State Fair runs October 16β26, 2025, and this yearβs 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, thereβs 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 hungryβthe 2025 fair is set to be a foodieβs paradise! Read More

Because we can all use some good news.
π 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 individualsβit 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."
β Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

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Whatβs Happening Today?
Thursday, Oct. 2nd
πΆ Music & Entertainment
Raleigh Wide Open Music Festival β Kickoff Celebration
π Time: 6:00 PM β 9:00 PM
π Location: The Corner at NC State's Centennial Campus, Raleigh
π Details: Celebrate the start of the festival with live music, food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere. wakenewsandevents.com
π Theater & Performing Arts
What We Leave Behind
π’ Time: 7:30 PM β 11:00 PM
π Location: Theatre Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
ποΈ Details: A compelling one-woman musical addressing pressing questions of our time with both heartwarming humor and heart-wrenching honesty. WALTER Magazine
π· Wine & Social Gatherings
Business After Hours β September 2025
π Time: 12:00 PM
π Location: Raleigh, NC
π€ Details: Network with local professionals in a relaxed setting. This is Raleigh
π Library & Educational Activities
"M" is for Menopause Art Exhibition
π Time: 9:00 AM β 9:00 PM
π Location: Southeast Regional Library, Garner, NC
π¨ Details: An art exhibition exploring themes of menopause through various artistic expressions. Triangle on the Cheap
π¨βπ©βπ§ Family & Kids Activities
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
π Time: 3:00 PM β 5:00 PM
π Location: West Regional Library, Cary, NC
π Details: A dramatic reading of Mikhail Bulgakov's classic novel, suitable for teens and adults. Triangle on the Cheap
π΅ Senior-Friendly Events
Public Library Pop-up
π Time: 3:00 PM β 5:00 PM
π Location: Harvey Hill, Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh, NC
π 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 βEvents Calendarβ with over 100 events happening today and this week!
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If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]
βFor I know the plans I have for you,β declares the Lord, βplans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.β






















