By Kay Whatley, Editor
This list may include events from North Carolina counties of Edgecombe, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Wilson, and beyond (Inner Coastal Plains-Five County area of Eastern NC). While most listed events are free happenings, some ticketed events may be included. Events may be rescheduled, delayed by weather, canceled, times adjusted, or locations changed without our knowledge. Contact organizers directly for updates.
Events may be added/updated by emailing event details to the Editor.
Friday, December 22, 2017
Field School: The Ingalls Long Winter (December 22, 2017 @ 2-3:30pm)
Held at Historic Yates Mill County Park, 4620 Lake Wheeler Road, Raleigh NC. Description: “Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family really had to tough it out. Learn what the family did to survive one especially long winter and find out how the family celebrated Christmas. Taste an old-fashioned peppermint candy stick and bring home a home-made holiday craft. If you want to, come dressed in your best pioneer outfit!”
Two sessions are offered, and are designed for children ages 7 and older; fee is $6 per child (per session) for this drop-off program. Adults may stay if they like, though seating is limited. To register (required), click the link for the desired session:
Stone Soup (December 22, 2017 @ 5:30-10:30pm)
Held at Toad Song Farm, 14765 Buffalo Road, Clayton NC. This is the farm’s annual community Holiday gathering. Following the story Stone Soup, bring something to add to the pot or something to go on the table. Bring a bowl, spoon, and beverage. Updates may be posted on the farm’s Facebook page.
Christmas Bird Count (December 14-January 5)
For the 118th year, the National Audubon Society is organizing its annual Christmas Bird Count. Participate from wherever you are. For more information and to find a count near you visit www.christmasbirdcount.org.
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Brown Bag Lunch (December 23, 2017 @ 11am-12:30pm)
Having a tough time and in need of food for yourself or your loved ones? Pick up lunch, at no cost, at Zebulon United Methodist Church, 121 W Gannon Avenue, Zebulon NC. See www.zumchurch.org.
Christmas with CLAWS, Inc. (December 23, 2017 @ noon-4pm)
CLAWS, Inc. presents “LIVE Birds of Prey” at Wild Birds Unlimited of Chapel Hill. This event is inside the store, as the weather outside may be frightful — but the birds inside…delightful! All are welcome at Wild Birds Unlimited, 1806 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill NC. See updates on their Facebook page.
DIY Cat Toys: Hanging Cat Scratcher (December 23, 2017 @ 1-3pm)
Join the fun at Kosmic Kittens Cat Lounge, 101 S Raiford Street, Selma NC. This is Arts and Crafts cat-lounge-style. Create a hanging cat scratcher to take home. Fee is $18 per person. Space is limited; register by calling 919.337.5345. Note that this DIY is not for young children, as it includes use of a hot glue gun. See event and updates via their Facebook page.
SantaCon at The Pond (December 23, 2017 @ 7-11:59pm)
Dress up like Santa or any other favorite holiday character and head to Koi Pond Brewing Company, 1107 Falls Road, Rocky Mount NC. Prizes for best costume. Christmas music and general holiday frivolity. Will be held in partnership with a charity to do some community good. The shop may post updates on their Facebook page.
Coming Soon
Washington NC Haunted Tour (January 6, 2017)
An exclusive tour of the haunted courtroom of the old Beaufort County Courthouse’s haunted courtroom is planned. Tickets will be for sale at Harding Square, Washington NC, 6:45-7pm. Tickets will be $10 per person, cash only, no reservations. The group will then walk to the old courthouse for an hour-long visit. Hear historical information, and the account of Reverend Carawan — who is believed to haunt the courthouse. There will be Q&A, photographs, and exploration of the haunted courtroom. See updates at www.facebook.com/WashingtonHaunts.
DreamFest 2018 Live (January 27, 2018 @ 9am-2pm)
The live “Shark Tank-like” event is being held at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, 108 Nash Street W, Wilson NC. Hosted by Upper Coastal Plain Business Development Center, tickets will be sold for those interested in watching the event and being part of the audience. In addition to the main event, two speakers are scheduled. Audience tickets are $25 per person, available via dreamfest2018.info. Also on that site, enter to win a free ticket to the event, a $25 value. Winning names will be drawn January 4, 2018.
DreamFest 2018 will begin at 9am with registration and festivities in Historic Downtown Wilson. Historic Downtown Wilson restaurants and retail stores will be open for business, food trucks will be out, and downtown will be alive with much anticipation, music, dance, marching bands, and more.
At 10:15am, settle in at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center and hear two fabulous speakers talk about their journeys in the development of their businesses. Learn from speakers Ken Adelglass (Waxhaw Kid Coders) and Julius Tillery (Farmers of Color).
Around 11:30am, the business dreamers pre-selected will give their Oral Presentations to judges. The judges will rate the oral presentations, add the small business plan scores, and come up with the top three winners. Winners will be announced in the afternoon.
Ed. Note: Event information gathered from various sources. While attempts are made to verify data, for most events contact details are included. If you’re planning to attend an event, use contact information or event links to confirm, check for updates or changes, or verify space is available. These events are publicized by The Grey Area News, but are not events overseen by this news site or staff.
Highlighted events are selected by staff, generally due to prior experience with the event or knowledge of offerings.
