Hello Smarties! Can you believe that it is Memorial Day weekend already? If you are traveling, safe and happy travels. Around town this weekend, the biggest thing going is the Race Festival. To be kid friendly, the best time to enjoy with little ones is during the day. Check out the Patriot Festival, it is a great opportunity to celebrate our armed forces and the sacrifices they make all while enjoying a great family event. For all of you who Facebook, we invite you to become a “fan of” Charlotte Smarty Pants. Can’t wait to see you in Facebook! Have a great holiday weekend.
Food Lion 600 Festival
Uptown Charlotte
May 21-23
For more than 25 years, the 600 Festival Association has been commemorating the May races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with spectacular family-oriented events that personify the tremendous growth of motor sports.
Celebrating its 15th year, Food Lion Speed Street transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on three stages, appearances by top Sprint Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages and an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars and simulators.
The Patriot Festival
Symphony Park at SouthPark
May 23, 11:00am to 7:00pm
Join the fun Memorial Day Weekend as we salute our military heroes – the men and women who serve our country. Experience an activity-filled day with your friends and family with live music, a kid’s fun area, military vehicles, fire trucks and special military maneuvers scheduled throughout the day. Enjoy seeing representatives from all branches of the military, humvees, paratroopers, military bands and Honor Guard. Opening ceremonies at 11:00am will recognize seven Congressional Medal of Honor recipients whom will be introduced by Representative Sue Myrick. Mayor Pat McCrory will lead a tribute to our fallen angels of the Carolinas at 5:00pm with a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. Tickets are $5.
Teddy Bear Picnic
McDowell Nature Center
May 22, 11:00am-12:30pm
Enjoy a special picnic with your favorite teddy bear as we listen to a story, play games, make a craft, and have lunch. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to bring your best teddy and a sack lunch (special dessert provided)! Meet at the McDowell Pavilion. For more information call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224. Ages 2-5.
Ole Time Fiddlers and Bluegrass Festival
Fiddler’s Grove Campground, Union Grove
May 22, Fri., 5pm-9pm; Sat., 9am-9pm; Sun., 10am-5pm
Join music lovers from across the country for the 85th annual old time music festival. Competitions for bands and individuals, free workshops, special entertainment, on-site camping, family friendly. Cost is $5-$35.
Living History Day
Historic Latta Plantation
May 23, 10:00am-4:00pm
See the plantation come to life with period demonstrations of blacksmithing, gunsmithing, weaving, spinning, open-hearth cooking and much more. Cost is $5-$6.
Build and Grow Series
Area Lowe’s stores
May 23, 10:00am to 11:00am
Safety month starts in June. Get prepared by building this Ready 2 Go kit. For grades 1-5. At most participating Lowes locations. Register online.
Live Animal Talk
McDowell Nature Preserve
May 23, 4:00pm
Explore the secret lives of reptiles while you get up close and personal with several animals at McDowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and even your backyard.
6th Annual Classi-Kool Music Series
FreedomPark
May 24, 4:00pm-6:00pm
A variety of music for all ears will be played during this series. There will also be a puppet show and train rides around the lake for children. Train rides only $1 per person.
If you have an event you would like to share, please email me at Courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.
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Brunch with the Birds – Carolina Raptor Center Benefit05/23/0911:00 am – 2:00 pmJoin us at Earth Fare in Ballantyne for a morning of fun & Raptors in the Community. The Carolina Raptor Center & Earth Fare will hold an exciting and educational presentation of raptors local to our habitat along with a lecture from Master Gardner Carol Buie-Jackson about making your backyard a bird-friendly wildlife habitat. The presentation will also include a delicious brunch prepared by our Earth Fare Chefs. See these beautiful birds of prey up close and learn about their habits, what they eat and ways you can attract them to your own back yard!The Menu will include Blueberry Pie and Apple Pie French Toast made with local Breadsmith Bread, Fresh Baked Croissants stuffed with Cage-Free Egg Salad, Free-range Local Chicken Salad and Dolphin- Safe Tuna Salad, fresh fruits and cheeses as well as Local Larry's Beans Coffee, Earth Fare Organic Orange Juice and Fresh Brewed Tea.Price per person is $6.00 and reservations are required. All proceeds from the Brunch with the Birds presentation and brunch and raffle ticket proceeds will benefit the Carolina Raptor Center.. For more information about the Carolina Raptor Center, Phone: 704-875-6521 ext.101 or Contact E-mail: hmerewood@carolinaraptorcenter.orgR.S.V.P. by visiting Earth Fare Ballantyne or by calling the store at 704-926-1201 or by emailing clt120demo@earthfare.com.