Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 6/26-6/28

Where has June gone? Summer has officially arrived and the Fourth of July is right around the corner. There are some very smarty events happening this weekend both in town and out. Dora and Diego have arrived at Tweetsie, IKEA has the Radio Disney Road Crew and the Whitewater Center is hosting the Great American Backyard Campout. Just for Moms is a great sale, New York style, Carolina Warehouse Sale! Hope you have a great weekend and if you have events that you would like to share email me at courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com.

Carolina Warehouse Sale
Sharon Corners – Old Barnes & Noble Store
June 27-July 4
Carolina Warehouse Sale is a one-week premier discount sales event offering top designer items for unbeatable prices. This event will offer shoppers access to a huge inventory from top regional boutiques and national designers. For fashionistas on a budget, this is your chance!

Meet Dora the Explorer
Tweetsie Railroad
June 26-28, 10am-5pm. Park hours are 9am-6pm
Meet Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and her brother Diego in a special meet and greet. Cost is $22-$30. Price includes admission to the park.

Reading Is Fun
IKEA Charlotte
June 26, 3:00pm-8:00pm
Help your children make the most of summer during this “Reading Is Fun Event – A Celebration of Books and Authors” to help promote a strong literacy base and foster a love for reading and writing with all children in the Charlotte and surrounding area. Kimberly P. Johnson, an accomplished children’s book author, will present three fun and exciting, interactive story time readings from her “Itty Bitty Series” of books. Through her commitment and dedication to education, Kimberly inspires children to reach for success, to be creative, and to take every opportunity to build their minds. The Radio Disney Road Crew will be on site at IKEA with music, games and prizes for kids of all ages.

Wet n’ Wild Party
McDowell Nature Preserve
June 26, 11:00am-12:30pm
Stay cool while haveing some fun in the forest! Enjoy various water related activities and lunch with new friends. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen and to bring a towl and a sack lunch (special dessert provided)! Meet at the McDowell Pavilion. For more information call McDowell Nature Center at 704.588.5224.

Rockin’ and Reelin’ Summer Concert and Movie Series
Pineville Lake Park
June 26, 7:00pm
Pineville will host concerts and Movies May-September. Events begin at dusk. Performing This Friday is the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Charlotte Fencing Academy
Matthews Library
June 27, 11:00am
Come see a demonstration of the sport and art of fencing by the Charlotte Fencing Academy. The Academy is nationally recognized and has won over tweleve National Medals in the last five years. Grades 1-5. Registration required, call 704-416-5000 option #2. Cost is free.

Great American Backyard Campout
US National Whitewater Center
June 27, 11:00am-overnight
Family camping event with lots of activities throughout the day. Cost is Free. $5 parking, plus cost of whitewater fun. To register, call 704.391.3900.

Olympic Day at the USNWC
June 27th, 11:30am – 3:30pm
Join us for Olympic Day… starting at 11:30am, we’ll have an autograph session, giveaways provided by USA Canoe/Kayak and the USNWC, as well as an opportunity to win a paddling experience with an Olympic kayaker. The story of Olympic Day… at the urging of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley during the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington D.C., Charlotte has joined with cities across the country in a collective pledge of support for hosting the Olympic Games in Chicago in 2016! This cooperative celebration from cities around the country will send a clear message to the International Olympic Committee that Charlotte and the United States of America support the Chicago 2016 bid for the Olympic Games. Remember to wear your red, white and blue!

Pan for Gold
Historic Latta Plantation
June 27, 10:00am-4:00pm
Learn about Charlotte’s rich gold mining history and pan for gold at the miner’s cabin. Cost is $5-$6.

Build a Pirate Ship
Lowe’s
June 27, 10:00am-11:00am
Your child will love building this cool Lowe’s Pirate Ship at most participating Lowe’s. Be sure to register online.

“That’s Amore!”
Symphony Park at SouthParK
June 28
The Symphony takes a Roman holiday on June 28 with a night of Italian-themed music. Highlights include Verdi’s Overture to La Forza del Destino, Rossini’s Overture to Le Gazza Ladra, and Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italian.” The Summer Pops annual picnic contest will take place this night, with three prizes awarded to the best picnic layouts.