Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 9/11-9/13

Hello there Smarties, It is shaping up to be a great weekend – I am beginning to feel Fall in the air. There are festivals/fairs galore going on and they are all great for the family. This is the weekend of a Charlotte favorite – Greek Fest as well as a relative newcomer, Blues, Brews and BBQ. There are cars, plays, county fairs, scavenger hunts and hayrides – need I say more. Get out and enjoy!!

A Smarty Alert – The Davidson-Cornelius Day Care Center has announced a Heroes Campaign to address the “perfect storm” of financial challenges it faces — among them, reduced reimbursements from the state ($8,000/month previously; $600/month currently), a dearth of full-pay children, and the economic downturn leaving 24 of its 27 families in the bottom of three sliding-scale payment tiers. The daycare is seeking to raise $64,000 to stabilize its finances for the next four months while an independent task force works to restructure and develop a new business plan. The task force, with assistance from Davidson Mayor John Woods, is to be made up of early childhood educators and daycare professionals, business people, and two board members. Since they opened our doors in 1969, Davidson-Cornelius Day Care Center has existed to help children reach their full potential without regard for income. Over the years we’ve been an important part of the lives of hundreds of children and their families – a literal extension of family life for all kinds of children from all kinds of families. For more information and information on donating please contact: PO Box 848, Davidson, NC 28036
Email: DavidsonDayCare@gmail.com
Phone: 704-892-1228
Street Address: 242 Gamble Street, Davidson

If you have events you would like to share, email me at Courtenay@charlottesmartypants.com. have a great weekend!

Tyler’s Treehouse 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk
Olde Georgetowne Swim Club in SouthPark (Whistlestop Rd. & Sharon Rd.)
September 12
Tyler’s Treehouse is dedicated to supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with the search for the cause and eventual cure of brainstem glioma.

Lake Norman MOMS Fall Consignment Sale
Brawley Middle School – Mooresville
September 12, Early Bird Begins at 7:00am
This is a don’t miss whether you are expecting multiples or not! There are super deals on clothes, books, toys, gear, bedding, shoes, videos, etc.
7-8a Early Bird Sale: open to public for $1 admission (get there early to get a good spot in line)
8-11a Sale Open to public free of charge
11-11:30a Clear building for 1/2 price sale
11:30-1p 1/2 Price Sale

Yiasou Greek Festival
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral
September 10-13, Thurs., 11am-9m; Fri.-Sat., 11am-10pm; Sun., noon-8pm
Experience the sights and sounds of Greece when you visit the 32nd Annual Yiasou Greek Festival. It’s a time of the year when everyone can be Greek! Enjoy culinary classics such as roasted lamb, Grecian baked chicken and gyro and souvlaki sandwiches on pita bread. The festival also includes Hellenic cultural exhibits, art, shopping and more. Cost is $2; children 12 and under free.

“Seussical”
Theatre Charlotte
September 10-23, Check Web site for performance times.
This musical extravaganza brings many of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all the Whos of Whoville,to life. The score is a Seussian gumbo of musical styles, ranging from Latin to pop, swing to gospel and R&B to funk. Recommended for the entire family. Cost is $7-$24.

57th Annual Cabarrus County Fair
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center
September 11-19
Packed with state-of-the-art rides, the fair features a variety of exhibitors, concerts, traditional fair food, competitive livestock, craft exhibits, children’s shows and more. Cost is $3-$7; ride wristbands at additional cost.

Blues, Brews & BBQ
Uptown Charlotte
September 11-12, 11:00am to 11:00pm
Blues, Brews & BBQ is a competition and festival that features blues music, an array of beer samples, and some of the best barbecue anywhere. Interactive cooking demonstrations and contests are featured all day. This festival celebrates the best of the southern cuisine and southern music. Food, music, entertainment and more!

Sunset Family Hayride
McDowell Nature Preserve
September 11, 6:30pm- 8:00pm
Bring the family out to enjoy a fun hayride through McDowell Nature Preserve. See different habitats and learn about what critters can be found.

6th Annual Grandfather Mountain Kidfest
Grandfather Mountain
September 12, 9:00am-3:30pm
Bring the family to Grandfather Mountain for guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains. Cost is $7-$15.

Charlotte Museum of History – Cultural Free for All Day
The Charlotte Museum of History
September 12, 10:00am-5:00pm
Museum general admission is free all day. Guided tours of the historic Hezekiah Alexander Homesite can be purchased for an additional fee. The firs 40 people to call in advance and book their tour will get it for free.

Discovery Days at Reedy Creek
Reedy Creek Nature Center
September 12, 11:00am-3:00pm
Goop, Ooblek and Slime, oh my! Get messy and explore the world of chemistry. Discovery Place’s ScienceReach team will be on site with some icky, sticky science. Participants should wear clothing that can get dirty and soiled. All ages. Registration required. Call 704-336-7600.

Family Day at Blue Planet
Blue Planet, 7980 Babe Stillwell Road, Huntersville
September 12, 10:00am
Blue Planet, a unique, hands-on learning center that teaches children and adults of all ages how water travels through our community, is opening its doors on a Saturday. Dozens of stations will let you see, hear and feel your way through the world of water. Bring the whole family. Free.

Scavenger Hunt in the Garden
Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary
September 12, 10:00am-noon
In conjunction with the Arts and Science Council’s “Cultural Free for All Day,” bring the kids for a fun scavenger hunt in the garden. Cost is free.

Food Lion Auto Fair
Lowe’s Motor Speedway
September 10-13
Lowe’s Motor Speedway’s Food Lion AutoFair is the World’s Largest Automotive Extravaganza, offering something to please all car enthusiasts, no matter their particular field of interests. The four-day Food Lion AutoFair includes a car show featuring various makes and models from more than 50 clubs; thousands of parts and memorabilia vendors; unusual attractions and a collector car auction conducted by Tom Mack. A car corral, located on the speedway, features nearly 2,000 vehicles of all makes and models that are available for sale or trade. Food Lion AutoFair hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday.

Build a Drum
Lowe’s
September 12, 10:00am
Bring your child to Lowe’s and they can build a cool Drum- at most participating Lowe’s Stores. For ages 6-9.

American Girl Fashion Show and Tea
Joseph-Beth Booksellers & Bistro – South Park
September 12, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Its your turn on the red carpet!! Come dressed as your favorite American Girl Doll. Register to win a Full sized Rebecca Doll. Enjoy Tea and cookies. Please RSVP to 704-602-9820 x1840.