Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 7/9-7/11

Happy Wednesday Smarties. Hope everyone had a safe and fun-filled 4th of July holiday. Summer is almost halfway over and the fun is just beginning. If you are up for a daytrip this weekend, head up to Grandfather Mountain for the Highland Games. Our area historic sites are also offering wonderful activities, from panning for gold to showcasing our police department. There is a ton to do, so get out and enjoy!

Teddy Bear Picnic
McDowell Nature Preserve
July 9, 11:00am-12:30pm
Enjoy a special picnic with your favorite teddy bear as you 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)! For children 2-5 years old. Cost is $5.

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
MacRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain, Linville
July 8-11, see website for times and ticket options
Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting makes this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America. Admission charged.

Movies in the Park
Freedom Park Amphitheater
July 9, movie begins at sunset
The 6th ANNUAL Movies in the Park returns to Freedom Park this summer! Can you imagine a better way to spend a summer evening than sitting under the stars, chomping on popcorn, hanging out with friends & neighbors while watching one of your favorite flicks? Neither can we. So come join us at Freedom Park this Summer and make some memories with your family!  Presented by Watershed & the Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department. This weekend’s movie is “The Blind Side”.

Mingling on the Green
Birkdale Village
July 9-10, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Join us every Friday and Saturday night from May 7th – September 11th and enjoy our concert series from 7pm to 9pm. Take a stroll, have dinner on the patio of any of our restaurants while enjoying delightful tunes! Friday’s band is The Bereznak Brother Band and Saturday’s is Sean & Matt.

Breakfast with Skippyjon Jones
Barnes & Noble Bookstore – Birkdale Village
July 10, 9:30am, breakfast; 10:30am, storytime
Ole! We’ll have breakfast with Skippyjon Jones. Join us for a special Cafe event at 9:30 am. Sit and eat breakfast with our friend Skippyjon Jones, El Skippito Friskito, followed by a special storytime in the Children’s Department at 10:30 am.

Beneath the Badge Family Day
Charlotte Museum of History
July 10, Noon-3:00pm
Take in the sights and sounds of some of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s specialized units during our Family Days programs. Museum visitors will have the opportunity to interact with some of the men and women who serve our community. Observe demonstrations by the K9 Unit and learn crime prevention techniques as well as crime scene tactics. Hands-on activities will be available for all ages. Programming is included in regular museum admission pricing.

Pan-O-lympics
Reed Gold Mine, Midland
July 10, 10:00am-4:00pm
During the summer, North Carolina Historic Sites and the North Carolina Arts Council will be working together to put on events throughout the summer months. At Reed Gold Mine learn about on miners’ work and the tools they used to extract gold in the 19th century. Arts and crafts vendors, including painters, quilters and jewelry makers, will have handmade goods for sale. Panning is $2 per pan.

Pan for Gold
Historic Latta Plantation
July 10, 10:00am-4:00pm
Learn about Charlotte’s rich gold mining history and pan for gold at the miner’s cabin. Visitors can also tour the plantation house and grounds, visit the farm animals, see the honeybee exhibit and more. Free with regular site admission. Cost is free for 5 and under, $5 students, $6 adults.

Play It!
ImaginOn
July 10, 1:00pm-1:30pm
Have you got game? We have games for all sorts and sizes just waiting for you to enjoy. Selections range from classic board games to the latest video games. Come out and show us your skills! For rising first through fifth graders. Cost is free.

Movie Madness
ImaginOn
July 10, 2:30pm
Bring the whole family for a G-rated movie. Cost is free.

Whitewater River Jam
U.S. National Whitewater Center
July 10, 5:00pm
Come out with friends and family to experience an incredible sunset over the river while enjoying great music, food and drink. If you get a chance to paddle, run or bike the trails or climb before or during the concert, Chef Ben and the folks at the River’s Edge now have over 20 beers on tap and plenty of food waiting for you afterwards. Bring your dog, bring your spouse, bring your kids, bring your friends but whatever you do, just get out here. Cost is free, there is a $5 parking fee.

Old-Time Music Jam and Ice Cream Social
Historic Rosedale Plantation
July 11, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Activities on the grounds are free and include open jam sessions, a slow jam, a Celtic jam, a song circle, clogging and blacksmithing demonstrations, and, of course, ice cream — as long as it lasts. Storytellers Guild of Charlotte members will share another traditional family pastime — telling tales to listeners of all ages on the back porch of the plantation home.

Creek Walk and Exploration
Reedy Creek Nature Preserve
July 11, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Splash around in the creeks as we explore these important habitats! You will get wet and muddy! Ages 7 and up. Cost is $2. Must call 704-598-8857 to register in advance.