Gear up Smarties, it is a full, fun-filled weekend! There are multiple walk/runs that all benefit causes that close to our hearts. Choose one, and take the family to support all those who are out running/walking. Consignment sales, car seat fittings, farm tours, Annie and Rats help round out the weekend. All I can say is have fun, get out and enjoy.Race for Fetal Hope
Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Lane
September 18, Registration begins at 6:45am, CMOM’s Kids Fun Run 7:55 am, 5K Run/Walk 8:00 am
800,000 pregnancies every year are affected by a fetal syndrome. Every day we lose more than 200 babies. Help us provide hope by donating, fundraising and participating in this wonderful family event! The Race for Fetal Hope is a premier national series that raises awareness about fetal syndromes with proceeds benefiting the Fetal Hope Foundation. The Race for Fetal Hope encompasses health, fight against obesity in both adults and our children, as well as most importantly highlights awareness for and the hope that exists for expecting parents who have been diagnosed with a fetal syndrome.
SPAFA Getting Started With Adoption
Team Church Matthews, 2301 Stevens Mill Road, Matthews
September 18, 9:00am-noon
Interested in adoption? Not sure how to get started? Join us for a few hours to learn more. Pathways for Learning will also present ideas to help children prepare for the new school year. Pathways for Learning provides a great program focusing on learning and sensory issues. This is a great topic for all parents as the school year kicks off. The session will be interactive and lots of fun. Kids R Kids teachers from the Matthews location will also provide free childcare at the event. Add a note when you RSVP and let us know if you will need childcare. You can registere for the event by using one of the following links: http://spafa.org/Default.aspx?pageId=86528
http://www.meetup.com/SPAFA-Charlotte-NC-Adoption-Meetup-Group/?a=mu_kfl0pfdkah
USAG’s National Gymnastics Day @ Charlotte Gymnastics Academy
This event is FREE and open to all families and children!
Featuring Dr. Brian Strump with Premier Health and Rehab Solutions, Bounce House for the little ones and workouts for older kids to try and earn Awards, a Silent Auction and Raffle including art work, photography services, multiple gift baskets, and the Grand Prize of 3 months of gymnastics classes plus an annual registration valued at $260. Local Business SubStation II will be available with healthy lunches for purchase, Smoothies, Fruit and Vegetable samples, our CGA Girls and Boys Team demonstrations and our featured guest Luci Romberg, professional Hollywood Stunt woman, National Champion Gymnast and a member of The Stunt Women’s Association of Motion Pictures and Team Tempest freerunning. Luci has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, commercials, and a national champion gymnast and all-conference soccer player in college, Luci’s transition into stunts was seamless. Her video can be found on CGA’s Facebook page here.
Smarty Deal: Mention CSP at this event and you will receive $10 off your first month of tuition PER CHILD if you register your children at Charlotte Gymnastics Academy!
Where: Charlotte Gymnastics Academy
710 Peninsula Lane Suite A
Charlotte, NC 28273
When: Saturday, 9/18 from 11a-3p
704-714-FLIP (3547)
3rd Annual AdamFest Family Fun Day
Ballantyne Corporate Park
September 18, 11:00am-8:00pm (Rain Date is September 19)
Families can enjoy food, music, games, rides and much more. Proceeds raised will be donated to the Adam Faulk Tanksley Foundation, a non-profit corporation established solely to make a difference in the lives of children and their families affected by pediatric cancer.
United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Energy for Life Walkathon
Freedom Park
September 18, Registration begins at 7:30am, Walk begins at 9:30am
Come walk at the first ever Carolina Foothills Energy For Life Walkathon! Funds raised in this walk will be used by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF). UMDF provides research funding for an easier diagnosis, better treatments and a cure. To date, the UMDF has funded $7 million in research grants. The walk features several different routes including a 5K course as well as shorter options for the energy-impaired. In addition to educational information about the disease and about those who suffer from it along the walk path, there will also be a mitochondrial disease information tent, which will feature several visiting medical specialists. Every 30 minutes, a child is born who will develop a mitochondrial disease by age 10. Mitochondrial diseases result from the failure of the mitochondria, which are located in the cells of our bodies. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy needed to sustain life and support growth. When mitochondria fail, less energy is produced causing cell injury or cell death. On a larger scale, organ systems begin to fail. The disease is often debilitating. Children with mitochondrial disease may not see their teenage years.
Charlotte Area Farm Tour
September 18-19, 1:30pm-6:30pm
Know Your Farms announces its second annual Charlotte Area Farm Tour highlighting 27 local farms. The tour is a great opportunity for families to connect with our thriving agricultural community. Children learn to appreciate where their food comes from and are delighted to interact with local cows, pigs, chickens, goats, and sheep. Adults have an opportunity to learn about natural and sustainable production methods that can be used in their own backyard gardens, as well as gain useful cooking and nutritional tips for healthy meal preparation. The Charlotte Area Farm Tour is self-guided, and farms are located in clusters all around the Charlotte region for easy touring. To take the tour, get a map and purchase a vehicle pass online go to http://knowyourfarms.com/tour. Load up your vehicle with friends and family, then use the map to plot your course! Cost is $25 per vehicle in advance, $30 at the gate.
Kids’ Konsignment Sale
Weddington United Methodist Church Family Life Center
September 16-18, Thurs, 9:00am-1:30pm and 4:00pm-7:30pm; Fri., 9:00am-1:00pm.; and Sat., 8:00am-noon
Children’s clothing, furniture, toys, strollers and more. Credit cards and checks accepted. Proceeds benefit local, Union county charities.
Matthews UMC Children and Teen Consignment Sale
Matthews United Methodist Church
September 18, 8:00am-noon; half-price sale, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Fall/Winter clothes and shoes – newborn to junior sizes. Maternity items, baby equipment, toys, furniture, books, games, and much more! Free Admission, Cash Only, No Strollers or Carts allowed in sales area.
Britax Fitting Station
Britax North American headquarters, 13501 South Ridge Drive
September 17, 8:00am-noon
A car seat checking station is where certified child passenger safety technicians assist you with car seat installation. There they will teach you the correct way to install your child seat, provide safety recommendations, and answer any questions that you may have. For best results, please bring: your child, your vehicle and vehicle owner’s manual, your child safety seat and all parts, accessories, and instructions, a second adult to assist with watching your child while you learn how to install your car seat . No appointment is needed, and seats from all manufacturers are welcome. Instruction lasts approximately 30 minutes per car seat. Cost is free.
Annie
Theatre Charlotte
September 16-19, Thu.-Sat., 7:30pm; Sat.-Sun., 2:30pm
Leapin’ Lizards! One of the world’s best-loved musicals is back! Annie is a spunky Depression-era orphan determined to find her parents, who abandoned her at a NYC orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. In one adventure after another, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil plans, becomes friends with President Franklin Roosevelt and finds a new family and home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell and a lovable mutt named Sandy. With its upbeat ending and bright, tuneful score, it’s no wonder this heartwarming show has become an international sensation. Cost is $8-$24.
Explore More Life Lab
Discovery Place
September 11-26, Mon-Fri., 10am-4pm.; Sat., 11am-4pm.; and Sun., noon-4pm
Immerse yourselves in our Explore More Life Lab, which is an interactive biology wet lab, featuring a touch tank with live animals from the ocean, fascinating focus stations, and a hands-on unit, featuring Insects during the month of September. Learn how insects eat, make noise, move, and how they differ from other bugs, such as spiders. Have fun creatively experimenting while you learn about these creepy crawlies.
Rat Tales
Charlotte Nature Museum
September 18, 10:00am-1:00pm
Learn the loveable tale about our friends, rodents…from rabbits to rats visit with our furry friends and find out what makes these creatures so special. “Don’t Make a Pet of Me” puppet show is scheduled each half hour. Part of the N.C. Science Festival.
Butterflies and Moths
Reedy Creek Nature Center
September 18, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Discover the beauty and intrigue of butterflies! We will explore the variety of butterfly species that inhabit Mecklenburg County and then venture outside in search of live specimens.
Funky Family Disco Night
FunkyTown Parties, 8155 Ardrey Kell Road
September 18, 6:00pm-9:00pm
There will be a live DJ spinning funky tunes,dancing, a laser show, drinks and giveaways. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be collected for Birthday Blessings and half the proceeds of the evening will also be donated to Birthday blessings. Cost is $20 per family.
Southern Women’s Show
The Park Expo and Conference Center
September 16-19, Thurs. 10:00am-6:00pm; Fri., 10:00am-8:00pm; Sat., 10:00am-7:00pm; and Sun., 11:00am-5:00pm
The Southern Women’s Show returns for its 28th year and you’re invited to join the Fun! Jam-packed with cool jewelry and handbags, make-up tips and tricks, delicious gourmet treats and more. Besides the incredible shopping, you can enjoy runway fashion shows, cooking classes and informed speakers.
Cost is $5-$9; free, under age 6.
Rock and Read 5K and Kids Dash
Scaleybark Library
September 18, 8:00am
Over 29,000 people use the resources of the Charlotte Mecklenburg library branches everyday and library visits are up almost 40% in the past six years. However recent budget cuts have led to staff lay-offs, branch closings, and reduced hours for our libraries. By participating in this first annual Rock & Read event, you’ll be joining with others in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community to raise awareness and funds for our public library system. So what are you waiting for? With bands at every mile, a great cause to support, and activities for every age group it’s time to Rock & Read! Cost is $5-$30.
