Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: 9/3-9/6

Happy 1st of September. We are already 2/3rds of the way through the year – Wow! For those of you who may be changing beach or other travels plans because of the hurricane and for everyone spending the long holiday weekend in town, we have some events for you. Start the weekend with a little consignment shopping, follow that with a trip to Daniel Stowe and end it at Matthews Alive. You can throw in the Corn Maze, a parade, a County Fair and feel like you have been on a jam-packed vacation. Have fun, get out and enjoy!

Harrison UMC Fall/Winter Consignment Sale
Harrison United Methodist Church, 15008 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville
September 2-4, Thurs., 6:00pm-9:00pm; Fri., 9:00am-2:00pm; and Sat., 8:00am-noon(Half-price sale only)
New and gently-used clothing, furniture, toys and books. Need to purchase a $5 pass for Thursday shopping.

Something’s A-Flutter
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
September 1-30, 9:00am-5:00pm
The butterflies are back! Something’s A-Flutter returns to The Orchid Conservatory as hundreds of butterflies fill the conservatory. Enjoy butterfly releases, exhibits, demonstrations and lots more fluttering fun! Cost is $6-$12.

Matthews Alive
Downtown Matthews, 120 S. Trade St.
September 3-6, Friday, 6:30pm-10:30pm; Saturday, 9:00am-9:00pm; Sunday, 12:00-9:00pm; Monday, 9:00am-5:00pm
18th Annual Community Festival. Proceeds go to non-profits. Music, parade, 5K Run, arts & crafts, and much more.

Freedom 5K
Freedom Park
September 4, check in begins at 6:45am, race begins at 8:00am
This event is presented by Operation Homefront, an organizationthat provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors. The 5k is a fundraising run to raise money and honor U.S. military men and women and helps raise money for the enlisted families who support our troops.

Live Animal Talk
McDowell Nature Center
September 4-5, 4:00pm-4:30pm
What does a snake feel like? Can turtles trade shells? Explore the secret lives of animals while you get up close and personal with several animals that call McDowell Nature Center, the Preserve, and even your backyard home.

Rural Hill Amazing Maize Maze
Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville
September 4-26, Open Saturday-Monday 10:00am-6:30pm
See how fast you can find your way out of the seven-acre corn maze while searching for the 12 map pieces. Music and food will also be available. Visit the website for advance tickets, times and special activities. Cost is $7-$15, under 4 is free.

Whitewater River Jam
U.S. National Whitewater Center
September 4, Begins at 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.

12tht Annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade
Uptown Charlotte – Begins at Hal Marshal Center, 700 North Tryon and ends at intersection of Tryon and Third streets
September 6, 11:00am
The 12th annual Charlotte Labor Day Parade will be held Monday, September 6, 2010 at 11 a.m. Our parade this year will feature local labor union floats, vehicles, and marchers. Political candidates, stepping groups, bands, car clubs, beauty queens, and community groups will also take part. Organized by the Charlotte Labor Day Parade Committee in conjunction with the Southern Piedmont CLC, the parade honors the accomplishments of organized labor in our country, our region, and in our community.

Iredell County Fair
Iredell County Fairgrounds
September 6-11, Monday-Wednesday, 5:00pm-11:00pm; Saturday, 12:00-5:00pm
The purpose of the Iredell County Agricultural Fair is to promote local agriculture, improve participation by youth in agriculture and educate the public about the impact of agriculture on the community. Features animals, food, rides and various types of entertainment.

Tree Musketeers
Reedy Creek Nature Center
September 6, 2:00pm-3:00pm
Become a ‘Tree Musketeer’ and take a walk through the preserve. Learn how to identify trees and have fun creating colorful leaf prints.

We have another giveaway from our friends at the Yiasou Greek Festival:
Two lucky Smarties will win a Prize Pack including (2) admission tickets and (2) Be Our Guest Meal tickets – over a $50 value! Click here to get all the skinny & to register. Good luck, Smarties!