Smarty Scoop on Weekend Activities: October 12-14

Happy Wednesday Smarties! It is a very busy weekend in the Queen City. We have everything from Disney on Ice to camping out with your family. There is BBQ, Chili and Cornhole galore, a home tour and Whitewater River Jam. Grab the family, pick an activity and enjoy!

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy
Time Warner Cable Arena
October 10-14, Wed. – Thur. 7pm; Fri. 10:30am & 7pm; Sat. 11am, 2:30pm & 6pm; Sun. Noon & 4pm
Your family’s favorite Disney moments will come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy! The brand new show includes childhood favorites such as Mickey and Minnie and will also feature high-speed stunts from the crew of Disney•Pixar’s Cars; an enchanting journey into The Little Mermaid’s undersea kingdom; the mysterious world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies; and Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang in their most daring adventure ever! Cost is $15-$65.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
ImaginOn
October 12-14, Fri., 7:30pm; Sat., 1:00pm, 4:00pm; Sun., 2:00pm
The Peanuts gang’s all here – Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder and Sally – in this delightful musical that will have you celebrating childhood, or revisiting it! Charlie Brown just wants to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, while Snoopy and Linus want to daydream. Meanwhile, the rest of the group battles book reports, kites, baseball and misunderstandings in this classic Broadway musical based on the iconic comic characters of Charles Schulz. For ages 5 and up. Cost is $20

Community Day
McColl Center for Visual Arts
October 13, 11:00am-4:00pm
Participants young and old can participate in various artist-led activities including The Fundred Project with Mel Chin. In addition, there will be yoga on the lawn and additional demonstrations by our various community partners. Cost is free.

Whitewater River Jam Fall Finale
U.S. National Whitewater Center
October 13, 4:00pm
To mark the end of this year’s Whitewater River Jam concert series we are hosting a Fall Finale. The festival will feature live music from Acoustic Syndicate, The David Mayfield Parade and Sons of Bill and an oyster roast. Music begins at 4 pm and we’ll be roasting oysters throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Campout! Carolina 2012
Local campsites anywhere in North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mt Gilead, NC
October 12-14
Campout! Carolina takes place this October 12-14, and encourages people of all ages to setup tents in their backyards or at local campsites anywhere in North Carolina. Gather your neighbors, your family and friends, and take part in this statewide event to simply celebrate what makes North Carolina so special. Register now at www.campoutcarolina.org!

Pitchin’ for Wishes Cornhole Tourney
Freedom Park
October 13, 12:00pm-7:00pm
The Pitchin’ for Wishes Cornhole Tourney is sponsored by general contractor Andrew Roby and Harris Teeter. The tournament’s fundraising goal is $200,000 to benefit Make-A-Wish® Central & Western North Carolina. The family-friendly bag toss tournament will feature an NCAA bracket-style cornhole competition, as well as food, music, mascots from Charlotte’s professional sports teams, a bouncy house and children’s play zone. The event, organized by Andrew Roby, is in its fifth year. Cost is $60 for each two-person team.

Bank of America 500
Charlotte Motor Speedway
October 13, 7:30pm
Are you ready for the only Saturday night race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup? The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway Oct. 13 for the Bank of America 500. Fans can witness 43 of the world’s greatest drivers battle for the prestige of winning in front of friends and family. The race is sure to play a pivotal role in deciding the series champion, so fans can expect tempers to be hot and the racing action to be hotter! Come early and enjoy the pre-race activities, including the 10-acre Fan Zone, live music by Nickelodeon’s Victoria Justice and country music superstars Big & Rich and a thrilling stunt by world-famous tightrope walker Nik Wallenda. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will also make appearances throughout the day. Kids tickets are just $10.

Energy for Life Walkathon
Freedom Park
October 13, 8:30am
The Charlotte Chapter of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation is excited and energized to be able to reach out to the community to raise awareness as well as support those who are fighting mitochondrial disease in our area. Whether you, someone you love, or someone you know is fighting this disease, we can all come together to spread the word and raise money for research toward a cure. Please join the Charlotte Chapter of the UMDF for the 3rd Annual Energy For Life: Charlotte Walkathon as we unite in support of those individuals and families affected by mitochondrial disease. The Energy For Life: Charlotte Walkathon offers all participants a fun-filled experience with entertainment, refreshments, mitochondrial disease resources, and much more! Start a corporate, school or family team today!

All Hallow’s Eve
Historic Latta Plantation
October 13, 10:00am-4:00pm
Come experience the history of Halloween and its famous characters! There will be trick or treating around the plantation, Halloween baking in the old kitchen, storytelling, pumpkin painting, a costume contest, and more! Free with regular site admission ($7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students, ages 5 and under and members are free).

Craftapalooza!
The Shoppes at Birkdale Crossing
October 13, 11:00am-4:00pm
In celebration of American Craft Week, 20 area artists will exhibit & sell their artwork on the green at the Shoppes at Birkdale Crossing. We will also be out on the green with craft classes, workshops & demonstrations! This interactive craft fair will be fun for the whole family and packed with things to do! Live music, kids activities and more. Brought to you by 32 Flavors Boutique.

Lung Strong 15K/5K
Jetton Village, Cornelius
October 13, 8:00am
Help us kick off National Lung Cancer Awareness Month and join us in the fight against lung cancer by participating in the LungStrong 15K/5K. The Run/Walk event is open to all participants who seek a challenge, runner-friendly course or just a fun and healthy way to support Lung Cancer awareness. The event features Live Music, a Wall of Honor, Massages, Prizes, Inflatables for the kids and much, much more.

The Great Chili Cook-Off
Town Square Shopping Center, Mooresville
October 13, 4:00pm- 8:00pm
Taste more chili than ever before, wash it down with some cold Budweiser and rock out to the sounds of Darrell Harwood and the CWB. Kids will have a great time too, in the Huge Kids Zone. If that’s not enough, participate in the Corn Hole tournament and take in over 40 food and craft vendors. The night tops off with a $1,000 prize for first place Home Town Chili and recognition for the Best Restaurant Chili, The People’s Choice Chili, Chili Spirit Award and raffle prizes.

Mellow Mushroom 2nd Birthday
Tranquil Court Condos
October 13, 2:00pm-6:00pm
Partygoers can expect complimentary pizza, tie dyeing, “Joe the Balloon Man” creating balloon animals, corn hole games, and prizes and giveaways including the chance to win a customized Mellow Mushroom corn hole set. Joining the celebration will be local beer brewers Triple C who will offer tastings of Smoked Amber and their IPA.

Cotswold Marketplace Fall Classic
Cotswold Marketplace, 200 N. Sharon Amity Road
October 12-13
Ready. Set. Inspire! Cotswold Marketplace is hosting their Fall Classic even this This Friday and Saturday, October 12 and 13. With the change in the weather comes the change of color. Be inspired by the fall palette – and find just the right touches to spruce up your abode. In fact, register to win $100 to spend on your nest! And, for you early birds, go ahead and start thinking about decor for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and start making a list and checking it twice for some amazing holiday gifts.

The Annual Elizabeth Home & Garden Tour
Elizabeth Neighborhood
October 13-14, Sat., 11:00am-5:00pm; Sun., 1:00pm-5:00pm
What does it include? Entrance to 1 Historic Church, 6 Fantastic Homes & 4 Beautiful Gardens
Come check out one of Charlotte’s oldest neighborhoods! Cost is $12 in Advance @ Royal Gardens & Red Sky Gallery, $15 day of: Saturday @ Royal Gardens, Sunday @ Charlotte Council of Garden Clubs.

34th Annual Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk
Elizabeth Ave. at Charlottetown
October 14, 2:30pm
The Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk takes place each Fall as a part of a nationwide endeavor to raise money to alleviate hunger and poverty in this country and overseas. The concept is simple: Ending hunger one step at a time. Since its first walk in 1978, Charlotte has raised over $6 million to relieve hunger, with $1.6 million staying in the community. CROP Hunger Walks support the grass roots, poverty-fighting development efforts of Church World Service (CWS) in more than 50 countries, including the USA. CROP Hunger Walks provide tools of hope that empower people to meet their own survival needs. From seeds and tools, to wells and water systems, to technical training and microenterprise loans, the key is bringing people together to overcome poverty, which is the world’s #1 cause of hunger.

Girl’s Hockey Day
Extreme Ice Center, Indian Trail
October 14, 12:30pm-2:00pm
The Extreme Ice Center in conjunction with USA Hockey will be hosting a free Girls’ Hockey Day. Girls are invited to try hockey for the first time and work on skills with female coaches and current players. Girls’ Hockey Day is 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM at the Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, NC. Youth hockey is on the rise in Charlotte area with help of the American Development Model founded by USA Hockey. The ADM model allows youth hockey players to focus on skill development rather than competition at a young age. In addition, the CMHA offers an entry-level program to provide free equipment with skill development classes for new youth players. Participants can register online by visiting www.xicenter.com.

Hall Family Farm Pumpkins and Corn Maze
Hall Family Farm
October 12-14
Hall Family Farm Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze will have pumpkins and fall activities. The farm will be open Fri-Sun, 9-6pm for September. Hours for Oct 1st – Nov 4th are Sun-Thurs, 9am – 6pm; Fri – Sat, 9am – 10pm. Come enjoy hayrides, kids mazes, duck races, bonfire, and pumpkin picking. Free Admission but there is a fee for some activities. Hayride – $3, Corn Maze $8 for age 9 and up , $6 for kids 3-9, and free for 2 and under.

Great Amazing adventure Race & Family Activity – Charlotte
McAlpine Creek Park
October 14, 2:00pm
Sign up for this fun adventure race and memory-making family activity! Kids in grades 1-12 pair up with a parent, grandparent, sibling or mentor and compete in a series of fun challenges patterned after the show The Amazing Race. Whether you run, jog, walk or watch, it’ll be an experience you will never forget. Registration will close once 100 team limit is reached. Qualify for National Championship Race and $2,000 Prize. Cost is $40.00 for team of two – adult/kid or kid/kid.

3rd Annual Dilworth/South End Chili-Cook Off
Atherton Mill and Market
October 14, 12:00pm-5:00pm
Live music from local bands, games for all ages and so many fun prizes!! Enjoy all the chili you can taste from local restaurants and individual cooking teams as they (And Maybe You) compete to win!

Time Warner Cable BBQ & Blues
North Carolina Music Factory
October 12-13, 10:00am
Approximately 60 teams compete for over $20,000 in prizes and supreme bragging rights. Teams spice up their areas with elaborate decorations and clever team names. There is also a pigtastic festival taking place Friday & Saturday with blues music, an array of beer samples, and some of the best BBQ you will find anywhere! This festival celebrates the best of the southern cuisine and southern music. Food, music, entertainment & more!

Assistance League’s Annual Bauble & Bags Event
Assistance League of Charlotte Center and Thrift Shop
October 13, 9:00am-3:00pm
Once a year, Assistance League of Charlotte opens up their warehouse and holds a special sale of gently used and new designer handbags, jewelry and extraordinary accessories. All proceeds benefit Assistance League’s philanthropic programs: Operation Check Hunger, Operation School Bell®, Mecklenburg County Teen Court, Assistance Leagues Scholarship Fund and Outreach.

Fall Festival
Sharon Presbyterian Church
October 13, 3:00pm-6:00pm
Festivities include hay rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games, raffles, fire engine, police car, pony rides, face painting and bingo. BBQ is available for purchase. ($8 for BBQ plate and $4 for Hot Dog plate)