Free Events for Your Family to Enjoy This Weekend
Photo ima
The colder nights and shades of yellow, orange and red mean one thing, it’s fall y’all. As you sip your pumpkin-enhanced beverage of choice and break out the scarecrows and hay bales, I hope you find time to enjoy this season of change. This time of year also means plenty of festivals, outdoor concerts and other cozy gatherings for you and your family.
Two such events are happening this weekend, the “97th Annual Wendell Harvest Festival” and the “Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival.” I had the chance to speak with officials from both of these cities that neighbor Raleigh, NC, to talk about what the celebrations mean for their respective communities.
“We aim to have something for everybody at our annual harvest festival,” said Roger Peterson, Wendell Chamber of Commerce Executive Director. “As in previous years, we will have our parade with the East Wake High School Marching Band, our Kids Village, which will have crafts and engaging activities and a live performance by ‘The Band of Oz,’ to round out the day.”
Peterson emphasized a new addition to this year’s festival, which is aimed to offer opportunities to Wendell’s youth.
“This year, we are proud to host a ‘Children’s Entrepreneur Market’ for kids under 17,” explained Peterson. “This market will let youths showcase products and services they have come up with. Our goal is to encourage them to be tomorrow’s business leaders in Wendell and beyond.”
The city of Fuquay-Varina also shares Wendell’s passion for community spirit as they host their event.
“Celebrate Fuquay-Varina is all about commending everything people love about this city,” said Susan Weis, Town of Fuquay-Varina Communications Director. “Our town is growing, and we welcome the people who want to call Fuquay-Varina home or want to pay us a visit. I can’t think of a better time to check us out than this festival.”
Weis mentioned that the celebration includes an Artist Village showcasing a variety of artisan crafts, live music performances and a dedicated kids area.
“I encourage everyone to check out the festival webpage to get details about parking,” said Weis. “We expect about 5,000 people, but rest assured, just like in our town as a whole, we have room for everybody.”
For more information about Wendell’s 97th Annual Harvest Festival, visit www.wendellchamber.com/wendell-harvest-festival or call 919-365-6318.
For more information about Celebrate Fuquay-Varina Festival, visit www.celebratefv.com or call 919-552-1417.
Here is a list with details about these and other upcoming free, family events this weekend in Wake County.
This Weekend (Oct 3–5)
Raleigh Wide Open Street Festival
What: A free downtown festival featuring live bluegrass, Americana, gospel, folk, R&B, an art market and activities for all ages.
When: Friday, Oct. 3, 5 - 11 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 4, 12 - 11 p.m.
Where: Downtown Raleigh
More Information: www.raleighwideopen.com
Falling for Local
What: A family-friendly autumn festival with live music, local makers, inflatables and free pumpkins.
When: Saturday, Oct. 4 (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Where: Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh, NC
More Information: www.shoplocalraleigh.org/slr-events/falling-for-local-dix-park/
Fall on First Avenue
When: Saturday, October 4, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Knightdale Station Park, Knightdale, NC
What: A fall-themed celebration with pumpkin painting, hayrides, live music, a craft fair, food trucks and a showcase of garden club mums.
More Information: www.knightdalenc.gov/fall-first-avenue
Garner Firemen’s Festival
When: Saturday, October 4, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Garner Fire Station One, 503 W Main St., Garner, NC
What: The festival includes over 50 vendors, home-cooked BBQ, fire truck displays, live fire demonstrations, games and live entertainment
More Information: www.garnernc.gov/departments/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources/events/firemen-s-festival#!/
