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Memorial Day means – summer!

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robin gibson bugWith so many graduations happening, and kids getting out of school, it’s impossible not to know that summer is upon us. But if there was any confusion about the impending season, Memorial Day announces its arrival in bold, all caps letters. Maybe you have beach plans, or plans to hit the lake. Or, maybe you have no plans at all, in which case this list may help: From the Coca-Cola 600 to Spoleto to the US National Whitewater Center’s holiday fest.

Here are a few ideas locally and around the region to help you kick off summer:

  • Coca Cola 600Coca Cola 600 — it doesn’t take long for a transplant to figure out what every local here already knows, Memorial Day in Charlotte means racing. Whether you’re a NASCAR fan or not, the additional traffic and Speed Street Festival Uptown are difficult to ignore. Maybe this year you shouldn’t. For 55 years, the race has been one of the city’s biggest draws well before banking and finance put it on the map. Millions year after year make their pilgrimage to Charlotte Motor Speedway to be a part of the action. In addition to race tickets, pit passes are available for up close and personal access to pit crews and drivers. The festival Uptown is FREE and runs through Saturday from Noon to 11pm with street closures affecting the city. Race is Sunday at 6pm. For more information on both visit the website or call 1-800-455-FANS.
  •  PS14_poster_no_dates-778x1024Spoleto Festival USA & Piccolo Spoleto Festival – a short drive south to Charleston puts you right in the middle of a world-renowned arts festival. While Spoleto Festival USA is more national in scope, the regionally focused Piccolo Spoleto Festival puts the spotlight on local artists. Both begin their run in the historic city this weekend. For 17 days, every form of art imaginable will be showcased at various venues throughout, much of which is FREE and open to the public. From visual art to student exhibitions, theater, music, dance, opera, film, and even a midnight pajama march (see the incredible Seed and Feed Marching Abominable, a community marching band out of Atlanta) there’s something for everyone and every budget. A complete schedule of events throughout each festival between now and June 8th can be found here and here.
  • 2014_MemorialDay_CourseMap_jpgUSNWC Memorial Day Festival – The U.S. National Whitewater Center plays host to an all day festival to commemorate the holiday. On Sunday, May 25, the festival begins at 9am with trail races (see course map, click on image for larger view) offering a 5 mile and 8 mile course, and continues with a line up of bands. The action also includes a cornhole tournament, and ends with a spectacular fireworks display to cap off the event. All of this, of course, is in addition to the rafting, ziplining, rock wall climbing, and mountain biking trails that make the center a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. To find all it has to offer for the holiday, check out the event page.

Whatever you decide to do, say “Hi” to summer. It’s coming. Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

Robin Gibson is a writer living in Cornelius. You can find her blog at http://www.robingibsonart.com/blog.html. See her previous columns under the “Robin Gibson” category.

MORE WEEKEND EVENTS

See more weekend events in our Events Calendar.  http://davidsonnews.net/guide/events/

 

 

 

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