This Weekend in Stanly County

By Bridget Huckabee

If, as the saying goes, variety is the spice of life, then Stanly County is a pretty spicy place this weekend. The choice of activities ranges from moonlight paddles to tractor pulls, from a party in a park to a grape stomp, and all in the welcome cool of autumn under trees showing their first fall colors.

On Friday, Big Lick Truck and Tractor Pull gets underway at 5 pm. Sponsored by the National Tractor Pullers Association, the two day event is big in every way. The crowds are big, the concessions are big and the trucks and tractors are huge. Go early, visit the race teams and get ready for some unique entertainment. There are bleachers, but better bring a lawn chair.

On this Friday night of the full moon, God’s Country Outfitters hosts a Moonlight Paddle Tour on the Falls Reservoir at Badin. Come out and enjoy an easy, guided kayak or canoe paddle under the moon. The event includes a campfire, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Paddle out at sunset, paddle back by moonlight. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this.

Saturday already and for you early rising fishermen the Adam and Eve Bass Fishing Tournament gets underway on Badin Lake at 8 am. On Lake Tillery, Russell’s Bass Fishing Tournament Series gets underway at the Swift Island Boat Landing.

Now it’s time to visit the Stanly County Farmers’ Market at Market Station in downtown Albemarle. As always the market features fresh produce from local vendors, homemade goodies and local crafts.

Pack those fruits and veggies away and if you hurry you can catch the Pfeiffer Swimming team as they take on Carolina Meet on the Pfeiffer campus at 11 am.

Just down the road, Richfield hosts a Party in the Park. There’ll be food, games, entertainment, exhibits, a photography contest, a car show, a tractor show, a silent auction, a live auction and the list goes on. Monk’s Band plays at 10 am, the Clay Pigeons at 11 am and the 3 generations at Noon.

On Endy Road, Dennis Vineyards holds their Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp from 11 am to 5 pm at their events facility, A Place in the Vineyard. Yes, you can actually stomp grapes just like Lucy, take a hay ride around the grounds, shop local artisans, eat food from local vendors and listen to Right Turn Clyde Band play southern rock and roll. Admission is free.

The Get Lost Corn Maze is a refreshing walk off the beaten path, but during the month of October, in a separate maze after the daytime schedule ends, you can get lost in the Maze of Terror. Scares will be stalking you in the Woods of Fear as you take a guided walk on a “haunted” trail. After you’ve navigated this life-sized puzzle of paths, you can pick a pumpkin to take home to carve. The maze is located 6 miles from Albemarle on Highway 73 West and is locally owned and operated by Kent and Amy Lowder.

Now calm your nerves with a moonlight paddle, the second night to enjoy the full moon on one of our beautiful lakes. God’s Country Outfitters is the host. Come out and enjoy an easy, guided kayak or canoe paddle under the moon. The event includes a campfire, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Paddle out at sunset, paddle back by moonlight.

The Big Lick Truck and Tractor Pull brings a second day of big crowds and big excitement. The event is located in Big Lick Festival Park on South Oak Ridge Road (Highway 205) in Oakboro.

On Sunday the Pfeiffer Women’s Soccer team takes on Florida Southern at 1 pm. The game takes place on the Pfeiffer campus. Come and cheer the home team.

The ghosts and goblins are still waiting for you among the corn stalks on this Sunday afternoon out at the Get Lost Corn Maze. And don’t forget to pick out that special pumpkin to carve in time for Halloween.