This Weekend in Stanly County
By Bridget Huckabee
Come celebrate in Stanly County this weekend. No, there’s no special holiday, but we have plenty of celebrations. What we’re celebrating is an abundance of fresh produce from our farms, of wine from our vineyards, of healthy bodies and strong hearts taking advantage of recreation in our lakes and hills. What we have is music under the stars. What we have is good living in a good community.
Begin your celebration on Friday evening at Market Station in downtown Albemarle. Join friends and neighbors for the Albemarle Downtown Development Corporation’s Fish FRYday from 6 pm to 9 pm. Enjoy a plate of delicious fish with all the trimmings in this great venue as you enjoy the musical entertainment of The Clay Pigeons.
Rocky River Vineyards Summer Party is all about celebrating. In fact the theme of the evening is “Celebrate!” Whether it’s your birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, come on out and enjoy a light dinner, a glass of wine and the music of Borderlyne as they serenade you with soft rock, beach music and all your other favorites. The event is from 7 pm to 10 pm.
On Saturday morning ride out to Badin to celebrate those extraordinary athletes as they compete in the 5th Annual Historic Badin Triathlon. The fun begins at 8 am as, organized by Vac and Dash, the participants dive into Badin Lake for a 750 meter swim. Next comes a grueling 12 mile bike ride over our rolling hills. For the grand finale, these intrepid athletes run a 5K race down the scenic road of Valley Drive.
Saturday morning is also the time to celebrate the bounty from our local farms and gardens at the Stanly County Farmers’ Market. From 8 am until noon every Saturday, Market Station is filled with stalls overflowing with fresh produce, home-baked goods, flowers and crafts. Breathe in the perfume of this open air marketplace as you meander through. Take time to browse, or to socialize with the farmers. Farmer’s markets are flourishing throughout America as more people like to know where their food comes from, to buy produce at the peak of its freshness and to support their local economy. Stanly County’s Farmers’ Market has been in operation every Saturday throughout the summers for the last 15 years. Starting next week, the market will be in full swing twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Less strenuous than a triathlon, but nevertheless demanding, a 3.1 mile race will take place on the Stanly Community College campus at the Continuing Education building. “Taking Strides for a Cure 5K” will begin at 7:30 am with registration. The 5K race begins at 8:15 am and a fun run/walk begins at 8:30 am. The event benefits the American Cancer Society. T-shirts go to the first 100 participants and there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
This weekend in Stanly County come celebrate life as you eat a little fish, drink a little wine, dance under the stars, run a race or cheer on those who do.
