Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend Around The Charlotte Region

Steve
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Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend Around The Charlotte Region

The weekend is almost here!

There will be tons of concerts, food trucks, markets, and roller derby – and the fair is even in town!

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this weekend (honorable mentions go to Free Donut Day and Friday night’s South End Gallery Crawl):

#1 Carolina Fair

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This will be the 1st year of the new Carolina Fair at the Park Expo Center, it will run from May 26th–June 4th.

Attractions include: Meet & Greet with Disney’s Peyton List, Wolf Shows, Wild West Shows, Comedy/Magician Shows, Marvelous Mutts, Tiger Shows and more!

Admission is free for kids 4 and under, $5 for Seniors (60+) and Kids 12 and under. Adult Admission is $10.

For tickets or more info click here.

#2 2017 Vintage Charlotte Summer Market

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VTGCLT is popping up at Camp North End (1776 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206) the sixth annual Summer Market! Come out and spend the day shopping with 80+ of the region’s best vintage & handmade vendors.

For more information click here.

#3 The Honeycutters & Town Mountain

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Lyrically driven, the songs on Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters blend the band’s old-school country roots attitude with their shared influences of rock and folk.

They’ll be playing at NoDa’s neighborhood theater this coming Friday night at 8pm.

For tickets or more information click here.

#4 City and Colour

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Dallas Michael John Albert Green is a Canadian singer-songwriter who records under the alias City and Colour. His melodic songs have been climbing the charts here in the US for the past several years.

He’ll be headlining the Fillmore this coming Friday night at 9pm.

For tickets or more info click here.

#5 Whitewater Center’s River Jam

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This weekend Charleston’s Stop Light Observations (aka SLO) will be rocking out the island at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.

They’ll be playing as part of the weekly River Jam concert series on Saturday, June 3rd from 7pm-10pm.

Parking is $5 per car, and the concert is free.

For more info click here.

#6 CLT Roller Derby Double Header

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Don’t miss the hard-hitting action on Saturday, June 3 at the Grady Cole Center. Doors open at 4:30pm and the first bout of this double header starts at 5pm. Come early at 3:30PM for a tailgate party!

For more info or tickets click here.

#7 Train, Natasha Bedingfield & O.A.R.

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Train is coming to town this weekend! They’ll be playing alongside Natasha Bedingfield & O.A.R. this coming Saturday night starting at 7pm at the PNC Music Pavilion.

For tickets or more info click here.

#8 Blue Blaze Brewing 1 Year Anniversary

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Blue Blaze Brewing will celebrate its one-year anniversary kicking off the day with yoga in the park at 11 a.m. and later with live music from Kick the Robot, Fresh Med food truck, and great beer on Saturday, June 3 from 12 to 10 p.m. at 528 S. Turner Avenue. Attendees are encouraged to bike or walk via the Irwin Creek/Stewart Creek sections of the Carolina Thread Trail (bike valet provided).

For more info or tickets click here.

#9 Roomful Of Blues

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Roomful of Blues is an American blues and swing revival big band based in Rhode Island. With a recording career that spans over 40 years, they have toured worldwide and recorded many albums.

They’ll be playing at the Neighborhood Theater in NoDa this coming Saturday night at 8pm.

For tickes or more info click here.

#10 Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls

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On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, the Charlotte Knights will be taking on the Durham Bulls at the BB&T field in Uptown Charlotte starting at 7:05pm each night.

For tickets or more info click here.

If you think other events should be on this list or future lists, let us know – Scott@CharlotteStories.com

Donut Shops Across Charlotte Will Be Giving Away Free Donuts All Day Tomorrow

Steve
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Donut Shops Across Charlotte Will Be Giving Away Free Donuts All Day Tomorrow

free donuts in charlotteThe big day is almost here…on Friday, June 2nd, bakeries, cafes, and donut factories throughout the Charlotte region will be giving away everyone’s favorite treat in celebration of National Donut Day.

The tradition was originally established in 1938 by the Chicago Salvation Army to honor women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I. The national holiday is traditionally celebrated on the first Friday of June.

Here are some ways to celebrate #NationalDonutDay in Charlotte:

▪ Dunkin’ Donuts will be giving away 1 free classic donut with the purchase of any beverage.

▪Krispy Kreme will be giving customers 1 free donut of their choice without needing to purchase anything all day on Friday.

▪ Duck Donuts will offer a free Donut of your choice with any purchase, and every receipt tomorrow will feature an exclusive “Buy One Get One Free 1/2 Dozen” coupon.

▪ Rise Biscuits Donuts, which operates two stores in the Charlotte area, is donating 10 percent of all sales on Friday to the Salvation Army

Please share the good news! 

Top Golf Charlotte Is Opening To The Public Next Week (Sneak Preview)

Steve
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Top Golf Charlotte Is Opening To The Public Next Week (Sneak Preview)

The new highly anticipated Topgolf Charlotte facility is finally done! They’ll be hosting their public grand opening next Friday, June 9th.

This week they gave a preview of the new facilities and what guests can expect starting next Friday:

The entire facility was completed in record time – from site permitting to completion in less than a year:

Topgolf Charlotte is a futuristic “golf entertainment complex” offering targeted games where players hit ‘microchipped’ balls as close to various targets and special zones as possible. The balls individually record their location before and after they are hit, and give individual scores for each player.

They also feature a full food and drink menu – catering to golfers and non-golfers of all skill levels.

The new facility is already helping to boost Charlotte’s growing Southeast corridor.

They’ve now hired 500 employees (100 of which are full-time), and they’re expected to generate an economic impact of $265 million over the next decade.

Topgolf Charlotte has also started work on their second location in the Northlake area.

6-Foot-Long Alligator Was Just Hit By A Car In Union County

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6-Foot-Long Alligator Was Just Hit By A Car In Union County

A 6-foot-long alligator was hit and killed over Memorial Day weekend while trying to cross Highway 74 in Union County.

A driver called 911 to report an alligator in the road at around midnight, just outside the town of Marshville.

Responding Marshville officers said the animal suffered a fatal wound to the head after being struck by a car.

The accident occurred near Stegall Lake where a few residents have noted seeing other gators in the past.

Union County police just released the following audio from the 911 call of the driver:

Wildlife experts say that it’s highly unlikely that the gator was wild, as the closest verified wild alligator that’s ever been documented was in Robeson County, which is 4 counties east of Union.

Ascent Uptown Rented The BB&T Ballpark To Honor Some Of The Best Photographers in Charlotte

Steve
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Ascent Uptown Rented The BB&T Ballpark To Honor Some Of The Best Photographers in Charlotte

uptown-stunner-partyTo celebrate their summer opening and inspired by their dedication to community involvement, Ascent Uptown just gave away over $3,000 in prizes yesterday at the BB&T Ballpark to wrap up their first ever #UptownStunner Photo Contest!

The contest was open to anyone with a camera (or smartphone) and a social media account.

Photos were submitted between May 16th and May 21st. On May 20th, the Ascent Uptown team selected twenty of their favorite submissions for the public to vote on.

We then posted the photos on Tuesday, May 23 and gave the public a week to vote for their favorites.

These are the top 20 finalists – be sure to click on the links of your favorite photographers to follow them on Instagram:

20. #UptownStunner by @johanrol

#uptownstunner @ascent_uptown #clt #Charlotte #romarebeardenpark

A post shared by Johan Roldán (@johanrol) on

19. #UptownStunner by @mattshdr

18. #UptownStunner by @alexwalkeralexwalker

An apartment building ( @ascent_uptown ) so beautiful I had to open an art gallery…

A post shared by @alexwalkeralexwalker on

17. #UptownStunner by @shotsbyjones

#🤷🏾‍♂️

A post shared by Jones (@shotsbyjones) on

16. #UptownStunner by @whitwheelzz

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15. #UptownStunner by @davidgelbert

Let’s make the weekend 5 days and the work week 2… who’s with me?

A post shared by David (@davidgelbert) on

14. #UptownStunner by @alexandersouthnc

Stun Gun Bubble Gum….say that 5 times fast 🙄#uptownstunner

A post shared by AlexanderSouth NC (@alexandersouthnc) on

13. #UptownStunner by @papacubby

One light on at the #UptownStunner

A post shared by Kevin C (@papacubby) on

12. #UptownStunner by @jeseabrooke

11. #UptownStunner by @walkervisual

This building [ @ascent_uptown ] STANDS OUT…

A post shared by Walker Visual (@walkervisual) on

10. #UptownStunner by @lady_onthemoon

9. #UptownStunner by @souderpatch

Friday Vibes

A post shared by @souderpatch on

8. #UptownStunner by @geralo07

#uptownstunner #ilovephotography #heartofcharlotte

A post shared by Gerry ..G7 sphere Photography (@geralo07) on

7. #UptownStunner by @neverend_creative

“Ascent is always difficult. Descent is easy and often slippery.” ~Gandhi #uptownstunner #ascentuptown #photocontest

A post shared by Austin Chaney (@neverend_creative) on

6. #UptownStunner by @unclejut

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5. #UptownStunner by @cj_byers

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4. #UptownStunner by @bryguyfilms

You will ascend by lifting others 🛩️🎈🙌 #uptownstunner

A post shared by B R Y A N (@bryguyfilms) on

3. #UptownStunner by @clhughes21

I don’t have a drone to try and win this contest, but my lil dog can fly #uptownstunner

A post shared by Cody Hughes (@clhughes21) on

2. #UptownStunner by @333_wiley_honecutt_lane

#UptownStunner @exploreclt @ascent_uptown

A post shared by Dustin Honeycutt (@333_wiley_honecutt_lane) on

1. #UptownStunner by @tate_finley

#uptownstunner comin at ya

A post shared by Tate Finley (@tate_finley) on

Yesterday the Ascent Uptown team rented out part of the BB&T Ballpark to honor all the top 20 finalists and announce the top 3 winners of the #UptownStunner photo contest.

I took this live video of the announcement:

 

When I went back to analyze the full reach of the campaign, I was honestly surprised at how well it did. We ended up receiving a total of over 6,000 photo submissions on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, with a total reach of over 250,000 people.

The Ascent Uptown’s photo contest truly was an Uptown Stunner!

Cordelia Park Pool Became The First Public Outdoor Pool to Open in Charlotte

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Cordelia Park Pool Became The First Public Outdoor Pool to Open in Charlotte

Yesterday we saw the first public pool opening in Charlotte, marking the unofficial beginning to summer.

Cordelia Park Pool on North Davidson St. opened yesterday morning with newly renovated slides and a refreshing new ‘sprayground’ on site.

 

Outside. LCM. Doesnt get much better than this #atomnation #thetakeover

A post shared by ATOM Nation (@atom_nation) on

The pool will now open every Saturday and Sunday at noon, until CMS schools release for the summer, then it will be open every day. The cost is $1 per person for all-day access..

After school gets out, the county will also be offering free swimming lessons in the pool to all residents.

Foreigner and Cheap Trick Are Coming To Charlotte

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Foreigner and Cheap Trick Are Coming To Charlotte

foreigner-coming-to-charlotteOne of the most legendary rock bands of all time is now planning a major concert for the Queen City. They will be coming to Charlotte’s largest venue, the PNC Music Pavilion (formerly Verizon Wireless Amphitheater) on August 5th at 7pm.

After unleashing their 1977 debut single, “Feels Like the First Time,” the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want to Know What Love Is,” and 10 multi-platinum albums, British-American rock band Foreigner achieved the well-deserved status of one of the most popular groups in history.

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, the iconic rockers are embarking on a year-long tour that ties into their latest release, 40 – Forty Hits From Forty Years , a comprehensive compilation of classic chartbusters featuring the brand new singles, “The Flame Still Burns” and “Give My Life for Love.”

“I never could have imagined when I set out to create Foreigner forty years ago, that we’d still be touring around the world and performing the music we love all these years later. I can’t express the gratitude I feel when fans share stories of how our songs have been woven into their milestones and memories over the years. This summer we are going to celebrate these songs, and I can’t imagine a better group of friends to share this monumental tour with, than Cheap Trick and Jason Bonham who are sure to make it a true tribute to the everlasting power of rock and roll,” commented front man Mick Jones.

The legendary group will be rocking out the PNC Music Pavilion, along with Cheap Trick and a Led Zeppelin cover band on August 5th at 7pm. For a limited time they are offering 50% off tickets through Groupon.

North Carolina Saw A 62% Increase In Human Trafficking Last Year

Steve
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North Carolina Saw A 62% Increase In Human Trafficking Last Year

human-trafficking-charlotteLast year the state of North Carolina witnessed a frighteningly large increase in human trafficking, according to Polaris, one of America’s largest organizations dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking.

Our state saw a total of 181 total cases of human trafficking were reported in 2016, compared to 112 cases in 2015, and 118 cases in 2014, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

That’s a 62% increase in human trafficking cases for North Carolina, compared with a 35% increase nationwide. The average age of a sex trafficking victim was 18, with about 10% of the victims being under the age of 11.

Here are the top ways people are trafficked across the country (view the full report here):

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Although our state saw one of the highest increases in human trafficking last year, there several organizations that are now increasing their efforts to fight back, especially here in Charlotte, such as Justice Ministries, and Redeeming Joy.

This video produced by The National Geographic gives a raw look at the Human Trafficking problem in Charlotte, and how some women are rescued;

Here are some warning signs and things to watch for:

Some great points from our friends at @ourrescue. It only take a few seconds to read and learn them.

A photo posted by Justice Ministries (@justiceministries) on

Please share to help build awareness;

South Carolina Was Just Ranked As Having The Worst Education In America

Steve
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South Carolina Was Just Ranked As Having The Worst Education In America

south-carolina-worst-state-for-educationSouth Carolina has just ranked as the worst state in the nation for education, according to a new report by the U.S. News & World Report.

The Palmetto State came in at #50, followed by Nevada (#49), New Mexico (#48), and Alabama (#47). Massachusetts came in first place, and North Carolina came in just above average at #21.

Using public data, U.S. News ranked ever state in America using 11 metrics, including; 2-Year College Grad. Rate, 4-Year College Grad. Rate, Educational Attainment, Low Debt at Graduation, Tuition and Fees, College Readiness, High School Grad. Rate, NAEP Math Scores, NAEP Reading Scores, Pre-K Quality, and Preschool Enrollment.

The publication noted that “The state’s high school graduation rates are on par with the national average, though slightly fewer South Carolina residents over 25 have at least their bachelor’s degree.”

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The state really suffered, however, when it came to its low reading and math scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress exams, as well as its high tuition and fees at public colleges, low pre-school enrollment figures and low two-year college graduation rates.

They also suffered due to an extremely low number of students who had sufficient “college readiness”, based on the ACT exam. Only 44% of S.C. students met the benchmark on the English section of the ACTs, compared with Massachusetts’ 85% (the #1 state for education).

What are your thoughts about education in South Carolina?

Channing Tatum Filmed Announcing The Start Of The Coca Cola 600 For New Movie (Video)

Charlotte Stories
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Channing Tatum Filmed Announcing The Start Of The Coca Cola 600 For New Movie (Video)

Yesterday afternoon Channing Tatum was spotted all over the in-field at the Coca-Cola 600, talking with star-struck fans, and getting ready for his big moment as the Grand Marshall of the race.

NASCAR posted this quick video of Channing on their Twitter page just before the beginning of the race.

Here’s the scene that will most likely be seen on tv screens across the world in the new movie Lucky Logan:

The new Charlotte-filmed movie, Lucky Logan, will be opening across the country on August 18th.

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