Community Scene

 Looking for a fun way to celebrate our nation’s birthday? Here are a few ideas to stay local and make this July 4 your best one yet!

Garner
July 3
Garner’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks Show will be held on Saturday, July 3, at Lake Benson Park. Entertainment includes a patriotic performance by the North Carolina Symphony, kids’ activities and the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free; food and drinks will be on sale at the park. A shuttle service will be available to and from the park. For more event information, visit www.ci.garner.nc.us, then click on Parks and Recreation, then Events.
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Looking for a fun — and free — family day trip this weekend?

Check out the 2010 Pollinator Festival at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, just down the road in Johnston County.

That’s right — bees!

Pollinators positively affect all our lives. In celebration of National Pollinator Week, visitors can tour pollinator gardens, make bee nesting bundles and beeswax candles, see beekeeping demonstrations and more.

Howell Woods and the Johnston County Cooperative Extension will host this day of fun and educational activities for the entire family on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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It’s free, and you’re invited: It’s the Knightdale Chamber of Commerce Business Expo 2010!

Set for next Thursday, June 17, from 2 to 7 p.m., this annual community event will feature more than 100 exhibitors, door prizes, dance and martial arts demonstrations, and much more.

“Whether you’re a family or in business, there’s something for everyone at expo, including free food samples and giveaways,” said Jennifer Bryan, executive director of the Knightdale Chamber.

Bryan notes that small businesses are the heart of a community, helping to create jobs, and says expo is the time to celebrate their role in the community.
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Join business and community leaders at the seventh annual State of the Research Triangle Region forum, set for Thursday, May 27 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Hosted by the Research Triangle Regional Partnership and the Triangle Community Foundation, the event will provide information on the economic health of the 13-county Research Triangle Region, which includes Wake and Johnston counties.

Hundreds are expected to attend this forum, where featured speakers include RTRP Board Chair Bill Atkinson and RTRP President and CEO Charles Hayes.

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Enjoy the funky and jazzy sounds of Michael Franti & Spearhead as the headlining act at this year’s Band Together 10th annual charity concert held at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Raleigh on May 22.

The band is coming off of a successful tour with John Mayer and is known for energetic live shows and as advocates for peace and social justice. Also performing is American Idol finalist Anoop Desai; London-based band One eskimO that toured with Tori Amos; Chapel Hill’s The Old Ceremony; and a late-night after-show party with Holy Ghost Tent Revival, an ensemble from Greensboro that melds brass, banjo, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard to create joyous, toe-tapping music.
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