Wake Forest’s popular Six Sundays in Spring concert series is back at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road, on consecutive Sundays through June 4. Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest, the performances continue Sunday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. with Big Bang Boom.
Featuring free, live, outdoor entertainment, Six Sundays in Spring offers residents an opportunity to enjoy a variety of local and regional performers and an enriching cultural experience. The concerts will be offered rain or shine from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park Amphitheater.
Editor's Note: In the event of rain Sunday...I give up.
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Happy Dan the Magic Man will perform his one-of-a-kind magic and comedy show at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Everyone laughs louder when Happy Dan the Magic Man is in the house. Happy Dan has traveled the world entertaining families for more than 30 years. His hilarious family shows are regular features at Southeastern festivals, comedy clubs, banquets, trade shows, schools, and family living rooms. He is more than an entertainer. He's that slightly silly, can't-wait-to-see-him, loving uncle that every child loves.
Happy Dan's zany character recalls the fun of live television hosts from years gone by. He blends the gentleness and homespun comfort of Mister Rogers with the silly antics and storytelling of Captain Kangaroo. His talents stretch to thoroughly holding the attention of children as young as three years to golden age adults. Wherever laughter and a caring heart is needed, Happy Dan delivers!
Families and children of all ages are invited to attend what promises to be a highly animated performance. Be sure to get there early because seating is limited to the first 200 guests.
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The 41st annual Meet in the Street returns to downtown Wake Forest Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hosted by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce and and sponsored by Capital Chevrolet, this year's community street festival will feature over 200 arts and crafts vendors, 25 food trucks, a children's village, a young entrepreneur's village, and more!
Free parking will be available in several lots on the campus of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and along many side streets throughout downtown Wake Forest, including East Holding Avenue, South White Street (from Holding to Elm), South Brooks Street (from Holding to Elm), and South Franklin Street.
Please note: Some downtown parking lots may appear to be public, when in fact they are private, such as the Renaissance Plaza parking lot. Please be sure to read all signage in the parking lot to determine what type of lot you are using. Private lots are intended for business patrons only. Public lots that are open to event attendees are clearly marked.
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May is Bike Safety Month and the Town of Wake Forest is helping to raise awareness about the importance of safe bicycle use by hosting a free Bicycle Safety Fair this Saturday, May 6. Scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in Town Hall’s Brooks Street parking lot, 301 S. Brooks St., the event will be offered as part of the 41st Annual Meet in the Street.
Facilitated by the Wake Forest Planning Department, the Bicycle Safety Fair is designed to teach safe bicycle riding skills to children ages five to 14 and their parents. Participants will be taught safe riding techniques through an obstacle course that re-creates real-life situations. The course illustrates the proper way for cyclists to scan for automobiles, develop correct riding techniques, utilize intersection safety tips, and avoid road hazards such as tree limbs, potholes, and rocks.
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The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is offering a free outdoor fitness series five nights a week in May at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Free and open to residents of all ages, May Month of Fitness consists of the following weekly classes:
- Mondays – Women’s Self Defense
- Tuesdays – Camp Gladiator
- Wednesdays – Yoga
- Thursdays – Zumba
- Fridays – Beginner Line Dancing
All classes are free and require no registration. Each is offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park Amphitheater.
Participants will receive a giveaway each night while supplies last. In addition, participants can scan the onsite QR code, complete the prize registration form, and be entered into the May Month of Fitness prize drawings sponsored by Orthopedic Physical Therapy Associates and Thomas Walters Allstate. The more classes you attend, the more times you can register, and the greater your chances to win.
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Town Manager Kip Padgett presented the Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget to the Board of Commissioners for consideration on Tuesday, May 2.
Designed to reflect the goals and strategies outlined in the Town’s strategic plan, the budget will serve as the financial and spending plan for the period and, once adopted, authorize resources and establish a direction for Wake Forest programs and services for the coming year.
The proposed budget includes a one cent increase in the property tax rate ($0.505 per $100 of assessed property valuation). The penny increase will be used to repay debt service on the $75 million parks, recreation, greenway, and transportation improvements, along with the downtown parking facility, voters approved in the November 2022 Bond Referendum.
Other rate and user fee impacts include a $1/month increase in the residential solid waste fee ($22/month), but no increase in the $0.14 downtown municipal service district tax ($0.14 per $100 assessed property valuation) or the vehicle fee which remains at $30.
The presented budget also proposes 27 new full-time positions, including 15 firefighters.
The public is invited to view a digital copy of the proposed budget from now until Tuesday, May 16. On that date, a public hearing is scheduled during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting to receive public comment. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Chambers, 301 S. Brooks St.
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The Town of Wake Forest is accepting applications for its second annual Citizen’s Academy through Friday, July 14.
The Wake Forest Citizen’s Academy is a seven-week course designed to offer participants an educational and interactive experience on the workings of Town government. The curriculum will cover current Wake Forest programs, services, and procedures, and offer an inside look at several departments, including Public Works, Police, Fire, Communications, Finance, Planning, Engineering, Wake Forest Power, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources, the Renaissance Centre, and Downtown Development.
Led by Town staff, each weekly session will take place at a different Town facility. The final session will include a graduation ceremony and reception.
The 2023 Citizens Academy will meet from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays from September 7-October 19. A light meal will be provided with each session beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a Wake Forest resident or business owner. Due to the interactive nature of the course, the academy is limited to 25 participants. To graduate, participants must attend at least five of seven sessions.
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The remaining 2023 concerts will feature Love Tribe on June 9, The Brickhouse Band on July 14, Stone Age Romeos on August 11, and Crush on September 8.
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May is Historic Preservation Month and the Town of Wake Forest is celebrating by offering free walking tours in different historic areas of town. Pre-registration is required by completing the online sign-up form. Space is limited to the first 15 participants to sign up for each tour.
Led by staff from Historic Preservation Planning and the Wake Forest Historical Museum or volunteers from the Historic Preservation Commission, the tours will include the Northeast Community, the Local Historic District/North Main Street, and South Main Street. Along the way, each group will discuss the developmental and architectural history of the area, along with the significant men and women who shaped the community. Tours are outside only and will not include the inside of individual homes or buildings.
Each tour will begin at 10 a.m. and is approximately 90 minutes.
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The Town of Wake Forest will host UDO Comprehensive Update Open House sessions on Thursday, May 25, at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
Each two-hour drop-in session will give residents, business owners, and stakeholders the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on new and revised zoning districts, including zoning district descriptions, lot dimensions, building setbacks and height, and allowable uses.
Both sessions will have an informal, open house-style format, along with the same content, so residents may drop in anytime from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. to view displays, ask questions and share comments. No formal presentation will be given. Each session will engage participants in discussions regarding key issues and priorities for the Board of Commissioners to consider as part of the updated UDO.
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The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is accepting team registrations throughout May for Church Co-Rec Adult Softball. The entry fee is $550 per team, and participants must be 18 or older.
Games will begin in mid-June and be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Anyone interested in participating who does not have a team can sign up as a free agent, then be assigned to a team in need of players.
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In August 2022, Wake Forest partnered with WakeMed to host the free webinar which was hosted by Commissioners Adam Wright and Nick Sliwinski. The one-hour program features an informative presentation by Dr. Micah Krempasky, Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health & Well-Being, WakeMed Health & Hospitals, who reviewed common symptoms of mental illness and discussed resources available to loved ones who may be suffering from untreated and undertreated mental illness. Also available on our website and provided below, the webinar concludes with a question and answer period.
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The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will continue their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza on Monday, June 5, at 11 a.m.
The 47th Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor Joseph DeLois, who served his nation in the US Army.
Members of DeLois' family have been invited to participate in the ceremony, which will include patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying and the ceremonial flag-raising. After raising the American flag, the Wake Forest Fire Department Honor Guard will raise the U.S. Army service flag in recognition of the military branch in which DeLois served. Both flags will fly in Centennial Plaza throughout June.
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Delayed for over three years - first by COVID, then by a fire - the reopening celebration will include a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, brief remarks by Mayor Vivian Jones and other Town officials, tours of the facility, class demonstrations, and light refreshments.
In June 2018, construction on the new and improved 18,000-square-foot facility began. Located at 235 E. Holding Ave., the center reopened on February 3, 2020, only to close a few weeks later in response to the COVID pandemic.
After reopening to the public in early 2022, the facility was forced to close again in July 2022 due to smoke and fire damage caused by a lightning strike. Although the building was closed during this period, classes and activities continued virtually and at various Town and privately owned locations.
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Free and open to the public, the sprayground will operate according to the following schedule through Friday, June 9:
- Sundays, 1-8 p.m.
- Monday-Friday, 4-8 p.m.
- Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Please Note: The sprayground will be open Memorial Day (Monday, May 29) from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The facility will offer extended hours beginning Saturday, June 10. To view the 2023 operating schedule, visit our website.
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The PRCR Department will host an online esports gaming tournament featuring "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" Saturday, May 13. Open to players ages 10 and older, the online tournament is free to play and will be live streamed on Twitch.tv. Registration is open through Wednesday, May 10.
Participants will compete in a one-on-one, single-day, double-elimination tournament to be run in conjunction with "Bull City Gaming." Matches will be best of three the championship match being best of five.
In the event more than 32 people register, the tournament will expand to two days with the qualifying rounds taking place on May 13 and the top eight participants battling it out in the finals on Sunday, May 14.
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Whoever said "nothing in life is free" didn't know about the Wake Forest Loop (WFL).
If you’re not familiar with the WFL, here are the top three reasons you should give it a try:
- It’s free
- It serves Wake Forest and part of Wakefield every day but Sunday
- It offers major stops in downtown Wake Forest, the Northern Regional Center, Heritage, Wakefield Commons, and Wake Forest Crossing.
Oh, and did we mention it’s FREE? For more information about Wake Forest Bus Service, visit our website.
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Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) Victim Advocate Carly Simonton is hosting a weekly podcast on Next Door Radio Fridays at 10:15 a.m.
Victims Vibe – Tales of Trials & Triumphs will explore the domestic violence, sexual assault, and other family-related issues Simonton encounters daily in support of victims and witnesses in her role as Victim Advocate. Her podcast is intended to give the community greater insight into the issues and challenges facing victims and witnesses of crime, as well as the resources available to them.
Simonton plans to interview a different guest during each week’s 30-minute podcast, including experts in public safety, law enforcement, and criminal justice issues. She also plans to devote one episode each month to answering questions submitted by area residents. Questions and topics for future episodes may be submitted online.
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The Recreation Advisory Board will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 3, at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Check-in on the day of the event starts at 7 a.m., and the races begin at 8 a.m.
The National Trails Day 5K/3K is a timed walk/run for children and adults. A loop of the paved trails throughout Joyner Park will comprise the 3.1-mile course for the 5K and 1.8 mile course for the 3K. Strollers are welcome but will be placed at the back of the pack to allow runners a clear start.
The entry fee for the 5K is $30 from April 1-May 14; $35 from May 15-June 1; and $40 the day before and day of the race. The entry fee for the 3K is $25 April 1-May 14; $30 May 15-June 1; and $35 the day before and day of the race. Please note: Registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. Everyone who registers before May 15 will receive a race T-shirt.
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The Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC) is commemorating the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre’s 10-year anniversary by issuing a Call for Artists for a permanent public art installation inside the Renaissance Centre lobby.
The theme of the piece is open to the artist’s discretion, but artists are encouraged to use the Renaissance Centre's 10-year anniversary logo as inspiration and incorporate the 10-year anniversary color palette. The piece must be free-standing or displayed on an independent stand. In addition, all standing/sculptural art must either have its own sturdy pedestal, provided by the selected artist, or be able to be safely displayed directly and free-standing on the floor in a public space.
To be eligible, artists must reside in in one of the following counties: Granville, Franklin, Nash, Johnston, Harnett, Chatham, Durham, or Wake.
As part of this initiative, qualified applicants are invited to submit five to 10 images of either the artwork being submitted or examples of other work that demonstrate the skill and media of the artist. There is no entry fee.
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Car break-ins happen all year long but tend to increase as the weather warms up. As a result, the Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is commemorating the start of spring and the return of warmer weather by encouraging residents to practice the 9 PM Routine.
Originating in Pasco County, Florida, in 2017, the 9 PM Routine is a national campaign that encourages residents to create a nighttime routine consisting of basic safety measures, including locking your doors, closing your garage, making sure no items are left visible in your car, and turning on your porch lights.
The WFPD is utilizing its Facebook page and other social media platforms to remind residents to follow the 9 PM Routine and make themselves tougher targets for criminals.
For example, most cars that are broken into are unlocked. Criminals walk through neighborhoods, trying vehicle door handles, hoping to find an unlocked vehicle. The best way to prevent vehicle burglaries is by removing all your valuables, locking your vehicle’s doors upon exiting, and taking the keys to the vehicle inside your residence.
“Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity,” said Police Chief Jeff Leonard. “These things we emphasize as part of the 9 PM Routine may seem like common sense, but most people have a lot going on, so they sometimes forget. By making it a part of your normal routine, you can reduce your chance of becoming a victim.”
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre is hosting an "All Living Things" art exhibit featuring works by 18 members of the Wake Forest Guild of Artists.
The Renaissance Centre will honor these talented artists and display their works during a special reception on Wednesday, May 17, from 6-8 pm in the Renaissance Centre Arts Annex, 407 Brooks St. Admission is free.
Anyone who would like to view the art exhibit is invited to schedule an appointment by emailing Debra Horton.
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The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre opened in November 2013 by encouraging visitors to “Imagine the Possibilities.” Later this year, the Renaissance Centre (RC) will commemorate its 10-year anniversary with a series of concerts, performances, and special events designed to highlight its impact as “the place” our community gathers to celebrate and enjoy the arts.
The RC’s Realizing the Possibilities Celebration Series gets underway with The Malpass Brothers concert on July 22 and continues with two Murder Mystery Dinners on August 12, the Celebration of the Arts on October 7, Marcus Anderson in concert on November 18, and four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17.
The series then extends into 2024 with a stage show in January, Black History Month performances in February, the Wake Forest Film Festival in March, and a concert featuring The Drifters in April. Additional information about these special events will be provided in the coming days.
In the meantime, everyone who has ever attended an event or participated in an activity at the RC is invited to help celebrate its 10-year anniversary and commemorate its impact on our community by visiting the RC website and using the online form to share favorite memories and photos from their RC experience(s).
Photos and comments will be compiled and shared on the RC website and social media. Everyone who submits at least one photo and recounts a favorite experience will be eligible to win tickets to events in the “Realizing the Possibilities” Celebration Series.
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WFTV 10 is the Town of Wake Forest's government access channel serving the residents of Wake Forest. Produced by the Town's Communications Department, WFTV 10 is available to residents and businesses that subscribe to Spectrum Cable TV service. For those who don't subscribe to Spectrum Cable, WFTV 10 is also provided in real-time streaming video and as a function of the Town App.
WFTV 10 Schedule
Board of Commissioners work sessions are broadcast live on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Regular meetings are broadcast live on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., then re-broadcast daily throughout the remainder of the month at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Planning Board meetings are broadcast live on the second Tuesday of each month, then re-broadcast daily the following week at 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.
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Hard copies of the Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Program Guide are available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.
Check out RecConnect for complete details on recreational programs, events, and activities for all age groups, including preschool, youth, and adult, scheduled from March through August 2023.
Program registration is underway online and in-person at JPCC, FPCC, and AMC during normal business hours. Online registration closes two business days before the start of a program.
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The Wake Forest Farmers Market is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our community about the value of local farms and the importance of local food systems.
From April-September, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon along South Taylor Street behind the Wake Forest Town Hall.
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Transportation Planning 101
The Town of Wake Forest Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) addresses regional traffic issues from the surrounding areas as well as alternative transportation methods, such as buses, greenways, and trains.
Check out the video above on our Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) to learn more about how transportation projects are selected and funded. For more information, visit our Transportation Planning web page.
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The following monthly meeting schedule is now in effect:
Board of Commissioners Work Session
First Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Planning Board Meeting
Second Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Third Tuesday/month - 6 p.m.
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The UDO combines into a single document the Town's zoning, subdivision, land use, grading, storm water management, and historic preservation regulations. It outlines the requirements for all development activity.
The UDO was first adopted in 2013, along with the Manual of Specifications, Standards and Design (MSSD). With the update and adoption of several comprehensive plans, including the 2022 Community Plan and 2021 Northeast Community Plan, as well as several other comprehensive plans that are underway, the UDO and MSSD must be updated to implement the policies and recommendations of the plans.
In addition to reflecting the goals and actions of the comprehensive plans, the UDO needs to maintain compliance with state, federal and case law, which are constantly evolving. Finally, the update will exam best practices and trending topics.
The update process will involve multiple steps and take approximately two years. The updated UDO and MSSD will set the development rules for Wake Forest.
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In 2021 the Town of Wake Forest launched a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors.
#RecycleRightWF introduced and emphasized a series of easy-to-understand messages aimed at simplifying the recycling process and improving the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.
Thanks to the cooperation and efforts of our residents, we have recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the past year. Great job!
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Despite our best efforts, there are still some who complain about not knowing what is happening in our community. That's why we thought it might be useful for Talbot the Town Crier to again offer his "olde school" overview of all the ways you can stay informed.
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The Town of Wake Forest is inviting individuals, families, churches and civic clubs to join the “Show Some Love, #KeepWFclean” campaign by picking up trash in their neighborhoods and along local streets and roadways. The initiative allows volunteers to pick up litter on a one-time or ongoing basis. Participants may also choose the area they wish to clean or request direction to high need areas around town.
To aid the effort, volunteers may reserve litter kits at no charge by completing the online reservation form. Each litter kit includes reflective vests, gloves, buckets, grabbers, trash bags, data collection sheets, hand sanitizer and litter education materials. A special thanks to B&W Hardware for donating the litter kits.
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Loose trash in trucks creates litter along Wake Forest roadways.
Help keep Wake Forest roadways clean by securing any trash in your truck bed. When you throw trash in the back of your truck, it inevitably blows out and becomes litter on the roadside. In fact, half of all litter is blown, not thrown! Roadside litter costs millions of dollars to remove, decreases property values and has a negative impact on tourism.
The NC Department of Public Safety reports that an even bigger problem is unsecured loads in the back of trucks. At high speeds, even large items can fly out and hurt or startle other drivers causing accidents. Put trash into built-in containers. Use tarps, cargo nets and tie-downs to secure any loads. #KeepWFclean
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If you have questions or comments about the Town of Wake Forest website or E-News, please contact Bill Crabtree by email or call 919-435-9421.
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