April 19, 2024

Wake Forest Fire Department Fish Fry is today!

You're invited to the Wake Forest Fire Department Fish Fry today (Friday, April 19) from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – or until all the fish plates are sold - at Fire Station #1, 420 Elm Ave.

Plates are $10 each and will include generous portions of fried flounder, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Cash, check, and credit card accepted. Fish fry proceeds will benefit the Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation.

No preorders will be accepted, but both eat in and drive thru take-out options will be available. Desserts will be sold separately for guests dining inside.

Delivery service is available for orders of 15 plates or more.

A special part of this year's Fish Fry will be a food drive to benefit the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry. Throughout the day, the WFFD will collect non-perishable food items to help feed hungry people in our community.

Today's the deadline to vote for 2024 Wake Forest Tree of the Year

Voting is now open for the 2024 Wake Forest Tree of the Year. From now through 5 p.m. Friday, April 19, residents can vote for their favorite tree.

Five local trees were selected as finalists for this year’s award. The tree that receives the most votes before the 5 p.m. April 19 deadline will be announced as the winner. 

The submitter of the winning tree will be awarded with a certificate crowning their tree as the 2024 Wake Forest Tree of the Year. For more information, visit the Town website or email Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores.

Forest Fest & Tree Seedling Giveaway coming to downtown Saturday

You’re invited to Forest Fest on Saturday, April 20, in historic downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. in association with the Town of Wake Forest and a host of community partners, this free family-friendly event is scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – rain or shine – in several areas throughout the downtown area.

Celebrating the heart and history of Wake Forest, Forest Fest will include the Wake Forest Guild of Artists Spring Art Market inside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; extended hours by the Wake Forest Farmers Market along South Taylor Street; and a variety of local vendors, non-profit booths, and children’s activities along East Owen Avenue, Brooks Street, and the Town Hall parking lot. Centennial Plaza will feature live musical entertainment and Blooming in the Forest.

In addition, the Urban Forestry Board (UFB) will again host the popular Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway in the Town Hall parking lot, 301 S. Brooks St. As part of the seedling giveaway, UFB members, Town staff, and volunteers will distribute over 2,500 oak, pine, and redbud seedlings- while they last.

This year’s Forest Fest will also include a free Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event sponsored by Civic Federal Credit Union. The drive-thru event is scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until the two paper shredding trucks are full) in the parking lot of the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.



Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day at several downtown restaurants. Plus, the following food and dessert trucks will be on site: Soulbachi, Chicken-N-Que, Dusty Donuts, Main Squeeze Smoothie Truck, and Lumpy's Ice Cream.

Free Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event coming to Northern Wake Senior Center Saturday

The Town of Wake Forest will host a Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.

Sponsored by Civic Federal Credit Union, the paper shredding portion of the event will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.

As part of the electronics recycling effort, residents can properly dispose of items that may otherwise end up in landfills. Accepted items include, but are not limited to, laptops, servers, cell phones, mainframes, circuit boards, keyboards, VCRs, electric typewriters, and radios. To view a complete list of accepted items, visit our website.

The drive-thru map is shown below.

Traffic Alert - South Main Street/US 1A

During the week of April 22, the Town of Wake Forest will temporarily reduce to one lane with intermittent two-way traffic a portion of South Main Street/US 1A in the vicinity of West Vernon Avenue daily from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The temporary lane closure is necessary to allow crews to replace a damaged portion of sidewalk.

Flaggers, signage, and cones will be in place to safely direct traffic through the work area. Delays are expected, so motorists may wish to avoid the area if possible and choose another route.

WFPD & Torchy’s Tacos partnering to support Special Olympics April 22

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) and Torchy’s Tacos, 505 Dr. Calvin Jones Hwy., are joining forces to raise awareness and money for Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC).

Area residents are invited to support the cause by visiting Torchy’s Tacos on Monday, April 22, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. For everyone who either mentions the fundraiser or presents the fundraiser flyer, Torchy’s will donate 15 percent of their food and beverage sales to support Special Olympics.

The WFPD also accepts online SONC donations year-round. All funds raised go to SONC as part of The Law Enforcement Torch Run. For more information, Sgt. J. McArthur at 919-554-6150.

NCFST Mobile Market returns April 25

The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival bring a mobile grocery store to Wake Forest on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m.

Offering fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market will return to 350 E. Holding Ave. (across from the Northern Regional Center) on Thursday, April 25, and again on Thursday, May 9. 

Open to everyone, the pay-what-you-can mobile grocery store makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget.

At checkout, shoppers will be given a suggested total. Shoppers can then pay the full amount, a portion of that amount, or nothing at all. Both cash and card payments are accepted, along with Android/Apple Pay.

Taylor Street Park Sprayground opens for season April 27

Taylor Street Park Sprayground, 416 N. Taylor St., will open for the 2024 season on Saturday, April 27, at 10 a.m. Free and open to the public, the sprayground will operate according to the following schedule through Friday, June 7:

• 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 27) from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The facility will offer extended hours beginning Saturday, June 8. To view the 2024 operating schedule, visit our website.

Inspections Department to kick off Building, Electrical & Deck Safety Month with free event April 27

May is Building, Electrical, and Deck Safety Month, and the Wake Forest Inspections Department is launching the observance with a “Building, Electrical & Deck Safety Month Kick-Off” Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Town & Country Hardware, 910 Gateway Commons Circle.

Free and open to the public, the event will include free hot dogs - while they last. Inspections staff will also be on hand throughout the occasion to answer questions about building, electrical, and deck safety, along with the building permit process.

Area residents are invited to come out and learn about the services the department offers, including Online Plan Review. Attendees can also talk one-on-one with Town inspectors about building safety, codes, and inspections as they pertain to common residential projects, such as decks, kitchen and bath remodels, and screened porches.

Students & parents invited to 2024 STEM Saturday April 27 at Joyner Park Community Center

The Wake Forest Technology Advisory Board (TAB) is inviting area elementary, middle, and high school students and their families to the 2024 Wake Forest STEM Saturday on Saturday, April 27. Presented by the Wireless Research Center, this free family networking event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.

Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEM Saturday will expose students in grades K-12 to a variety of STEM career options, while featuring STEM-related exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities.

STEM Saturday will also include several interactive booths where representatives from a variety of local businesses, schools, and organizations will engage with parents and students, share professional insights and experiences, and offer interesting demonstrations.

Beatlesque to kick off 30th Anniversary of Six Sundays in Spring April 28

You’re invited to help celebrate three decades of foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times during the 30th anniversary of Six Sundays in Spring. Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest, the free outdoor concert series will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on consecutive Sundays from April 28 through June 2 at the Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road.

From big band and R&B to beach and jazz, there’s something for all music lovers at this year’s Six Sundays in Spring. Beatles tribute band, Beatlesque, will kick off this year’s performances on Sunday, April 28, followed by Eduardo and the Paco Band on May 5, Soul Pyschedelique Orchestra on May 12, Marcus Anderson on May 19, The Magnificents on May 26, and Sensory Expressions Band on June 2.

Registration continues for 50-Mile Walking Challenge through April 26

The PRCR Department will commemorate “National Physical Fitness Month” in May by offering a 50-Mile Walking Challenge for area residents ages 11 and older.

Residents who accept the walking challenge commit to walk at least 50 miles in May and use a tracking card to record their progress. Walking locations may include neighborhoods, schools, churches, parks, and greenways - just to name a few.

There is no cost to participate, and online registration is open through Friday, April 26, via RecDesk (search “Walking Challenge”). Tracking cards will be emailed to all registered participants and available for pickup at Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road.

The first 100 participants to complete at least 50 miles and return their completed tracking cards to JPCC by Monday, June 3, will receive a 50-Mile Walking Challenge T-shirt.

“May Month of Fitness” to feature Women’s Self Defense, Cynergy Fit, Yoga, Zumba & Bhangra Dancing

The PRCR Department will offer 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 will consist of the following weekly classes:

• Mondays – Women’s Self Defense
• Tuesdays – Cynergy Fit
• Wednesdays – Yoga
• Thursdays – Zumba
• Fridays – Bhangra Dancing

All classes are free and require no registration. Each will be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park Amphitheater.

Registration continues for National Trails Day 5K/3K at Joyner Park

The PRCR Advisory Board will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, 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 15-30; and $40 the day before and day of the race. The entry fee for the 3K is $25 from April 1-May 14; $30 May 15-30; and $35 the day before and day of the race. Everyone who registers before May 15 will receive a race T-shirt.

Deadline to register for Spring Smash Pickleball Tourney is April 28

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with Pickles and Play to host the 2024 Wake Forest Spring Smash Pickleball Tournament Friday-Sunday, May 3-5, at the Flaherty Park Pickleball Courts and Tennis Complex, 1226 N. White St.

The entry fee is $45 per player, plus $10 for each additional event. The registration deadline is Sunday, April 28. For more information, email Tournament Director Lisa Groeschner.

StoryWalk in the Park continues through April in Joyner Park

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department and Page 158 Books are partnering to offer a free program throughout April that encourages families to read while enjoying the greenways at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.

StoryWalk is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. It’s also an effective way for young readers to practice active reading skills.

Throughout April, pages from the children’s picture book, “Billy Bully Frog Learns to Love,” by Lizzie McInerney, will be displayed on posts along the Joyner Park trails. As you stroll along the path, you will be directed to the next page in the story.

Flag-Raising Ceremonies continue May 6 with service honoring Gary Turner

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, May 6, at 11 a.m.

The 53rd Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor Gary Turner, who served our nation in the US Navy.

Members and friends of the Turner 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.

Friday Night on White continues May 10 with Irresistible Groove

Friday Night on White (FNOW) returns to downtown Wake Forest on Friday, May 10, with Irresistible Groove. The free outdoor concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants. A variety of food and dessert trucks will also be on site in the Depot Parking Lot, 110 S. White St., and along East Owen Avenue.

Register now for “Battle in the Forest” Esports gaming tournament May 18

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host an online Esports gaming tournament featuring the game "Tekken 8" on Saturday, May 18.

Presented by Ting Internet, the Battle in the Forest tournament will serve as a qualifier for the BODYARMOR State Games FGC Gohon Kumite eSports Tournament in August. Results from this tournament will determine participant positioning in the BODYARMOR tournament.

Open to players ages 13 and older, the online tournament is free to play on all consoles and PCs and will be live streamed on Twitch.tv. Registration is open through Wednesday, May 15. Please note: Tekken 8 is rated “T” for “Teen.”

Participants will compete in a one-on-one, single-day, double-elimination tournament to run in conjunction with "Bull City Gaming” and BODYARMOR State Games. The matches will be best of three, while the championship match will be best of five.

2024 Age & Dementia-Friendly Education Series continues June 8 with Senior Expo for Caregivers & Seniors

The Northern Wake Senior Center and the Wake Forest Senior Information Networking Group (SING) are partnering to host a series of free classes, workshops, and other events over the next several months to raise awareness about aging, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias.

Each event in the 2024 Age & Dementia Education Series will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about dozens of aging and dementia-related programs, services, products, and resources – all at the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.

These free events are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m., and no registration is required.

The series continues Saturday, June 8, with "The Senior Expo for Caregivers & Seniors." This comprehensive event will be aimed at providing resources, information, and support for both caregivers and seniors. Attendees will explore a range of exhibitors tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by seniors and their caregivers. The Senior Expo offers a one-stop destination for empowering our local community to navigate the journey of aging with confidence and dignity.

Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale

The Town of Wake Forest is offering Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History for $30 each.



Authored by Wake Forest resident and “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections... 100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.

A treasure trove of pictures, original artwork, and stories recording the people, places, and events of Wake Forest’s first 100 years, the photo-filled hardcover book chronicles the town’s rich history and details its growth from a small college town to a thriving community of more than 50,000 residents.

Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.

Engraved bricks make great gifts!

The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick paver.

The 4" x 8" engraved brick pavers cost just $125 each and once ordered become a permanent part of the Wake Forest Town Hall Centennial Plaza - to be viewed and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.

Located along South Brooks Street, Centennial Plaza is the focal point of Wake Forest's municipal campus and a gateway to town hall.

Here's your chance to join over 100 local businesses, civic clubs, residents and former residents that have already purchased a personalized brick. Engraved bricks are a unique way to honor loved ones, commemorate special events and recognize civic clubs and social groups, youth athletic teams, businesses and not-for-profit groups.

Upcoming outdoor events easy to find on Town website & app

From March through September, the Town of Wake Forest offers an incredible array of free outdoor events and activities for the entire family. From Friday Night on White and Six Sundays in Spring to Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park and Concerts in the Park, spring and summer in Wake Forest are jam-packed with fun-filled events guaranteed to get you out of the house.

To help inform area residents about all these events, the Town offers the Wake Forest Outdoors portal on its website. The webpage provides detailed information about our area’s most popular spring and summer happenings, including the Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies, Forest Fest, Meet in the Street, Independence Day Celebration, National Trails Day, and Good Neighbor Day - just to name a few. Offering dates, times, locations, event descriptions and more, the portal is a useful reference for anyone anxious to get outside and take advantage of Wake Forest’s array of warm weather activities.

In addition, Android and iPhone users can have a handy pocket guide to this year’s spring and summer events in the palm of their hands by downloading the Town of Wake Forest app and using the app’s "Wake Forest Outdoors" function.

#RecycleRightWF

In 2021, the Town of Wake Forest launched #RecycleRightWF, a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Through a series of easy-to-understand messages, the initiative attempted to simplify the recycling process and improve the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.

Thanks to the invaluable cooperation and efforts of residents, Wake Forest recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the next year.



In recent months, however, officials have noticed a steady increase in the number of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest. As a result, the Town is reintroducing #RecycleRightWF.

The effort will address contamination by providing Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces, social media messaging, and concentrated feedback. Messaging will consistently remind residents who recycle to “Stick with These 6” - plastic bottles, jugs, and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard, and “Never These 9” - plastic bags, food waste, cups, to-go containers, paper towels, tiny things, plastic packaging, Styrofoam, and gloves/masks.

Northern Wake Senior Center - Adding Shine to Your Golden Years

The Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., offers adults age 55 and older a full schedule of recreational activities, such as aerobics, line dancing, ballroom dancing, wood carving, painting, and craft making.



The center also provides several social events each month, as well as educational classes on subjects including computers, ceramics, and clay.

Town of Wake Forest app

The Town of Wake Forest (TOWF) offers a free smartphone app that provides direct access to useful information about Wake Forest and encourages two-way communication between the Town and its residents.

Over 6,000 Android and iPhone users have downloaded the app allowing them instant access to important information about Town programs, services and events.

Among its many functions, the TOWF app allows iPhone and Android users to:

• Receive breaking news messages;
• Utilize “SeeClickFix” for prompt action on street maintenance, lights, potholes and graffiti, using the app to send a photo and exact location of the problem;
• Access information about Town-sponsored events and events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre;
• View Town job openings;
• Utilize the “Waste Wizard;”
• Access contact information for every Town department.

Android and iPhone users can access and install the correct version of the TOWF app by scanning the appropriate QR code below.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

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.