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You're invited to the Lighting of Wake Forest
Experience the wonder and magic of the holiday season during tonight's Lighting of Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD), the event is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. in Centennial Plaza, 301 S. Brooks St., and along East Owen Avenue.
Please note: Mayor Vivian Jones is scheduled to light the Town’s 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in Centennial Plaza at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Throughout the evening, Centennial Plaza will host musical performances by choral groups from Heritage Elementary School, Heritage Middle School, Wake Forest iSTEM Elementary School, and Magnolia Belles, a student-run a cappella group of vocally talented women from East Carolina University, while East Owen Avenue will be the site of roving LED performers and the following food trucks: La Katrina Tacos, Ultimate Eggrolls, and Little Halos. Crumbl Cookies of Wake Forest will also be onsite giving away free cookies while supplies last.
The Lighting of Wake Forest will also feature Santa Claus’ exciting arrival aboard a Wake Forest Fire Department fire truck, a children’s craft activity provided by the Wake Forest Woman’s Club, an ornament sale by the Wake Forest Historical Museum, a holiday sweet treat sale by Polka Dot Treat Shop, a kettle corn sale by GypZea Maize, and special guest appearances from the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
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Check out WAFO GO - the newest addition to the Town of Wake Forest App!
WAFO GO is a family-friendly, fun, educational, and recreational scavenger hunt game featuring 10 locations in downtown Wake Forest. Guided by Toby, the happy and good-natured dog, WAFO GO takes participants on an exciting journey through our “quaint but cool” downtown, combining entertainment, exercise, and learning in a unique and engaging way.
To embark on this tail-wagging adventure, fetch (download) the Town of Wake Forest app, proceed to the second screen by clicking on the three lines along the top right corner of the home screen, and select WAFO GO (see screenshots below)!
Once you're all set up, unleash your inner detective and use the clues to track down the answers to the riddles. Follow your nose to 10 amazing locations, starting at the Wake Forest Library and ending the journey with a victory dance at the end of White Street!
And here's the secret sauce – numbers hold the key to unlocking the mysteries! Worried about making a wrong guess? No need! We've got a multiple-choice extravaganza with zero penalties – just pure, tail-wagging fun! So, are you ready to sniff out knowledge and have a blast on this paw-some scavenger hunt? Let the games begin!
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Embrace the holiday season during Saturday's Downtown Holiday Open House
Embrace the holiday season and experience downtown Wake Forest’s unique array of shops and restaurants during the Downtown Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. (WFD), the Downtown Holiday Open House will feature special offers and complimentary refreshments at participating shops and restaurants, along with fun-filled activities for kids and families.
The Victorian Carolers will roam throughout downtown from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., while “Gumdrop the Gingerbread Man” will be hiding both inside and outside local businesses as part of a holiday-themed scavenger hunt. Anyone who finds “Gumdrop” will receive a special holiday surprise.
In addition, Madison from 96.1 BBB will be in downtown from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. near the intersection of South White Street and Jones Avenue collecting gifts for their Wrapping Hopes and Dreams drive in support of the Methodist Home for Children.
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Renaissance Centre to host Holiday Artisans Market Saturday
ARTS Wake Forest will present the annual Wake Forest Holiday Artisans Market on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Holiday Market will be held rain or shine inside and outside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.
A 50/50 raffle supporting ARTS Wake Forest will also be held with tickets selling for $1 each or six tickets for $5. The winner will receive half the total amount collected in the raffle.
The Holiday Artisans Market will be a juried market featuring handmade items from potters, painters, photographers, woodworkers, fiber artists, jewelry artists, and more.
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Take your picture in our Town Hall ornament & sleigh
Check out the Wake Forest Town Hall holiday ornament and sleigh on the lawn between Centennial Plaza and the Town Hall visitor parking lot.
Be sure to stop by to snap your photo and share it with us using hashtags #TownofWakeForest and #TisTheSeasonTOWF.
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Portion of Dunn Creek Greenway to be closed beginning December 11
Beginning Monday, Dec. 11, Wellons Construction, Inc., a contractor working on the Friendship Chapel Road (FCR) Eastern Extension on behalf of JPM South, will temporarily close a portion of the Dunn Creek Greenway in the vicinity of Wilts Dairy Point (see map). The closure is necessary to allow crews to extend Friendship Chapel Road from Heritage Hills Way to Remey Avenue effectively connecting FCR from South Main Street/US 1A to Jones Dairy Road.
Signage and barricades will be posted to inform the public of the closure, as well as the signed detour directing trail users around the closure via Wilts Dairy Point, Friendship Chapel Road, and Heritage Lake Road.
Construction is expected to be completed in early summer 2024.
For more information, visit our website or contact Assistant Stormwater Engineer Nick Nolte at 919-435-9449.
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Police urge residents to prevent porch pirates, report suspicious activity
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is encouraging residents to “be a good neighbor” by reporting suspicious activity this holiday season and throughout the year.
Police officials say crimes are often prevented when citizens report suspected illegal activity. That’s especially true when it comes to combatting porch pirates. With only a few weeks until Christmas, deliveries are already arriving on doorsteps. The WFPD is enlisting the public’s help to ensure the rightful owners receive those packages.
As the popularity of online shopping and home delivery continues to increase, so does the threat posed by porch pirates. Police say these offenders may not intend to target a particular home but may walk or drive by an area and see an easy target where something of perceived value can be taken quickly without notice. In other instances, these criminals follow delivery drivers around and wait until a package or packages are dropped off. Once the courier is out of sight, the packages are stolen.
Police encourage residents to stay alert and report all crime and suspicious activity. If you see a package being stolen from a neighbor’s home, call police and report a “crime in progress.”
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Greenway & trail users urged to respect private property
Growing numbers of residents throughout Wake Forest and beyond enjoy the Town’s 50-plus miles of trails and greenways. Some users enjoy walking and biking for exercise, while others do so for their mental well-being.
Regardless of your reason, it is important for everyone to respect private property and remain within the confines of the marked paths. Anyone who ventures off the trails onto adjacent land may be guilty of trespassing.
In North Carolina, such trespassing is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor under NCGS 14-159.13 and punishable by up to 20 days in jail and a $200 fine.
The Wake Forest Police Department urges greenway and trail users to remain on the marked trails and off adjacent property. Anyone witnessing suspicious activity is urged to call the Police Department at 919-554-6150.
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PAC unveils new sculpture to commemorate Renaissance Centre’s Tenth Anniversary
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., celebrated its first decade with a 10th Anniversary Gala featuring Marcus Anderson. As part of the evening’s festivities, the Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC) unveiled a sculpture commemorating the venue’s historic milestone.
Created by WallerFoushee Studios (Hillsborough, NC) in collaboration with Cricket Forge (Durham, NC), the sculpture “Bravo!” consists of six over-sized painted steel flowers arranged as a bouquet rising stately and alluringly from the ground.
According to the artists, “The word ‘bravo’ itself is a powerful complementary expression of admiration and congratulations. In the performing and visual arts, flowers often accompany this affirmation. The sculpture serves as a symbol of celebration and gratitude for the efforts sustaining the programming and growth of the Renaissance Centre.”
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Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive continues through December
Our 2023 Wake Forest Cares Holiday Donation Drive is underway. Each year, the initiative raises money for several programs addressing specific needs in our community, including hunger, home lighting and heating, youth health and fitness, and providing joy and hope during the holiday season and beyond.
Area residents and businesses can show their support for these efforts by contributing online to one or more of these initiatives:
- Helping Others by Providing Electricity (HOPE)
- Northern Community Food Security Team
- Shop With a Cop
- Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation
- Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Scholarship Program
In addition to online donations, checks are accepted and should be made payable to Town of Wake Forest (include “WF Cares” in the memo line), then mailed to Town of Wake Forest, 301 S. Brooks St., Wake Forest, NC 27587.
Donations will be accepted through Sunday, Dec. 31, and may be designated to more than one initiative. Donations to more than one cause will be distributed evenly unless otherwise noted on the online donation form. So, for example, a $50 donation to two causes would result in each receiving $25. One hundred percent of all contributions will be directed to the designated organization(s)/initiative(s).
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Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History now on sale
Just in time for the holidays, The Town of Wake Forest is again 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.
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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.
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Tickets on sale for Renaissance Centre’s “Mesmerizing Magic” featuring Jason Hudy
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre for the Arts, 405 S. Brooks St., will present “Mesmerizing Magic” featuring Jason Hudy on Saturday, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m.
Mystery. Intrigue. Comedy. Bewilderment. These are only a fraction of the qualities Jason Hudy delivers in every performance.
Guaranteed to amaze and amuse the entire family, “Mesmerizing Magic” will transport you into the intricate world of magic and illusion. Promising to leave you breathless, this spellbinding one-of-a-kind performance will redefine your idea of what a magic show is!
Advance tickets are $25 plus tax and can be purchased online, in person at the RC Box Office, or by calling 919-435-9458.
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Letters for Santa mailbox available in Jones Plaza
The Town of Wake Forest has installed the popular Letters for Santa mailbox in Jones Plaza at the intersection of South White Street and East Jones Avenue just in time for Saturday’s Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-Off.
Children of all ages are invited to bring their letters to Santa’s Mailbox anytime between now and Friday, Dec. 22, for immediate delivery to the North Pole. No postage is required.
A “Letter from Santa” which parents can download and personalize is available on the Town website.
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You can make a difference in our community by applying to fill one of three vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). One opening must be filled by a candidate who resides in a locally designated historic landmark or the local historic district, while the other two must be filled by Wake Forest residents. Professionals with experience in historic preservation, history, architectural history, and/or archaeology are especially encouraged to apply.
The online advisory board application is available through Tuesday, Dec. 12. Anyone without computer access is invited to complete the application by using a computer kiosk in the lobby of Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. Hard copies are available upon request by contacting Deputy Town Clerk Ella Dowtin.
Candidates are invited to attend the HPC meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. to introduce themselves and explain why they wish to serve. Following the interviews, the HPC will review its slate of candidates before submitting its recommendation to the Board of Commissioners (BOC).
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Residents urged to #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.
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Holiday Happenings easy to find on Town website
Wake Forest offers a variety of yuletide events in November and December guaranteed to deliver a hearty helping of holiday spirit for your entire family.
You can stay current on all our holiday events by visiting and bookmarking the Tis the Season portal on the Town website. It provides easy access to event dates, times, locations, and more, so be sure to mark your calendars, so you don’t miss a thing.
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NCFST's pay-what-you-can mobile market returns December 14
The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) is partnering with Ripe for Revival to offer a monthly mobile grocery store on the second Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m. across from the Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Ave.
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. Thursday, Dec. 14.
The pay-what-you-can mobile market makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget. When shopping, there are some limits on the amount of protein, dairy and eggs a consumer can purchase, but no limits on produce. Shoppers can pay any portion of the suggested total at the checkout. Both cash and card payments are accepted - but no checks.
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Residents & downtown merchants invited to complete Downtown Plan Update survey, host DIY workshops
The Town of Wake Forest is in the process of updating its Downtown Plan (formerly known as the Renaissance Plan for Downtown Wake Forest).
Online Survey
As part of the process of updating the plan, residents and businesses are invited to complete an online survey. Available through Sunday, Dec. 31, the questionnaire takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Survey results will be used in preparing the plan and for other community decision-making purposes.
Do-It-Yourself Workshops
HOAs, book clubs, youth groups, and other community organizations are invited to host Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Workshops as a way of encouraging even greater public participation in the planning for the future of Downtown Wake Forest.
As part of the initiative, the Planning Department will provide participating groups with the tools and information necessary to conduct their very own community workshop, including facilitator instructions, workshop discussion questionnaires, workshop agenda and ground rules, and more. To learn more or request a DIY Workshop kit, email Jennifer Currin.
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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.
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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 5,000 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.
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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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Tickets on sale for Renaissance Centre's 10th Anniversary Celebration Series
The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre opened in November 2013 by encouraging visitors to “Imagine the Possibilities.” Now, the Renaissance Centre (RC) is commemorating 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.
Realizing the Possibilities
Our Realizing the Possibilities Celebration Series is underway and continues with Marcus Anderson in concert on November 18 (Sold Out), and four performances of the Celtic Angels December 15-17.
The series extends into 2024 with Mesmerizing Magic featuring Jason Hudy on January 27, Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart on February 24, the Wake Forest Film Festival March 1-2, and two concerts featuring The Drifters on April 13 (sold out).
Tickets for all these concerts, shows, and performances are on sale now and going fast.
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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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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.
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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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PRCR's RecConnect available, program registration underway
The September 2023-February 2024 edition of RecConnect is now available. Hard copies of the 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 September 2023 through February 2024.
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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 October-March, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 10 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 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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You have received this e-mail because you are subscribed to E-News – part of the Town of Wake Forest’s e-mail subscription service. E-News keeps you up-to-date on Town of Wake Forest news, information, events and services. If you believe you have been subscribed in error, or would like to cancel your subscription to The Week Ahead, you may unsubscribe below.
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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