First the daffodils bloom, then the robin and the cedar wax wings arrive, but you know it's truly spring when the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park comes alive with music, dancers and families having fun.
The Gig in the Park series will soon return. Although the weather postponed tonight's concert, the Band of Oz will be rescheduled for later this spring. The first concert will be on April 25 with Of Good Nature.
Here's what you need to know:
- These concerts are free to attend; everyone is welcome. These concerts are brought to you by Historic Downtown Wilson, Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park non-profit, the Wilson County Tourism Development Authority and other sponsors.
- The park is located at 301 Goldsboro St. S. There's plenty of free parking nearby.
- Bring a chair or a blanket, but leave coolers and outside beverages at home.
- Enjoy the vendors, support the park. A portion of beverage sales goes to support activities and events here. You can look for these food trucks: Everette's Concessions, Item9 Pizza, Parker's Barbecue, SaYum Jamaican, Taste of Texas, The Rock Food Truck, The Wilson Scoop and Whirligig Popcorn Shoppe.
- Bring an ID if you plan to purchase beer or wine. Tip jars will be around to support area nonprofits who provide servers. Wilson Arts will be there this week.
- Usually there are kids' activities, provided this week by Imagination Station Science & History Museum.
Mark your calendars with these concerts, all 6-9 p.m.:
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 Farmers market nears 2024 opening
The Wilson Farmers & Artisan Market is about 20 days away from starting its 2024 season. Beginning Saturday, April 20, the market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon at the whirligig park. The market features locally produced food and crafts so we start with strawberries and tomato plants in the spring and end on Aug. 31 with pumpkin-spice muffins. There are always food trucks and local groups with info booths or fun events like dog adopt-a-thons. See what's in season or on the schedule at this link below.
Dispose of oil, fuel the safe, Earth-friendly way
The city's Storm Water Division and P.L. Woodard are partnering to host a fuel, oil, and gas drop-off event this Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. This event is open to only Wilson city and county residents who have used or old oil, oil filters, gas, gas-oil mix, or diesel that needs to be properly disposed of.
The event will be held P.L. Woodard, 108 Barnes St. SW. Residents can bring up to 20 gallons of fuel or oil per vehicle. No commercial businesses will be allowed at this event. At this time we cannot take antifreeze or batteries; however all city and country residents can take these items to the county landfill for free.
For more information about this fuel collection event or other disposal options throughout the year, please contact Tiffanie Garner at 252-399-2434.
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 Wilson Energy receives federal funds for gas system
Wilson Energy will receive nearly $3.2 million in federal funds to improve the efficiency and safety of our natural gas system. The grant was part of a bipartisan bill in Congress that was supported by North Carolina's U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and U.S. Rep. Don Davis, 1st District, and announced at a ceremony last week attended by Wilson Energy Director John Maclaga (pictured) and his staff.
Wilson Energy's natural gas division has an outstanding safety record, having repeatedly received the American Public Gas Association's System Operational Recognition (SOAR) Award. That means Wilson Energy has proven commitment to excellence in system integrity, system improvements, employee safety and workforce development.
This grant will help Wilson Energy maintain that outstanding record well into the future.
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Workshop offers info on how to become a homeowner
Several agencies are teaming up later this month for a workshop to help residents navigate the homebuying process.
The free event will be held Saturday, April 27, at Gig East Exchange, at 127 Goldsboro St. S. from 10 a.m.-noon. Topics of discussion will include Fair Housing laws in renting and purchasing a home, establishing good credit and budgeting, lender preapproval, working with a realtor and the closing process.
The workshop is being held in recognition of National Fair Housing Month and is sponsored by the city's Human Relations office and Community Development and Revitalization office, along with Wilson Community Improvement Association and Wilson Housing Authority.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 Act prohibits discriminatory practices in housing transactions, such as sales, rental, and financing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability.
The event is free; however, pre-registration is required. To pre-register or for more information, please call 252-399-2308.
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