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Wilson This Week -- Oct. 30, 2024

Your guide to the NC Whirligig Festival this weekend

The 20th annual North Carolina Whirligig Festival returns this weekend to historic downtown Wilson, as will thousands of visitors. The festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday with entertainment continuing until 9:30 p.m. or so and then noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Here are some pro tips for having a great experience for you and your family:

• PARKING -- It's often a challenge to park at the festival, but maybe a little more this year with the ballpark construction right next to Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park. So have a plan. Here is a guide to the public parking lots near the festival. Maybe try either the parking garage on Broad Street next to the library or the new paved lot on Barnes Street, near the train station. Both are a block away from the festival.
• FOOD -- The festival has nearly 50 vendors, everything from tacos to ribs to Asian fushion to Greek. If you want to walk around until inspiration hits, do so, but if you want to plot your meals, snacks, etc., here's a list of locations. If you want to walk around with a roasted turkey leg like a Medieval lord or lady, you do you. 
• DRINKS -- The Beer & Bones Zone is along Douglas Street, one block between Barnes and South streets. And several taverns are in the festival footprint. 
• ENTERTAINMENT -- The festival has four stages this year and you will always be close to live music or entertainment. The 'headliners' are Boy Band Review, 7:30 p.m. Saturday on the Whirligig Park Stage, which will cover everything from NKOTB to Jonas Brothers, One Direction, N'SYNC, and the Embers, 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the park, one of Wilson's favorite beach bands for decades. But who's to say Sofie Lynn, Brandon Hull or Furia Tropica won't have the concert of the weekend? Check out all the bands here and even hear samples of their music.
• FAMILY ACTIVITIES -- The Keith King BMX Show, Ed's Live Dinosaurs, and a Jeep show are just some of the attractions this year. See more details here. And this year is the return of the Cake Dive on Sunday, a chance for a few people to win big prizes by getting their hands a little dirty.

City shines at festival

The City of Wilson always has a huge presence at this festival. Our biggest draw, both literally and figuratively. is the Wilson Energy bucket truck rides. We have been doing these for a decade, short rides up to see a bird's eye view of the festival. Greenlight Community Broadband – Experience the Fiber Gaming Network Wilson Police Athletic League – Grab a bite from their food truck & support youth activities Environmental Services – Discover more about keeping Wilson clean and green Stormwater – Get tips on protecting our waterways and environment, including fun, hands-on activities for children, including wildflower seed bombs, bracelets, activity books, coloring pages, and much more! While the kids enjoy these activities, parents can take some time to explore a variety of flyers and brochures to take home. Rain barrels and compost bins are available for sale throughout the festival. Normally priced at $75, the first five in-city residents will have the chance to purchase them for half price at just $40. While you're there, please take a moment to fill out our survey for a chance to win a free rain barrel or compost bin—your choice! We can't wait to see you there, as we have "grate" expectations! Wilson Parks and Recreation – Explore local programs and upcoming events Historic Downtown Wilson – Find out what’s new and exciting downtown Wilson Fire and Rescue – Meet the firefighters who keep our city safe

Wilson train station renamed for U.S. Rep. Butterfield

Several hundred people turned out Thursday, Oct. 24, for the dedication of G.K. Butterfield Train Station, which was in honor of the former congressman, attorney and judge. The event included an audio salute by N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper and a letter from President Joe Biden, read by EPA Chief Administrator Michael Regan, part of a celebration of Butterfield's 33 years of public service. Mayor Carlton Stevens (pictured) presented Butterfield with a framed copy of the City Council's resolution  in February 2023 to rename the train station for Congressman Butterfield, who often rode Amtrak to Washington, D.C. And Council Members James M. Johnson, III, Logan Liles and Derrick Creech helped Butterfield and Mayor Stevens to unveil the new sign on Nash Street. The Wilson Times created a video recap of the event highlights (link below).