Up & Coming Weekly

Wade Founder’s Day Celebrates Community, Family by STEPHANIE CRIDER There is just something charming and a little nostalgic about small towns — the laid back pace of life and the close-knit, community spirit that comes from generations of families working, struggling and succeeding side by side. Whether you choose to live in one or not, these small hamlets that dot the landscape of our fair state offer more than an opportunity to pull off the interstate for some gas and a drive thru burger — much more. And they know it, too. Without stopping to look, experience and enjoy these places, how will you ever know which village has the best walking trails, the quaintest park to picnic in, the drug store with a soda fountain that makes fresh squeezed lemonade by the glass or the restaurant that makes the best bar-b-que around? Well, Wade N.C. is just one of these small town gems that people drive by, through and around without stopping to sit a spell, much less taking the time to get to know the town-folk. On June 5, they are pulling out all the stops to showcase all that the family-friendly town has to offer with the 2nd Annual Wade Founder’s Day Celebration. The goal is not just to bring out the local population, but to draw in the surrounding communities, show them a good time and give them a taste of the quiet, clean country living that makes it such a special place. “This is the 2nd Annual Wade Founder’s Day celebration,” said Event Organizer, Joe Dixon. “The reason we are doing it is to give something back to the community. Wade is a little community that nobody knows about and we want to let people know we are here. We have a lot of older people and we wanted to give something back to them and to bring back some of the heritage and tradition.” Some of the static displays that will bring a touch of nostalgia to the day are the antique tractors and farm equipment. Reconnecting with past traditions and technology at the vintage car show will give parents the chance to reminisce of more innocent times while youngsters get a peek at what vehicles were like before they came with DVD players installed and air conditioning was standard. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Wade Municipal Park. The Mayor will be there to start the festivities. “The kids (from local schools and churches) will get up there and do the Pledge of Allegiance,” said Dixon. “And we will have a color guard from one of the local schools — they will sing a song. We are hoping to have some of the beauty queens to do the Star Spangled Banner and maybe some patriotic songs and then we fall right into our entertainment for the day.” There will be two stages that will be fi lled through out the day with everything from gospel singers to barber shop quartets, to country and western singing to clogging. “We are going to have the Fort Bragg Stars and Stripes — the ladies DOUBLETREE HOTEL and Marquis Bistro • Full Service Hotel • I-95, Exit 49 • Conference Space • Luxurious Sweet Dreams beds • Flat Panel TV’s • Microwaves and Refrigerators • High-speed Internet • Full Service Spa Marquis Bistro with Fine Dining • Open For Breakfast & Dinner • Karaoke on Friday Evenings • Specializing In Indian Cuisine 1965 Cedar Creek Rd. • Fayetteville • 910.323.8282 • www.doubletree.com Let The Fayetteville Doubletree Hotel Be Your Destination To Remember! WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM group,” said Dixon. “They go from 25 years-old to, well, one of them is 91. They are a feisty bunch.” There will be pony rides and wagon rides for the kids. What celebration would be complete for a youngster without bouncy houses, infl atable slides, fi eld games and face painting? Dixon promises that there will be plenty of all of that, not to mention the food vendors — lots of food vendors. Italian ice, popcorn, funnel cakes, cotton candy and every other delightful confection that brings a smile to most everyone’s face will be available. “We had a fella last year — a good sized fella — he had three cups of Italian ice in one hand, a popcorn in the other,” said Dixon. “He’d eat a bit of each one and then eat some popcorn and he’d say ‘Now this is the way to live!’” Local fi re and police departments will be performing demonstrations and handing out information. Dixon is also planning for a life fl ight helicoptor to be on the grounds with some Old Bluff Church is an integral part of Wade’s history. demonstrations, along with a blackhawk helicoptor. What down home country throw-down would be complete without the talented contributions of local artisans? “There will be a lot of arts and crafts people there” said Dixon. “Last year we had several jewelry makers, a lapidary guy polishing stones. He will be back this year. He was actually doing the work while people were watching.” Dixon said that it was only two days after last years Founder’s Day celebration was over that planning for this year’s soiree began. They’ve been working hard to make a great event happen and to show the community and surrounding area what Wade has to offer — and it is all free to anyone who chooses to attend, except the food of course. “All the entertainment is free. I think it is going to be a really good time,” said Dixon. “It is a family type event. That is what we are hoping for — to get the people to fellowship and enjoy each other. “It is safe. It is enjoyable. It is something that families can go to and enjoy themselves without spending a lot of money.” The town of Wade is located 14.5 miles outside of Fayetteville. Take I-95 to exit 61 and turn left. For more info visit http://wadenc.com. STEPHANIE CRIDER, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com. MAY 26-JUNE 1, 2010 UCW 9

• Cover