Spectators are welcome to the show, which features more than 200 horses and riders representing five Southeastern states. Admission is free. Performances begin each day at 6 p.m., and a Saturday morning session begins at 9 a.m. Each session will last approximately three hours. Concessions including barbecue, hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and other desserts will be available.
The Charlotte Charity Horse Show will feature more than 100 classes for American Saddlebred horses, Standardbreds and Hackney ponies with prize money offered during the night performances. Show participants return annually from across the Southeast. The show will also include an Equitation and Academy rider division, along with several classes such as Stick Horse, Ride-A-Buck, Costume and Lead Line. Additional exhibitions will be held Friday and Saturday nights, including the Hunter Clydesdales. For more information, call Dale Luckey at 704-309-0798. Latta Plantation is at 5226 Sample Road off Beatties Ford in western Huntersville.
June 28
• eReader Training Workshop for Kindles: At North County Regional Library at 2 p.m. Learn how to borrow eBooks for your Kindle. Bring your device or questions and learn to find, check out and download books from the library's digital collection.
• Crazy For You: Davidson Community Players will present the musical comedy Crazy For You, directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge at the Duke Family Performance Hall at 8 p.m.. The winner of the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical, the production features many of the Gershwin brothers' classics, including "I Got Rhythm," "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "They Can't Take That Away From Me." Tickets cost $12-$24 and available by calling 704-892-7953 or at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org. Davidson Community Players seasons sponsors are he McIntosh Law Firm and Davidson Wealth Management. Show sponsors are Peoples Bank and MI Connection.
June 29
• Red Cross blood drive: The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Lake Norman Regional Center in Community Rooms A and B in the main building. The drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments are not required, but recommended. Bring photo identification. To register or for more information, call the hospital's Community Outreach department at 704-660-4859 or visit www.redcrossblood.org.
• Crazy For You: Davidson Community Players will present the musical comedy Crazy For You at the Duke Family Performance Hall at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12-$24 and available by calling 704-892-7953 or at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
June 30
• Crazy For You: Davidson Community Players will present the musical comedy Crazy For You at the Duke Family Performance Hall at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets cost $12-$24 and available by calling 704-892-7953 or at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
The rest of it
Food Truck Rally comes to Rural Hill
Under the leadership of Jeff Fissel, Historic Rural Hill has held some new and innovative events to complement the traditional Loch Norman Highland Games and the Amazing Maize Maze. The latest will be the Rural Hill Food Truck Rally scheduled for Friday, July 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the first-ever food truck rally in the Lake Norman area.
All ages are invited to attend and enjoy the cornucopia of culinary delights that is served from local food trucks. Admission to the rally is free, but food pricing will vary per truck menu.
From New York to Florida, food truck rallies are gaining popularity. "We are proud to host this rally for the Lake Norman area," says Fissel, executive director of Rural Hill. "We have a great venue for festivals and events like this one, and we are excited to offer a food truck rally experience for our community."
Long known in New York, Los Angeles and other large cities, food trucks are on the rise locally as well. Michelle Boudin of Charlotte Magazine recently wrote, "some of the Queen City's tastiest dishes are being served from the side of parked vehicles. These chefs of the road are updating Twitter feeds and websites to share where you can find their roving kitchens which offer inexpensive — and often gourmet — food."
The Rural Hill Food Truck Rally will feature live music, cornhole, local merchants, children's activities and living history experiences. Complete event information can be found at www.ruralhill.net. The rally is sponsored McIntosh law Firm and by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, the Town of Huntersville, Smokes Unlimited, Highland Brewing, Shelton Vineyards, Lake Norman Citizen, Mountain Khakis, and Midas Spring Water.
Lake Norman Excursion to benefit Red Cross
Cool Breeze Cyclery will raise money for the American Red Cross by holding the fifth annual Lake Norman Excursion 5K Run and Bike Challenge Saturday, July 14, at the Lowe's corporate headquarters in Mooresville. The event is second led of the three-event Cool Breeze third annual Corporate Multisport Challenge.
Nearly 1,000 participants are expected for the event, which will include a 5 run/walk, a 10-mile family fun bicycle ride and 40-, 65-, and 100-mile timed bicycle rides. The 5K and Family Fun Ride will take place on a closed-loop course on the Lowe's campus, eliminating the worry about traffic for families. The longer bike rides take place through the countryside of Iredell, Rowan and Catawba counties. Last year's event raised nearly $20,000 for the American Red Cross.
The challenge series grew out of the Lake Norman Excursion. Other events include a 5K run, which already took place in March, and a triathlon that will be held Sept. 9. Through the corporate challenge, Cool Breeze offers companies a way to encourage better health through coaching and a training program that prepares them for the three events. Many of the participants have never trained for any kind of sport. Lowe's, Ingersoll Rand and Newell Rubbermaid are major sponsors, joined this year by Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Carolinas HealthCare System.
All three events raise money for a charity. The Excursion benefits The American Red Cross, the 5k supports Girls on the Run and the triathlon supports the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. Last year, the events raised more than $60,000 in support, and organizers expect to do the same or more this year.
For more information about the Corporate Multisport Challenge visit http://coolbreezecyclery.com and look under the Corporate Wellness tab or send an e-mail to Lee Ann Mueller at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Outdoor movies in Huntersville
Movies In The Park Huntersville returns this summer with more free entertainment featuring popular family movies displayed on a 20x25-foot outdoor screen with a concert-grade sound system. All movie nights will be held at the soccer fields at the back of North Mecklenburg Park.
Radiant Life Fellowship will provide the movie, drinks, popcorn and more. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, arrive early for pre-movie entertainment and give-a-ways, and interact with a variety of local businesses. The park opens at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at dusk. Movies are subject to availability.
The final scheduled movie is Kung Fu Panda 2 on Friday, Sept. 7. North Mecklenburg Park is at 16131 Old Statesville Road. For more information, visit http://moviesintheparkhuntersville.com or call 704-464-2400.
Power Squadron boating classes
The Lake Norman Sail & Power Squadron is offering boating safety classes through the summer. Class are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cost of $45, which includes student manual and lunch, along with a free UPSP six-month trial membership for graduates. Register online at www.usps.org/lakenorman.In addition to the four boater safety classes, the Power Squadron will also hold a free navigation class on Saturday, Sept. 15, for 2012 graduates who wish to continue learning boating skills.
Remaining class schedule includes:
• Saturday, July 14, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 19600 Zion St. in Cornelius.
• Saturday, Aug. 18, at Duke Energy Environmental Center, McGuire Nuclear Station Road in Huntersville.
For more information, call Bob Yannacci at 704-660-5568 or send him an a-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
New Beginnings Singles Club
The New Beginnings Singles Club of Lake Norman holds its monthly dinner meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at LoneStar Steakhouse in Mooresville. The club is for singles 50 and older. Upcoming activities include the Concord Flea Market, Concert on the Green in Davidson, Kannapolis Balloon Fest, Race City Festival in Mooresville, Fiddler's Convention in Union Grove, movies and dinner. For information, call 704-677-2331 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Davidson Toastmasters
Davidson Toastmasters is an organization that provides its members an opportunity to learn and practice public speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, comfortable environment. Experienced professionals and beginning speakers alike can benefit from a practical, face-to-face learning program that includes weekly club meetings, training seminars and speech contests. Each meeting provides an opportunity to practice conducting meetings, giving impromptu speeches, presenting prepared speeches and offering constructive evaluation. New members are welcome, and meetings are held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St., in Cornelius.
Vera Bradley Classic coming this fall
The Vera Bradley Classic Women's Golf and Tennis Tournament will be held Monday, Oct. 15, at Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte. The Vera Bradley Classic is the largest all-women amateur golf and tennis charity event in the country. The event will include 104 women facing off in a doubles tennis competition on Charlotte Country Club's clay courts. The golf tournament will offer a full field of amateur women golfers the opportunity to play the Donald Ross-designed golf course. The "step-aside" format will allow players of all skill levels to participate. Multiple contests and even a "best dressed team" award are designed to give everyone a chance to win.
Proceeds from the Classic go to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting breast cancer research. The Foundation was established by the co-founders of Vera Bradley. The Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer has contributed $15 million to the research team at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.
After the tournaments have concluded, players, guests and volunteers will join corporate sponsors in the Charlotte Country Club dining room for a cocktail reception and celebration dinner. The evening's festivities will be hosted by Vera Bradley co-founders Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller, and include a silent auction to benefit the foundation.
Since its inception, the Vera Bradley Classic has raised more than $8 million for breast cancer research. For information about sponsoring, volunteering, competing in or attending any of the events, or for more information, visit www.verabradley.org/carolinaclassic.
Discovery Place KIDS
105 Gilead Road in Huntersville. For more information, call 704-337-2672 or visit www.discoveryplacekids.org.
Community Helpers Month
Join Discovery Place KIDS to buzz, beep and whirl your way through the museum learning about firefighters, police officers, doctors, veterinarians and other community helpers, and the important role they play in the community. Explore the life-size fire truck, rescue a (plush) pet at the vet's office and make sure everyone gets paid in the bank.
Daily activities
All scheduled activities are held from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. and 1:15-1:45 p.m.
• Thursday, June 28 – Fire Safety: Learn the importance of stop, drop and roll as part of your fire safety plan. Practice calling 911 and make a fair escape route plan with your family.
Fun Fridays
• June 29 – Summer Fun: Play water games in the garden, beach volleyball at the Town Center and much more to kick off summer.
Summer Camps
Historic Latta Plantation
Historic Latta Plantation offers several themed summer day camps for children. This year, in addition to its regular camps, Latta is offering three different Farm Camps for ages 4-17. These camps provide an interactive experience for children as they get up close and personal with animals. The historic site is nestled in the 1,342-acre Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, making it an ideal location for summer camp fun. The camps include:
• Civil War Soldier Camp: Boys and girls ages 8-12 are mustered into the Union and Confederate armies to experience life as a Civil War soldier. Relive the war through a week of drills, battles, hikes, farm programs and 19th century life. Campers receive several items to keep that they will use during the camp week, including a replica musket, kepi, haversack, T-shirt and more. The camp week will end with a major battle engagement that families can watch, and a formal graduation ceremony. Contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Camps run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, and are scheduled for are June 25-28, July 9-12 and August 6-9. Cost is $175.
• 53rd Call To Arms Camp: Advanced Civil War Camp is for 13-14-year-olds who have graduated out of the Civil War Soldier Camp. Experience strategic battle planning, tacticals in the woods, fire starting with flint and steel, campfire cooking and more. Contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 18-21. Cost is $175.
• Revolutionary War Soldier Camp: Boys and girls ages 8-12 can relive the American Revolution as a patriot or loyalist during a week of drills, battles, learning about soldier life, and much more. Contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 23-26. Cost is $175.
• Miss Jane's Academy: This Civil War camp takes girls ages 8-12 back in time to see what life was like for women in the 19th century. Hands-on activities include spying, making fans, sewing, open-hearth cooking, and English country dancing to name a few. The girls will take a horse drawn covered-wagon ride through the nature preserve. Each girl will receive an apron, bonnet, and T-shirt to keep. Contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 25-28, July 9-12 and August 6-9.
• Mini Farm Camp: This camp is for boys and girls ages 4-5 who want to learn about farm life. Campers will meet the Latta animals, including chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, a cow, mule and horse. Each day will include hands-on farm activities, crafts, games and getting up-close and personal with the animals. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Hours are 9 a.m.-noon, June 12-14. Cost is $60.
• Jr. Farm Camp: This camp is for boys and girls ages 6-8. In addition to getting up-close to a variety of farm animals, campers will learn and participate in farm chores, animal care, natural plants and medicines and more. For more information, contact David Clay at 704-875-2312, ext. 303 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m., July 30-Aug. 2. Cost is $100.
• Farm Camp: This is an intense, extremely hands-on training course in all things farming for ages 12-17. The course will include animal husbandry, historic natural farming techniques, woodworking and more. Participants should be prepared for labor-intensive work and training. This camp is designed for those with a serious interest in learning about farming, animals and agriculture, as well as those who have a future interest in veterinary medicine. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Camp weeks are June 18-22, July 16-20, and Aug. 13-17. Cost is $200. A special spring break week is offered April 2-6.
Library events
Cornelius Branch Library
21105 Catawba Ave., 704-416-3800, www.cmlibrary.org
• Baby Storytime (0-18 months): Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Babies experience brain stimulation through language and socialization. New sights and sounds are shared with a parent/caregiver through books, songs, and rhymes. Registration is required.
• Toddler Storytime (19-35 months): Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities. Registration is required.
• Pre-school Storytime (3-5 years old): Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader. Registration is required.
Davidson Branch
119 S. Main St., 704-416-4000, www.cmlibrary.org
• Spanish for Kids: Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. Children will learn the basics of the Spanish language through songs, stories and hands on activities. Special emphasis is placed on language development and repetition.
• Preschool Storytime: Friday, June 29 at 10:15 a.m. Preschoolers engage with books and activities that encourage language and pre-reading skills. Hear stories, sing songs and develop the skills needed to become a successful reader.
• Toddler Storytime: Friday, June 29 at 11 a.m. Toddlers build language skills, participate in music and movement activities, and discover the fun of books. Explore letters, sounds, and new words through stories and activities.
