Tuesday, August, 21, 2012 — As summer days dwindle down, Stanly County events crank up. On this last weekend before school starts there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. There’s an old-fashioned county fair to visit, classic cars and motorcycles to admire, music, races, shopping at the Farmers’ Market, and a Chamber of Commerce raffle that promises big bucks for the lucky winners.

Let’s start an early weekend with a trip on Wednesday to the Stanly County Agricultural Fair. This four-day event promises to be a return to yesteryear, home grown and home owned and fun for all ages. There’ll be lots to see and do with animal competitions, vegetable and fruit entries and competitions, and all the regular hullabaloo of a good old-fashioned country fair. Organized by the Stanly County American Legion Post #76, the Fair takes place at the Stanly County Fairgrounds from August 22 to August 25 and begins each day at 4 pm and runs until 11 pm.  

Throughout the summer the Albemarle Parks & Recreation Department host a weekly summer concert series titled “Thursdays @ The Station”. Every week, from May through August Market Station comes alive with music, all types of music that includes Gospel, Rock, Pop, and Bluegrass. This Thursday brings a performance of gospel music by Crystal River. Market Station in downtown Albemarle is the location for this FREE concert series. The concession stand is open, bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music.

On Friday the Fork Farm and Stables at Norwood is the site of the Fork Classic Registered Shoot. The three-day event is from 9 am to 5 pm each day.

Are you ready to admire some very unique cars and trucks? Friday afternoon and evening brings the monthly Oakboro Cruise-In & Burnout. This Stanly County event brings in around 6,000 or so people and over 500 cars depending on the weather. The event technically starts at 5pm but people normally show up around 3pm to socialize before and during the event. The Cruise-In is always on the 4th Friday of every month. The burnout starts at 9pm and only takes place from April through October.

Every Friday from 7 pm to 10 pm there’s some Pickin’ on the Porch going on over at the historic country inn in Badin. This Friday the Badin Inn presents the Invaders Band. Come and relax on the cool porch or the breezeway while you listen to the music.

On Saturday from 8 am until 10 am join the runners in the YMCA 8K for Strong Communities. The YMCA in partnership with The United Way of Stanly County and Vac & Dash host this 8K every year. It’s always a great race. Put on those running shoes and let’s go!

Saturday morning is also the time for the Stanly County Farmers’ Market at Market Station in downtown Albemarle. From 8 am until noon come and stroll through the stalls laden with fresh produce from local farms. You’ll also find plenty of arts and crafts to tempt you. And don’t forget that the Farmers’ Market also sets up on Wednesdays. Same time. Same place.

Stanfield hosts its monthly Motorcycle Cruise-in this Saturday from 4 pm until 9 pm. It’s organized by the Greater Stanfield Business Association and takes place every month from April to September. There’s fun, food and more.

Back at Market Station in Albemarle, the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Reverse Raffle. This popular event takes place from 6 pm until 10 pm. There are great prizes to be won. Ticket sales are limited.

Wrap up your weekend with a Saturday visit to the Badin Inn where Jeff and David perform from 7 pm to 10 pm for the Pickin’ on the Porch series.  

There’ll be plenty more fun-filled events taking place in September so stay tuned.