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Friday, April 12, 2013

2013 Salisbury Night Out Dates and Themes

Friday Night Out in Salisbury NC © Katrena
When thinking of Salisbury, a town in Rowan County in the heart of the Piedmont of North Carolina, families might think of good food, beautiful homes, or shopping on and near Main Street.

Fun Things to do in Salisbury NC © Katrena
My family often thinks of the fun Friday Nights Out in the heart of this southern town, where we might catch a free trolley ride, hunt for Sasha kitty, hold a snake, jump in a castle, hear some great music, ride a horse, or check out vintage cars. Many of the activities are offered each month during the season while other opportunities are based on the theme. We never know what to expect!

Rowan County Night Life © Katrena
According to the official Salisbury web site, Friday Night Out 2013 activities in Salisbury, NC are offered on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. with the following 2013 dates and themes:


Earth Night Out
April 19
Spring Night Out
May 10
Arts Night Out
June 21
Krazy Night Out
July 19
Summer Night Out
August 9
Kids' Night Out
September 20
OctoberTour Night Out
October 11
Holiday Night Out
November 29

Dates for Salisbury Night Out in 2013 © Katrena
Learn more and see fun pictures of previous years at the Salisbury Friday Night Out. Readers might also be interested in reading Katrena's other articles about fun opportunities in 2013 and local family-oriented ideas at the Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids web sites.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Reading to Ranger at the Davie County Public Library

Ranger the Dog at Davie County Public Library © Katrena
If you are looking for fun ways to get the kids excited about reading, perhaps you should look for a tail at the Davie County Public Library. That's right...a tail...one that might thump the wall as a child snuggles in to read to Ranger.

Read to a Dog at Mocksville Library © Katrena
Reading to Ranger is the latest hands-on opportunity offered through the youth services department to encourage reading at the public library in Mocksville, North Carolina. This program features a Tail Waggin' Tutor who is a Canine Good Citizen and a certified Therapy Dog who boasts extensive training with young children.

Fun Ways to Encourage Reading © Katrena
Folks are welcome to sign up for 15-minute sessions to read to Ranger, a beautiful golden retriever who is also a very astute listener. The free reading sessions are offered on most Saturday afternoons, beginning on April 6, 2013. Contact Julie Whittaker or Maggie Keeble at 336-753-6038 to sign up for a reading session with Ranger. Participants must sign a permission slip and provide their own transportation to the library.

Reading to Ranger at DCPL © Katrena
My three daughters were extremely excited to be the first children to participate in the reading program. After my 11-year-old read to Ranger, she grinned and said that Ranger must have liked the book she chose because he started wagging his tail and she could hear it thumping the wall as she read. She decided to choose only one book so that she could read with lots of emotion. Today was the most excited I have seen her about reading in a long time, and her self-esteem seemed to soar.

Read to Golden Retriever at the Library © Katrena
My 9-year-old particularly looked forward to the session. It was a much anticipated one-on-one session in which she was prepared with a whole stack of books. This child absolutely loves to read! She took speech therapy years ago, but at times she still struggles to pronounce ls and rs, especially blended combinations in words. I bet Ranger might encourage her as she continues to work on those sounds!

Saturday Reading Program in Davie County Library © Katrena
The 5-year-old recognizes many letters of the alphabet, but she was determined to "read" books to Ranger during this first session. The therapy dog's owner, Dana Gaither, mentioned that my youngest is quite an adept storyteller! Who knows...perhaps some day she'll be telling stories like other North Carolina natives like Jackie Torrence and Donald Davis.

Easter Egg Hunt at Davie County Public Library © Katrena
I can personally attest to the benefits that my kids have experienced through this canine reading program and hope that others may consider this opportunity for the kids. The dog is very calm and sweet and all of my kids were begging to do this reading program again in the future.

Mad Science Program at Mocksville Library © Katrena
For those who haven't heard yet, the public library is also a great place to find a mouse...that is one that is connected to a computer. The library has lots of digital, audio, video, and other resources available in addition to loads of books and fun, interactive, educational programs throughout the year. Find the latest calendar of events at the Davie County Public Library web site.

Magician at Davie County Library in Mocksville NC © Katrena
Readers may also wish to read some of Katrena's other articles, like Unexpected Blessings of Adopting a Shelter Dog and Saving Grace Farm – Where the Horses Whisper Back.

Friday, April 5, 2013

2013 Dates for Tweetsie Railroad Amusement Park in Blowing Rock NC

Tweetsie Railroad 2013 Season Dates © Katrena
Looking for a family-friendly amusement park nestled in the North Carolina mountains? Tweetsie Railroad offers a variety of rides, shows, and of course a train ride around the mountain at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane.

Petting Zoo at Tweetsie Railroad in NC © Katrena
Tweetsie is set to open their 2013 season on Friday, April 12. They are scheduled to be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the following days:
  • Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from April 12 through May 27
  • Memorial Day (Monday, May 27)
  • Daily from May 31 through August 18, 2013
  • Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only August 23 to November 3
  • Labor Day (Monday, September 2)
Fun Family Activities in NC Mountains © Katrena
The Tweetsie Day Out With Thomas 2013 dates are May 31 to June 9.

Amusement Park Near Boone NC © Katrena
Extended hours in the evenings, with the amusement park open until 9:00 p.m. are scheduled for the following 2013 dates:
  • July 4
  • July 6
  • July 13
  • July 20
  • July 27
Cowboy and Indian Show at Tweetsie © Katrena
Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. for the 2013 season of the Ghost Train Halloween Festival on Friday and Saturday nights from September 27 to November 2.

Ferris Wheel at Tweetsie Railroad Amusement Park © Katrena
Readers may wish to visit the Tweetsie official web site for directions, prices, and more information about the rides and any changes to the schedule. See Tweetsie Railroad - Ride the Rails and Enjoy Wild West Show for more pictures and information about the amusement park. See more of Katrena's travel blog articles at Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids.