Briefly noted (6/22/2012-6/24/2012)

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Since the two featured events (Garbage Truck Rodeo and Kirby Derby) are somewhat similar, I’d like to mention a host of alternatives. As always, check websites etc. for details, I have not researched these events in detail.

First off, on Friday night, Historic Stagville in Durham is hosting a stargazing and stroytelling event together with the Morehead Planetarium. This event repeats fromtime to time, and I definitely want to go one day.

Secondly, Lake Crabtree County Park has a program called Creepy Crawlies on Saturday from 9a-11a (But  you MUST pre-register today.) Less creepy, but also crawly is the ladybug release party at Marbles.

Another exciting event that would’ve deserved its own article (but is more for older kids and adults) is the Reenactment of events from the War of 1812, organized by the City Museum of Raleigh. It consists of a series of events at the Capitol, Mordecai and the museum itself (Not all directed at and suitable for children.)

Last but not least, Marbles has a Science Solver guest star from the NC Zoo on Sunday and there is an Antique Car Auction at the fairgrounds Friday and Saturday.

Kirby Derby (6/23/12)

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I assume that by now, everybody has heard of Kirby Derby, the annual event in the Kirby-Bilyeu neighborhood featuring men in dresses, experimental soapbox designs and a deadly 90-degree curve at the bottom of a hill.

Kirby Derby is for sure the best soap-box race I’ve ever been to, and the surrounding events (a pinecar derby, a drag [queen] race and a parade) turn this into one of the most exciting small-neighborhood block parties across Raleigh.

The schedule of events is as follows:

4:00 Pinecar classic (a race for small boy-scouts-style pinecars)
5:30 Parade of all participants (drag race and Kirby Derby)
6:00 Drag race (as in drag queen, not as in dragster)
6:30 Kirby Derby (usually two runs and a final)
party with bands after that

Now mind you, while the Kirby Derby is decidedly a family event and while fans of all ages are welcome, all ages can have fun, including adults. If running drag queens, gory soapbox crashes and the occasional brown bag are too edgy for you, you might want to find an alternate program. But if this is all within your level of tolerance, you will have a wonderful Saturday afternoon that everybody will remember long after.

The event takes place in the Kirby-Bilyeu neighborhood, off of Western Blvd., where it intersect with Pullen Road. Check out the website for details.

Garbage Truck Rodeo (6/23/12)

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No, this is a not a pun on a food truck rodeo. The Road-e-o is a competition for garbage truck drivers. As their website states, “Contestants representing public and private waste collection agencies will be competing […]. Drivers are required to maneuver competition vehicles through a preset course […].” The event is organized by the NC chapter of SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America) and takes place at two locations, the South Wake Landfill at 6130 Old Smithfield Road in Apex, and (closer) at City of Raleigh’s Wilder’s Grove Operations Facility at 630 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh.

It is officially a two-day event for the participants, but the main competition takes place on Saturday from 8a-4p. This is the NC regional. The winner and runner-up ill continue on to the National Championship in Kentucky.

My son went through a phase of fascination with garbage trucks, and after seeing a ton of fire trucks last weekend, we need to pay the garbage trucks some respect!

Father’s Day (6/17/12)

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This is going to be a great one for The Daddy, since there are now two kids wishing Happy Father’s Day!

“The Perfect Father’s Day” is a personal choice, and to not make this based on just my perspective, I reached out to a couple other dads and Daddy Weekly readers. Here the compiled results of the non-scientific, non-representative Father’s Day survey:

The Day: Two common attributes were “outside” and “relaxed“. Whether grilling in the backyard, sitting by the pool or taking an easy hike: Dads like to get out, and “relaxing” can get quite active when kids are involved. (However, few would turn down a cold drink and a game on TV once the kids are in bed.

The Gift: Hmm, socks? a tie? One thing to remember is that guys like things that can be used. (Socks are worn, not used. An automatic fairway range finder with built in golf ball detector, that’s something you use.) So something practical is always a winner. And with 67% of dads doing at least some of the cooking these days, this just might be a cookbook. Another theme was a personalized gift from the kids. Believe it or not, but a coffee mug (practical) with a photo of the kids (personalized) may be all that daddy is hoping for. (And I can personally attest how nice it is to have a kids’ photo in the office.)

The Hike: But enough lofty talk – here comes my practical tip for the day: Pack up the kids and go for a hike in a nice park. Here are three options, complete with maps – so dad can relax and mom as well. All three are at lakes and at least partially in the shade:

0.80 miles in Oak View Park – what a nice park! http://goo.gl/maps/JXlt
1.12 miles in Yates Mill Park – what a nice mill!  http://goo.gl/maps/5Tup
2.36 miles in Bond Park – yes, Cary has park too! http://goo.gl/maps/Ong0

For directions to each park, just click on the P symbol and then “directions”.

Raleigh Fire Truck Parade (Raleigh Fire Department Centennial) (6/14/2012)

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Thanks to go out to the loyal reader who sent in this event. Suggestions for posts are always welcome!

The Raleigh Fire Department celebrates its 100th anniversary this weekend, and what better way to do so than inviting a bunch of kids! How do you get the kids to come out? Fire trucks. Big ones. Old ones. Steam-engine driven. Hand-pulled. Remote-controlled (to play with). And speaking of play: a Kids corner with a bucket brigade game and toy fire truck races.

Here’s  a suggested itinerary for the day: Get to your preferred spot along the parade route early for the best view. The parade starts at 10am on Hillsborough at St. Mary’s. It will travel along Hillsborough to the Capitol and continue down Fayetteville Street to the parking lots in front of the Performing Arts Center.That also where the fire trucks (properly called “apparatus”) will be on display along with the Kids Zone, a Pumping Exhibit and the usual stuff like food vendors, and, of course, a huge birthday cake.

At noon, the antique steam engine driven fire engine will be demonstrated, and other ‘pumping displays’ (I assume that means splashing water in laymens’ terms) will happen before and after.

Did you know the Raleigh Fire Department covers on average 100 incidents per day? Show them your support and go celebrate their 100th birthday. More information can be found at rfd100.com

Jazz in the Park (and more) at Oak View Park (6/9/2012)

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Oak View Park, a few minutes East of downtown, is “a 19th-century historic farmstead with a mission to interpret North Carolina’s agricultural heritage and rural history” and a destination in its own right. This Saturday afternoon, a visit is even more worthwhile because they have partnered with the Shaw University radio station WSHA to create “Jazz in the Park”.

Jazz may not be the type of music your kids hear at home every day, and something new in their ears can never hurt. (Speaking of “ears” and “hurt”: The reason I prefer outdoors concerts with kids is that you have much more control over sound levels by just staying away from the speakers, which is not always possible indoors.) Plus, Jazz performers with their shiny instruments and (usually) classy attire always fascinate kids.

Once you’re done with Jazz, stay for the agricultural exhibits, pet the Nubian goats or take stroll to the fishing pond.

The park is by the Poole Rd. exit of the beltline. The concert is from 12-3.

The photo is Googa Mooga by JP-Flanigan, used under the  CC BY-NC-SA license

A growing family

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The “Daddy Weekly family” is growing, and I’m not talking about new subscribers this time: Last week, a new daughter and baby sister joined our little family to everybody’s great excitement! We’re all adjusting well to that new life in our midst and even get some sleep. (Last week’s edition of the Daddy Weekly was written ahead of the expected birth and through the magic of modern technology sent automatically while we were still at the hospital.)

For the next couple weeks, the newsletter will be slightly shortly, and I’ll start an experiment with an article covering multiple events in just brief mentions. Let me know what you think about that, since I may continue that format in addition to the 2-3 longer articles if feedback is positive.

Briefly mentioned 6/8/2012

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Introductory note: Every week while looking for the best events of the upcoming weekend, I come across multiple events that are noteworthy but don’t make the cut. Going forward, I’d like to mention some of them in brief form, without detailed research. Make sure to check the websites etc. for detailed directions, times, etc.

First off, I’d like to mentioned Peter Lamb & the Wolves, a local jazz band that will be at Music on the Porch. There is more live music on Sunday, when bluegrass locals “Grass Street” play at the museum of history.

Two evening event for the older ones tonight (6/8) sound exciting: The Cat in the Hat will be at the Barnes and Noble in Cary (7p), and there is a Lightning Bug tour in Pullen Park (8:30p, registration required). Both are for age 5 and older.

Finally, if the 90 degree weather gets too much, visit the Art Museum and their Family Fun Saturday: Art in Nature program (10am and 1pm).

Elmo is coming! Sesame Street Live (6/1/2012-6/3/2012)

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Who doesn’t love charming and cute little Elmo. “E-E-Elmo is coming to Raleigh! Hee hee hee ha ha ha!” Sesame Street Live brings the well known characters from Sesame Street to a stage near you, and they will be at the PNC Arena this weekend.

The show is “Elmo’s Super Heroes” (with “fun lessons on healthy habits” that will “turn your children in super heroes, too”) and shows start at the following times:

Friday, Jun-1: 10:30am
Friday, Jun-1: 7:00pm
Saturday, Jun-2: 10:30am
Saturday, Jun-2: 2:00pm
Saturday, Jun-2: 5:30pm
Sunday, Jun-3: 2:00pm

Tickets (from about $20-$40) are available at ticketmaster. Helpful information for parents can be found here.