Around Burke
The downtown Drexel Fish Fry scheduled for today has been cancelled due to the threat of rainy weather and a death in the congregation of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. As of press time, the downtown concert by NiceMarmot, scheduled for 6 p.m., was still on track.
The Pilot Club of Valdese will sponsor a Bites and Brews fundraiser today from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Waldensian Heritage Venue. Tickets for the evening of food, music, and fun are $30 and may be purchased by calling 828-413-0784 or 828-205-2766. Synchro-Tonic Swag will provide music for the event.
The Burke County NAACP will sponsor a “2025 Membership Celebration Service” on Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 4427 Berry School Ave., Valdese. The pastor is the Rev. Wesley Hendrix. The Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir will render music. The program will feature a forum focusing on NAACP membership. Each church that participated in the 2025 Membership Campaign will receive a certificate of participation. Join the Burke County NAACP as it celebrates its members.
Retired School Personnel are invited to a meeting and social gathering at Timberwoods Family Restaurant at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, April 28. The guest speaker will be Mackenzie Bostian, the new executive director of the Western Piedmont Foundation. New guests will receive a free meal. The restaurant is at 1501 Bethel Road in Morganton.
An open house will be held at the Historic Gilboa Methodist Church, off U.S. 64 south of Morganton on Saturday, May 3, from 2-4 p.m. Alan Darveaux will provide music on the hammered dulcimer. Andrea Kiser and Susan Houck will lead cemetery tours. Lemonade and cookies will also be served.
The Foothills Festival Singers will perform a spring concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, at First Presbyterian Church of Morganton. The concert will be directed by Robert Summerell, choral director at Freedom High School, and Josh Gossler, retired Freedom choral director. The choir comprises 43 local singers who perform in the annual Morganton Combined Choirs Christmas concert each year. The concert is free and open to the public.
The Burke County NAACP Unit #5367 will be holding its regular unit meeting on Thursday, May 1, at 6 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center at 645 1st St., Morganton. Several important items will be discussed, as the unit continues to plan events celebrating its 90 years as a Burke County Unit. All members are encouraged to attend. Please keep in mind that the unit is still practicing social distance and healthy protocols to keep everyone safe.
The Burke County 4-H is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Burke County Fairgrounds, 145 Bost Road in Morganton. To register as a vendor, call the extension office during office hours, 828-764-9480. A 10-by-10-foot space is a $20 donation, and a food truck/vehicle vendor is $30. Only registered vendors will be allowed before 8 a.m. for setup.
Western Piedmont Community College will host a Criminal Justice Career Workshop on Wednesday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be held in the lobby of Carr Hall on campus. Join CJC faculty and alumni for a career networking opportunity and discover where a criminal justice degree can lead you. Representatives from law enforcement, 911, administration, advocacy, and corrections will fellowship with students as they share their stories and career advice.
The Glen Alpine Elementary School PTO presents Spring Fling on Friday, May 2, 4:30-7 p.m. at Jug Wilson Field, 0 Jug Wilson St. in Glen Alpine. Admission is $10 and will feature a 50/50 raffle, jar raffle, inflatables, food trucks, face painting, and a dunk tank. Vendors can rent a space for $50. For more information, call/text Jessica at 704-644-9976.
There will be an Early Childhood and Education Career Expo on Tuesday, May 6, 4-6 p.m., at Western Piedmont Community College’s Hildebrand Hall lower level. Local child care providers, agencies, schools, and educational programs will be represented. There will be swag bags for the first 20 participants and food while supplies last.
