Around Burke

The Western Piedmont Foundation is holding a Casino Night fundraiser today. Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The Barn venue on the campus of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton. To purchase tickets, visit wpcc.edu/foundation, click “give now” and note “Casino Night.”

The NAACP Burke County will host its 43rd annual Black History Festival today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Collett Street Recreation Center, 300 Collett St., Morganton. The event features live music, dance, youth performances, food and family activities.

Scholarship applications for local high school seniors and college students are now open and due March 1. The Community Foundation of Burke County offers more than 40 scholarship opportunities, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $4,800. While most scholarships are one-time awards, some are renewable. Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $122,000 in scholarships, helping local students pursue post-secondary education and training. Learn more and apply at cfburkecounty.org/scholarships. Questions may be directed to info@cfburkecounty.org.

The NAACP Burke County Unit #5367-B will be holding their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Recreation Center. We are still practicing social distance and healthy protocols to keep everyone safe.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Grant Cycle from Burke Youth Organized Philanthropists (BYOP). BYOP is a youth-led grant-making group operating under the Community Foundation of Burke County that is determined to learn about philanthropy and evaluate community needs. We’re inviting organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children (ages 0-18) and their families across Burke County to apply by March 6 at 5 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Morganton will hold a Red Cross blood drive on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be held at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St.

The History Museum will host the 20th annual Explore Joara Foundation Archaeology Day on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the museum lobby. Held with the Explore Joara Foundation and Dr. David Moore, the public may bring artifacts for identification. Children’s activities will be available.

The Lake James annual Clean-up, sponsored by Catawba Riverkeeper, is Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help remove trash and debris from the lake and surrounding roads. Dress warmly and wear boots or appropriate shoes. Safety vest, grabbers, and gloves will be provided. For more information, call Howard Morgan (828-438-7003) or Jerry Fantry (828-639-4046).

The Western North Carolina Rail Committee will host a Railroads and Regional Economic Development Conference on Wednesday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. Cost is $40 and includes meals. A Drinks at the Depot reception follows from 4-6 p.m.

The Col. Alexander Erwin Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a free “SAR Historical Speaker Series” program Thursday, March 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Morganton Community House, 120 N. King St. Craig Isaacson will present “Broken Links in the Chain.” RSVP by March 13 to Kevin Hancock at kevin.hancock91@outlook.com.

Soap Box Derby race signups will begin March 21 at the Burke County Fairgrounds in Morganton. Race day is May 9, weather permitting. Contact Marylin Waters (828-443-0407), Tommy Waters (828-443-4786), or Johnny Puett (828-403-1817) for more information.

Lake James State Park will host S’Mores by the Fire at the Paddy’s Creek Visitor Center on Friday, March 13, from to 6 p.m. Participants are invited to gather around a campfire and join park rangers for warm s’mores, good conversation, and relaxed lakeside vibes. The park will provide the fire and all the fixings.