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WET’N WILD opens this weekend with all new SOAK ZONE!

WET’N WILD opens this weekend with all new SOAK ZONE!

WET’N WILD EMERALD POINTE, the Largest Water Park In The Carolinas’ celebrates the beginning of summer with a fun-filled family opening on SATURDAY, MAY 25TH at 10:00AM for the exciting 29TH SEASON!  (Opening Weekend is May 25, 26 and 27…operating hours are 10:00am-5:00pm each day.  Open daily beginning Saturday, June 8th, 2013.  Final operating day is Labor Day Monday, September 2nd, 2013)

This season, WET’N WILD EMERALD POINTE proudly announces the introduction of the all-new SOAK ZONE water spray area!  The new half-acre SOAK ZONE attraction includes a 7,000 square foot interactive water play area featuring over 35 different water elements!  SOAK ZONE is designed for exciting water spray thrills for the entire family with specialty themed seating and shaded areas, providing a waterfall of relaxation and fun for ALL ages! 

Public invited to free afternoon of canoeing

Public invited to free afternoon of canoeing

The Lake Norman State Park is inviting the public to a special nature trip this week.

Participants can join a ranger in canoes, as they explore the natural habitat of Lake Norman.

No experience is necessary. However, the minimum age is 8 years. Also, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

There is a limit of two people per canoe. Pets are not allowed on the trip.

Nature lovers can join the fun at the Lake Norman State Park, located at 159 Inland Sea Lane in Statesville, Wednesday May 22, at 4 p.m.

The cost is free, and the program is open to the public.

For more information on the Nature Trip, call 704-528-6350.

Who wants to Go Pro with Steve Smith?

Who wants to Go Pro with Steve Smith?

Every year, thousands of young football fans dream of breaking the huddle with hero Steve Smith. Showmars, a proud sponsor of Steve Smith’s Football ProCamp, is making that dream a reality for four Charlotte-area children this summer.

Showmars is giving away four spots to the 2013 Steve Smith Football ProCamp. Football fans can sign up by filling out an entry form at any of Showmars 28 Charlotte-Metro locations.

ProCamp is a youth athletic camp for children in grades 1- 8. Established in 1998, the camp provides thousands of youth the opportunity to attend camp with their sporting heroes. At the camp, attendees learn football fundamentals and meet children their own age with like interests.

This year’s ProCamp event will be held at Ardrey Kell High School on Monday, June 10, and Tuesday, June 11.

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank needs your vote!

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina is hoping the public can help them click their way to a grant from Walmart by voting for them in the "Fighting Hunger Together" initiative.

This initiative is a national campaign where money is awarded to programs that get the most votes for their innovative and effective programs that help alleviate child hunger. The public will decide what organization will receive the grants through a voting campaign at www.facebook.com/walmart that includes more than 300 different hunger relief organizations from across the country.

The more votes a Feeding America food bank or partner agency gets, the better chances they have of winning the money.

The campaign kicked off April 1, and ends 11:59 pm ET on April 30.

International Festival celebrates cultural diversity

International Festival celebrates cultural diversity

Mitchell Community College is hosting its International Festival this week.

The Festival features a parade of nations for children, cultural table exhibitions, food sampling and traditional clothing.

International music and dancing are the day's entertainment.

Those wishing to learn more about other cultures can catch the fun at Mitchell Community College, located at 500 West Broad Street in Statesville, Friday April 19, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The event is free and open to all ages.

For more information on the Festival, call 704-978-1321.

AG announces student contest to fight prescription drug abuse

AG announces student contest to fight prescription drug abuse

North Carolina high school students can help fight prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths by entering a video contest sponsored by Attorney General Roy Cooper and the NC Department of Justice.

To educate young people about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, Cooper is partnering with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, the North Carolina Parent Resource Center, and the Governor’s Institute on Substance Abuse to sponsor a student video competition.

Cooper is asking students to create public service announcement videos on the topic of teen prescription drug abuse.  All students enrolled in grades nine through 12 in North Carolina are eligible to enter.  

Local man graduates basic training at Fort Jackson

Local man graduates basic training at Fort Jackson

Army Reserve Pvt. Alan Josey has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Josey is the son of Ricky and Linda Josey of Dunlap Gate Road, Statesville.

He is a 2011 graduate of North Iredell High School, Olin.