Area residents are invited to enjoy live New Orleans-style entertainment, great food, dancing and fun during the Wake Forest Mardi Gras Renaissance Ball on Saturday, March 1. The swinging jazz band Boneslinger will headline the event at the new Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St. Doors open at 7 p.m. Attire is black-tie optional, but Mardi Gras masks are encouraged. According to the Boneslinger website, “Dave Wright, powerhouse vocalist and trombonist formerly of The Countdown Quartet and The Squirrel Nut Zippers brings his latest creation to life with Boneslinger. Staying true to his old-school R&B, New Orleans-jazz roots, Boneslinger brings a fresh brew of original music with a killin’ retro vibe. You’ll also hear timeless cuts from Professor Longhair, Booker T, Hank Williams Sr., Ray Charles and much more. Dave Wright’s powerful and soulful trombone solos are one of a kind and always an audience delight! You’ll be

To make it a truly festive weekend, start it Friday night at the White Street Brewing Company. Owner Dino Radosta has lined up Cajun music by Shamu Garcon, Cajun food by Chick-N-Que and the re-release of the brewery’s Black Falls IPA. The White Street Brewing Company is in Wake Forest’s historic downtown district in what was once the Chevrolet dealership showroom. It is the third downtown property Radosta has purchased and renovated.

The Wake Forest Mardi Gras Planning Committee is recruiting contestants with a hearty appetite for the “Shorty’s Hot Dog Challenge” on Saturday, March 1. The contest is being offered again this year as part of downtown Wake Forest’s Mardi Gras Street Festival. The committee is seeking four contestants ready and willing to wolf down 12 hot dogs prepared “all the way,” a large order of cheese fries, and a soda – in 15 minutes or less. Anyone who accomplishes this feasting feat will earn a trophy, Shorty’s t-shirt and, most importantly, bragging rights as the “Shorty’s Hot Dog Challenge” champion. Power eaters interested in taking part in the contest should email Chip Russell at crussell@wakeforestnc.gov and provide their name, contact information and why they think they are up to the challenge. There is no cost to enter and contestants will be accepted on a first-come basis.

The Wake Forest High School Junior ROTC Booster Club will hold a Battalion, Bazaar and BBQ Saturday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school gym. Local artisans, crafters and vendors will have their wares on display for sale. Bring a canned food item for a chance to win a raffle gift. Admission to the bazaar is free. Prepaid BBQ plates including North Carolina BBQ with bun, cole slaw and baked beans are $8. You can purchase a ticket from a cadet or online at www.wfrhsjrotc.com/store. For questions or if you are interested in becoming a vendor, wfhsjrotcbazaar@gmail.com or 919-562-0338.

On Saturday, March 1, a large number of people who have canvassed friends, family and coworkers for donations will line up in the Millroom at The Factory to have their heads shaved. Silly? Not at all. It is their way of raising money to help find a cure or cures for childhood cancer. At last year’s St. Baldricks event in Wake Forest 335 people raised over $130,000 and emerged with bald heads. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. because it takes a lot of time to cut and shave 300-plus heads. There are a lot of sponsors, starting with The Factory and including five local hair salons: Who Does Your Hair, Tanas, Salon V, Over Your Head and Black Dog. For fuel, PDQ will be on site selling chicken, fries, tea, lemonade and chocolate chip cookies while Ziggy’s will be selling pizzas. To register