The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department and Page 158 Books are partnering to offer a free program throughout April that encourages families to read while enjoying the greenways at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. StoryWalk in the Park is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. It’s also an effective way for young readers to practice active reading skills. Throughout April, pages from the children’s picture book, “Sometimes It’s Hard to Be Nice,” by Maggie C. Rudd, will be displayed on posts along the Joyner Park trails. As you stroll along the path, you will be directed to the next page in the story. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned

The first street festival of 2023 in downtown Wake Forest will be the new Cars and Carnivores event on Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. presented by the Wake Forest Rotary Club. Car enthusiasts and food lovers alike will gather during this free event to enjoy a steak cookoff competition, car show and various vendors along East Owens and Brooks streets. “We’re proud to offer this inaugural event for our community. If you don’t have a car, steak cookoff team or vendor booth to register and display, still join us that day to enjoy this unique street festival in our beautiful downtown,” said Darryl Banks, president of Wake Forest Rotary Club. Sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association (SCA), grill masters and steak lovers will compete for cash prizes during the Cars and Carnivores steak cookoff competition held in The Forks parking lot at 339 Brooks Street. A $1000

You’re invited to Forest Fest on Saturday, April 15, in historic downtown Wake Forest. Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc. in partnership with the Town of Wake Forest, this free family-friendly event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – rain or shine – in several areas throughout the downtown area. Celebrating the heart and history of Wake Forest, Forest Fest will include the Wake Forest Guild of Artists Spring Artisan Market inside the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; extended hours by the Wake Forest Farmers Market along South Taylor Street; and a variety of local vendor and non-profit booths with educational activities along Brooks Street and in the Town Hall parking lot. The occasion will also offer various children’s activities along East Owen Avenue and live musical entertainment in Centennial Plaza. In addition, the Urban Forestry Board (UFB) will again host the popular Arbor Day

The Wake Forest Technology Advisory Board (TAB) is inviting area elementary, middle, and high school students and their families to the 2023 Wake Forest STEM Saturday on Saturday, April 29. Presented by the Wireless Research Center, this free family networking event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road. Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEM Saturday will expose students in grades K-12 to a variety of STEM career options, while featuring STEM-related exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities. STEM Saturday will also include several interactive booths where representatives from a variety of local businesses, schools, and organizations will engage with parents and students, share professional insights and experiences, and offer an array of interesting demonstrations. Throughout STEM Saturday, youth can experience the wonders of STEM hands-on, ask questions, and be inspired to pursue a degree or occupation in a related field. A special

The Town of Wake Forest and several partnering veterans’ organizations will resume their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza on Monday, April 3, at 11 a.m. The 45th Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor Al Hinton, who served his nation in the US Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Members of Hinton’s family have been invited to participate in the ceremony, which will include patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying and the ceremonial flag-raising. After raising the American flag, the Wake Forest Fire Department Honor Guard will raise the U.S. Navy service flag in recognition of the military branch in which Hinton served. Both flags will fly in Centennial Plaza throughout April. Photographs and other remembrances of Hinton will also be displayed in Centennial Plaza during the ceremony, then in the Town Hall lobby through the end of the month. Presented by the Town