The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department will host its first Diwali Festival on Saturday, Nov. 2. Free and open to everyone, the event is scheduled from noon-3 p.m. at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Diwali is India’s biggest and most cherished festival of the year. Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, showcasing the indomitable human spirit. Immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere with enchanting music and vibrant dance performances. Explore hands–on crafts, experience a henna tattoo, and savor a variety of Indian culinary delights. Join us as we unite in the spirit of Diwali – a celebration for everyone to enjoy! For more information, contact PRCR Events Coordinator Suja Jacob at 919-556-7063 or sjacob@wakeforestnc.gov. ####

 Help us ring in the holiday season and launch our annual holiday donation drive during the Wake Forest Cares Holiday Kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 16. Free and open to everyone, this family-friendly celebration is scheduled from noon-4 p.m. in downtown Wake Forest. Promising fun-filled activities for both children and adults, our Holiday Kick-off will offer a slew of activities and attractions the entire family can enjoy, including the Carolina Hurricanes Storm Tour and Slapshot Booth, Snow Axe Throwing, Zap-A-Penguin, Curling, roaming street performers, community performances, children’s craft activities, and more! Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants, while the following food and dessert trucks will also be onsite throughout the afternoon: La Katrina Tacos, Kono Pizza, Ultimate Eggrolls and Dusty Donuts. Free parking will be available at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and along several side streets and parking lots throughout downtown Wake Forest and beyond. In addition to ringing in the holiday season, the Holiday Kick-off will signal the

The Town of Wake Forest’s annual loose leaf collection program is underway and continues through Monday, March 10, 2025. Residents are reminded that the Town provides bi-monthly loose leaf collection service which calls for crews to service Wake Forest streets twice each month. When preparing leaves and yard waste for collection, residents are urged to follow these guidelines: Residents are also reminded of the following: For more information about the Town’s loose leaf collection program, visit http://bit.ly/WFLeafCollection or contact Chad Hildebrandt at 919-435-9575 or childebrandt@wakeforestnc.gov. ###The Town of Wake Forest’s annual loose leaf collection program is underway and continues through Monday, March 10, 2025. Residents are reminded that the Town provides bi-monthly loose leaf collection service which calls for crews to service Wake Forest streets twice each month. When preparing leaves and yard waste for collection, residents are urged to follow these guidelines: Residents are also reminded of the following: For more information

The Wake Forest Woman’s Club is sponsoring its 4th Scholarship Poinsettia Fundraiser during the month of October. Proceeds will support a Continuing Education Scholarship awarded to a graduating Wake Forest area student. The beautiful red poinsettias with green foil container covers are locally grown by Homewood Nursery and will be available for pickup in Wake Forest on Tuesday, December 3, 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Wake Forest Baptist Church Sanctuary parking lot, 107 E. South Avenue, Wake Forest. Only preordered plants will be available at pickup. No sales that day. The plants are 6 1/2″ pots, 16-20″ tall, with six to eight blooms per plant and are offered for sale at $20.00 each. To order and pay for your plant, please visit www.wake-forest-womans-club.com The Wake Forest Woman’s Club works to strengthen the community and enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. ###

Join us for the 19th Annual Jim Allen Group Gobbler’s Run 5K! Where else can you run with 2,000 of your closest friends, exercise before the biggest meal of the year AND help 1,000 kids at the same time? This family-friendly Thanksgiving Day event is a great way to support the community. The Wake Forest Boys & Girls Club receives 100% of the proceeds. Over the years, Gobbler’s Run has donated more than $850,000! The 3.1-mile loop is an easy stroll through downtown and historic Wake Forest. Push your kids or bring your dog – strollers and pets are welcome. Registration is easy. Kids 5 & under are free! You’ll get a race T-shirt and be able to eat more turkey without the guilt! To register, or for more info, visit www.gobblersrun.com. See you on Turkey Day! Some information about the club, which is on South Wingate Street behind Wake