For obvious reasons, I spend a lot of time talking about Greensboro in this blog. What there is to do here, why you should come visit, how you can be more involved in the city. For many of you, Greensboro is your home. You may have grown up here or you may have moved here later for a job or a spouse or just because you heard it's a fun place. So, when I am trying to think of ideas to share with all of you, I incidentally find myself saying, "What do people who live in Greensboro want to read about?"
Now this question is a little more difficult for me to answer than you might expect. I grew up not too far away in High Point, but have never actually live in Greensboro. For those of you who have been to High Point, or live there now, you will understand that many of us have a love/hate relationship with the place. I walked to high school. Uphill. In the snow. True story. I had classes with basically the same forty people most of my years in public school. I remember when Starbucks opened and it was essentially the same as if Mall of America had opened up on Main Street. I doubt few other people have uttered the phrase, "Let's meet at Starbucks to pre-game and then go to the party," in their lives. Where else can you go downtown and see both a building shaped like a dresser and one shaped like a boat complete with a drawbridge going over a pond. You can't make this stuff up.
By the time I was about to graduate high school these things that many consider to be "small town charm" made me want to vomit. I was prepared to punch someone if I had to hear, "Oh High Point...isn't that where they have all the furniture?," one more time after I told someone where I was from. So I went off to the beautiful University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and made a new home for myself with no real intention of ever living anywhere else again.
Now in a strange turn of events, I find that I am in the process of moving to Greensboro and back to the Triad. Which means that recently I have spent a lot of time thinking about and visiting my first home. And it is so weird how different my perspective is. I love driving past my old house, which before it was mine, was the childhood home of my dad's best friend. I am grateful that I am never lost when I am trying to get somewhere, and that no matter where I am going, it only takes five minutes. I laugh to know that my elementary school still has a self-portrait I drew in the second grade hanging in its hallway. It makes me so happy that when I make plans with old friends I know off the top of my head exactly where their house is as well as their home phone number. As I was reminded yesterday, I have roots here.
So now I need to know what makes Greensboro home to you. What experiences do I need to have? What places do I need to visit? What restaurants do I need to eat at? To bring all of this full circle, what do people in Greensboro want to read about? Give it some thought and then let me know so I can start sharing your home with you!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
150 Years
For those of you who may not know, tomorrow marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. If you didn't know that, it is also likely that you didn't know I love the Civil War. Obsessed. I used to have a giant poster of Abraham Lincoln in my bathroom. Creepy obsessed.
I find it fascinating that a country so young, so experimental, so revolutionary, could put brother against brother for four bloody years. I also think it is amazing how inconsistent the reasons for the war were and are. Was it slavery? Or state's rights? Or simple pride? I have read stories of Southerners who didn't even own slaves fighting their family in the North simply because they felt they had to defend their state's honor.
In many ways these ideas seem so foreign to us now. But 150 years is not a long time. When my dad was born there were still Civil War veterans alive. I have been to many of the battlefields and I will tell you, it is eerie how recent it all seems. I could only stand in the bloody road at Antietam for a few minutes before my mind starting tricking me into thinking that the grass was blood stained. I have been to Gettysburg where North Carolinians rushed Union soldiers by running across an empty field towards a single tree. They were shot down before they could even get close. But the tree. It's still there.
I read an interesting article today on CNN.com that parallels current events with what was occurring politically at the start of the Civil War. In so many ways we are still feeling the effects of our history today. I've lived in North Carolina most of my life and I love to call my friend from Maryland a Yankee. She has to tell me that Maryland was a split state, which I of course tell her is even worse than being a Yankee. At least my state picked a side. It is times like this that my dad has to remind me that our ancestors lived in Tennessee, but fought for the Union. How mixed up and crazy and interesting.
If you don't know a lot about the Civil War, take some time this week to read up on it. Or if you do know a lot about it, share your knowledge with someone. "Like" our page on Facebook here and leave me a post! I'd be happy to tell you everything I know.
I find it fascinating that a country so young, so experimental, so revolutionary, could put brother against brother for four bloody years. I also think it is amazing how inconsistent the reasons for the war were and are. Was it slavery? Or state's rights? Or simple pride? I have read stories of Southerners who didn't even own slaves fighting their family in the North simply because they felt they had to defend their state's honor.
In many ways these ideas seem so foreign to us now. But 150 years is not a long time. When my dad was born there were still Civil War veterans alive. I have been to many of the battlefields and I will tell you, it is eerie how recent it all seems. I could only stand in the bloody road at Antietam for a few minutes before my mind starting tricking me into thinking that the grass was blood stained. I have been to Gettysburg where North Carolinians rushed Union soldiers by running across an empty field towards a single tree. They were shot down before they could even get close. But the tree. It's still there.
I read an interesting article today on CNN.com that parallels current events with what was occurring politically at the start of the Civil War. In so many ways we are still feeling the effects of our history today. I've lived in North Carolina most of my life and I love to call my friend from Maryland a Yankee. She has to tell me that Maryland was a split state, which I of course tell her is even worse than being a Yankee. At least my state picked a side. It is times like this that my dad has to remind me that our ancestors lived in Tennessee, but fought for the Union. How mixed up and crazy and interesting.
If you don't know a lot about the Civil War, take some time this week to read up on it. Or if you do know a lot about it, share your knowledge with someone. "Like" our page on Facebook here and leave me a post! I'd be happy to tell you everything I know.
Monday, April 4, 2011
With A Little Help From My Friends
It is hard to turn on the news these days without seeing images of tragedy and destruction. From natural disasters to murder and war, it can seem like the world is ending right before our eyes. It is times like this that I feel the need to do. To help others, to enhance my own life by participating in something greater than me.
I have a dear friend who used to say, "Do you ever wonder who messed up?" whenever things were going downhill. That is to say, who is the universe so mad at that we have to live through these terrible things? Now I can't imagine that the universe could actually be that mad at any one person, but it does make you think. How about instead of getting Starbucks this morning, you give those $5 to charity. Or give up Facebook for a week and spend the time you save volunteering. What if everybody did just one thing to help out the world this year? Then maybe the big picture wouldn't be so scary.
Now here is an even better idea. This summer come play with us at the Fun Fourth Festival! We have all kinds of volunteer opportunities from passing out flyers to selling drinks. It is a great chance to have fun and help out the community. Plus, if you're lucky, I might even give you a ride in my golf cart!
Click here to sign up, or call us at 336.274.4595
I have a dear friend who used to say, "Do you ever wonder who messed up?" whenever things were going downhill. That is to say, who is the universe so mad at that we have to live through these terrible things? Now I can't imagine that the universe could actually be that mad at any one person, but it does make you think. How about instead of getting Starbucks this morning, you give those $5 to charity. Or give up Facebook for a week and spend the time you save volunteering. What if everybody did just one thing to help out the world this year? Then maybe the big picture wouldn't be so scary.
Now here is an even better idea. This summer come play with us at the Fun Fourth Festival! We have all kinds of volunteer opportunities from passing out flyers to selling drinks. It is a great chance to have fun and help out the community. Plus, if you're lucky, I might even give you a ride in my golf cart!
Click here to sign up, or call us at 336.274.4595
Thursday, March 17, 2011
New Location for Fun Fourth Fireworks
The 37th annual Fun Fourth Festival will move its grand finale News & Record Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular to a new home at White Oak Amphitheatre at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex on Monday, July 4 from 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled to be a part of one of the signature events in our community, the Fun Fourth Festival,” said Coliseum managing director Matt Brown. “It will be a memorable evening as this free, family-friendly event will be held for the first time in the beautiful setting of White Oak Amphitheatre. Betty Cone and the staff at Grassroots Productions always do a great job of producing this event and we look forward to it being a highlight of our amphitheatre calendar for years to come.”
White Oak Amphitheatre boasts 2,005 reserved seats and an overall capacity of 7,666. The public is welcome to bring blankets and cushions for lawn seating. It is estimated that over 60,000 people will be able to view the fireworks within a 3-mile radius of the Coliseum Complex at 1921 West Lee Street.
The event and parking will continue to be free of charge with the support of Fun Fourth Festival sponsors including News & Record, City of Greensboro, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, WFMY News 2, Fairway Outdoor Advertising and other community organizations and businesses.
The News & Record Pops Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra; the theme will be “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Congressman Howard Coble will give a brief Independence Day Address during the ceremonies at 9:00 p.m. The Orchestra will play the 1812 Overture as the lights go down in the parking lots. The Gate City Fireworks Spectacular will brighten the skies from 9:30 – 10:00 p.m.
The Fun Fourth Festival is produced by Grassroots Productions Limited. This local non-profit organization focuses on charitable and educational activities which foster interest in local history and events in Guilford County. More than 100 businesses and the City of Greensboro help sponsor the events. Over 12,000 volunteer hours of assistance are also donated. An advisory board of local business and civic leaders oversees the planning of each event.
The Fun Fourth Festival has been recognized as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society and as an Outstanding Event by Celebration NC Foundation.
Details:
Monday, July 4
News & Record Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular
NEW LOCATION: White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
• Gates open 5:30 p.m.
• News & Record Pops Concert w/ Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
• Independence Day Ceremonies 8:50 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
• Gate City Fireworks Spectacular 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Admission and parking free; no pets, please.
• Tailgating allowed in parking lot.
• Food & beverage vendors adjacent to Amphitheatre
• Blankets and Cushions allowed on lawn
• No lawn chairs, outside food and beverages in White Oak Amphitheatre.
• Rain date Tuesday, July 5.
• Follow cancellation and weather delays via Twitter @Fun4thGSO
Please visit www.FunFourthFestival.org for more information
“We are thrilled to be a part of one of the signature events in our community, the Fun Fourth Festival,” said Coliseum managing director Matt Brown. “It will be a memorable evening as this free, family-friendly event will be held for the first time in the beautiful setting of White Oak Amphitheatre. Betty Cone and the staff at Grassroots Productions always do a great job of producing this event and we look forward to it being a highlight of our amphitheatre calendar for years to come.”
White Oak Amphitheatre boasts 2,005 reserved seats and an overall capacity of 7,666. The public is welcome to bring blankets and cushions for lawn seating. It is estimated that over 60,000 people will be able to view the fireworks within a 3-mile radius of the Coliseum Complex at 1921 West Lee Street.
The event and parking will continue to be free of charge with the support of Fun Fourth Festival sponsors including News & Record, City of Greensboro, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, WFMY News 2, Fairway Outdoor Advertising and other community organizations and businesses.
The News & Record Pops Concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra; the theme will be “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Congressman Howard Coble will give a brief Independence Day Address during the ceremonies at 9:00 p.m. The Orchestra will play the 1812 Overture as the lights go down in the parking lots. The Gate City Fireworks Spectacular will brighten the skies from 9:30 – 10:00 p.m.
The Fun Fourth Festival is produced by Grassroots Productions Limited. This local non-profit organization focuses on charitable and educational activities which foster interest in local history and events in Guilford County. More than 100 businesses and the City of Greensboro help sponsor the events. Over 12,000 volunteer hours of assistance are also donated. An advisory board of local business and civic leaders oversees the planning of each event.
The Fun Fourth Festival has been recognized as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society and as an Outstanding Event by Celebration NC Foundation.
Details:
Monday, July 4
News & Record Pops Concert and Gate City Fireworks Spectacular
NEW LOCATION: White Oak Amphitheatre at Greensboro Coliseum Complex
• Gates open 5:30 p.m.
• News & Record Pops Concert w/ Greensboro Philharmonia Orchestra 7:30 – 8:45 p.m.
• Independence Day Ceremonies 8:50 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.
• Gate City Fireworks Spectacular 9:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Admission and parking free; no pets, please.
• Tailgating allowed in parking lot.
• Food & beverage vendors adjacent to Amphitheatre
• Blankets and Cushions allowed on lawn
• No lawn chairs, outside food and beverages in White Oak Amphitheatre.
• Rain date Tuesday, July 5.
• Follow cancellation and weather delays via Twitter @Fun4thGSO
Please visit www.FunFourthFestival.org for more information
Friday, March 11, 2011
Madness
Spring, in my opinion, is by far the best season. The weather isn’t too hot, the flowers are blooming, and during the month of March you can’t turn on your TV without hearing about basketball. It is hard for me to imagine a North Carolinian who doesn’t go nuts for the ACC tournament this time of year. Even if you didn’t go to one of the four ACC schools in our state, you probably still pull for one. Being a Tar heel myself, I find no greater joy than the highs and lows that tournament season brings. One of the best things about college basketball is how close we in Greensboro are able to come to it. Not only are we geographically in the middle of the four ACC schools, but this year the tournament is being held right here at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. This weekend, go see a game! If you haven’t picked a side yet, do it! (I recommend the Carolina blue of course) Enjoy the fact that some of the deepest seeded rivalries in the history of college sports are being celebrated right here in your neighborhood. And if you can’t make it to a game, enjoy a cold drink at one of the fabulous bars downtown. I promise you they will be showing the madness that is March.
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