Guide to Garner 2018-19 edition | Page 20

Special Events Our nationally accredited and award- winning Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, along with key partners in the community, offer an array of events throughout the year that bring Garner together to discover, play and celebrate. GROUNDHOG DAY AT WHITE DEER PARK Move over Punxsutawney Phil, Sir Walter Wally and other furry forecasters— Garner’s got the real deal in Snerd. Garner’s groundhog prognosticator and other animals from the nonprofi t group CLAWS are the stars on Groundhog Day at White Deer Park (2400 Aversboro Road). There are always plenty of activities for the kids and families. Snerd reveals his prediction to the mayor at noon. BLACK HISTORY MONTH In February, the Town celebrates Black History Month at Garner Performing Arts Center and with a proclamation by the mayor at Garner Senior Center. SPRING EGGSTRAVAGANZA Garner marks the end of winter at its annual Spring Eggstravaganza on a Saturday at Lake Benson Park (921 Buffaloe Road). In addition to the always-popular egg hunts, there’s entertainment, games, arts and crafts activities and more. JULY 3 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Local residents as well as visitors from across the region celebrate our nation’s birthday at Lake Benson Park (921 Buffaloe Road) at Garner’s free annual Independence Day Celebration on July 3. There’s a free concert by the North Carolina Symphony and other live music, children’s activities, infl atables and local nonprofi t groups selling a variety of food and other refreshments. The evening concludes with a spectacular fi reworks show. Downtown on the Rise Downtown Garner is becoming home to more and more events, including the April Foods and Trick-or-Eat food truck rodeos on Main Street, pop-up food and crafts markets at Garner Recreational Park (205 E. Garner Road) and free outdoor movies on the back lawn of Garner Performing Arts Center (125 Avery St.). With the addition of the Garner Recreation Center in the summer of 2018, historic downtown Garner is sure to continue to be a hub for recreation, entertainment and the arts. 18 garnernc.gov