This weekend features seven special events for dog and horse lovers, cultural enthusiasts and toy collectors.
The Southern Ideal Home Show will fill the Graham Building and Expo Center this weekend. The home and garden event will feature hundreds of exhibitors who can answer questions about remodeling, decorating and landscaping projects. Attendees can also shop for home and garden resources. Event hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults ages 15 and up and free for children 14 and under. Seniors ages 55 and up receive admission for $7 on Friday. Find more information and discount coupons here.
The North Carolina Quarter Horse Association’s Futurity Show will run Friday through Sunday in the Hunt Horse Complex. The show is expected to award $90,000 in money and prizes. Spectator admission is free.
North Carolina Hunter Jumper Association’s “C” Outdoors Horse Show will be this weekend in the Hunt Horse Complex Barn E Ring. Spectator admission is free, and shows begin daily at 8 a.m.
The 2nd Annual Chinese Harvest Moon Festival will be in Dorton Arena Saturday. Performances, exhibits, food and merchandise will celebrate Asian and Chinese cultures. The event will run 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and admission is $7 for adults and children ages 7 and up. CAFA members receive discount admission of $5 at the door.
DogGoneFast Flyball Club is hosting aFlyball Tournament Saturday and Sunday in the Holshouser Building. Flyball is a relay race with four dogs toa team. Each dog jumps over four hurdles, catches a tennis ball and runs back over the hurdles. Animal Planet made the sport a hit. It is now featured on ESPN’s Great Outdoor Games. Admission is free, and event hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
The North State Toy and Hobby Show will showcase antique and modern toys in the Scott Building Saturday and Sunday. The show will feature collectible memorabilia such as Barbie, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Hallmark ornaments, Yu-gi-oh, Lord of the Rings, Sci-Fi, Western and NASCAR toys. There will be more than 70 exhibitors buying, selling and trading. Event hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for a weekend pass or $5 daily for adults ages 16 and up.
Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special Mass in Dorton Arena. Bishop Barbridge and catholic priests from the surrounding area will perform the ceremony. The Mass is open to the public.
Don’t forget that this is the last weekend for the flea market to be open. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The flea market will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m.
Also, visitors can buy advance ride and admission tickets at the Gate 9 ticket booth Sept. 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.