Summer's finally here, at least unofficially!
Who else is more than ready for sunshine and outdoor events? As always, we've got you covered with ten fun events to get on your calendar for the month of June:
Dirt Track Races
The Paragon Speedway has three evenings of racing fun coming up in June. On June 3, it's the UMP Hornet Rumble and American Vintage Sprint Car Association racing. On June 10, they'll feature MMSA Winged Mini-Sprints, and June 17 is the 8th Annual Chuck Amati Classic. Pick your Saturday and get ready for dirt track racing fun! Don't forget the kids - this family-friendly track offers free admission for kids 12 and under (along with a paid adult admission, of course).
Dewey Dash 5K
Love to read? Get outdoors and support reading with the Morgan County Public Library's Dewey Dash 5K! The relatively flat course is perfect for beginners and kids, taking participants through historic downtown Martinsville. The event begins and ends at the Morgan County Public Library at the corner of Jefferson and Jackson Streets.
Stargazing Opportunities
Our friends at Link Observatory Space Science Institute have two stargazing opportunities coming up this month. On June 3, weather permitting, they'll open up the dome and have public telescope viewing at the Observatory. Then, on June 15, their monthly public presentation will take place at 7 and 9 pm at the Mooresville Public Library, followed by public viewing at the Observatory. There are even shuttles to get you there and back! For those who'd like to learn more about the Observatory itself, stop by on June 8 from 9 am to 3 pm for their daytime Open House!
No Cover Songwriter Showcase
Local and regional musical artists are featured each month in the No Cover Songwriters Showcase event, held on the second Thursday of each month at Zydeco's Cajun in Mooresville. With great music, authentic Cajun flavors and good company, what else could you need to enjoy a summer evening? As the name suggests, this is a free performance. Music starts at 5 pm and goes until 8 pm.
Art Gallery Events
Art lovers, you'll wan to hit up either or both of these gallery events in the month of June - first up, at the Art Sanctuary in Martinsville is their 2nd Friday Open Studios Night on June 9. From 6 to 9 pm you can browse through works from several local artists and mingle with other art lovers and the artists themselves! On June 10th, at the Gallery at Mooresville Arts Partnership, you'll find a monthly gallery reception where you can browse through local works and enjoy the company of local artists.
Movies @ The Main
Brand new this summer is Movies @ The Main! The Main Connection is located at 460 S. Main Street in Martinsville and is home to several local businesses and organizations (including Visit Morgan County). This summer, they're hosting a movie series, featuring some of your favorite films from years past. First up is The Sandlot on June 9, followed by The Princess Bride on June 23. Stay tuned for an additional July date as well!
Batik Art on Paper Workshop
Join Martinsville area artist Lynne Medsker for this fun workshop on June 10 at her Unruly Image Studio. The session lasts from 10 am to 3 pm and participants are invited to bring a packed lunch to enjoy. All supplies, drinks and snacks are included in the cost of the workshop, which is $55 per person. Participants will learn Lynne's process for creating beautiful Batik art on paper, and should have time to complete more than one project.
Dan Holmes Group
Unfortunately, the Mooresville Mardi Gras Block Party celebration has been canceled for this year due to ongoing downtown construction, but that doesn't mean Zydeco's Cajun won't still celebrate! They've got the Dan Holmes Group coming all the way from Texas for three nights of awesome music and amazing food. Thursday, June 15 through Saturday, June 17. Music starts at 6:30 pm each evening. Rumor has it they might even have some crawfish, depending on availability.
Antique Machinery Show
Join the Morgan County Antique Machinery Association for their annual event at the Morgan County Fairgrounds on June 24-25. This fun, two-day event features lots of beautiful antique tractors, a swap meet and flea market, tractor parade, steam engines and live demonstrations throughout the show. The Morgan County Young Farmers will be on hand to man the homemade ice cream booth once again as well! (See our previous blog post for reasons you'll love visiting the Antique Machinery Show!)
Morgan County Farmers Market
You've got two chances each week to come out and visit with area farmers and artisans at the Morgan County Farmers Market. You'll find all the normal produce, plus a few local surprises... artisan goat cheese and vanilla, unique jams and jellies, handmade soaps and lotions, even jewelry! Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm on the courthouse square in downtown Martinsville and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 pm in the parking lot of the Friends Church in Mooresville. See you there!
Don't forget - it's also the perfect season for outdoor fun, and be sure to keep an eye on our calendar of events for additional upcoming events and activities throughout the summer!
