‘Winter Fever Train Rides’ are an annual event at the NC Transportation Museum 

SPENCER — Following the N.C. Transportation Museum’s Christmas events, there is another seasonal museum tradition as we approach the new year. Special “Winter Fever Train Rides” are offered for families during the down-time between the Christmas and New Year’s festivities, Dec. 27-31.

After the hustle and bustle of shopping, family gatherings and company parties, the week between the holidays provides time to get out of the house for some family fun. “Winter Fever Train Rides” give families an opportunity to visit the Museum, browse the exhibits, visit the museum’s Gift Station and enjoy a 25 minute train ride around this State Historic Site.

The museum’s on-site train ride provides views of the town of Spencer and the former Southern Railway repair facility, including the Roundhouse, Back Shop and the Master Mechanics Office.

The Bumper to Bumper exhibit is a unique display of classic and antique automobiles, including the Willys Knight, steam and electric powered cars from the innovation years of the auto industry, the 1940s era Chevy pick-up

truck, Ford Model As and Ts and even a Ford Model R from 1907.

The Bob Julian Roundhouse is where the iron horses are kept. Steam and diesel locomotives and railroad passenger cars are housed in the 37 bay Roundhouse. Visitors can see these behemoths of yesteryear, the steel beasts that first tied the country together.

Also in the Roundhouse is a full size replica of the Wright Brothers “Wright Flyer” alongside other aviation exhibits. The flyer is on long-term loan from the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk.

As Southern Railways largest steam locomotive repair facility in the Southeast, much of the Spencer Shops railroad facility buildings are intact and as much a part of the visitor experience as the exhibits.

The museum grounds are an important part of the region’s history, a place where 3000 skilled workers once operated around the clock to keep the nation’s passengers and goods moving from place to place.

Visit http://www.nctrans.org/ for ticket and schedule information or call 704-636-2889. 411 South Salisbury Ave., Spencer.

 

PPT youth auditions for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 

Jan. 3-4 at 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Only 25 spots available per time slot. Auditions are by appointment only. Call 704-633-5471 to sign up.

A comedy written by William Shakespeare, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors (the mechanicals) who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.

The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works for the stage and is widely performed across the world.

Producing Partners: Edward & Susan Norvell. Show dates: Feb 17-25 at the Norvell Theater, 135 E. Fisher St. See PiedmontPlayers.com to learn more.

4th annual wine tasting crawl coming up 

Tour the wines of Rowan County and beyond in Downtown Salisbury during the 4th annual wine tasting crawl.

Participating shops and restaurants in Downtown Salisbury will each be assigned a specific wine. Ticket holders will travel from place to place to sample wines. No wine may be consumed outside of the location it is served. Free trolley shuttle services will be provided for quick travel to all locations.

Wine About Winter tickets include:

• one souvenir wine glass

• one Sommelier corkscrew

• walking map

• wristband

Tickets are $22.50 per person in advance at www.downtownwsalisburync.com and $30 on event day, if not sold out (processing fees and tax not included).

 

NC’s second largest anime convention returns to Concord/Charlotte for its 8th year

CONCORD — Dec. 29 -Jan 1: Embassy Suites Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa. Ichiban Con is home convention of The NC Rowan County Anime Group. Salisbury’s Robert Clyde Allen will lead three panels at Ichiban Con 8: 100 years of Japan Animated, My Love of Japanese Pop Music and The Great Nation of Japan.

In addition, those interested in forming an Anime Barbershop Quartet can contact long-time panelist and friend of Ichibancon, Robert Clyde Allen, at MrArtist24 <rca_artist24@yahoo.com>