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🌱 Patch AM: Why Wilmington’s beloved Riverfest might be moved into a parking lot

Also, don't miss 'PETE' 1-Man Biblical Play @ Calvary Chapel Southport – 6:30 pm! FREE! on the Wilmington Patch calendar

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Cheers Wilmington! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Wilmington's beloved Riverfest might be moved into a parking lot
  • See why two Wilmington-area beaches just earned national family kudos
  • When a future presidential nominee slipped quietly into Wilmington for vacation

Also on today's calendar: 'PETE' 1-Man Biblical Play @ Calvary Chapel Southport – 6:30 pm! FREE! and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a snowman that is having a temper tantrum? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Monday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 99 and low of 79 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 98, low: 76.
  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 91 and low of 76 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Stuck in a parking lot': Riverfest president pushes back on city's proposed location for annual festival (foxwilmington.com) — Riverfest's president is pushing back against Wilmington's plan to move the decades-old downtown festival into a parking lot near City Hall and Cape Fear Community College. He argues the site raises safety, access and sponsorship concerns, while the city says it wants to activate northern downtown and provide a safer space. With Riverfest set for Oct. 3, organizers hope to keep negotiating the location.
   

2. These two New Hanover beach towns are 'more than just sand and surf' (starnewsonline.com subscription) — FamiliesGo! just spotlighted the Wilmington area by naming Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach among 15 U.S. beach towns that offer much more than sand and surf. From the lively Carolina Beach Boardwalk and nearby Carolina Beach State Park to Wrightsville's historic pier, museum, and Intracoastal access, the piece showcases easy day-trip adventures for Wilmington families and visitors.
   

3. From the archives: Vice president vacations on New Hanover island (starnewsonline.com subscription) — A look back to 1997 recalls when Vice President Al Gore quietly flew into what became Wilmington International Airport for a low-key family vacation on Figure Eight Island. The archival piece traces his return visits through 2000, when national press followed him here as a presidential candidate mulling his running mate choice.
   

4. Do you live there? - 6 riskiest places to live: hurricane edition (weatherandradar.com) — New Hanover County, home to Wilmington, ranks among the nation's riskiest coastal places for hurricanes with a FEMA risk score of 99.4 and estimated annual losses of $247 million. The article compares Wilmington's vulnerability with hotspots in Florida, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, underscoring why local preparedness and resilience matter so much here.
   

5. Wilmington Parkinson's support group helps members stay active, connected (wwaytv3.com) — A Wilmington-based Parkinson's support group is helping local patients and caregivers stay active and informed through monthly meetings at the First Baptist Activity Center. Members lean on exercise, education, and shared experience, from boxing workouts to advanced treatments, to manage symptoms and reduce isolation. Organizers stress that anyone affected by Parkinson's is welcome to join the community.
   

📸 Around Wilmington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I love a rainy day!
    Drink some tea, read a book or do something kind to yourself (Nextdoor Chestnut Heights/Princess Place)
  • My sisters and my grand niece in bliss.
    I had to capture the rainbow and it also captured a seagull. (Nextdoor Crestwood)
  • SPECTRUM posted a job opening for Multimedia Journalist - Spectrum News 1 in Wilmington. Apply here.
  • Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Customer Service Leader - Office Assistant in Wilmington. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Wilmington here.

Ok Wilmington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A meltdown ! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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