Bark for Life of Nash County

For all of the dog lovers and those who just would like to lend a hand to a great cause under the roof of your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve can head out to the Rocky Mount Dog Park on Saturday, November 5 and take part in Bark for Life of Nash County, and event organized by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Much like their successful, Relay for Life program has raised millions of dollars across the United States to help save lives and for research on those who have been unfortunately stricken with cancer, Bark for Life of Nash County is a noncompetitive walk event to help with this great cause. Bring your favorite “furry friend” out to Rocky Mount Dog Park, located 480 North Lee Street in Rocky Mount at and start the day with the walk and enjoy the rest of the day with contests, games, and other demonstrations you and your dog can partake in together.

Welcoming those who are unfamiliar with the Relay for Life program or Bark for Life, the American Cancer Society explains the goal of this incredible program on their website, saying, “By supporting Bark For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

There is still time to help out with Bark for Life of Nash County as a sponsor if interested, as the generosity of the surrounding communities at these events is truly what helps to save live as the ACS also explains, “The success of the American Cancer Society’s Bark For Life depends on individuals, teams, and, of course, the generous support of our sponsors. Our lifesaving work in the fight against cancer would not be possible without the generosity of sponsoring businesses and community organizations.”

The opening ceremony for Bark for Life of Nash County begins at 9:00 a.m. and the day’s activities will run until 1:00 p.m. For further details on Bark for Life of Nash County, visit the American Cancer Society events page at acsevents.org. For specific questions or more information on the event you can also contact Bennita Dunham by phone at 252-314-5740 or via email at [email protected].

Rocky Mount Farmers Market

Open every Saturday through the month of November, and located conveniently at 1006 Peachtree Street, just a short drive from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, the freshest produce, meats, seafood, and all other local products you could imagine are available at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market.

Running each Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Rocky Mount Farmers Market gives area farmers a “storefront” in which to sell their fantastic produce and local residents can not only get their fresh items straight from the farm, but also support the hardworking members of their community in doing so.

The philosophy of the Rocky Mount Farmers Market is simply described on the official Nash County website as a place where “local farmers sell products they actually produce.” Going on it explains, “This market philosophy is consistent with long term economic development and preservation of our local farming community.”

Over the years, the Rocky Mount Farmers Market has become a tradition and somewhat of an institution on Saturday mornings, with residents enjoying not only the goods for sale, but the friendly, community feel and the social aspect of the market as well.

“This market is not just a building,” the Nash County website explains. “It’s the dynamic activity of all of the people involved in growing, harvesting, buying, selling and sometimes socializing. Shoppers come to enjoy the farmers market experience.”

Throughout the Rocky Mount Farmers Market annual schedule, which runs from April through November, they also have a variety of activities periodically that take place at the market including live music and entertainment, opportunities to tour the farms of some of the participants following the Saturday sales, and much more.

The Rocky Mount Farmers market is a great place to get in touch and support the local community and its also a great place to get some unique items and some of the most delicious, homegrown fruits, veggies, meats, and more. For more information o the market or to see some photos of some of the produce and goods you’ll find there each Saturday, vista the Rocky Mount Farmers Market Facebook page here.

Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown

One of the most anticipated and for sure tastiest annual events on the Town of Rocky Mount calendar will be returning to town for a “smokin’” good time, as just a few minutes from the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, the 9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 7-8.

The Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown festivities kick off this year on Friday at noon, at 101 Coastline Street in Downtown Rocky Mount, directly in front of the Helen P. Gay Historic Rocky Mount Train Station. And the “delicious” fun on opening day goes until 8:00 p.m. Saturday morning The “Throw Down” continues and swings into full effect as will be evident by the incredible smell wafting through town from the countless BBQ pros plying their craft from 10:00 a.m until 6:00 p.m.

For those who have not yet had a “taste” of the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown, it is a professional cooking competition based on the Kansas City Barbeque Society’s (KCBS) official categories, which are chicken, pork ribs, pork brisket, and beef brisket. Awards are given out annually for the Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and the People’s Choice Award, decided upon by the attendees of the tops in Fall Events in Rocky Mount. Additionally, prizes to include cash awards, trophies, and plaques will be given out to the top ten finishers in each of the above categories.

Returning for the second consecutive years on the heels of its success at last year’s Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown will be the 2nd Annual Home Brew Competition, as once again, local beer enthusiasts and brewers will compete on Saturday. Each entrant in this competition may submit any style beer of their choosing, and each will be judged in different categories based upon the style they enter. If the entry does not fit into one of the specific categories they still are eligible for the overall “Best in the East” award that will awarded by a panel of judges representing this events sponsor from Rocky Mount Mills.

Although the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown begins at noon on Friday, and the judging will commence throughout the two-day festival, there will also be other great food and entertainment ongoing throughout. The “Kick Off Party and Concert” has become almost as much of a tradition as the ribs, chicken, brisket, and other delicious food, with great live, local music being played throughout the day. Always a family friendly event, there will also be an assortment of vendors, and kid specific activities throughout the weekend as well

The 9th Annual Eastern Carolina BBQ Throwdown is free to the public. For a full schedule of events and more information on the Eastern CarolinaBBQ Throwdown, visit their website at bbqthrowdown.net.