NCMC Events From Around the State… October 19, 2009

1). The Bascom Looking for an artful alternative to Halloween? Look no further than The Bascom. Spooky Raku: A Halloween Pottery Firing is free and the Bascom invites the whole community. On Saturday, Oct. 31, at sundown (approximately 5:30 p.m.), red pots will be glowing against the black night sky, creating a magnificent mood and an unforgettable All Hallows Eve.

2). The Mint Museum of Art If your Halloween costume is more trend setting than traditional this year, you could win a prize at the Beaux Arts Ball presented by The Mint Museum. The Beaux Arts Ball, a Halloween costume party, will be held Friday, October 30, 2009 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight at the Mint Museum of Art. Admission is $75 for Mint members and $90 for non-members.

3). N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher Celebrate Halloween early with the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s Trick or Treat Under the Sea. The aquarium welcomes trick-or-treaters of all ages on two frightful nights this year: Wednesday, October 28 or Thursday, October 29 from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. Dress up in costume (no masks for adults, please), rake in the candy and play games with prizes. Enjoy face painting, story-telling, and haunted gardens. Look for our spooky divers in the big tank!

4). Kings Mountain Historical Museum Annual Honor Our Veterans Exhibit is the current exhibit at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum. The exhibit will run through Saturday, November 14, 2009. This year we are focusing on “Women in Service for Our Country”. Also represented are photos, memorabilia, uniforms, and weapons from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

5). Battleship NORTH CAROLINA The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA premieres Ghost Ship, Eastern North Carolina’s only haunted battleship! Ghost Ship opens the hatches on October 16th and runs on October 23, 24 and 30. The Haunted Ship will begin selling tickets at 6:30 pm each night and will run until 10:00. It is not for the faint of heart and not recommended for young children. A complete schedule of dates and times is available on the website.

6). President James K. Polk State Historic Site German chocolate cake, painted turnips (!), colorful dances and guided tours of gravestones will mark the 214th birthday of one of America’s most effective presidents in a free family program at President James K. Polk State Historic Site on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. According to Irish legend, well before folks carved pumpkins they turned turnips into whimsical faces to ward off the devil. At 11a.m. and 1 p.m. the Polk State Historic Site staff members will offer guided tours of the Polk family cemetery plot with discussion of those buried there and the symbolism of headstones.

7). Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University recently opened Our State Dog: North Carolina's Plott Hound an exhibit that looks at the Haywood County development of this breed. The exhibit includes rare hunting weapons, images, and skins and covers both breed characteristics and how Plotts are used to hunt various game animals. "Our State Dog" will be on display at the Center through April 8, 2010.

8). Hickory Museum of Art The first Folk Art Festival at the Lake, hosted by the Hickory Museum of Art, attracted a crowd of over 1,000 on Oct. 3. A Preview Party, sponsored by Catawba Valley Medical Center, held the night before was a sell-out with 150 attending. Duke Energy was the major sponsor of the folk art festival. This event was an effort by the Hickory Museum of Art to introduce the museum to residents of the Lake Norman area.

9). Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens presents African American Historic Downtown Walking Tour on Sunday, October 18, 2:00 p.m. $4 per adult, $2 per student. Departs from Tryon Palace visitor center lobby. Learn about 300 years of African American history on a walking tour of New Bern’s historic district. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers 16 blocks.