Celebrity spotted, Chick-fil-A opens
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned how busy the weekend was. It seems they are getting busier.
No. 1
Rotary Day at Afton. Head to Afton Ridge Library, 6095 Glen Afton Blvd., on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to noon for a special children's event hosted by the Rotary Club of Concord-Afton Sunset.
The program celebrates the completion of a Rotary grant project that added new children's furniture and hands-on learning features to the library, including a play kitchen, puppet theater, book storage, Keva planks and wall-mounted sensory activities.
The prizes include 200 books, some English-Spanish, to be given away.
Families with children ages 3 through second grade can enjoy a variety of new interactive and sensory activities, along with prizes.
The project was supported by community partners, including Staples, Chickfil-A Afton Ridge and Scholastic Books.
No. 2
Taylor Swift's future brother-in-law has been making the rounds in Cabarrus County. Jason Kelce, older brother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, has been spotted around the area in recent weeks, including a lunch stop at Bubba's Bunkhouse in Harrisburg and, earlier this week, at The Smoke Pit in Concord.
The former NFL AllPro also traded shoulder pads for a pit crew role over the weekend, joining Hendrick Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway. Kelce assisted with Corey Day's No. 17 car during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ag-Pro 300 — holding the sign and helping with tires — as Day drove to victory.
No. 3
Cabarrus County's newest Chick-fil-A has officially opened, with a ribbon-cutting held this week. To mark the occasion, the restaurant donated $25,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank.
The company's Facebook page refers to the location as "Chick-fil-A Dale Earnhardt Boulevard," though it's actually located at 1015 Vinehaven Drive NE, at the corner of Copperfield Boulevard and Vinehaven Drive. (For reference, Dale Earnhardt Boulevard begins at Interstate 85.)
No. 4
The town of Harrisburg's popular Rockin' the Burg Community Concert Series is back, offering free, family-friendly outdoor concerts on the second Saturday of select months at Harrisburg Park (191 Sims Parkway).
Each event features live music, food trucks and a relaxed, bring-your-ownchair atmosphere. Opening acts begin at 7 p.m., followed by the main performance at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks are planned for the May and October concerts. Leashed pets are welcome, and while outside food and coolers are allowed, the park remains tobaccoand alcohol-free (a designated beer garden will be available on-site).
It should be noted that the fireworks could be canceled because of the drought and burning ban.
2026 lineup:
• May 9: Buffett and Beyond (Jimmy Buffett tribute) — fireworks
• June 13: Rob Cole
• Aug. 8: September (Earth, Wind & Fire tribute)
• Sept. 12: Departure (Journey tribute)
• Oct. 10: Gump Fiction — fireworks
Parking is available on a first-come basis. The series is supported by the N.C. Arts Council.
No. 5
Don't let the recent rain fool you — North Carolina's statewide burn ban is still in effect, and officials say it's not going anywhere anytime soon.
N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said the weekend rainfall provided "little to no relief" from ongoing drought conditions, noting that many areas remain well below normal and in need of significant additional rain. Dry soil, low humidity and plenty of fuel on the ground continue to create a high wildfire risk across the state.
Since the ban was issued on March 28, The N.C. Forest Service has responded to more than 1,200 wildfires that have burned nearly 3,500 acres. Only a handful were caused by lightning, and nearly 300 citations have been issued for illegal burning.
Residents are urged to follow the ban and use caution with anything that could spark a fire — including equipment, vehicles, and even discarded cigarettes.
No. 5A
Explore Cabarrus (the Cabarrus Tourism Authority and Visitors Bureau) lists these upcoming events in May. More information is available online at explorecabarrus.com
Here are some of the events:
■ May 2 – Concord Micro-Con at Cabarrus Brewing Company
■ May 2 – Harmony Nights in downtown Concord
■ May 9 – Rockin' the Burg Community Concert Series kickoff at Harrisburg Park
■ May 16 – Towel City Tavern 5K in downtown Kannapolis
■ May 22–24 – Coca-Cola 600 Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway
■ May 29 – Live at the Davis Theatre featuring Rissi Palmer (Cabarrus Arts Council)
■ May 30 – Cabarrus Celtic Festival at Cabarrus Brewing Company
If you have a Friday Five, story suggestion, or something I can rant about, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com or call or text 704-786-0001.
