March 28, 2024

2024 Good Friday Holiday Schedule

The Wake Forest Town Hall and other administrative offices will be closed Friday, March 29, in observance of Good Friday. Curbside trash and recycling collection will not be affected by the holiday, but yard waste collection will be suspended. 

During the week of March 25, the collection of all yard waste routes, including Friday’s route, will occur Monday-Thursday, March 25-28. To ensure that all neighborhoods are serviced properly, all residents are urged to leave their normal yard waste behind the curb by 7 a.m. Monday, March 25. As always, please avoid placing items on or near mailboxes, utility boxes, utility poles or other fixed objects.

The Wake Forest-Raleigh Express will operate as usual on Friday, March 29, but the Wake Forest Loop will not. The Loop will resume its normal schedule Saturday, March 30.

Town offices will re-open April 1 at 8 a.m.

Magic Pipers to kick off Friday Night on White April 12

Friday Night on White (FNOW) returns to downtown Wake Forest on Friday, April 12, with The Magic Pipers. The free outdoor concert will take place from 6-9 p.m. along South White Street in historic downtown Wake Forest.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase at several downtown restaurants. A variety of food and dessert trucks will also be on site in the Depot Parking Lot, 110 S. White St., and along East Owen Avenue.

Food and dessert trucks scheduled to participate on April 12 include Virgil’s Jamaica, Cousins Maine Lobster, VFW Chuck Wagon, Charlie’s Kabob Grill on Wheels, Crumbstruction, Not Just a Fry Guy, the Naked Empanada, Lumpy’s Ice Cream, La Katrina Tacos, Mama Churro, and Kono Pizza. Menus for these food trucks are provided on the Town website.

Sunday's the deadline to nominate your favorite tree for 2024 Tree of the Year

The Urban Forestry Division (UFD) is celebrating Arbor Day this year by again offering a contest for tree lovers across Wake Forest. From now through Sunday, March 31, the UFD is accepting nominations from residents for the Wake Forest 2024 Tree of the Year award.

Trees may be nominated for their size, species, historic significance, personal meaning, community benefit or general notoriety – but they must be located within the Wake Forest town limits.

To submit your choice, visit our website, complete the nomination form, and upload a photo of your tree. Finalists will be selected by Town staff, then voted on by the community during the week of April 8.



The tree that receives the most votes will be announced as the winner during Forest Fest on Saturday, April 20. The person who submits the winning tree will receive a certificate crowning their tree as the Wake Forest 2024 Tree of the Year.

Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies resume Monday with service honoring David Cooke

The Town of Wake Forest and several local veterans’ organizations will resume their monthly flag-raising ceremonies in Town Hall’s Centennial Plaza on Monday, April 1, at 11 a.m.

The 52nd Wake Forest Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremony will honor David Cooke, who served our nation in the US Marine Corps.

Members and friends of the Cooke family will participate in the ceremony, which will include patriotic songs, special remarks, a memorial wreath laying, and the ceremonial flag-raising.

StoryWalk in the Park starts Monday in Joyner Park

The Wake Forest Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department and Page 158 Books are partnering to offer a free program throughout April that encourages families to read while enjoying the greenways at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road.

StoryWalk is an innovative and interactive way for readers of all ages to enjoy a story and the outdoors at the same time. It’s also an effective way for young readers to practice active reading skills.

Throughout April, pages from the children’s picture book, “Billy Bully Frog Learns to Love,” by Lizzie McInerney, will be displayed on posts along the Joyner Park trails. As you stroll along the path, you will be directed to the next page in the story.

Wake Forest to unveil historic markers for Ailey Mae Young and Wake Forest Normal & Industrial School Monday, portion of East Spring Street to be closed during ceremony

The Wake Forest community is invited to attend the official unveiling of the new historic markers for Ailey Mae Young and the Wake Forest Normal and Industrial School, 337 E. Spring St., on Monday, April 1, at 3 p.m. The unveiling ceremony will feature brief remarks by descendants of Ailey Mae Young, Mayor Vivian Jones, and Town staff. 

To accommodate the event, the portion of East Spring Street between Caddell Street and North Taylor Street will be closed from approximately 2:30-4:30 p.m.

No parking will be permitted along the 300 block of East Spring Street during the event. On-street parking will be available along other portions of East Spring Street and Caddell Street.

For more information about Monday’s event, email Senior Planner for Historic Preservation Michelle Michael.

2024 Age & Dementia-Friendly Education Series begins April 13

The Northern Wake Senior Center and the Wake Forest Senior Information Networking Group (SING) are partnering to host a series of free classes, workshops, and other events over the next several months to raise awareness about aging, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias.

Each event in the 2024 Age & Dementia Education Series will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about dozens of aging and dementia-related programs, services, products, and resources – all at the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.

These free events are scheduled from 9-11:30 a.m., and no registration is required.

The series gets underway Saturday, April 13, with "Empowering Caregivers: Navigating the Journey Together." Led by Lynette Wilson, this presentation will focus on equipping caregivers with the tools, resources, and support networks they need to confidently navigate the challenges of caregiving. 

Fireworks Spectacular food truck vendor applications accepted through Monday

The Town of Wake Forest will accept applications through Monday, April 1, from food truck vendors interested in participating in the 2024 Fireworks Spectacular. The fee is $175, and the event includes space for up to 14 food vendors.

This year’s Fireworks Spectacular is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, at Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., but food trucks are required to arrive and set up between 3 and 4 p.m.

Participating food trucks are required to obtain all necessary Wake County permits, including a Mobile Food Unit (MFU) permit or Temporary Food Event (TFE) permit. Each vendor must also complete a background screening and provide a copy of its Certificate of Insurance designating the Town of Wake Forest as an additional insured for the event date and a copy of automobile liability insurance. A minimum of $1 million in insurance is required for both.

Registration continues for National Trails Day 5K/3K at Joyner Park

The PRCR Advisory Board will host a family-friendly 5K/3K walk/run as part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Check-in on the day of the event starts at 7 a.m., and the races begin at 8 a.m.

The National Trails Day 5K/3K is a timed walk/run for children and adults. A loop of the paved trails throughout Joyner Park will comprise the 3.1-mile course for the 5K and 1.8 mile course for the 3K. Strollers are welcome but will be placed at the back of the pack to allow runners a clear start.

The entry fee for the 5K is $25 before March 31; $30 from April 1-May 14; $35 from May 15-30; and $40 the day before and day of the race. The entry fee for the 3K is $20 before March 31; $25 from April 1-May 14; $30 May 15-30; and $35 the day before and day of the race. Everyone who registers before May 15 will receive a race T-shirt.

PRCR partnering with Pickles and Play to host 2024 Wake Forest Spring Smash Pickleball Tourney May 3-5

The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department is partnering with Pickles and Play to host the 2024 Wake Forest Spring Smash Pickleball Tournament Friday-Sunday, May 3-5, at the Flaherty Park Pickleball Courts and Tennis Complex, 1226 N. White St.

The entry fee is $45 per player, plus $10 for each additional event. The registration deadline is Sunday, April 28. For more information, email Tournament Director Lisa Groeschner.

NCFST Mobile Market returns April 11

The Northern Community Food Security Team (NCFST) and Ripe for Revival bring a mobile grocery store to Wake Forest on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 3-5 p.m.

Offering fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from local and regional farmers on a pay-what-you-can scale, the NCFST Mobile Market will return to 350 E. Holding Ave. (across from the Northern Regional Center) on Thursday, April 11, and again on Thursday, April 25. 

Open to everyone, the pay-what-you-can mobile grocery store makes fresh and local produce, proteins, dairy, eggs, and other food products accessible and affordable to all, regardless of their budget.



At checkout, shoppers will be given a suggested total. Shoppers can then pay the full amount, a portion of that amount, or nothing at all. Both cash and card payments are accepted, along with Android/Apple Pay.

Forest Fest & Tree Seedling Giveaway coming to downtown April 20

You're invited to the Third Annual Forest Fest on Saturday, April 20. Celebrating the heart and history of Wake Forest, this free family-friendly event is scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – rain or shine – along East Owen Avenue, in Centennial Plaza, and in the Town Hall parking lot.

Presented by Wake Forest Downtown, Inc., Forest Fest will include the Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway, a free Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event, the Wake Forest Guild of Artists Spring Art Market, the Wake Forest Farmers Market, roaming entertainers, children's activities, vendors, food trucks, and much more!

Upcoming outdoor events easy to find on Town website & app

Beginning with the Easter Eggstravaganza on March 23 and continuing through Good Neighbor Day on September 21, the Town of Wake Forest offers an incredible array of free outdoor events and activities for the entire family. From Friday Night on White and Six Sundays in Spring to Family Movie Nights at Joyner Park and Concerts in the Park, spring and summer in Wake Forest are jam-packed with fun-filled events guaranteed to get you out of the house.

To help inform area residents about all these events, the Town offers the Wake Forest Outdoors portal on its website. The webpage provides detailed information about our area’s most popular spring and summer happenings, including the Memorial Flag-Raising Ceremonies, Forest Fest, Meet in the Street, Independence Day Celebration, National Trails Day, and Good Neighbor Day - just to name a few. Offering dates, times, locations, event descriptions and more, the portal is a useful reference for anyone anxious to get outside and take advantage of Wake Forest’s array of warm weather activities.

In addition, Android and iPhone users can have a handy pocket guide to this year’s spring and summer events in the palm of their hands by downloading the Town of Wake Forest app and using the app’s "Wake Forest Outdoors" function.

Wake Forest Police warn residents (again) about Apple Pay, Venmo & other electronic payment scams

The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) is again urging residents to guard against becoming the victim of fraud following recently reported phone scams involving Venmo and Apple Pay.

Residents who were recently involved in a traffic accident have reported receiving calls from someone posing as a Wake Forest Police officer who claims they owe money for missing a subsequent court date. According to various reports, the caller says a warrant has been issued for their arrest, or soon will be, but they can pay a fine now via Apple Pay, Venmo, or some other form of electronic payment and avoid being arrested.



Neither the WFPD nor any other government agency make such calls, nor would they ever ask anyone to make a payment via Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Green Dot cards, store gift cards, Playstation/Xbox cards, Apple iTunes gift cards, Bitcoins, or any other electronic payment app. These types of scams are designed to exploit fear and pressure victims into making payments to scammers.

Registration continues for 50-Mile Walking Challenge

The PRCR Department will commemorate “National Physical Fitness Month” in May by offering a 50-Mile Walking Challenge for area residents ages 11 and older.

Residents who accept the walking challenge commit to walk at least 50 miles in May and use a tracking card to record their progress. Walking locations may include neighborhoods, schools, churches, parks, and greenways - just to name a few.

There is no cost to participate, and online registration is open through Friday, April 26, via RecDesk (search “Walking Challenge”). Tracking cards will be emailed to all registered participants and available for pickup at Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road.

The first 100 participants to complete at least 50 miles and return their completed tracking cards to JPCC by Monday, June 3, will receive a 50-Mile Walking Challenge T-shirt.

“May Month of Fitness” to feature Women’s Self Defense, Cynergy Fit, Yoga, Zumba & Bhangra Dancing

The PRCR Department will offer a free outdoor fitness series five nights a week in May at E. Carroll Joyner Park, 701 Harris Road. Free and open to residents of all ages, May Month of Fitness will consist of the following weekly classes:

• Mondays – Women’s Self Defense
• Tuesdays – Cynergy Fit
• Wednesdays – Yoga
• Thursdays – Zumba
• Fridays – Bhangra Dancing

All classes are free and require no registration. Each will be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Joyner Park Amphitheater.

Memorial Day Remembrance Wall of Honor submissions accepted through April 14

Throughout May, the PRCR Department will present Memorial Day Remembrance Walls of Honor at E. Carroll Joyner Park, Alston-Massenburg Center, and Flaherty Park. In recognition of the service and sacrifice of women and men in uniform, these Walls of Honor will bear the names of as many as 500 veterans submitted by members of our community.

Through Sunday, April 14, the PRCR Department will accept submissions, including the names of veterans, both living and deceased, along with the military branch in which they served, for inclusion on each wall. Please note: Names included on the Walls of Honor in previous years will be included again this year and do not need to be resubmitted.

There is no cost and no limit to the number of veterans each person can submit.

Flaherty Park Tennis Courts lighting upgrades underway

On Monday, March 25, Walter Holmes Electric, a contractor working on behalf of the PRCR Department, will begin upgrading the lights at the Flaherty Park Tennis Courts, 1226 N. White. St. A 2022 Wake Forest Bond Referendum initiative, the Relamp Project will involve upgrading the courts’ lighting system to modern, energy-efficient fixtures to enhance visibility and safety for players and spectators.

The total cost of the project is $178,511.

Slated for completion in early April, the work is scheduled during daylight hours to minimize disruption to nearby residents, but there may be times when evening work is necessary.

In addition, the work may require crews to temporarily close several courts, but at least four of the complex’s eight courts will remain available for play at all times. The pickleball courts will not be affected.

Wake Forest partnering with DHIC, Inc. to offer free Homeownership Counseling Services

The Town of Wake Forest and DHIC, Inc. (formerly Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation) are partnering to offer free homeownership counseling services to Wake Forest residents earning less than 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Designed for residents finding it difficult to purchase a home or make payments on a home, the free counseling services include Pre-Purchase & Post-Purchase Counseling; Financial Capability Counseling; and Homebuyer Workshops.

Men’s Church Softball registration continues through March

The PRCR Department is accepting team registrations throughout March for Men’s Church Softball. Online registration is available.

The entry fee is $550 per team, and the league is limited to participants ages 18 and older. Beginning in mid-April, league games will be played primarily on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Anyone interested in participating who does not have a team can sign up as a free agent, then assigned to a team in need of players. To register as a free agent, complete the online registration form.  

WF Fire Department Fish Fry April 19

Mark your calendar for this year's Wake Forest Fire Department Fish Fry on Friday, April 19, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. – or until all the fish plates are sold - at Fire Station #1, 420 Elm Ave.

Plates are $10 each and will include generous portions of fried flounder, boiled potatoes, coleslaw, and hush puppies. Cash, check, and credit card accepted. Fish fry proceeds will benefit the Wake Forest Firefighters Foundation.

No preorders will be accepted, but both eat in and drive thru take-out options will be available.  Desserts will be sold separately for guests dining inside.

Delivery service is available for orders of 15 plates or more.

A special part of this year's Fish Fry will be a food drive to benefit the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry. Throughout the day, the WFFD will collect non-perishable food items to help feed hungry people in our community.

Free Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event coming to Northern Wake Senior Center April 20

The Town of Wake Forest will host a Paper Shredding & Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave.

Sponsored by Civic Federal Credit Union, the paper shredding portion of the event will offer area residents and businesses the opportunity to protect themselves from identity theft and dispose of confidential documents in an environmentally responsible manner.

As part of the electronics recycling effort, residents can properly dispose of items that may otherwise end up in landfills. Accepted items include, but are not limited to, laptops, servers, cell phones, mainframes, circuit boards, keyboards, VCRs, electric typewriters, and radios. To view a complete list of accepted items, visit our website.

Local students & parents invited to 2024 STEM Saturday April 27 at Joyner Park Community Center

The Wake Forest Technology Advisory Board (TAB) is inviting area elementary, middle, and high school students and their families to the 2024 Wake Forest STEM Saturday on Saturday, April 27. Presented by the Wireless Research Center, this free family networking event is scheduled from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Joyner Park Community Center, 701 Harris Road.

Celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, STEM Saturday will expose students in grades K-12 to a variety of STEM career options, while featuring STEM-related exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on learning activities.

STEM Saturday will also include several interactive booths where representatives from a variety of local businesses, schools, and organizations will engage with parents and students, share professional insights and experiences, and offer interesting demonstrations.

Beatlesque to kick off 30th Anniversary of Six Sundays in Spring April 28

You’re invited to help celebrate three decades of foot-tapping, finger-snapping good times during the 30th anniversary of Six Sundays in Spring. Sponsored by the Town of Wake Forest and ARTS Wake Forest, the free outdoor concert series will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on consecutive Sundays from April 28 through June 2 at the Joyner Park Amphitheater, 701 Harris Road.

From big band and R&B to beach and jazz, there’s something for all music lovers at this year’s Six Sundays in Spring. Beatles tribute band, Beatlesque, will kick off this year’s performances on Sunday, April 28, followed by Eduardo and the Paco Band on May 5, Soul Pyschedelique Orchestra on May 12, Marcus Anderson on May 19, The Magnificents on May 26, and Sensory Expressions Band on June 2.

Public Art Commission introduces Pre-Qualified Artist Registry

The Wake Forest Public Art Commission (PAC) is inviting artists and artist teams to apply for its new Pre-Qualified Artist Registry.

The registry will serve as a resource for the PAC’s selection of artists and artist teams to create Wake Forest cultural and public art projects. It will make the process for responding to calls for artists more efficient by providing access to a predetermined network of qualified professional artists. The registry will also strengthen and streamline PAC efforts by maintaining a database of artists with specific skill sets.



Artists and artist teams may apply at any time but must be pre-qualified to be considered for public art opportunities with the Town of Wake Forest.

Spring & Summer RecConnect now available

The March-August 2024 edition of RecConnect, the Wake Forest PRCR Department's spring and summer program guide, is now available.

Hard copies of the PRCR Program Guide are now available at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St.; Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St.; Joyner Park Community Center (JPCC), 701 Harris Road; Flaherty Park Community Center (FPCC), 1226 N. White St.; and Alston-Massenburg Center (AMC), 416 N. Taylor St.

2024 State of the Town Address now airing on WFTV 10 & streaming online

Mayor Vivian Jones’ 2024 State of the Town Address is now airing three times daily on Wake Forest TV 10. The mayor’s 35-minute speech, which began with "I am pleased to report that the State of Wake Forest is excellent," can be viewed on WFTV 10 from now through March at 8 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. The address is also provided in streaming video on the homepage of the Town website.

Mayor Jones delivered the annual address to over 200 people during the State of the Town Address & Dinner on February 19. Emceed by Wake Forest Renaissance Centre Director Debbie Dunn, the event was sponsored for the 15th consecutive year by the Wake Forest Rotary Club.

Holding Park Inclusive Playground now open

The Holding Park Inclusive Playground, 133 W. Owen Ave., officially opened to the public on March 2. The playground is now open daily from dawn to dusk.

Wake Forest ROCKS!

A lively community, with heartwarming service and rich recreation opportunities are just a few of the reasons why Wake Forest ROCKS!

Wake Forest Disc Golf Course

Wake Forest's new disc golf course is open year-round for free use to the public Monday-Friday from 4 p.m.-dusk, and Saturdays and Sundays from dawn to dusk.

The rules for disc golf are similar to traditional golf by way of scoring and etiquette. Standing on what is generally a five-foot by 12-foot concrete tee pad, a player aims their disc towards a disc golf basket that’s placed from distances between 150 to 570 feet from the tee pads.

These discs differ from non-competitive discs in that they have a thinner profile and a sharper outer edge to increase aerodynamics and distance. Different discs are used for different parts of the course.

Just like with mainstream golf, the idea is to complete the course in the fewest throws.

Connections...100 Years of Wake Forest History on sale

The Town of Wake Forest is offering Connections…100 Years of Wake Forest History for $30 each.



Authored by Wake Forest resident and “Wake Forest Gazette” Publisher Carol Pelosi, “Connections... 100 Years of Wake Forest History” was written and released in 2009 to commemorate Wake Forest's Centennial Celebration.

A treasure trove of pictures, original artwork, and stories recording the people, places, and events of Wake Forest’s first 100 years, the photo-filled hardcover book chronicles the town’s rich history and details its growth from a small college town to a thriving community of more than 50,000 residents.

Connections may be purchased online with credit card or debit card or in person at the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St., with cash, check, credit card or debit card. After ordering your copy, stop by the Information Desk in the lobby of Town Hall at your convenience to pick it up.

Engraved bricks make great gifts!

The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick paver.

The 4" x 8" engraved brick pavers cost just $125 each and once ordered become a permanent part of the Wake Forest Town Hall Centennial Plaza - to be viewed and enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.

Located along South Brooks Street, Centennial Plaza is the focal point of Wake Forest's municipal campus and a gateway to town hall.

Here's your chance to join over 100 local businesses, civic clubs, residents and former residents that have already purchased a personalized brick. Engraved bricks are a unique way to honor loved ones, commemorate special events and recognize civic clubs and social groups, youth athletic teams, businesses and not-for-profit groups.

#RecycleRightWF

In 2021, the Town of Wake Forest launched #RecycleRightWF, a comprehensive public education campaign on proper recycling behaviors. Through a series of easy-to-understand messages, the initiative attempted to simplify the recycling process and improve the quality of materials residents place in their rollout recycling carts.

Thanks to the invaluable cooperation and efforts of residents, Wake Forest recorded a significant decrease in recycling contamination over the next year.



In recent months, however, officials have noticed a steady increase in the number of contaminated recyclables in recycling carts throughout Wake Forest. As a result, the Town is reintroducing #RecycleRightWF.

The effort will address contamination by providing Wake Forest households with direct mail pieces, social media messaging, and concentrated feedback. Messaging will consistently remind residents who recycle to “Stick with These 6” - plastic bottles, jugs, and jars; metal cans; paper; and cardboard, and “Never These 9” - plastic bags, food waste, cups, to-go containers, paper towels, tiny things, plastic packaging, Styrofoam, and gloves/masks.

Northern Wake Senior Center - Adding Shine to Your Golden Years

The Northern Wake Senior Center, 235 E. Holding Ave., offers adults age 55 and older a full schedule of recreational activities, such as aerobics, line dancing, ballroom dancing, wood carving, painting, and craft making.



The center also provides several social events each month, as well as educational classes on subjects including computers, ceramics, and clay.

Town of Wake Forest app

The Town of Wake Forest (TOWF) offers a free smartphone app that provides direct access to useful information about Wake Forest and encourages two-way communication between the Town and its residents.

Over 6,000 Android and iPhone users have downloaded the app allowing them instant access to important information about Town programs, services and events.

Among its many functions, the TOWF app allows iPhone and Android users to:

• Receive breaking news messages;
• Utilize “SeeClickFix” for prompt action on street maintenance, lights, potholes and graffiti, using the app to send a photo and exact location of the problem;
• Access information about Town-sponsored events and events at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre;
• View Town job openings;
• Utilize the “Waste Wizard;”
• Access contact information for every Town department.

Android and iPhone users can access and install the correct version of the TOWF app by scanning the appropriate QR code below.

Wake Forest Farmers Market

The Wake Forest Farmers Market is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our community about the value of local farms and the importance of local food systems.

From October-March, the Farmers Market operates Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon along South Taylor Street behind the Wake Forest Town Hall.