The Garner Citizen

Friday Family Flicks, camping, White Deer Dash, and more. Much more.

It’s a busy weekend in Garner that includes an outdoor movie, camping, a road race, and a free concert — all at Lake Benson Park.

On Friday night, pull up a blanket or chair to the grassy slope in front of the main stage and enjoy the family-friendly flick “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.” The movie begins at 8:30 p.m. and is free. Refreshments will be for sale.

More info: garnernc.gov

Those who’ve signed up for camping that night will stay and sleep under the stars. As of Friday evening, almost all of the maximum 40 permits have been issued.

While it’s not the first time the town has organized a camping outing at Lake Benson, it is the largest group, said Stephanie Shaffer, supervisor of White Deer and Lake Benson parks. She said they will likely plan for a smaller group in the fall again.

If any campers are registered for the White Deer Dash 5K, they certainly have the advantage of location. The third annual road race begins Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Lake Benson Park (fun run at 8 a.m.). 

Last-minute registration will be held Friday evening from 6-9 p.m. at Lake Benson’s Shelter #1, as well as the morning of the race. About 130 runners have pre-registered.

More info: http://www.fsseries.com/index.php?action=event&event_id=91

Wrapping up the town-sponsored events this weekend is the performance of Bull City Syndicate at Lake Benson Park as part of the Garner Parks & Rec Summer Concert Series. The show is free, with music starting at 7 p.m.

More info: garnernc.gov

A couple of other events we know about: On Saturday, Sovereign King Church will host its first Welcome to the Neighborhood Hot Dog Cookout and Shindig with a free cookout, stuffed animals, EMS rescue trucks and much more.

More info: http://jgordonduncan.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/welcome-to-the-neighborhood-hot-dog-cookout-and-shindig-082110/

8U Garner Express baseball team tryouts, Sunday, Aug. 22 (and also Sunday, Aug. 29). Registration at 6 p.m.; tryouts begin at 6:30 p.m.

More info: Chris Murphy, chris [at] cmurphy-photo.com