Editor

AHOSKIE — The promise of excellent weather this weekend has local officials bracing for a huge crowd attending a pair of planned events.

Friday through Saturday is Indian Summer Days and Heritage Day in Ahoskie. The two marquee events traditionally attract thousands of individuals from throughout northeastern North Carolina and southside Virginia.

The 37th annual Indian Summer Days Show and Sale is sponsored by the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce. That event, featuring a wide assortment of unique crafts plus an appraisal fair,

is scheduled for 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday at the old Ahoskie High School gym. Admission is free and concessions, featuring homemade soup, will be offered for sale.

In conjunction with Indian Summer Days is a Health Expo sponsored by Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. That Saturday-only event is also at the Town Gym.

Ahoskie Heritage Day, now in its fourth year, runs Friday through Saturday. Friday (5 p.m. until) features live entertainment from Big Daddy and the Heavyweights Rhythm Band along with food, beverages, rides for the children and fireworks at the “Buyout” area off Memorial Drive behind Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.

For those early risers, Saturday’s agenda begins at 7 a.m. with yard sales.

At 10 a.m., Heritage Day will feature its second-ever parade, one with antique farm equipment, autos, horses and much more. The parade route begins near Southern Bank on East Main Street and ends at the Buyout area. Participants in a 5K Run sponsored by ViQuest will lead the parade down Main Street.

The remainder of Saturday’s Heritage Day activities at the Buyout area (11 a.m. until 10 p.m.) will keep patrons busy. Scheduled are a dog show,

3-on-3 basketball tournament, pumpkin decorating, horse shoe tournament, pie eating contest, celebrity auction, children’s games and a pig pickin’.

Also scheduled at the Buyout area on Saturday are horse-drawn farm equipment and antique tractor demonstrations.

Food vendors, crafters and exhibitors will have booths lining the street.

A bluegrass band, the U.S. Navy Rock Band and Deuces Wild Band will provide the afternoon entertainment.

The Heritage Day Gospel Fest, featuring The Laymen and Angela Baker, begins at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Ahoskie Heritage Day Art Show will be located at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall. That event is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

In addition, the Ahoskie Kiwanis Club will serve lip-smacking chicken pastry from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday Tickets, priced at $6 each, will be sold at the door.