Mother Nature is throwing the proverbial monkey wrench at several events across the Roanoke-Chowan area.

The Murfreesboro Downtown Block Party, scheduled for today (Thursday) will proceed, but has been moved indoors to the Hertford County Middle School gym from 4:30-9 p.m. Event organizers say the activities remain the same – musical performances, dance and art showcases, exercise demos, health screenings, bicycle helmet giveaways, free books, crafts for children, and character appearances including a clown. The Band Boosters will still be selling food throughout the event.

Meanwhile, it’s Homecoming week at Northeast Academy and officials there say are taking a “wait-and-see” approach to how to proceed with Friday’s (Oct. 2) scheduled activities.

“Starting at 4 o’clock on Wednesday it’s supposed to rain 100 percent almost through the weekend,” said Northeast Headmaster Ralph Graham. “We’re going to wait until Thursday afternoon, and maybe up to Friday morning, before making any final decisions. Because of report cards, Friday is just a half-day of school for us.

“We have made a decision to move our Homecoming activities indoors to the gym, that is if we do anything on Friday. There’s no decision yet on the football game (Friday, 7 p.m.) with Halifax Academy,” Graham added.

The gloomy forecast has postponed the annual Meherrin Indian Pow Wow, traditionally held the first full weekend of October at the tribal grounds located on NC 11 between Ahoskie and Murfreesboro.

Meherrin Chief Wayne Brown said a decision was reached on Wednesday to delay the event until next weekend (Oct. 9, 10, 11).

Also due to the possible weather situation this weekend, the Red Barn Farmers Market has made the decision to be closed on Oct. 3. The market will reopen on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the usual hours.

As typical, all local school systems are keeping their eyes on the weather forecast.

“We held Parents Night as planned on Wednesday, and we still plan to play our volleyball match Thursday afternoon with Rocky Mount Prep; otherwise, any future plans are pending,” said Al Bennett, Assistant Principal at Northampton County High School.

Chris Aycock, Headmaster at Ahoskie’s Ridgecroft School, said he was taking it “day-by-day.”

“We’re watching to see what the predictions are.  We expect there will be some cancellations, but for now, nothing; we will keep you updated,” Aycock said.

Hertford County High School Principal James Futrell is also casting a wary eye to the sky.

“As of now, everything will go on as scheduled. In addition to the athletic activities, our band is participating in an event out of town this weekend, as for now, we plan for that to go on.  We will monitor the situation and make changes, as needed, beginning when we get together on Thursday,” Futrell said on Wednesday.