Hello Wake Forest! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Fireworks rules and the July 3 spectacular, possible water restrictions, and open gym fun + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Safety rules and celebration: Wake Forest officials remind most fireworks that explode or fly are illegal in NC and violations mean fines and jail. Fireworks Spectacular will be July 3 at Heritage High School -- learn what’s allowed locally.
Youth soccer keeps growing: World Cup buzz is boosting youth soccer across the Triangle. At North Raleigh’s Soccer Genome, coach Derick Appah sees growing interest and more clubs for young Wake Forest players -- see the soccer surge.
Possible water restrictions ahead: Raleigh may tighten water-use rules, potentially banning lawn watering, after more than 300 violations since April and as Falls Lake was at 67%, with further restrictions possible if drought continues -- check the water rules.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Upgrade your game night: This week, swap couch crossfire for real-life squad missions at Battle House Laser Tag - Wake Forest, where immersive arenas, tactical gear, and mission-based games turn friendly trash talk into sweaty high-fives. Perfect for friend groups, birthdays, or your team that could use a competitive reset.
Freshen up your week: When a random Tuesday needs cheering or a big day needs serious bloom energy, Garden of Eden Florist pulls off custom, jaw-dropping designs from one perfect bouquet to full arches, then handles the venue setup so you can focus on the fun.
Inclusive playtime, nearby: Let the kiddos run wild while the whole neighborhood feels welcome at Holding Park Inclusive Playground. Thoughtfully built for all ages and abilities, it’s the easy, screen-free reset your week needs, whether you’re squeezing in 20 minutes after work or stretching it into a full-on playdate.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🤸 Open Gym @ The Tumble Gym of Wake Forest Gymnastics | Friday (6/26) at 9:30 AM – Weeknight wiggles call for open gym and soft landings at Tumble Gym in Wake Forest. Let the kids bounce, climb, and make new buddies while your furniture, sanity, and knees get a break. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, same great energy burn, blessedly padded floors.
🌊 June Kids Club: “Under the Sea!” @ The Makery | Saturday (6/27) at 10:00 AM – Bring the kids to The Makery’s Under the Sea club for hands-on art sessions in June, ages 4–12. Think clay sea creatures, narwhal canvases, flamingo floaties, and jellyfish keychains, each week sold separately so scheduling stays sane. You linger onsite, they make magic, everyone wins.
🧩 ABCs of Learning Sensory Friendly Family Fun Day @ ABC's of Learning | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – A sensory-friendly family day fills the back lot on Heritage Trade with big and small bounce houses, arts and crafts, and all-ages activities. There’s a food truck, Kona Ice, and just enough cheerful chaos to tire the kids while you call standing around quality time.
🐟 Aquatic Market @ The Reef Farm | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Weekend errands can wait, the Aquatic Market at The Reef Farm is the farmers market, but wetter and prettier. Free to wander, big deals on corals, fish, and plants, $5 lunches, local artisans, raffles you can win from your couch, and 10% to Sustainable Reef.
📚 Books & Bingo with Friends @ Youngsville Public Library | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – If your idea of multitasking is yelling B-12 while browsing paperbacks, this free, family-friendly mashup is your sweet spot. Bingo and a book sale, plus bookish prizes, low stakes, and the kind of small-town charm you secretly brag about.
📻 Franklin County Amateur Radio Club Field Day @ Moores Pond Road | Saturday (6/27) at 2:00 PM – Patio weather meets preparedness as Franklin County’s hams pitch antennas, fire up radios, and treat Field Day like a picnic, campout, emergency drill, and friendly contest. You will hear voices from miles away, see MacGyver-level setups, and remember who keeps talking when the bars vanish.
📻 Radiostar @ HomeSlice Tavern (Youngsville) | Saturday (6/27) at 2:00 PM – Third annual block party means one thing, the new Big Deck Stage finally gets christened as RadioStar returns to take it over for the first time. Expect crowd-friendly hits, neighborly banter, and the kind of dance moves your knees will discuss over breakfast, fondly.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Wake Forest report Weather forecastToday — High: 86°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 86. North wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 64. East wind around 2 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 92°F — Low: 70°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. This house is wildThis home pairs polished design with easy comfort, starting with a first-floor primary suite that features a vaulted ceiling and a spa-style bath with a freestanding tub, frameless glass shower, and quartz vanity. The kitchen shines with Bosch appliances, ceiling-height cabinetry, a beverage center, and walk-in scullery, while the family room adds a coffered ceiling, built-ins, and a fireplace.
Take a peek inside → |
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