Greensboro Daily Photo

New Millennium & Temple Emanuel

Today, we bring you not one but TWO religious offerings. Originally, we stopped to read Temple Emanuel's banner advertising today's Jewish Festival. However, while standing on the Fisher Park property of Temple Emanuel, near the First Presbyterian Church, we noticed a service concluding at the church across the street. The New Millennium Christian Center, located at 424 Fisher Park Circle, has recently opened in this neighborhood. The New Millennium congregation seems very involved in helping the local community. They are having a caregiver workshop today. Also, they are also very generous with providing clothing and help for the needy. From the photo, you can tell the church has a intergenerational congregation.

Temple Emanuel is having a Jewish Festival today from 11-5 pm at their 1129 Jefferson Road facility. The festival will offer a wide array of food, music, singing, and dancing. They will even have Jewish Folk and Bluegrass. Biblical characters will come to life, recreating Biblical life from 5000 years ago. There is a replica of the Kotel (Western Wall). Prayers that are written and left at this makeshift wall will be collected and taken to the real wall in Israel. Don't be shocked if you see Moses, Joseph, or King David walking along Jefferson Road. 

Greek Festival

Greensboro's Greek Festival is upon us! It will be held all day today and tomorrow at the Dormition of the Theotokos Church at 800 Westridge Road. If predictions are correct, 13,000 people will visit the festival that has been going strong since 1974. Music and dancing will be available all weekend. There is a Greek Market (The Agora), a Taverna with food, food, food, and RAFFLES galore. Last year, the church sponsored a session of "Orthodoxy 101" and taught guests about the orthodox faith. We're sure Father Newlin would love to answer your questions about his church. 

In addition to the many other activities in Greensboro, The Tate Street Festival is also happening this afternoon. Next weekend the Liberty Antiques Festival will be held. There is so much to do in mid-late September in Greensboro. We can't wait to get more photographs to share with you! Have a great weekend and start practicing your Greek. Google translate is a great place to start. Learning a few words from someone at the festival is even better.

Greensboro Fire Rescue on Elm St.

According to their website, "The Greensboro Fire Department operates 33 fire companies from 23 fire stations strategically located throughout the City of Greensboro."  Firemen are an important and much-needed part of any community. They not only cover fires, rescues, and hazardous material incidents, they are first responders for all medical emergencies. In their non-emergency work times, firemen make every effort to interact with the community. Above, they have a ladder truck and water to share in the Fun Fourth festivities on Elm Street. 

Fire departments have been affected by the economic downturn and are spread thin. Many districts are depending more and more on volunteers. Next time you see a fire fighter, thank him/her. Our city wouldn't be the same without them. For August 1st, the City Daily Photo theme around the world is "Postcard Worthy." Since the whole world could be clicking through today, we wanted to share a scene of people out having fun in our community and a photo with the word "Greensboro" on it. 

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

We dedicate today's post to our blogging buddy, Abe Lincoln, over at Brookville (OH) Daily Photo whose testimonial will remind you why you should never smoke and will reaffirm what we have said above about responders to medical emergencies!

Step Right Up!

Step right up and take advantage of all Greensboro has to offer! The Bellemeade Parking Deck, managed by the City of Greensboro, is located on the corners of Bellemeade, Elm and N. Greene Streets. The location is convenient to Center City Park, the ballpark, and just about anything in the northern end of downtown. Parking is free there if you are summoned to jury duty! Donald O. Tice was the architect of the the open-air, concrete and granite structure. The 8-floor deck was built on part of the property that was part of the original O.Henry Hotel. There are 1,276 spaces in the deck (reference). 

We call this photo "step right up" in honor of the endless stairs in the center of the photo and the carnival-like atmosphere of the Fun Fourth event. One day a year, we have our own little Coney Island with the parking deck as a backdrop. We are in funnel cake and hot dog heaven. Brides are frequently seen having bridal photo shoots here. Also, the structure's geometry and muted cement-color put all focus on the beaming brides.

Breathing Fire and Feeling the Heat!

With temperatures close to 100 degrees in Greensboro, it feels like we are all breathing fire! July tends to be our hottest month; however, for July 2011, Greensboro is about 10 degrees above average! The above photo was taken during the grande finale, fire act portion of the summer solstice event last month. Flames emerging from the man's mouth illustrate how much of the nation has felt this month!

In our effort to find the hottest day on record for Greensboro, we only saw the hottest day on record for North Carolina-- 110 degrees; on August 21, 1983 in Fayetteville. In the meantime, we found other numbers that we decided were "must knows" for Greensboro. The city is 131.75 square miles. The elevation is 897 feet. The population as of 2009 was 260,083 (reference). Our thought for the day, or thought for the photo: "Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability." Roy L. Smith

In the above photo the flame of the "human BIC lighter" shines in the night sky and we are sharing the scene with Skywatch Friday.

 

Mr. Fourth of July

Mr. Fourth of July was spotted at the Greensboro Arboretum at the Summer Solstice event in June. He was last seen talking to his special, fairy-winged lady. Hopefully the couple will make an appearance at the Fourth of July events in Greensboro. He is a human bumper sticker, in full Fourth-of-July regalia and displaying "USA" on his forearm. 

This year, Greensboro's fireworks have been moved from Jameison Stadium (Grimsley High School) to the White Oak Amphitheatre at the Coliseum Complex. Let's hope the move will be a good one for the community.  This is the photo we published from last year's display and are optimistic that display at the new location will be as beautiful.

What is the most patriotic you've ever dressed? Why don't you dress up today, have someone take a photo and send it to us. We'd love to feature a reader or two! 

Summer Solstice 2011

Greensboro couldn't have asked for a more perfect way to kick off the summer (and to celebrate Father's Day) than the Summer Solstice Festival 2011, held yesterday at the Greensboro Arboretum. Fun was had by all at this intergenerational event. From toddlers to great-grandmothers, people donned brightly colored clothing, fairy wings, tulle, and glitter and hula-hooped the hours away. We don't have the attendance figures, but we're guessing that this year's event was the largest yet. The weather was perfect and adults, children, and pets were on their best behavior. Hats off to Greensboro for another safe, FREE event in a public space. 

We're gearing up for Greensboro's next big event, Fun Fourth, which will be held downtown and will culminate with the Fourth of July fireworks display at the Coliseum. Time to hang up the tie-dye and to bring out the red, white, and blue attire. As seen in the photo above, dressing for the events adds so much to the ambiance.

Greensboro Summer Solstice 2011

This Sunday is not only Fathers Day, it is also Summer Solstice Day at the Greensboro Arboretum (at Market Street near Lindley Park). While the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere officially begins on June 21st at 1:16 pm EDT, all of Greensboro comes out to celebrate on Sunday the 19th when families and venders are more able to get away from their weekday work commitments. We're slipping in this photo from last year just to generate a little excitement and to start planning our attire. It will be hard to beat last year's "best of show."

Don your floral headband, brightest tie dye, fairy wings, glitter, face paint, diaphanous skirts with leggings and spend the afternoon among performers and vendors. There will be people strolling in costume as well as children with their faces painted and pets all gussied up. You will have more fun if you dress for the event. There will be performers of all genres and the grande finale will be a fire show at 9:00 pm. Our community puts a lot of time and effort into this event. Please come out and support our community on the longest day of the year.

What is unique about this photo?

 

Well....we see four right hands (including the one in the tapestry) and no left hands.

 

Mother's Day 2011

Today is Mother's Day; hopefully, you are celebrating the day with your mother-- either in person or in spirit. The above photo of a mother and her children was taken at the Revolutionary War reenactment in Country Park this past March. The mom walks with her sons tethered to her side. (During the colonial era, little boys wore loose gowns until they were potty trained). Leading the way, her daughter walks confidently a few paces ahead. The picture represents motherhood at its best-- a rewarding, uphill, hike, enjoying your little miracles of life every step of the way. 

In honor of all the moms out there, we'd like to share a few Sacred Sunday quotes:

Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living ~~Genesis 3:20

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all of my life. ~~Abraham Lincoln

If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been. ~~Robert Brault.

I miss thee, my Mother. Thy image is still the deepest impressed on my heart. ~~Eliza Cook

                                                                                                                        (more quotes here).

Liberty Antiques Festival Next Weekend

The Liberty Antiques Festival is this upcoming Friday and Saturday (April 29-30, 2011). The bi-annual event attracts over 400 dealers from at least 25 states. People come from miles around to peruse the stalls on a 100-acre farm in Liberty, NC, just about 30 minutes south of Greensboro. Equally fun will be the miles of yard sales strung along the highway to and from Liberty. Even for people who don't collect anything, the event is a great way to enjoy a little slice of rural North Carolina, to eat BBQ and funnel cakes, and to see what the treasures in your attic might be worth. We've featured this fabulous festival in previous years here, here, and here because we love, love, and love it-- there, there, there! We're doing a little spring cleaning weekend in the hopes of making room for something special.

Additionally, the Antique Car and Tractor Show will be in full swing on Saturday in Downtown Liberty. The more we prepare posts for GDP, the more we realize just how much there is to do in the Greensboro area. While time and money may be constraints; things to do is not!  We picked this photo for today so that we could share it with James and the Weekend Reflections gang. 

You Can Always Go......... Downtown

Today is First Friday and the Indie Market will start up at 4pm. Restaurants and visual arts venues will come alive early this evening. Downtown will be door-to-door fun. While all is quiet in the above photo, the Bellemeade/Greene Street view combines several interesting buildings in Greensboro. The low, one-story building with all the color is Riva's Trattoria, a small family-style Italian Restaurant with great food. Chef Tracey purchases most of the food locally at one of the farmers' markets. Riva's may be quiet on the outside but inside, they are busy preparing exciting meals for you. Next, the round structure is a parking garage, a hub of activity during business hours. The tall, rose colored granite structure in the background is the headquarters for mortgage lender United Guaranty, a company established in Greensboro in 1963.

If this week's weather has you a little down or work has been stressful, being with people can help lift your mood. Petula Clark said it best, "When you're alone and feeling lonely, you can always go downtown ... the lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares. So go downtown, where all the lights are bright. Downtown-- waiting for you tonight. Downtown-- you're gonna be all right now."  Today is not only Skywatch Friday but also theme day for the City Daily Photo Community and April's theme is "edges." 

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants  

Enjoy three minutes "Downtown" here.  

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Here we see a singing quartet at First Friday in Downtown Greensboro on December 3rd. What a great way to ring in the holiday with people singing carols. The first known Christmas carols date to fourth century Rome and the tradition has many interesting facets (read more here). Caroling quartets with their a capella, vocal harmonies, bring the holiday season alive. We wish we knew the name of this festive, costumed  group singing on South Elm Street. They were fabulous.

Merry Christmas Greensboro. The best Christmas present for us would be to let us know what we can post for you in the upcoming year.

Waiting for Christmas

After bringing you a jail scene yesterday, for today we decided to switch to something more festive! First Friday for December is long gone; however, this photo captures the spirit of the holiday and a tender moment for people in Center City Park in downtown Greensboro. Bands were playing, people were snuggled together enjoying the moment. The couple in the front, right corner were dressed in festive garb from head to toe. We don't have a lot to say today other than we hope you are enjoying the spirit of the holiday season. Even if you still have lots of shopping to do, try to find time for friends, loved ones, and spirituality. 

Festival of LIghts

Greensboro was aglow last night with families out celebrating First Friday and the Festival of Lights. Thousands of people came out to listen to music, shop, skate, perform, and spend time with family and friends. Here we see children enjoying the fake snow piped through Center City Park while parents and grandparents scrambled to take pictures of their little ones. 

Today will be another day packed with family fun in Greensboro. If you get up early enough, you can land a good spot along the parade route (Greene to Market to Church Streets). The Girl Scouts will set up Candlefest in the Arboretum and many businesses will have open houses today. Let us know how you spent the day. Regardless of what you do, save some time for family and friends.

R is for RELIGION

Clap, clap, pray, and thank God. According to Men's Health Magazine, Greensboro has earned the designation as the second holiest city in the USA! We are second only to Colorado Springs!  Charlotte, Durham, and Raleigh are also in the top 15, making North Carolina the HOLIEST of states! (read more here &  here). While some question the research methodology or what is actually being measured (here), undeniably, Greensboro is BIG on volunteerism, generosity, and spirituality. We at Greensboro Daily Photo know from having photographed religion in Greensboro for two years worth of Sundays that religion is extremely important in our community. 

Above, is a photo of Hey Nunnie Nunnie, a comedy act currently on stage at the Renaissance Festival in Huntersville. We thought the clapping nuns would be appropriate for our 2nd place designation. This is the last weekend of the Carolina Renaissance Festival so run, don't walk to see this fabulous comedy duo. Oh, and if you ever make it to Greensboro, you will, indeed, see a religious organization on just about every corner. (Please note, this is not meant to be disrespectful; just a way to combine two NC happenings).

For ABC Wednesday, "R" is for RELIGION-- Greensboro style! 

Carolina Renaissance Festival

Disclaimer: We are about an hour and a half south of Greensboro in Huntersville, NC. 

Here we are enjoying the entertainment on the Stage of Merriment at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. As you can see from the photo, even people at the back of the tent were interested in the entertainment: jugglers, comedy shows, a sword swallower, jousting, over 500 people milling around in costumes; plenty to keep attendees entertained. Seven weekends a year, Huntersville, NC comes alive with costumes, food, entertainment, and good times from centuries past. The buildings in the background are permanent structures in place for the one time a year when this fairground comes alive for the Renaissance Festival. This upcoming weekend is the last for the festival so, if you are in the area, we highly recommend your visiting. The outdoor acts, ten to fifteen per day per stage and there are six stages-- are included in the price of the ticket ($18 at Harris Teeter; $20 at the door). Throw on a costume and head on down and eat a bread bowl of food, steak on a stick, a turkey leg, while strolling through a replica of a 16th century village. Wikipedia explains the history of Renaissance fairs here.

We're sharing this with Mellow Yellow Monday.

Giant Playgrounds

On the weekends, in the fall, college campuses turn into veritable playgrounds-- in a good way. Between intramural leagues, fall festivals, football games, concerts, plays, and art exhibits, there is plenty for students to do. Such was the case at Guilford College this weekend. It was homecoming and students, present and former, of all ages were on campus. In the photo above, students had queued up to Cameron's Funnel Cakes at an arts festival held on the Friendly Center side of campus. The Quakers have been in the Guilford College Road/Friendly Avenue area of Guilford County since the mid-1700's, long before these roads existed! Guilford College is the only Quaker founded college in the southeastern United States. Fall is an impressive time to be on this campus!

If you like college sports, the Guilford College Quakers have some impressive sports facilities for a private school of its size. Unfortunately, the football team's last regular-season game is away next weekend, at Emory & Henry. If you want, you can listen to it on free live audio. Even better, head over to campus and take a brisk walk while the weather is still walker-friendly. The little red camper is not a permanent fixture so don't expect to find it there this weekend. Do expect to find some beautiful brick buildings brimming with history! The funnel-cake-mobile was snapped especially for our friends at Ruby Tuesday! Go Quakers!

Woolly Worm Time in North Carolina

People have been using woolly worms to predict winter since pioneer days. To determine the severity of the winter, you look at the brown band of color on the woolly worms, or pyrrharctia isabella. The thinner the brownish-red ban, the harsher the winter will be. If the colors on the wooly worm in our yard are a prediction, winter will be pretty mild this year. Much brown, little black!

If you are fascinated by this topic, then consider attending the 33 Annual Woolly Worm Festival, just west of Boone, in Banner Elk North Carolina the third week in October. Last year's winner of the Woolly Worm Race was a young boy from Chapel Hill. Maybe we'll pack up our woolly worm and head west!

We're sharing this with Camera Critters and Weekend Reflection.

Tate Street Festival

The Tate Street Festival was held this weekend. Here we see a view of vendors and shoppers. In the background, you can see a few historic buildings on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Everyone who attends, teaches, or works at UNCG is likely to spend time on Tate Street. The beauty of Tate Street is that many of the businesses have their proprietors on site so you actually develop a relationship with the people who sell you coffee, food, jewelry, antique clothing, etc. Not only do they get to know you on a first name basis, they know how you like your coffee, how long you will sit and grade papers, when you are scheduled to graduate, etc. The proprietors organize the festival as a way to build community and to get people who do not normally come to the campus area to visit. One of the best things about this festival is that the entrance and entertainment is FREE. Free is a valuable word to college students.

This photo has been shared with the Mellow Yellow Monday crowd. The yellow umbrella belongs to the local man who invented/is selling his ASKEW game-- the father son team in the foreground is involved in a game of ASKEW.

 

Liberty Antiques Festival

Liberty Antiques Festival is going on right now from 8am to 5pm today. Usually, the location is acres and acres of farmland. Here is a sample of what it looks like when the festival is in town-- rows and rows of tents with an unbelievable amount of antiques for sale. The festival happens in Liberty, a short ride south of Greensboro. We've featured it before here and here . With over 400 dealers from 25 states, the festival has a reputation for being one of the best in the southeast. Here is their official website.

Hope to see you there.

 

Greek Dancers

These young men danced at the Greek Festival this past weekend. As you can see by the legs and heels in the background, the girls were dancing in the back row. The entertainment (not to mention the beautiful weather) really added to the festival. Through music and dance, the younger generation had a chance to honor the traditions of their ancestors while learning about their heritage. The older generation felt nostalgic and proud. Nothing beats a happy, intergenerational event! From that little baby in the pink stroller to the grandpa caring for her, and everyone in between, a good time was had by all. Approximately 15,000 people attended the festival in Greensboro this weekend. That's a lot of souvlaki and baklava! Opa!

The yellow piping on the dancers' jackets is our contribution to Mellow Yellow Monday.

 

Orthodoxy 101

Today is Sacred Sunday and we're taking you inside the Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church at the corner of Friendly Avenue and Westridge Road. The Greek Food Festival at the church is in full swing (including today from 12-6pm). Not only do they have yummy food and great entertainment, they also give church tours, which are actually Orthodoxy 101 sessions. The Greek word 'orthodox' means correctly believing and, the church is approximately 2,000 years old. The Greek Orthodox Church has not changed much over the years.

The Greek Festival was very purposefully picked to be this weekend because of the Holy Days celebrating the Raising of the Cross. The feast days celebrate the bringing outside the cross of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 (read more here). At any rate, we encourage you to go and enjoy some great Greek food with or without learning about the religion. See our previous posts on the church here and here.

 

Skywatch Supershot over Greensboro

Here we see a shot of gleeful, end of summer fun at the Central Carolina Fair-- Riding a ride and being airborne, that point at which you switch from ascending to descending. While some people were inside judging chili and others were admiring the endless variety of (live) chickens, others were outside testing their stomachs with the rides. The fair is quickly coming to an end. Head over to the Coliseum this weekend if you haven't visited yet. Do you think the kids on the right took their sandals off on purpose or if they fell as they lifted up to the sky?

This is our submission to Skywatch Friday.

 

"I" is for (4-H, the Fair, and Mrs.) IVEY

At first glance, it is obvious the importance of 4-H to Mrs. Barbara M. Ivey. She is a 4-H volunteer- extraordinaire in a local club sponsored by Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Here we see a photo of Mrs. Ivey hard at work last Sunday at the Central Carolina Fair. That notebook, held close to her heart, is filled with all of her notes for the fair. At the time of this photo, her assembled judges had just announced the winning mild chili and were in the process of judging the hot chili entries. When we approached the area and asked how judges were picked, all responses were, "Go ask Mrs. Ivey."  We will see a photo of the judging and learn more about the process tomorrow.

Mrs. Ivey moved to Greensboro with her parents in first grade. Not unlike ivy, she put down roots and is firmly planted in our community. Last year, she and Mr. Ivey celebrated fifty years of marriage. The Iveys are passionate about farming and the efforts of the Cooperative Extension Agency and its outreach through 4-H. Read more about 4-H in North Carolina, here. Do you know what the four H's stand for? Heart, Hands, Head, and Health. A HEARTFELT thanks to Mrs. Ivey for her volunteer contributions at the Central Carolina Fair and to 4-H year-round. May we all contribute as significantly to our community, in our own special way, as Mrs. Ivey has!

Today is ABC Wednesday and "I" is for Ivey!

 

 

The Kitchen Sink Fiasco

Today's Central Carolina Fair photo takes us to some local entertainment. Look at these talented young musicians. They are members of a local indie/powerpop band that calls itself The Kitchen Sink Fiasco. Just before they performed on Saturday at the Central Carolina Fair, they struck this pose for Greensboro Daily Photo. If you missed their spectacular performance, check out their Facebook Page here. We were struck by how upbeat and happy the band members seemed. Since getting started in 2008, The Kitchen Sink Fiasco has evolved, adding people and layers of sound-- from an acoustic duo to an electric, full band with five members: Joe Davis, Connor Royals, Katie Wiggins, Drew Watterson, & Gregory McManus. 

Apparently, the sound men wear red shorts so, we're sharing the photo with Ruby Tuesday.

 

Central Carolina Fair 2010

Let the fun begin! This week, Greensboro Daily Photo is broadcasting LIVE from The Central Carolina Fair which is in full swing at the Greensboro Coliseum. This is the 112th year for the fair. It dates back to 1898. We went on Sunday afternoon and the weather was great. It was fairly well attended and the ubiquitous screams came through loud and clear. As you can see in the photo above, the rides are so colorful, fun and inviting-- well worth the $5 entrance fee. And a good money value if you purchase the "unlimited ride" wristband. If you need late summer-early fall photos for your scrapbook, this is the place to go! In the photo above, a family waits patiently for other members of their family to finish riding. The fair is very family oriented.

Most people think of the rides, concessions, games and prizes at the fair; however, equally entertaining is the agricultural, horticultural, garden, and consumer science component where you can see the fruits of our citizens' efforts. The exhibit hall is well worth your time. You've gotta appreciate how hard those 4-H families have worked. Everyone is a blue ribbon winner as far as we're concerned! (See list of categories here). We'll show some shots inside the Pavillion this week. The fair runs through September 19th. With all of the new construction, you have to drive around the side to see the fair. It isn't very visible from High Point Road. 

We found some yellow so we're jumping onto the Mellow Yellow Monday list. As they say over there, "life is better with a splash of yellow."

 

Fourth of July on Sunday!!!

With today being Sunday and also the Fourth of July, we thought this photo captured a little bit of the spirit of both. In the above scene on Elm Street, you see an historical marker providing details about a Methodist cemetery. Also in view are people walking to and from Fun Fourth celebrations and one of the American flags lining Elm Street. The tree leaves remind us of the sparklers children will enjoy later on tonight. If you are local, don't forget the showing of the musical 1776 at the Carolina Theater, the fireworks at Grimsley High School, and the rest of the Fun Fourth events. Hope to see you at one of them! 

In the meantime, let's take a minute out of your Sunday to remember those who are with us only in spirit. Then, take time today to let those around you know how much you care. Have a fun, safe, Fourth-of-July Sunday!!!

 

It's 1776 at the Carolina Theatre

These patriotic folks are marching over to the Carolina Theatre at 310 South Greene Street. They are in for a real treat as they are about to to see the production "1776,"  an evening of singing, drama, and dancing, reenacting events of the year 1776 in America. This award winning musical was originally seen on Broadway. Locally, you can attend tomorrow for the July 4th showing. Afterwards, you can head on over to more of the Fun Fourth Celebration around town. There is plenty to do in Greensboro folks so here's to having a happy and safe Fourth of July tomorrow. For a little bit of serendipity, notice that the crossing count down is on 4 as in Happy 4th! If you want to know more about the production, click on the words "Carolina Theater" above. If you want to know more about the 2,200 seat theater that opened in 1927, click here.

We found just enough reflection in this photo to share it with our friends at Weekend Reflection!

 

 

Love is All Around

This photo, from the Summer Solstice Celebration, evokes the 1960's song by the Troggs, "Love is All Around." 

 "I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes. Well love is all around me, and so the feeling grows. It's written in the wind, it's everywhere I go. So if you really love me, come on and let it show"

Here we see an arboretum full of people letting love show. Here we see a man TIRELESSLY blowing bubbles for the children around him. As soon as he would suspend a giant bubble in the air, a child would gleefully burst it. Also, the man in the striped shirt would put his daughter's head into the bubble, it would pop, and she would giggle. The little boy in the tie-dyed T shirt could pop bubbles faster than we could snap photos. Truly, love was all around. 

The July Theme Day theme for the City Daily Photo Community is, REFLECTION. First, we are reflecting on summer fun and the profound sense of community felt that day. Second, we're admiring the brief reflection sizzling on the surface of the soap bubble.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants 

Fire Dancing Under the Azure Night Sky

The folks you saw stretching and bending in yesterday's post were also entertainers in the fire dance at the end of the Summer Solstice Celebration. The fire dance was set up on the basketball court at the Arboretum. This was such a nice grand finale and hard to believe it was free! We heard children talking about wanting to learn to dance with fire. Who knows at what point in one's life something sparks a lifelong passion, a career? Those children were captivated. 

On another note, Chilean poet, Pablo Neruda, writes about the blue, night sky. The sky is blue just at the point where daylight lets go and night has not completely taken over! Since fire is reflected onto the people in the circle, we saved this blue, night sky photo for the weekend reflection meme.

 

Balancing Act

This is the Cirque Style Balancing Act at the Summer Solstice event last weekend. The man and woman twisted and stretched and balanced, using every muscle in their body. Unfortunately, we didn't catch their names and couldn't find them mentioned by name on the Solstice 2010 website. They were standing on wooden boxes but this view of just the two of them showcases that beautiful, Carolina blue sky! Also, they had more contortionistic poses but this one where her hands are extended like a bird in flight seemed to fit with Skywatch Friday. Finally, the couple delighted the audience after dark with their fire and baton dance.

As the temperature was over 100 degrees in much of North Carolina today, here's to a weekend of staying cool. 

 

Summer Solstice Event at Arboretum 2010

Greensboro was action packed with free events this weekend. Here we see a photo from the Summer Solstice Celebration 2010 held in the Greensboro Arboretum on Sunday. These beautifully decorated women were over the top beautiful in costume and in spirit. Here we see them at 8pm. They were fluttering around reminding vendors that it was time to pack up and prepare for the fire show. If you missed this wonderful event, put it on your calendar for next year! The vendors, entertainment, attendees, it was just perfect! This the weather was HOT and dry, making strolling through the misting pipes even more enjoyable!

We're at the longest days of the year and our town is taking advantage of all of the hours of daylight! We're sharing this one with Mellow Yellow Monday. Stop back every day this week to enjoy photos from all of the FREE events we attended this weekend.

 

Summer Solstice Event at Arboretum

The Summer Solstice Celebration in the Greensboro Arboretum takes place tomorrow from 3-9pm. The family friendly celebration will have something for everybody. Some years it rains; some years the sun is brutal; EVERY year everyone has fun. Rain or shine, the more outlandish your outfit-- garland, tulle, flowers, and wands-- the more you will fit in. Consider bringing dad out to hear the good music, get a massage, listen to some ringing bowls, be transported back to his teen years, and watch the fire ceremony at 9pm. Above is a picture from last year and if you click through you will see our post from last year. This free event is an example of why Greensboro is such a great city. Events like this have plenty of great items for purchase; yet, if you are on a tight budget or have downsized, you can come out and feel equally welcome. You can bet we'll be there, camera in hand! Come feel the positive energy!

 

Watermelon Skies at GTCC Culinary Tech

This watermelon was carved by students at Greensboro Technical Community College. GTCC has an amazing Culinary Technology program that prepares graduates for careers in food service. Years ago, our friends' children were in the childcare program at GTCC and the culinary program made lunches for the children. We used to laugh that the toddlers and preschoolers were eating chicken cordon bleu for lunch. Even if it wasn't literally chicken cordon bleu, the food was gourmet, nutritious, local and TASTY!

We stumbled on this humorous carving that the Parisian Promenade last weekend and thought it would be perfect for Skywatch Friday.

 

Parisian Promenade

On Sunday, Greensboro Beautiful hosted the Parisian Promenade at Tanger Bicentennial Garden on Hobbs Road. Their blog describes the event to a T. " The Parisian Promenade recreates the sights, scenes, sounds and smells of a spring afternoon in Paris-- all in our own Bicentennial Garden. Sidewalk artists, strolling musicians, jugglers and sidewalk cafes are featured-- all within the colorful backdrop of the garden in bloom." You didn't have to have a poodle to attend; however, we dubbed this white, standard poodle as best of show. We also loved seeing the original art and talking to the artists. The accordion player was delightful. The food prepared by the culinary program at GTCC was fabulous. We also saw a trained cat, a woman on stilts, a game of giant lawn chess, a dog parade, and so many other delightful things.
 

We're trying this on Ruby Tuesday  (see the top bow).

 

First Friday at Center City Park

This photo, taken straight from the camera (zooming while shooting), shows a hot dog stand at Center City Park last Friday. The event, known as First Friday, features food vendors, performing artists, and arts and crafts stands in Center City Park. Along Elm Street, many businesses stay open late, art galleries have special events, and the parking lot at Elm and MLK Drive features an Indie Arts and Crafts Market. First, we shopped the Indie Market; next we ate dinner at Liberty Oak; then, we walked up to Center City Park. For us, the evening was just perfect. So many people-- of all ages-- were out enjoying the weather and the fun activities. If you are local, join us on July 2nd for the next Fun Friday!

As we face a new work week, this photo represents visually our feelings about how quickly the weekend flew by-- dizzying, lightening speed. Adiós weekend; hola Monday! It is time for Mellow Yellow Monday.

 

Not on My Tattoo

If you don't have a tattoo, you might not realize how damaging UV light is to them. Sun fades the ink, taking the design from brilliant to dull. This woman's solution is to use a parasol. The photo was taken at a Shindig Festival, in downtown Greensboro a few weeks ago when we took the photo of the other tattooed woman featured on Saturday. 

Here's to a great start to the work week and to our friends at Mellow Yellow Monday where you are only a click away from lots of sunny, yellow, photos. Tattoo sporters, beware of the virtual blast of SUN 

 

The Illustrated Woman...

Walking in Downtown Greensboro this spring, we've been captivated by all the colorful, work-of-art tattoos. They are everywhere, literally. Gone are the requisite, right-of-passage, blue tattoos sported on the arms of sailors. Some people are covered from head to toe with one-of-a-kind decorations. The free online dictionary defines accessory as "something nonessential but desirable that contributes to an effect or result." Clearly, to many, tattoos are the 'de rigeur' accessory.

Ray Bradbury's 1951 book, The Illustrated Man, has a character with a tattooed body whose tattoos were created by a woman out of the future. Each animated tattoo tells a different tale. Could this be that future woman who created the illustrated man's tattoos nearly sixty years ago? Her art jumps off the table and onto her skin and back onto the table again. Surely, every tattoo, right down to the eggplant on her leg, tells a story. Or, did the illustrated man pay it forward?

Mr. Bradbury is still alive and if he ever comes to Greensboro, we would love for him to meet this local artist whose business is known as Queen Monkey Art. In the meantime, we've just gotta share this photo with our friends at Weekend Reflections!

 

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

Today is Cinco de Mayo, the day commemorating Mexico's defeat over the French Army in 1862. Contrary to popular belief, today is not Mexico's Independence Day (which is September 16th).  It is a day to celebrate one's Mexican heritage-- a day of ethnic and cultural pride. Cinco de Mayo is as popular outside of Mexico as within. It is our understanding that today is not even a day off of work in Mexico, except, perhaps in Puebla, the state where the battle took place.

The above photo was taken in Greensboro's Center City Park at the Día de los Niños Festival this past weekend. The festival, held on the first Saturday in May, is not a Cinco de Mayo Festival, per se, but it sure is a good way to celebrate reading, children, and one's heritage. The dancers in the photo above were waiting for their turn to perform. Twirling the circle skirts is an art passed down from one generation to another. Watch this 2 1/2 minute video of the baile folklorico Jalisco if you want an idea of how this Greensboro group looked in motion.

For ABC Wednesday, "P" is for Performance. We were going to feature "P" is for prom as this is prom season. Stop back tomorrow if you want to see a photo from the Grimaley High School Prom, including the girl with the dress made entirely of Starburst candy wrappers.

 

Art Quest & African American Atelier

This photo, taken last weekend through the window of Art Quest, reflects the image of two women who were enjoying the African American Heritage Extravaganza at the African American Atelier, Inc. at the Cultural Arts Center on Davie Street. Pfew, that's a mouthful! That sentence is as busy as the photo AND the actual event. The African American Extravaganza held the second Saturday in March was quite an event this year: art exhibits, arts and crafts for sale, music, plenty of southern food, opportunities to learn about fraternal organizations, and just plain ole time to chat with friends. 

Framing the two ladies talking is the zoetrope exhibit at Art Quest-- a small example of the visual stimulation of the venue. If you are bored in any way this weekend, please just head to town and visit the Green Hill Center for Art at the Cultural Arts Center. Follow our link and you'll recognize the building! The Weekend Reflection meme has us thinking ahead of time of what kind of great reflection we can find to post on Saturday-- our most creative day for photos!!!