Guide to Garner 2020 edition | Page 9

FIREMEN’S FESTIVAL Garner’s oldest festival (formerly known as Firemen’s Day) features a variety of vendors, food, a live fire demonstration, a raffle and a much-loved parade of firetrucks and other first-responder vehicles. It all takes place the first Saturday in October around the fire station at the corner of Benson Road and Main Street. TRICK-OR-TREAT THE TRAILS This event promises a fun, safe, familyfriendly opportunity for little ghosts and goblins to trick-or-treat on the beautiful trails at White Deer Park (2400 Aversboro Road). Thousands of visitors and dozens of local businesses and organizations participate in this free event. GARNER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS The Town historically has brought holiday cheer to Main Street in Downtown Garner with a tree-lighting event and parade. Garner Performing Arts Center also typically has holiday-related events. As of the time of publication, Town staff were re-evaluating Garner’s holiday celebrations. More information will be available later in the year. Please visit garnernc.gov for updates. Garner Remembers and Honors MEMORIAL DAY AND VETERANS DAY The Garner Veterans Memorial at Lake Benson Park (921 Buffaloe Road) is the site for the town’s annual Memorial Day observance. Local veterans groups and the Town of Garner sponsor this tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Garner traditionally marks Veterans Day at an observance at Aversboro Road Baptist Church (1600 Aversboro Road). Speakers, singing performances and a mini-concert by the Garner Magnet High Symphonic Band typically form the core of the event. CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. The greater Garner community comes together annually on a Sunday in mid-January to honor the civil rights leader and interpret his life and legacy in the context of our times. The event is held at Garner Performing Arts Center (742 W. Garner Road). garnernc.gov 7