Good News Friday: The NC Blueberry Festival returns

Cardinal & Pine’s weekly roundup of positive news stories in North Carolina returns — with the NC Blueberry Festival and a small town’s first Pride event.

Today marks the first day of summer, and we think everyone could use a little positivity to kick off the season. That’s why we compiled good news from across North Carolina.

This weekend will be full of events sure to brighten up your day – from a blueberry festival to one North Carolina Town’s first ever Pride event.

Be sure to check out past editions of “Good News Friday” here.

A berry perfect treat!

North Carolina is starting the summer off on the sweeter side this year. 

The annual Blueberry Festival is officially kicking off in Burgaw today with free admission for all. The festival will include a street fair with Arts & Crafts Vendors, live music and, of course, lots of blueberries!

I’ve been picking blueberries at Lewis Farms, which operates a retail market in Wilmington, with my grandparents since I was a kid, so I recommend grabbing a basket from them at the festival.

Take a look at a full list of Blueberry Festival events here.

Pineville’s first Pride

A local business owner in Pineville, NC is hosting the town’s first ever Pride event this Saturday – a glow party silent disco.

A report from Queen City News said Sara Longstreet, owner of Carolina Scoops Ice Cream, advocated for this year’s event after the council rejected her idea last year. Longstreet continued to push for the Pride silent disco to help create a safe space for everyone in Pineville.

The disco will take place on the Town Hall lawn and is free for all who want to enjoy ice cream, take pictures at the photo booths, dance to good music and celebrate LGBTQ Pride! 

Jackpot – at least for one lucky North Carolinian

Some might believe they need to pour hundreds of dollars into tickets to win the lottery, but for one North Carolina lottery player, it only took one.

The NC Education Lottery announced this Wednesday that one online player matched all five with a $1Cash 5 ticket – winning them a $512,111 jackpot. 

The News & Observer reported that the winner’s account is based in Hillsborough, but has yet to claim their prize. They must now claim their prize within 180 days.