SALISBURY - Starting today through April 23, Food Lion MVP customers have an opportunity to meet NASCAR® race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. by purchasing at least three specially-marked items during a shopping visit.

 The two-week promotion gives shoppers the opportunity to take advantage of low prices on 30 of their favorite national brand products. The promotional products are identified by special “Winner’s Circle” shelf tags throughout each Food Lion store.

A grand prize, two first place and 300 second place winners will be awarded various prizes for their participation.

The grand prize winner will receive a “MVP Race Experience” that includes meeting with Dale Earnhardt Jr., a five-day, four-night trip for two to Charlotte, N.C., tentatively scheduled for May 23 – May 27, 2013. It also includes roundtrip air transportation, race passes and a $500 Food Lion gift card. Additionally, the grand prize winner will receive pit crew passes to Food Lion Speed Street in May.

( By Bridget Huckabee ) You name it, Stanly County’s got it this weekend. There’s a special event for you gardeners, great jazz and bluegrass for you music lovers, a comedy performance for a good laugh, art, a parade, free college classes and a special place to get rid of all that nasty stuff lurking in your garage. Weekends don’t get any better than this. 

Let’s begin on Thursday with an event for you gardeners. The NC Cooperative Extension Service says “Life is too short not to grow your own fruits and vegetables.” So sign up to learn how to prepare your garden at this special and fun event at the Agri-Civic Center from 1 pm until 3 pm.

The Big Lick Bluegrass Festival is a three-day event that begins on Thursday and is sure to please all you music lovers. On Thursday open mike begins at 6 pm until…. On Friday, 2 pm to 10 pm features Renaissance Blue Grass Band, James King Band, Goldwing Express and Deeper Shade of Blue.

BI-LO is committed to helping the community and its customers receive the resources they need to care for the ones they love during tough financial times. BI-LO’s care extends beyond the reach of just individuals and family members to also include beloved household pets.

Beginning today Tuesday, April 9, and lasting until Tuesday, April 30, BI-LO will host its fourth annual PAWS “Feed the Love” campaign. “Feed the Love” is a pet food drive in which food donations go to local-area food banks for families in need to be able to provide food for the four-legged members of their families.

Shoppers can purchase a $5 bag of pet food with the MY BI-LO BONUSCARD, and the food will be picked up by or delivered to the store’s food bank partner.