( 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.

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Fran Scibelli, of Fran's Filling Station fame, visited WBTV today at noon.  Loaded down with all kinds of goodies from the farmer's market, she showed us how to make a healthier version of nachos.  The secret ingredient is soy chorizo, a vegetarian product offering that classic chorizo taste.  (You can find soy chorizo at Trader Joe's.)  Unless someone told you, you'd never know these nachos were meatless.

Even though Fran fried her own tortilla chips, you can use your favorite brand right out of the bag and get great results.  Generously layer on sharp Cheddar, then top with cooked soy chorizo.  Bake for two minutes at 425 degrees, or until the cheese melts.  Make sure you use an oven-safe serving dish. 

Once out of the oven, top with black beans, corn and guacamole.  Garnish with your choice of sliced black olives, pico, peppers, jalapenos, cilantro and sour cream. 

Christmas Tree Festival & Sale
The designers who create Peppermint Forest's true-to-life Christmas trees will be in-store this Saturday & Sunday, November 12th & 13th to answer questions and show you why Peppermint Forest's trees are the finest available.  They will also be giving away Fraser Fir Fragrance Rings and pairs of Charlotte Symphony tickets with qualifying tree purchases.
 

In-Store Signing Event with Dept. 56 Villages Designer, Barbara Lund
Barbara Lund designs miniature buildings for Christmas Villages for Dept.