( 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.

The USO of NC, the leading organization responsible for lifting the spirits of troops and their families in North Carolina announced Thursday that Jeff Byers, a center for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League, as their ambassador.

“As a child I remember looking up to soldiers with admiration, thinking of how honorable they were for their service to our country,” said Byers. “I've never lost the appreciation for their sacrifice and am grateful I can finally give back through the USO of NC. It's an honor to be part of such a selfless organization, and serve our troops for all they've given to protect our nation and our freedoms.”

Byers entered the NFL in 2010 and signed with the Carolinas Panthers in 2011.

CONCORD - In the 1950s, the world couldn’t help falling in love with Elvis Presley and now fans can view one of The King of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s personal vehicles, a 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II, at the April 4-7 Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“AutoFair has always had unique displays, but there has never been anything quite like this,” said Marcus Smith, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “Elvis is the world’s biggest music icon, and I know car lovers and Elvis fans alike are going to love seeing this rare automobile straight from Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis.”

In August of 1956, Elvis purchased the Continental Mark II in Miami with proceeds from his recent tour. He needed a new daily driver after fans had written all over his other Lincoln with lipstick. The new car quickly became one of Elvis’ favorites, and he even drove it to New Orleans for the filming of his popular movie, “King Creole.”