• The big event this Saturday is the Salute to the Troops in downtown Raleigh -- http://www.wral.com/news/local/page/2727914/ . At 10:00, there’s a parade -- it’s being called the largest military parade in the state’s history! Plus, there’s a flyover of F-15 jets, and a whole lot more.
  
  
  
• If you need a drink or two after the parade, there’s the World Beer Festival downtown -- http://www.allaboutbeer.com/wbfraleigh/ -- with two all-you-can-sample beer sessions: noon – 4 or 6 – 10. Online tickets sold out weeks ago though, so you may be too late. I’m not sure how the military folk are going to get along with the beer fans, but it should make for some interesting street scenes.
  
  
  
• In Durham, Duke Gardens is holding its bi-annual Plant Sale and Festival from 9-2 on Saturday -- http://www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens/plant_and_craft_festival.htm. Several area nurseries will be there selling plants and crafts, and there will be live music. And if you haven’t seen the wisteria arbor in bloom, it’s worth the trip just for that.
  
  
  
• Early voting: If you’re a Wake County resident, with nothing better to do this weekend, why not vote? You can vote early in several “One-Stop” early voting locations throughout the county this weekend (Sat 10-5 Sun 1-5). No need to give an excuse either – just show up – even if you haven’t registered yet! Voting location info here: http://www.wakegov.com/elections/onestop/default.htm
  
  
• Cary Spring Daze festival is this Saturday, 9 to 5 at Bond Park. Outdoor arts festival with local crafts for sale. Details here: http://www.townofcary.org/depts/prdept/events/springdaze/ and a cool map here: http://townofcary.org/depts/prdept/events/springdaze/SDFunMap04.pdf
  

There’s so much going on in Raleigh this weekend, and so little time!

• First, on Saturday from 11am to 7pm, there’s the Turkish Festival at the Fairgrounds -- http://ncturkishfestival.com/

The Whirling Dervish dancers might even show up. I get dizzy just watching them.

• Also, at the Fairgrounds this weekend (Friday through Sunday) is the biggest azalea sale of the year, held by the Gardeners of Wake County. Details on the sale are here: http://www.gardenersofwakecounty.org/. It used to be relaxed fun, but now there's a big rush on Friday. It's still fun, but if you have a specific variety you're interested in, they might be out of the 3-gallon size (and just have the rather puny 1-gallon size left) by mid-morning on Saturday. Sick of azaleas? They have lots of other plants, such as gardenias, herbs and perennials.

• Speaking of azaleas, the WRAL Azalea Gardens (just off Hillsborough Street near NC State University) should be in peak bloom this weekend. Here’s their website -- http://www.wral-gardens.com

• Earth Day is next Tuesday, but the NC Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh is having a big Earth Day event on Saturday, sponsored in part by Burt’s Bees, the local natural cosmetics company, with special exhibits, a puppet show, and several interesting bands, including The Rosebuds (a local band that I’ve actually heard of, and have downloaded some songs from them onto my iPod last year). More info here: http://www.naturalsciences.org/calendar/Earthday08.pdf.
  
  
• More Earth Day festivities are at the NC Art Museum. There will be bands, of course. A renovated section of trail will be reopened with a unique feel of the open prairies, so bring your sunscreen. Some new outdoor artwork is expected, also. Check it out here: NC Art Museum Festivals