• 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