Whether you’re watching a sunset on the Barrier Islands or sampling Asheville’s cutting-edge cuisine, North Carolina is an excellent destination for your next Spring getaway. The Tar Heel State consists of three regions: Mountain, Coastal, and Piedmont. Visitors will find that the Mountain Region is outdoor enthusiasts paradise featuring the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, plus, a 95 mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail. In the Coastal Region, travelers will encounter more than 300 miles of Barrier Island beaches and activity-packed cities such as Wilmington and Topsail Beach. The Piedmont Region is home to the state’s largest cities including Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro. These destinations offer something for everyone from vibrant culture and arts to attractions for the entire family.
The North Carolina Science Festival provides fun and informative scientific and technology-themed activities for thousands of North Carolina children annually, and it will take place throughout April at venues across the state. The theme of this year’s edition is “The Science of Food and Drink,” and attendees will find more than 675 events to enjoy. From building free-standing marshmallow structures at the Scaleybark Library in Charlotte to learning about the science and technology of the 18th and 19th centuries in Historic Edenton, this event has something to spark anyone's curiosity. The North Carolina Statewide Star Party is a signature event where astronomy clubs, universities, planetariums, and more host 37 star watching parties across the state. This year’s theme for the Star Parties is “Is anyone out there?” and the hosts will lead attendees through hands-on activities exploring the subject. Another excellent signature event is the Science of Beer Brewing Challenge. This event is for adults and will feature a brewing competition including craft breweries and higher-education brewing programs. Attendees will not only be able to sample beers but learn the science behind how they are made. To get a scope of all the great activities available, stop by the Festival’s events page for more information. ResortsandLodges.com interviewed Marketing Manager for the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Sarah Brown to learn more about this awesome celebration of science and technology.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
SB: The North Carolina Science Festival is a state-wide celebration of science featuring hundreds of events focused on fun and interactive science learning opportunities. The event takes place during the entire month of April, and this year's theme is "The Science of Food and Drink."
RAL: How long has the event been running?
SB: The Festival began in 2010 as an initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center to highlight the educational, cultural, and financial impact of science in North Carolina. Currently, the NC Science Festival is the largest celebration of science in the nation.
RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?
SB: We draw anywhere from 250,000-500,000 attendees each year. Since beginning in 2010, we've reached over 1.7 million North Carolinians and expect to reach the two million mark during the 2018 Festival.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
SB: The Festival has events for people of all ages and demographics. This year's theme has helped us reach a more substantial 'adults only' audience, but overall we are encouraging science for all.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
SB: This is the only celebration of its kind. The Festival has over 150 partner science centers, libraries, and universities that host events throughout the state. Each event shows a different side of science that makes it more approachable. We want everyone to understand that science is involved in almost everything you do.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
SB: This depends on the event. If you're attending one of our Expo events, you'll expect a larger crowd with a multitude of scientists exhibiting and participating in hands-on experiments. If you head to one of our movie events, you'll see a documentary or science fiction film where you discuss the science of the film afterward. There are events for everyone depending on your interests.
RAL: What activities will attendees encounter?
SB: The Festival runs each day in April with different activities and events. Some examples of events would be: Creating Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream, Building Lego Robotics, Sink or Swim: Fun activities with buoyancy, Rookie Science with Slime, Solar Observing, and Star Parties.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
SB: This year's special guests include Dr. Chris Emdin, creator of #HipHopEd, Dr. Katherine Mack, Astrophysicist, Ann Vaughan Hammond and Peggy Vaughan, daughter and daughter-in-law of Dorothy Vaughan, the first African American manager at NASA and Dr. Clifford Johnson professor of physics and astronomy, who is also a science adviser for Marvel superhero movies.
RAL: What dining options will be available?
SB: This year's theme is "The Science of Food and Drink" which means many events involve food and drink. There aren't a lot of sit down dining experiences, but they'll be fun events that involve making your foods and beverages.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
SB: This event shows what kind of impact science has on North Carolina. It also helps bring fun events that might not have been possible in the state's more rural areas.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
SB: You should come to the North Carolina Science Festival to have a unique experience. You won't find ping pong ball explosions at all your events! Make sure to catch an event in 2018 and see what kind of fun you and your friends and family can have.
For more information about the North Carolina Science Festival, please visit the event website.