AHOSKIE – The final countdown is on for what promises to be a delightful weekend in Ahoskie, in more ways than one.

If Mother Nature has her way, look for delightful early fall weather when the 35th annual Indian Summer Days and second annual Ahoskie Heritage Day begin tomorrow (Friday).

Indian Summer Days, sponsored by the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, includes a Show and Sale at the Town Gym (the old Ahoskie High School gym on West Main Street). That event is scheduled for 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Concessions are available both days.

Heritage Day, a collaboration between the Town of Ahoskie and the Downtown Merchants Association (DMA), gets underway at 5 p.m. on Friday with music, food, children's rides and fireworks at the all-purpose field adjacent to the Town Gym. Friday's portion of the schedule ends at 11 p.m.

On Saturday, Heritage Day patrons can enjoy an agenda packed with numerous activities up and down Main Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic. Starting with a 7:30 a.m. pancake and sausage breakfast at the Kiwanis Club and ending with local favorite "BackDraft" performing on stage, the day is crammed full of events. Included are an art show, 5K run, flag football, yard sales, hayrides, pumpkin decorating contest, chicken and pastry lunch, all-breed dog show, antique auto show, step teams, special performances at the Gallery Theatre, drum corps, fashion show, music, food and more.

"It has been exciting to watch the coordinated efforts of so many individuals come together to produce our second annual Ahoskie Heritage Day," Stan Dixon, DMA chairman said. "Without the hard work, dedication and love for their community by everyone who either has been directly involved in planning this event, actively involved in the event, or who has contributed financially to the event,

this day would not be a success."

Dixon continued, "Ahoskie is a wonderful community.

The potential of our town is unlimited.

One of it’s major resources is the love of this community by it’s citizens and on Ahoskie Heritage Day local citizens and visitors alike will have the opportunity to come together to celebrate our town."

Although the bulk of the activities are centered in the downtown area, Dixon reminded everyone that Heritage Day is a town wide event.

"We encourage everyone to stop in and shop with our local merchants throughout town as you come to Ahoskie to enjoy the many activities of this day and a half event."

Ahoskie Mayor Linda Blackburn echoed Dixon's comments.

"Although the activities and events of Ahoskie Heritage Day are taking place in the downtown area of Ahoskie, this was originally conceived, and continues to be, a town wide event," Blackburn noted. "Area businesses in and around Ahoskie invite all visitors and participants of Ahoskie Heritage Day to drop in and visit with them.

Many of our area businesses will be holding specials or sales associated with Heritage Day activities and we hope that everyone will take the time to check out these local merchants on Heritage Day."

The Downtown Merchant’s Association and the Ahoskie Heritage Day Planning Committee wish to thank the following area businesses for their generous support to the success of the second annual Ahoskie Heritage Day:

$1000 Contribution

The Town of Ahoskie

$500 Contribution (Gold Sponsorship)

Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce

Berry-Kerr Group of Ahoskie

Classic Rentals

GEO Rivers Correctional

Nucor

RBC Centura Bank

Roanoke Chowan Hospital

Tomahawk Motel

$250 Contribution (Silver Sponsorship)

Ahoskie Jr. Women’s Club

Ahoskie Jaycees

$100 Contribution (Bronze Sponsorship)

Ace Hardware of Ahoskie

Action Realty

Added Touch Florist

Ahoskie Citgo

Alpha Group

Barks N Bubbles Pet Shop

Blanchard’s Office Supply

Contractor’s Corner

Dixon Cleaners

Eddie Harrells Auto & Sports Store

Expressions Beauty Salon

Home Life Care

Kut N Up Beauty Salon

Mickey McLean, Attorney

Movie Time

Mug Shotz Cafe

Pro Med Inc.

Schewels Furniture

Stitch Count

Friends of Ahoskie Heritage Day

Basnights

Loving Light Community Outreach