A lot is going on in Matthews, and we’d miss getting the word out if we kept up the usual approach. Today, instead of news, you get some top-notch events to add to your calendar.

Hang out with town staff at Squirrel Lake Park this morning at 10 am and paint some rocks. They’ll have the stones and supplies, and you bring the creativity and talent. All ages are welcome.

It’s time for the monthly Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee meeting. This time they’ll discuss the process of approving public art. Join them at the Community Center on Wednesday, August 14, at 6:30 pm to participate in the conversation.

Touch A Truck (or two or three) this Saturday, August 17 at 10 am (until 1 pm) in Stumptown Park. Town fire trucks, police cars, a backhoe, and other vehicles will be ready for exploration. Get there early for free Kona Ice, but make sure to stick around for the Police K9 demonstration.

Campaign season is in full swing when the forums begin. The first candidate’s forum is Tuesday, August 20 from 7 to 8:15 pm at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Mt. Moriah, Matthews Presbyterian, and Matthews United Methodist are hosting the mayoral and council candidate’s debate as part of the collaborative Racial-Bridge Building Community Forum series.

Head on over to Butler High School Wednesday, August 21, 2019, for the First Annual Community Pep Rally with Butler. Fill up the stadium at Butler with Butler Bulldog pride gear to kick off the football season.