thru May 11 - "Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders" ~ Insect Exhibit - Learn about bizarre live insects from around the world. Reminiscent of a traditional circus sideshow, the exhibit will feature more than two-dozen living and mounted insects ranging from glow-in-the-dark scorpions to bird-eating tarantulas. Visitors will also witness the wonders of metamorphosis as butterflies emerge from their chrysalis in "Winged Transformers," a corresponding butterfly house exhibit, www.ncarboretum.org.

thru May 11 - New Traveling Science Exhibit - Beginning January 19, 2008 and continuing through May 11, 2008, the Arboretum will present "Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders," an exhibit that displays living and mounted insects and other arthropods from around the world. Located in and around the Baker Exhibit Center, the first science-based exhibit to be held at the Arboretum will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and Noon to 5 p.m., Sundays. For more information call 828-665-2492 or visit our website at www.ncarboretum.org

thru May 16 - IMPROV WORKSHOPS! - Every Sunday at 6:00pm beginning January 27 and running through March 16! Workshops are $5 each, or $35 total if you pay for all of them up front. A series of 8 workshops on improv techniques. For actors of all experience levels (ages 18+). Visit http://thedistractedglobe.googlepages.com/distractedworkshops.

thru May 9 - Blue Ridge Residencies - Center of Craft, Creativity & Design, exhibit highlights work created by a talented group of artists in residence, Tues.-Sat. 1:00PM-5:00PM, Hendersonville, NC 828-890-2050

thru May 15 - Converse College Milliken Art Gallery Exhibitions: 2008 Senior Art Shows - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, Milliken Art Gallery Free Admission Senior art majors graduating in Studio Art, Interior Design, Art Education and Art Therapy will conduct a series of individual and group shows in the Milliken Art Gallery. The Gallery is closed during school holidays.

thru October 28 - "Kaleidoscope" ~ Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit - This outdoor exhibit featuring multiple artists will offer a transformational view of the landscape through the beautiful forms and patterns of sculpture. www.ncarboretum.org

thru May 18 - 23rd Annual Festival of Flowers - Each spring Biltmore's Festival of Flowers celebrates the beauty of George W. Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre property and its original design by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture. During this time, the estate's legendary gardens showcase a seasonal display of vibrant colors from thousands of tulips in the Walled garden to native and exotic blooms in the 20-acre azalea garden. Biltmore's gardens, Olmsted's final and most grand project, are in their 118th year, continuing to mature and growing more beautiful every year. Festivities across the estate include live music, interaction with Biltmore gardeners, storytelling from Biltmore historians, cooking demonstrations, children's activities and craft seminars. Www.biltmore.com.

thru May 18 - 23rd Annual Festival of Flowers - Discover the beauty of the estate during Biltmore's Festival of Flowers, when our stunning floral displays usher in spring. Explore the gardens, including such fragrant and colorful exhibitions as cheerful tulips in the Walled Garden, cascades of native and exotic blooms in surrounding gardens and along walking trails, as well as delicate arrangements inside Biltmore House. On the weekends, Biltmore provides family festivities, including dancing, music and whimsical skits. The Biltmore Winery joins the celebration with a commemorative Festival of Flowers wine, music, wine programs and children's activities on Saturday and Sunday. River Bend Farm offers crafters, bluegrass music and storytelling along with the chance to visit the Farmyard and Kitchen Garden. Www.biltmore.com.

thru May 11 - Sunset Mountain Spring - Join us during this month-long celebration at the Grove Park Inn and you’ll find the entire resort decked out with lavish springtime decorations, including indoor gardens, waterfalls, fountains, fresh flowers and other floral art. Be enchanted by our display of decorated birdhouses and enjoy floral and craft demonstrations. For more information and/or to make reservations please call (800) 438-5800.

thru May 27 - Fundamentals of Investing: A Financial Workshop for Individual Investors - Tuesdays, 6pm - 8pm, $25 registration fee. Classes include: Interactive Sessions. Customized class based on students¹ requests. Estate Attorney and CPA guest instructors, To register call: (864) 592-4900,

thru October 14 - "Silent Beauty: A View of the Changing Seasons" ~ Photography of Cynthia - Experience the mystery and beauty of nature in this photography exhibit showcasing flowers and insects. Local artist Cynthia Walker exposes the hidden simplicity that exists within the complexity of nature's patterns and light. NCarboretum.org.

thru October 25 - Kidding Around Downtown - Public Art Display Kidding Around Downtown, a public art display featuring outdoor fiberglass goat sculptures on the sidewalks of Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 828-697-2022

thru May 18 - Dames At Sea - The box office is open beginning March 26 through mid December, Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Evening and weekend box office hours begin April 30. To purchase tickets or for more information call the box office of Flat Rock Playhouse at (828)693-0731 or toll free at (866) 732-8008. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

thru June 1 - YouTheatre Summer Classes & Camp Sessions Registration - Info: (828) 693-0731, toll-free (866)732-8008 or www.flatrockplayhouse.org. Session Dates: June 9-August 8. Offering classes in acting, musical theatre, dance, and specialty topics. Info: 828-693-3517 or www.flatrockplayhouse.org/education

thru October 25 - Kidding Around Downtown - Public Art Display Kidding Around Downtown, a public art display featuring outdoor fiberglass goat sculptures on the sidewalks of Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 828-697-2022

thru May 9 - Carolina FC Bring-a-Friend Week - 5pm-8pm. Carolina FC Soccer Complex. Participate in a Carolina FC Soccer training session at no cost and without obligation. Go to www.CarolinaFC.net to find training session time suited to the age and ability

thru May 10 - Week of the Young Child - Location: Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds.

thru May 10 - Greer Family Festival - Features Creation Station, parade, petting zoo, live entertainment, and food. Downtown Greer. Call 235-5525 or www.mainstevents.com

thru May 11 - LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival) - LEAF introduces you to culturally relevant entertaining acts from around the world that connect you to their specific “root” community and infuse the LEAF community with energy. Here is a sneak preview of the artists that will be creating the soundtrack for the LEAF weekend …drum roll please.... Nanci Griffith, Arrested Development, Habib Koite' & Bamada, Javier Garcia, David Wilcox, Charmaine Neville, Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, Buille of Ireland, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Corey Harris & The 5x5 Band, Contra with Great Bear Trio & Latter Day Lizards, Steep Canyon Rangers, Bambu Station of St. Croix, Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas, Rahim AlHaj of Iraq, Vincent Nsengiyumva of Rwanda, Kellin Watson, Ashley Chambliss, Agent 23: Skidoo, University North Florida Brass Ensemble, Akira Satake, Kumar Das and more listed on web. Www.theleaf.com.

thru May 11 - Mother’s Day Weekend - Make this a Mother's Day she won't soon forget, with a weekend full of activities designed specifically for women at the Grove Park Inn. Join us for special seminars on topics ranging from financial planning to scrapbooking or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Sunset Mountain and the tranquility of our award-winning Spa. Top off the weekend with the sumptuous Mother's Day buffet and the chance to win a basket filled with goodies. For more information and/or to make reservations please call (800) 438-5800.

thru May 11 - USDAA Dog Agility Trials - The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host a United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) agility trial Friday, May 9 from 9:00am-3:00PM, Saturday and Sunday, May 10 & 11, 2008 from 8:00am-3:00pm. The event will be held at the WNC Agricultural Center Davis Arena in Fletcher. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Please leave your dogs comfortably at home. Over 120 purebred and mixed bred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty, against each other and the clock.

- Couples' Night at Color Clay Café - Free studio fee on second piece of pottery. Call 244-3445

- Family Fun Night at Jump!Zone - 5pm-8pm. Call 233-JUMP for details.

- Greenville Drive v. Rome Braves - 7PM, West End Field, Greenville, www.greenvilledrive.com.

- Jazz on the Square - Morgan Square, downtown Spartanburg, 5:30pm-7:30pm

- Karate - Woodland Heights Recreation Center 6pm-7pm. $40 per month with $35 registration fee. Ages 5 to adult. Call 596-3700

- Relay for Life of Cherokee County - Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. For more info, or to sign up, visit http://www.screlayforlife.org/.

- Relay for Life of North Spartanburg - Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. For more info, or to sign up, visit http://www.screlayforlife.org/.

thru May 11 - Spring Scout Days for Boy Scouts - Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Spend a whole day learning in our outside classroom. Scouts will get up-close and personal with some of the critters, plants and trees that call the Park home. Then, explore the Park at night and sleep under the stars.

thru May 11 - Tour de Falls - DuPont State Forest, 9:00AM-4:00PM, buses will be available at the Buck Forest Access Area on DuPont/Staton Rd. to take visitors to High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia, donation of $10 per person, sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest, Hendersonville, NC 828-884-2006 or 828-692-2929

thru November 8 - Oconaluftee Indian Village - The Oconaluftee Indian Village is open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 11-Nov. 4. Admission costs $15 for adults and $6 for children ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free and group discounts are available. The Village is on Drama Road, near the Mountainside Theatre, off U.S. 441 in Cherokee. For more information, visit www.cherokee-nc.com or call the Cherokee Historical Association at (828) 497-2111

- Create-a-Play Workshops: Springtime Frolic - South Carolina Children's Theatre 9:30am-12:30pm, for grades 3-5. Celebrate spring with improvisation and theatre games to welcome the warm weather. Parents are invited to watch as we show off our springtime col

- "Lure of the Dragons", Lake Lure Dragon Boat Race & Cultural Festival - Downtown Lake Lure, NC. Set for Saturday, May 10th, this new charity sports event will feature 28 community and corporate teams paddling 30-foot long dragon boats down the Rocky Broad River at the Lake Lure town park. Organizers expect 1,200-1,500 people to attend and enjoy the fun and excitement of this 2300 year-old Chinese sport that is sweeping across the USA with 75 festivals held last year. The custom-built dragon boats are on their way to Lake Lure now. Team registration and all details are available at the event’s website, www.lureofthedragons.org, or by calling 828-980-8838.

- 2nd SATURDAY AT THE VILLAGE - Take time for yourself! Watch and learn tai chi from a master teacher from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Middle Eastern tea ceremony with samples from 12 noon to 2 pm. Beautiful gifts available for Mother’s Day, too! Ten Thousand Villages, Lewis Plaza Shopping Center, 239-4120.

- Carolina FC Spring Soccer Festival - Carolina FC Soccer Complex. Full day of matches, Silent Auction, and soccer fun in a Festival setting. Complete information and schedule at www.CarolinaFC.net

- Carolinas Dahlia Society Tuber Sale and NC Chrysanthemum Society Plant Sale - A wide variety of dahlia tubers, dahlia plant starts and chrysanthemums featuring cultivated varieties will be available. Learning from society members, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season. NCarboretum.org.

- Dahlia Tuber Sale and Chrysanthemum Plant Sale - NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. Two plant societies combine to offer show-quality dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings just in time for spring planting, while supplies last. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday in the Education Center 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday in the Baker Exhibit Center

- Free Dance Day - Broadway and television star, producer, dancer and choreographer Debbie Allen will hold a Free Dance Day on Saturday, May 10, in the Benjamin Johnson Arena at Wofford College. The Free Dance Day is sponsored by the Brainerd Institute in collaboration with Wofford College and the Spartanburg Little Theatre.

- Greenville Drive v. Rome Braves - 7PM, West End Field, Greenville, www.greenvilledrive.com.

- Hub City Farmers’ Market Opening Day - Saturdays June - November, Magnolia Street Train, Station, 298 Magnolia Street, 8:00am - 12:00 noon.

- Spartanburg Jam - Do you love music? Do you want to meet Spartanburg musicians? Have you ever just wanted to jam? Bring an acoustic instrument and a chair or blanket to Morgan Square for some casual, musical fun. No pressure to play, just come hang out and meet cool folks. Hosted by the Hub-Bub Student Street Team. Email LydiaEAnthony@gmail.com for more info. 2:00pm - 5:00pm

- Sushi Workshop - Participants will learn seven styles of sushi, including rolls, balls, cones and more; Tesu, Wasabi and Nama Shoyu will also be covered, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 10, Stecoah Center, 121 Schoolhouse Road, Robbinsville. $55, registration required. Call 479-3364.

- The HUB-BUB Art Mart & Good Junk Sale - Last year more than 1,000 people turned out for this event in the streets and parking lots surrounding HUB-BUB. If you’re an artist who wants to sell your wares at this one-day street fare, contact stephen@hub-bub.com . More information TBA.

- YouTheatre Mornings Spring Festival - Info: (828) 693-0731, toll-free (866)732-8008 or www.flatrockplayhouse.org. Saturdays, 10 am until Noon, Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre Education Center. Entertaining fun for the whole family—classes perform short skits, dances or musical medleys-- picnic on the grounds, games and activity booths. Cost: $5 Adult admission, Kids admitted free-of-charge. Info: (828) 693-0731 or toll-free (866)732-8008.

- “Simon Says” Guided Bird Walk - Warbler Walk - Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. The 2008 “Simon Says” Series of Guided Bird Walks continues with Warbler Walk. Dozens of species of warblers live and breed in the Park. Join birding expert, Simon Thompson, to see or hear all these species including Worm-eating, Swainson’s, Black-and-white, Hooded and Yellow-throated.

May 12 - Homeschool Program “Nature Crafts” - Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Mother Nature gives us many gifts throughout the year. We will use some of her gracious offerings to create crafts for your students to take home. This fun and inventive program will give your children basic instruction and help their inner artist to come out! (* nominal materials fee)

May 12 - Karate - Woodland Heights Recreation Center 6pm-7pm. $40 per month with $35 registration fee. Ages 5 to adult. Call 596-3700

May 12 - Lap Baby - Headquarters Library 10am. For babies up to 3 years old with an adult. Call 596-3500 or www.infodepot.org

May 12 - My Fit Mommy and Me Stroller Fitness Class - Using the stroller and resistance bands to get you in shape! Village at Pelham, 9am-10am. Call Michelle at 630-5142 or www.onefitmommy.com

May 13 thru July 6 - ART EXHIBIT-MacArthur Goodwin - Spartanburg Art Museum (SAM), The Chapman Cultural Center, 200 East St. John St., Spartanburg, SC 29306, (864) 582-7616

May 13 - Black Elk, Sioux Holy Man and Nature Mystic and James Beckwourth, African American Explorer, A Chautauqua Discussion - Will Goins, PhD and Dr. Stan Coleman. Join an audience of avid history and literature fans who love talking back to History. Led by Scholars, it's the personal experiences of the audience that make them so much fun. 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Hughes Main Library downtown Greenville. Call 244-1499 or www.greenvillechautauqua.org FREE

May 13 - Dance and Baton - Woodland Heights Recreation Center 6pm-8pm. $40 per month; ages 3 and up. Call 596-3700

May 13 - Preschool Story Time - Headquarters Library 10am. For preschoolers ages 3 to 6 years old. Call 596-3500 or www.infodepot.org

May 13 - SOUTH INDIA’S NATURAL DIVERSITY - The coasts of Goa and Kerala, the inland backwaters, the diversity of the Western Ghats, and the landscapes surrounding the southern hill stations were the focus of a recent trip to South India. Director of Education Lisa Wagner and her husband Tim Spira are keen natural history travelers whose interests in the natural world and other cultures have encouraged them to explore diverse places throughout the world (on their own with lightweight luggage, binoculars, and camera in hand). Hours: Tuesday, 12 noon-1pm. Fee: FREE. Location: Hayden Conference Center. Sc Botanical Garden, Clemson.

May 13 - Scrapbookers Garage Sale - Scrapbook Supply Store 10am-6pm. Visit www.scrapbooksupplystore.com for more information.

May 13 - Tuesday Night Family Story Time - Headquarters Library 7pm. For all ages; call 596-3500 or www.infodepot.org

May 14 - Lap Baby (Westside) - 11am. For babies up to 3 years old with an adult. Call 574-6815 or www.infodepot.org

May 14 - My Fit Mommy and Me Stroller Fitness Class - Using the stroller and resistance bands to get you in shape! Village at Pelham, 9am-10am. Call Michelle at 630-5142 or www.onefitmommy.com

May 14 - Open Play at Jump!Zone - 10am-12pm. Call 233-JUMP for details.

May 14 - The Drowsy Chaperone - The Peace Center 7:30pm. Call 467-3000 or www.peacecenter.org

May 14 - Y Dance - YWCA, 700 Augusta St, Greenville. Band and caller TBA. Beginners session at 7:30, dance from 8 till 10:30. Free dance co-sponsored by the Greenville County Library System and Harvest Moon Folk Society.

May 15 thru May 16 - South Carolina Children's Theatre Auditions for "Annie" - The South Carolina Children’s Theatre is holding auditions for “Annie”. The show will run September 12-28, 2008 at the Peace Center Gunter Theatre. The size of the show requires a great amount of reh

May 15 thru May 18 - BMW Charity Pro-Am - Samuel L. Jackson, Dennis Quaid, Luke Wilson, Greg Kinnear, Kurt Russell, Wayne Gretzky, Cheech Marin, and many others are the celebrities that are scheduled to compete in this year’s BMW Charity Pro-Am golf tournament. Visit www.bmwcharitygolf.com.

May 15 - Larkin's Rhythm on the River Concert Series - Shag dance the night away with the best beach music bands around! Gates open at 6pm, show 7-10pm. Proceeds will be donated to local charities. Dow Amphitheatre at the Peace Center; call 467-3020.

May 15 - "Get Fit Mommy" Prenatal Fitness Class - Low impact aerobics and strength training for pregnant women. Village at Pelham, 6pm-7pm. Call Michelle at 630-5142 or www.onefitmommy.com

May 15 - Music on Main - 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm in Downtown Spartanburg - Denny's Plaza - East Main Street. Jackson Crossing - Rock & Roll / Blues

May 15 - Stone Cold Musical Classics - Stone Cold Musical Classics, with members of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra. Greenville County Museum of Art, http://www.greenvillemuseum.org/thursday.html.

May 15 - USC Upstate Baseball vs. Florida Gulf Coast - Harley Park 6pm. Visit www.upstatespartans.com for details

May 16 thru May 17 - Unlikely Candidates - The Greenville Little Theatre continues its Studio 444 Series as it presents "Unlikely Candidates," on May 16 and 17, 2008, at 8 pm. An evening of four one-act comedies is planned featuring local talent. Evan Harris, Sam McCalla, April Schaeffer, and Peter Simms head up an outstanding 17 member cast. They're fast, they're funny, and they're $5 with tickets available at the door. For more information, call the Box Office Mon-Fri, 10-4, at 864-233-6238.

May 16 thru May 18 - 'The Greatest Show on Earth' - Circus-goers will see white tigers, Asian elephants and acrobats from around the world. There will be crossbow presentation, a performance on the whirling Wheel of Steel, a high-wire balancing and aerialists soaring over the audience’s heads. Tickets are available now through the Littlejohn Coliseum box office, TicketMaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $35 for floor-level seats, $18 for lower-level seats and $14 for upper-level seats. Group and university discounts are available, call (864) 656-6675 for details.

May 16 thru May 18 - Cruise the Smokies – Spring Rod Run - Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Contact: Janice Wildcatt (828) 497-8122. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Rod Run features more than 500 classic and customized automobiles built before 1972. The mountains and miles of surrounding roads, including the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, make for good driving and amazing views. Plus, the many attractions at Cherokee make the Rod Run fun for the entire family. Registered vehicles are eligible for cash-prize drawings totaling $15,000. Vehicle registration is $30 before the event and $35 at the door.

May 16 thru May 18 - Debbie Allen's Alex in Wonderland - Chapman Cultural Center, David Reid Theatre, 200 E. St. John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306, (864) 585-8278.

May 16 thru May 18 - The Greek Festival - St. George Greek Church, Elford & Townes Street, Downtown Greenville. FREE; call 233-8531

May 16 thru May 18 - Women's Wellness Retreat at YMCA Camp Greenville - Take time for yourself and relax from the hectic pace of daily life. Open to women over the age of 18. For more information, call 864-836-3291, ext 108.

May 16 - Converse College Baccalaureate Ceremony - Twichell Auditorium, 5pm. Call Mary Brown, (864) 596-9095

May 16 - Advance Dance Contra Dance - 8-11 pm at River Falls Lodge above Marietta, SC in northern Greenville County, 8 - 11 PM. Presented by the Harvest Moon Folk Society. Featuring Cailen And Friends with caller TBA. NOT FOR BEGINNERS OR NEW DANCERS! Admission $8. Info: 864-885-0643 or by e-mail whitewolf@bellsouth.net

May 16 - Family Fun Night at Jump!Zone - 5pm-8pm. Call 233-JUMP for details.

May 16 - Jazz on the Square - Morgan Square, downtown Spartanburg, 5:30pm-7:30pm

May 16 - Karate - Woodland Heights Recreation Center 6pm-7pm. $40 per month with $35 registration fee. Ages 5 to adult. Call 596-3700

May 16 - Relay for Life of Anderson - Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. For more info, or to sign up, visit http://www.screlayforlife.org/.

May 16 - Relay for Life of Greenville - Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. For more info, or to sign up, visit http://www.screlayforlife.org/.

May 16 - Relay for Life of Greer - Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. For more info, or to sign up, visit http://www.screlayforlife.org/.

May 16 - Relay for Life of Spartanburg - Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's signature event. Relay represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day, cancer will be eliminated. For more info, or to sign up, visit http://www.screlayforlife.org/.

May 17 thru May 18 - Spring Scout Days for Girl Scouts - Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Spend a whole day learning in our outside classroom. Scouts will get up-close and personal with some of the critters, plants and trees that call the Park home. Then, explore the Park at night and sleep under the stars.

May 17 thru May 18 - Upstate Shakespeare Festival - Falls Park, 7pm. Call 787-4016 or www.upstateshakespearefestival.org

May 17 - 2nd Saturday Contra Dance - Calvary Episcopal Church: 2840 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC 28732. Beginner's workshop at 7:45pm. Dance from 8:15-11:15pm.

May 17 - Blue Ridge Hydrangea Society Annual Plant Sale - NC Arboretum, www.ncarboretum.org. Hydrangea Fever. This annual extravaganza features hundreds of gorgeous hydrangeas of many varieties and species for purchase, suitable for every garden. Sale will include unusual and highly prized specimens. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Education Center

May 17 - Blue Ridge Hydrangea Society Annual Plant Sale - This annual event features a wide variety of hydrangeas suitable for nearly any garden. Hydrangeas will be available for purchase, and society members will show highly prized and unusual specimens. NCarboretum.org.

May 17 - Cardinal Cruise In - Cardinal Drive In, Brevard 4-7 PM, Jerry Arnold 828- 884- 3670

May 17 - Contra Dance - 7:30-10:30 pm at the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street in Jonesborough, TN. This dance will feature Spring Chickens (Rob & Beth Mangum, Art Shuster, Meredith McIntosh) with caller Laurie Fisher. Class for beginners at 7:00pm. Then the dance will take up the rest of the evening concluding at 10:30pm. As always, a country waltz break will occur at 9:00pm. No partner is necessary. All dances are taught by the caller. All dances are smoke and alcohol free. Admission to the dance is $7, $ for HJDS members and $4 for students. We welcome families with children in hopes of teaching the fine art of folk dance for generations to come. For more information, contact event organizer, David Wiley at 423-913-3246 or visit historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org.

May 17 - Contra Dance - 8-11 pm at River Falls Lodge above Marietta, SC in northern Greenville County. Featuring Elftones (Mara Shea and Roger Gold) with Joy Greenwolfe calling. Presented by the Harvest Moon Folk Society. We set up at about 5:00 and have a covered dish supper at 6:30. Beginners dance session is at 7:30 and the dance is at 8:00. Please come early and help if you can. Admission $8 for adults and $5 for teen-agers 14-17 who dance. No charge for kids. Info hotline including cancellations due to weather recorded by 2 PM at 864-836-2986. For general information call David White at 828-545-0689

May 17 - Converse College Commencement Ceremony - Twichell Auditorium, 9:30am. Call Mary Brown, (864) 596-9095. Guests admitted with tickets.

May 17 - Dance - Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church holds English Country Dance Events twice monthly. Dances are taught and called. Beginners are welcome. No partner is necessary. Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church, 2519 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville, SC (unless otherwise announced). Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

May 17 - Family Dance - Calvary Episcopal Church: 2840 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC 28732. Brown-bag supper at 5pm, Family Dance from 6-7:30pm. (2nd Saturday Contra Dance follows at 8:15pm) Visit ashevillefamilydance.com.

May 17 - My Air Force Mom Book Signing for Armed Forces Day - In celebration of Armed Forces Day, SC author Mary Lee will do a storytime reading of her children's picture book My Air Force Mom (Tate Publishing, paperback, $6.99) at Fiction Addiction on Saturday, May 17th at 11am and then will sign copies of her book from 11:30-1 pm.

May 17 - PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION - Greenville Symphony Orchestra Lollipops concerts target students ages 3-7; however, older children and adults are welcome. Reservations are not required and admission is free. Concerts are held at 9:45 a.m. at the Hendricks Library in Simpsonville and at 11:30 a.m. at the Jean M. Smith Library in Greer except where noted. Featuring the GSO Wind Quintet.

May 17 - SID VICIOUS EXPERIENCE - The SVE is a tribute to Sid Vicious, one of rock’s more notorious. Sid incarnate and the boys (Vile, Damage & Blackheart) recreate Sid’s fiery solo career after the Sex Pistols performing the songs as Sid did (Pistols, Stooges, Ramones and NY Dolls). See Sid in his full blown glory with the Sid Vicious Experience! May 17, For more info, please see www.sidviciousexperience.com.

May 17 - Shop at the Hub City Farmer's Market! - Featuring produce, plants, and much more, Hub City Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from May 10 to October 25 at the Magnolia Street Train Depot. It is a great way to support local farmers and spend your Saturday morning!

May 17 - Teele's School of Dance Recital - Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium 1pm. Visit www.crowdpleaser.com

May 17 - YouTheatre Mornings Spring Festival - Info: (828) 693-0731, toll-free (866)732-8008 or www.flatrockplayhouse.org. Saturdays, 10 am until Noon, Flat Rock Playhouse YouTheatre Education Center. Entertaining fun for the whole family—classes perform short skits, dances or musical medleys-- picnic on the grounds, games and activity booths. Cost: $5 Adult admission, Kids admitted free-of-charge. Info: (828) 693-0731 or toll-free (866)732-8008.

May 17 - “Off the Beaten Path” Guided Hike - Mountaintop Trek - Visit www.chimneyrockpark.com for more information. Hike “Off the Beaten Path” through the woodlands of Chimney Rock Mountain to a remote rock outcrop. Starting on the Skyline Trail, this will be a moderately strenuous hike of 3 hours. Please wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain, and carry some water.

May 18 thru May 22 - Carolina FC Select Soccer Tryouts - Carolina FC Soccer Complex. Tryouts for Fall 2008 Carolina FC Select Soccer Teams, Boys and Girls, U13 – U18. 2:30pm-5pm. Additional information and complete schedule at www.CarolinaFC.net

May 18 - Biltmore/Kiwanis 15k/5k Classic - Biltmore estate, Asheville, NC - Sunday, May 18, 2008, 7:15am, An Extraordinary Race for Runners of All Abilities! The race course is run entirely on the scenic grounds of Biltmore. Medals for Top Finishers in 5k/15k Overall, Masters & Age Groups. Due to parking restrictions at Biltmore, the race will be limited to the first 950 entrants. 15K - $30 until May 3rd, $35 thereafter, 5K - $25 until May 3rd, $30 thereafter. Spectator Ticket - $15 until May 3rd, $20 thereafter. Register at Active.com or visit our website at http://www.main.nc.us/kiwanisca/race, Questions - please contact Ned Cabaniss: buned@main.nc.us.

May 18 - English Country Dance - 3-5 PM, 1st and 3rd Sunday afternoons of each month at Asheville Arts Center, 308 Merrimon Ave. $6. Beginners Welcome. No partner necessary. Dance to caller and live music. This style of dance may be seen in films based on Jane Austen novels. Join us for a pleasant afternoon of dancing. Call 828-230-8449

May 18 - Srping Dance Concert - A production of the South Carolina Governor's School. The Peace Center 2pm. Visit www.peacecenter.org

May 18 - Stump Jump - Visit http://www.stumpjump.org/. Cross-country mountain bike race. Spartan West Rotary Club's annual fund raising event. Proceeds benefit the Spartanburg Children's Shelter and other Rotary projects such as polio eradication worldwide.