The third Saturday in October has become another major event day along Herritage Street. Three events will allow people to eat, run or watch races, and then enjoy music while celebrating the life of a Kinston entrepreneur.  

First, the Ironclad Races Half Marathon and 5K will occur on Oct. 19. This half marathon has been called “The most welcoming Half Marathon in Eastern North Carolina!” 

Ironclad Races Inc. and title sponsor Mother Earth Brewing are bringing another edition of the annual races. Ironclad Races Inc. is a Kinston-based non-profit corporation with a mission to produce sporting events in Kinston and then donate all proceeds to local non-profit organizations and charities that work to improve our community. These races also strive to bring runners to our city and highlight Kinston’s historic and cultural beauty.

Packet pickup will be at the Mother Earth Brewing Tap Room from 5:00–9:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, and the races will begin on Oct. 19, at Grainger Stadium. 

The CSS Neuse II will offer “Breakfast on the Boat” in conjunction with the Ironclad Races. The Neuse Foundation has worked with Ironclad Races to provide this breakfast event since the beginning of the Ironclad Half Marathon races.

The Neuse Foundation provides a full country-style breakfast, prepared and served on the property of the CSS Neuse II, the full-scale replica of the original CSS Ram Neuse. Just a block away, the CSS Neuse Civil War Museum houses the remains of the original CSS Ram Neuse, the largest artifact the State of North Carolina owns that is not a building. 

(By the way, staff members of the CSS Neuse Museum will be firing a cannon to start both the Half Marathon and the 5K races on Oct. 19.)

The Gunboat Boys will provide live music for the event, which will kick off around 7:30 a.m. and continue until 10 a.m. – or until the food runs out. The band performs period Civil War music and traditional bluegrass tunes.

Make Mom proud. Eat a good breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 19.

At 12 noon, the second annual Brad-Fest, a musical festival organized to celebrate the life of Brad Elmore, will begin. Elmore never seemed to meet a stranger, and his sense of humor could make the toughest person laugh out loud. His smile brightened the darkest of days. Even during his most challenging battles, Brad always tried to see the bright side of life. 

Brad was a lover of music. He spent much of his free time going to concerts, especially to see his favorite band, Widespread Panic. He made many special memories with family and friends at venues nationwide. A concert in his memory is perhaps the most fitting way for those who loved him to honor his memory. This memorial concert will take place in Pearson Park. 

BRAD-FEST will be precisely what Brad would have wanted – a festival full of local businesses, local music, local vendors, and good people from all over. As a downtown business owner, Brad loved celebrating the culture of Kinston and including everyone by making them feel welcome.

Booked to appear are Super Grit Cowboy Band, The Wicked Shimmies, the Dew Drops, and Barefoot Manner. One of Brad’s favorites, The Mac & Juice Quartet, will also appear. The concert will expand from last year’s 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. festival to 12 noon until 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Plan to spend the day in the Pearson Park area for breakfast, a good view of the runners, and a short walk to the stage in Pearson Park. Be sure to bring your boogie shoes.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.