I joined over thirty five thousand Raleigh area residents to attend a portion of Raleigh Wide Open this year that celebrated the opening of the $15 million City Plaza and a completed revitalization of Fayetteville Street. The Plaza and the surround area in downtown Raleigh also features local sculptures and light towers that reach toward the sky. Due to the weather and a prio commitment I was only able capture a few photographs but it was still a nice change of pace. I hope you enjoy them especially if you were’nt able to make it out to the event.
These street dancers were really great! I gave them my card so hopefully they’ll contact me so I can get some more information about them.
In a brief moment of sunshine I captured this one… It just wouldn’t be the same without the shadows.
An american flag hangs from the firetruck of The Raleigh Fire Department.
These towers are over fifty feet tall.
I liked the metal leaf cutout motif. Dare I say that the towers had a “lusterous” quality to them? Yes… I think I just did.
As I was walking towards the City Plaza I stumbled upon two seniors dressed in cheerleading outfits. These weren’t high school seniors but a pair of energetic ladies from Wake County. They’ve dubbed themselves The Wake Shakers and perform at various Senior facilities, clubs and parades. They also cheer at special events such as “Girls On The Run” and support The Athletes Follies and the Silver Arts of The Senior Games. They shared their motto with me which is “Get ready for the the power of purple! cause when we shake we make the BOOM! earthquake!”
A small crowd had gathered around a very talented Raleigh artist named Dan Nelson. When I saw his work I could see why. He was painting scenes from Fayetteville Street as they happened and auctioning them off live.
This gentleman purchased one of the paintings for his downtown office and as he weaved through the crowd I saw people stop to admire the painting.
This family was enjoying some ice cream. I tried to capture the huge inflatable ice cream cone in the background but it was a little tricky to get the angle I wanted. I guess you can sort of see it.
I thought this was a nice photograph of two kids riding on their dad’s shoulders…
I then saw someone that I’ve been wanting to photograph ever since I had heard about him from a friend. He kept alluding me until I finally saw him… And sho nuff… it was “Sho Nuff” himself.
His real name is Russell Lee and he’s been customizing bicycles for almost fifty years. He is a energetic man that has a positive energy about him when you chat with him. His cheetah print creation is a one of a kind and I enjoyed the opportunity to finally meet him.
One of the biggest attractions of the day was the “Wheel of Fortune” stage. An entire crowd of hopeful onlookers hoped to be chosen as the next contestant for the popular game show.
“Who wants to be a winner today ?!?” :)
I think I saved the best for last… You truly never know what you’re going to see as you walk around which is why I love having a camera with me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw someone chasing down a little parakeet in a parking lot. Then I realized that she had four more on another stick that she was carrying.
She was taking them “out for a walk” just like a pet dog. Has anyone ever heard of anyone taking their birds for a walk? I’m totally surprised that they don’t just fly away. Do parakeets feel a loyalty to their owner? Please someone help me unravel this mystery. Pretty bird…
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