Unit 6: Culture in North Carolina What are some ways that people in your community express their culture?

Big Idea How have different cultural groups affected the lives of all North Carolinians?

Cooking Music Festivals Art Storytelling Prior Knowledge Have you ever gone to a festival to enjoy on of the following arts? Cooking Music Storytelling Art Festivals

Lesson 1: Celebrating North Carolina What are some holidays you celebrate? What does those holidays honor and why do you celebrate those days?

State Celebrations A holiday is a day set aside to remember a special person or event. Name some examples! When we celebrate the Fourth of July, we show patriotism, or love of country. North Carolinians celebrate holidays that honor their state. April 12: Halifax Resolves May 20: Mecklenburg Declaration Day

National Holidays Holiday Date Observed Memorial day Last Monday in….May Labor day First Monday in….Septembe Thanksgiving Fourth Thursday in…November

North Carolina State Fair The largest state celebration in North Carolina is the state fair. The first fair was held in 1853. Farmers gathered to show their harvests, livestock, and agricultural machinery. About 5,000 people attended in 1853, today about 800,000 people attend the fair. Celebrating agriculture is still the main reason for the state fair. You can also see crafts, enjoy the sights, sounds and foods of different cultures.

Local Celebrations Festivals are celebrations that usually happen every year. Festivals show how important a place is to people. They also tell much about the people who live in a place. Raleigh, Charlotte and Asheville celebrate New Year’s Eve with First Night. This is a night of celebration and entertainment.

More Festivals Other festivals and special days celebrate local history and traditions. Some even honor people, events or animals. Festivals can honor important industries and resources too. Some local events are aimed at helping the community.

Patriotic and State Celebrations Celebrations of Natural Beauty Celebrations of Products and Resources Fourth of July Azalea Festival North Carolina State Fair