Zootastic is located at 448 Pilch Road, Troutman NC 28166.

Their Holiday Hours are:

Dec 1 – Jan 1st
Each Night
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

You can visit the Zootastic Website at:  http://www.zootasticpark.com/

They share the story behind the park on their website.

Zootastic Park was the vision of a local NC man, Scottie Brown. Scottie and his family have been working with exotic animals for over 30 years. Zootastic Park is privately owned and operated by Scottie Brown with no federal or state funding.

Five years ago while Scottie and his son were on a 6-hour flight to California, they decided to move forward with the planning and building of Zootastic Park. With both elder and younger Brown excited and determined, preliminary plans and budgets were developed by the time the flight landed. Two years later they broke ground on the first of many buildings, with 3 phases as part of the master plan. Over the course of the next three years Phase 1 of Zootastic Park started to take shape with a Western Town, multiple Animal Barns, and the Exotic Animal facilities.

In November 2009, Zootastic Park opened for the first time to the public with the Christmas Wonderland of Lights. The Zoo featured over 1 million lights through a 2 mile drive-through, Santa Claus, pony rides and much more. This will be an annual tradition at Zootastic for many years to come.

Zootastic Park will be opening the Zoo to the Public on March 6, 2010 with many events in store including Jr ZooKeeper Summer Camp, BBQ at the Zoo for Memorial Day Weekend, Easter Bunny Hop and many other events throughout the year.

Over the next three years Zootastic has great plans to add many more attractions, exhibits, and activities for the community. “We are part of this community,” Brown said, “we want to share our love for animals with our community and have a great place for families to come and enjoy true family time.” Zootastic Park is operated by Scottie Brown, his son Jerod, daughter Sarah, and her husband Shawn.

Visit Zootastic’s Photo Gallery at:  http://www.zootasticpark.com/PhotoGallery.aspx

DABA is always looking for new members and new companies to connect with.   They do lots of things for our local community, but there largest effort is certainly the Denver Fireworks every year at East Lincoln High School.  They provide many opportunities for local business owners and citizens to interact and do business together. 

Visit DABA’s Website at:  http://www.dabanc.org/index.php

DABA provides some information about what they do on their website….

The Denver Area Business Association is a non-profit organization that exist to help the businesses in the greater East Lincoln area grow and be profitable.

DABA is not a Chamber of Commerce, instead DABA is an association compiled of business owners and employees, striving to provide leadership, educational and networking opportunities through a host of venues. Monthly networking events; Coffee Connection, Business Luncheon and After Hours, provide members social and business opportunities, guests are welcome and encouraged.

As a community service, we host annual public events; Fireworks Celebration and Taste of Denver to showcase DABA and it’s members to the public.

The membership of DABA incorporates not only small businesses, but large corporations as well, this diverse membership serves the group well in the exchange of ideas and information. The bonds that grow within our group are what make DABA such a special organization.

The Denver Area Business Association exists to foster local business growth through education, leadership and collective opportunity; thereby growing and enriching relationships within the membership and adding value to the greater Denver Area.

For More Information about DABA or to Join, visit this page on the web to contact them…  http://www.dabanc.org/contact-daba.php.

Don’t forget about our 3rd Annual Denver Christmas Parade this Saturday.  Lake Norman Realty will have a float.  The theme is the 12 Days of Christmas.  It can be quite difficult to put together a float with that theme that pertains to our industry, but luckily, our fearless leader, Shantae Brown, did.  I will share all of our pictures with you after!  Please join us!  It is great fun for the children.

It starts at 2 pm this year.  The route begins on N. Pilot Knob and Hwy 16 for 1 mile to Triangle Circle.

Tree lighting activities are Friday Dec 2nd at Lake Norman Lutheran Church beginning at 6 pm. 

I have viewed the 10 day forecast and we may get away with a perfectly sunny day and a high of 57 degrees.  Unlike the past two years of rain and snow.

Many of you may not be aware that Denver Days is moving back to it’s place of origin this year…Rock Springs Elementary School, at the corner of Hwy 16 and St. James Church Road in Downtown Denver.   As usual, you will enjoy rides, games, crafts, jewelry and local business tents. 

The rides will be open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 4 pm.  They will also be including “Denvers Got Talent” for th second year.

The event is sponsored by the East Lincoln Rotary Club and all proceeds will go toward building East Lincoln Rescue Park.

For more information, visit http://www.denverlakenormanrotary.com/denverdays.html.

I had a request for updated information on our New Sally’s YMCA, so here you go….

Sally’s YMCA Website - To Stay Update at All Times

The Sally’s YMCA is a brand new, 22,000 sq. ft. facility in Denver, North Carolina, adjacent to 85 acres of land protected by the Catawba Lands Conservancy. Sally’s YMCA features:

• 4,910 sq. ft. Fitness Area With:
  • Life Fitness Strength Equipment
  • PRECOR, Octane and Stairmaster Cardio Equipment
  • Kaiser studio cycles
• 1,833 sq. ft. Group Exercise Studio
• 528 sq. ft. Group Exercise Studio
• Sports Fields for Youth and Adults Sports
• Outdoor Trails
• Grace’s Chapel
• Gymnasium
• Drop-In Child Care area

Sally’s Y is also providing group classes, personal training and a soccer league.  Information on all of these items can be found on their website.  Happy Excercising!

Location:

1601 Forney Creek Pkwy
Denver, NC  28037
(704) 716-7300
Fax:(704) 716-6246

 Hours of Operation:

Mon – Thurs 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Fri 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

More Information on Membership per the Sally’s Y Website: 

Membership Options
Bank Account Draft: Pay your membership by having your monthly fee drafted from your bank account each month. Members choosing this payment option should pay their first month membership and provide a void check or deposit slip at time of joining. Annual or Semi-Annual Payment: Pay your membership by invoice in 6-month or one-year payments. Members choosing this payment option should pay their first 6 months or year membership at time of joining.

Member Rates
Sally’s YMCA welcomes all regardless of ability to pay the full rate through our income-based rate scale. Qualified members may receive an adjusted membership rate based on household income. In order to receive these reduced rates, income verification will be requested and kept confidential.

Then, determine the individuals in your household who will be included in your membership.

SAMPLE: Household with income of $60,000 including 2 adults and 1 child
$60+$20+$10=$90 with a rate reduction 30% = $63/month

Supporting our neighbors
The YMCA is accessible to everyone through the generous support of the local community’s contributions to the Annual Campaign. You can support the efforts of the Y in your community by donating to the Annual Campaign or volunteering at Sally’s YMCA.

Pavilion at the EpiCentre

Thursday, July 23, 2009 – Ladies night with $5.00 Specialty Martini’s and Karaoke – The Dirty Martini – Come join some of the hottest ladies and men on the lake for a night of fun. $5.00 specialty Martini’s and some fun shots…

Thursday, July 23, 2009 – ROBIN BURKE PERFORMING LIVE!! – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Join us for our Thursday Night Live Performances as this week we welcome ROBIN BURKE.  Robin Burke gives you a great mix of Classic…

Thursday, July 23, 2009 – Alive After Five At EpiCentre with Shuttle from LKN – Pavilion at EpiCentre – Join us for “Alive After Five At EpiCentre” with Blue Dogs from 5:00pm – 9:30pm.   Ragin’ Uptown and LKNfun present: Lake Norman to the Epicentre “Alive…

Thursday, July 23, 2009 – Cruisin’ Cornelius – Visit Lake Norman – Join Visit Lake Norman for Cruisin’ Cornelius! Take the hometown tour to find out why our visitors love to cruise Cornelius! Meet at Visit…

Friday, July 24, 2009 – Rusty & Mike from Part-Time Blues Band – Lake Town Tavern – 11am-3pm there are 16 different choices off the menu for $4.99. 3pm-2am Fish-n-chips for $7.25 Dine In Only. All Day $2.50 Corona & Corona…

Friday, July 24, 2009 – All Are Invited to Rusty Rudder For Happy Hour – Rusty Rudder – Join us for another great night with our New Happy Hour! If your new to the lake or looking to get out of the…

Friday, July 24, 2009 – Karaoke Contest!! Cash Prizes!! Cozmic Bowling!! – Northcross Lanes – “Northcross Lanes Brightest Star 2009″ – Sponsored by Miller and All Star Entertainment
Karaoke Contest every Friday Night!  Sign Up’s are from 9pm-10pm and contest…

Friday, July 24, 2009 – Happy Hour Menu – Drink Specials – Late Night Fun! – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Each Friday Night, XO Tapas Restaurant – Wine Bar brings you the the Lake’s Most Fun Filled Friday Nights.  The night starts out with…

Friday, July 24, 2009 – Blue Monday – Queens Landing – Come see Blue Monday at Queen’s Landing Amphitheatre from 7pm until 11pm…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Part Time Blues Band – Queens Landing – Come enjoy the music of the Part Time Blues Band at Queen’s Landing Amphitheatre from 7pm until 11pm…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – SANGRIA SATURDAYS!! – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Come Join Us Every Saturday for Lake Norman’s Best SANGRIAS….Red, White, Peach and Blackberry.  Also, Check Out Chef Kyles’ Menu Specials to Compliment SANGRIA…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Christmas in July + Full Racing Program (OWM) – East Lincoln Speedway – Christmas in July + Full Racing Program (OWM).  Gates open at 5:00 and Races start at 7:30…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Aquapalooza – Midway Marina – Combining the resources of Sea Ray of Lake Norman and our key partners, Midway Marina & Lancaster Docks – this year’s event will truly…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – 96.1 The BEAT is BACK! With a Vengeance! – SYNERGY NIGHTCLUB – Join the all NEW Synergy Nightclub and 96.1 The Beat each and every Saturday for the return of Lake Norman’s HOTTEST party. 96.1 The…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Live Music: Coconut Groove Band and Drink Specials – Midtown Sundries at Lake Norman – Join us for Live Music with Coconut Groove Band starting at 10pm!  Bud Light Lime Bottles & Bud Light Pints $2.50, Three Olive Monster Bombs $5.00 Grape, Cherry, & Green…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – National Jet Ski Racing Tour Stop – Beatty’s Ford Park – The APBA today announces the final tour stop on the 2009 HYDRO-TURF APBA Watercross National Tour. Surf and Turf Promotions will be producing the…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Jill Dineen Band tonight – Lake Town Tavern – $5 WooWoo & Jolly Rancher Shots, $2 Select bottle beer specials, and $5 Loaded Nachos & Chix Quesadilla’s…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Ragin’ Uptown Shuttle to Epicentre – Pavilion at EpiCentre – Ragin’ Uptown Party Bus Charters and LKN Fun present Every Saturday Lake Norman to the Epicentre in Uptown Charlotte Party Bus Shuttle! Departs Birkdale…

Saturday, July 25, 2009 – Anchor Bar Live Music Yacht Party - LKNfun.com – Anchor Bar Live Music Yacht Party Every Saturday!  Brought to you by LKN Fun, Kiss 95.1, Budweiser, 3 Olive’s Vodka, Tommy Bahama Rum, and…

Sunday, July 26, 2009 – National Jet Ski Racing Tour Stop – Beatty’s Ford Park – The APBA today announces the final tour stop on the 2009 HYDRO-TURF APBA Watercross National Tour. Surf and Turf Promotions will be producing the…

Things to Do at Lake Norman

Thursday, July 09, 2009 – Alive After Five At EpiCentre – Pavilion at EpiCentre – Join us for “Alive After Five At EpiCentre” with Who’s Bad (Michael Jackson Tribute Band) from 5:00pm – 9:30pm…

Thursday, July 09, 2009 – Lock and Key Single’s Party – Fox and Hound Pub & Grille – Northlake – The Ultimate Ice Breaker Party… Unlock Your Possibilities The Fox and Hound from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Ages 30+. How It Works: Every guy…

Thursday, July 09, 2009 – “HIGH NOON” FEATURING “SHANA” PERFORMING LIVE! – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Tonight at XO, “High Noon” featuring “Shana” performs Live. The ” High Noon” Trio has Robert Woods on keyboards, William Lee on sax, and…

Thursday, July 09, 2009 – WSOC’s Rock and Country night with 74 SouthBound - SYNERGY NIGHTCLUB – Come join Synergy Nightclub and WSOC in welcoming 74 SouthBound to the stage this thursday for a live acoustic performance you cant afford to…

Friday, July 10, 2009 – Kiss 95.1 and Cary Cash host Fun Fridays! – SYNERGY NIGHTCLUB – Join Synergy nightclub and Kiss 95.1′s Cary Cash as the host for Fun Fridays every Friday here at the all new Synergy nightclub. Drinks…

Friday, July 10, 2009 – Karaoke Contest!! Cash Prizes!! Cozmic Bowling!! – Northcross Lanes – “Northcross Lanes Brightest Star 2009″ – Sponsored by Miller and All Star Entertainment
Karaoke Contest every Friday Night!  Sign Up’s are from 9pm-10pm and contest…

Friday, July 10, 2009 – LKNFun Happy Hour – $2 Domestics – Ultra Lounge Late – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Along with hosting this month’s LKNFun’s Happy Hour Event, XO Tapas Restaurant – Wine Bar brings you the the Lake’s Most Fun Filled Friday…

Friday, July 10, 2009 – $14.99 Steak Dinner and 1/2 Off Wine – Duckworth’s CheeseSteakery Grill & Bar – Enjoy $14.99 – 16 oz. Porterhouse Steak Dinner, $6.50 1/2 pound Cheeseburger Meal (11am-4pm), and $5 Small Margherita Pizza (11am-4pm).  1/2 off Wine by…

Saturday, July 11, 2009 – Mid-Season Championships – East Lincoln Speedway – Mid-Season Championships ? Double Points + Double First Place Money in all Divisions (OWM).  Gates open at 5:00 and Races start at 7:30…

Saturday, July 11, 2009 – SANGRIA SATURDAYS!! Late Night Ultra Lounge – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Come Join Us Every Saturday for Lake Norman’s Best SANGRIAS….Red, White, Peach and Blackberry.  Also, Check Out Chef Kyles’ Menu Specials to Compliment SANGRIA…

Saturday, July 11, 2009 – Steak and Seafood Nite and The Young Ages – Easy Eddies Motorcycle Service & Lounge – Join us for Steak and Seafood Nite from 5pm – 9pm. Our seafood menu includes fried oysters, fan-tail shrimp, popcorn shrimp, salt and pepper…

Saturday, July 11, 2009 – Annual SOCIAL Olympics! And more… – Midtown Sundries at Lake Norman – Join us for Live Music with Big Sam starting at 10pm!  Bud Light Lime Bottles & Bud Light Pints $2.50, Three Olive Monster Bombs $5.00 Grape, Cherry, & Green Apple…

Saturday, July 11, 2009 – MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE & CELEBRATION PARTY @ SYNERGY! – SYNERGY NIGHTCLUB – Got the beat it blues?!? Then come to SYNERGY NIGHTCLUB for a MICHAEL JACKSON Tribute & Celebration Party!!! Where CJ from 96.1 THE BEAT…

Things to Do at Lake Norman...

Monday, June 15, 2009 – 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Monday Nights at XO, GM, Zach Smith (LKN’s only Sommelier) hand picks his Half Price Wine Selections each week.  You get the chance to…

Tuesday, June 16, 2009 – $5 MARTINIS ALL NIGHT LONG – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Tuesday Nights LKN’s most unique dinning experience also becomes LKN’s best Martini Value with $5 Martinis all night long.  Drop in and enjoy our exceptional…

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 – Piedmont Town Center At Five – Piedmont Town Center – Join us for “Piedmont Town Center At Five” with The Backbeat from 5:00pm – 9:30pm…

Thursday, June 18, 2009 – Alive After Five At EpiCentre – Pavilion at EpiCentre – Join us for “Alive After Five At EpiCentre” with Girlz Girlz Girlz from 5:00pm – 9:30pm…

Thursday, June 18, 2009 – Kick-Off Wknd! WSOC DJ Big Sexy, Tim Hall&Buffalo Cntry – SYNERGY Nightclub – Thursday is the first day of our Grand Opening kick-off weekend!

Be sure to come check out our Country Party with DJ Big Sexy andTim Hall & Buffalo…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – LKN’s Best Late Night Spot – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Besides being LKN’s most unique and exciting dinning experience, XO is also LKN’s best spot for Late Nght.  With Great “Beats”, a Cool Vibe,…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – All Are Invited to Joel’s Grill for LKN Happy Hour - Joel’s Asian Grill – Join us for another great night with our New Happy Hour Club! If your new to the lake or looking to get out of…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – $14.99 Steak Dinner, 1/2 Off Wine & Live Music – Duckworth’s CheeseSteakery Grill & Bar – Come and enjoy live music at 6:30 every Friday!  Enjoy $14.99 – 16 oz. Porterhouse Steak Dinner, $6.50 1/2 pound Cheeseburger Meal (11am-4pm), and…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – Big Easy On The Lawn – Young Affiliates of the Mint – YAM will be hosting the Big Easy on the Lawn, an outdoor lawn venue to support the closing of the Mint’s newest art exhibition,…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – Mint After 5 – Young Affiliates of the Mint – Join us for June’s Mint After 5 Event.  Check our Website for more details…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – LIVE MUSIC with Sean Gorius – T1 Tapas – Ready for Summer? Sean’s chillaxin stle of acoustic music will make you think of a warm beach at sunset. A little Mraz, a little…

Friday, June 19, 2009 – Karaoke Contest!! Cash Prizes!! Cozmic Bowling!! – Northcross Lanes – “Northcross Lanes Brightest Star 2009″ – Sponsored by Miller and All Star Entertainment
Karaoke Contest every Friday Night!  Sign Up’s are from 9pm-10pm and contest…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Taste of Birkdale – Visit Lake Norman – Taste of Birkdale, Birkdale Village, Huntesville, 4pm, 704-895-8744…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Father’s Day Celebration – Visit Lake Norman – Father’s Day Celebration, Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville, 12pm, 704-875-6521…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Grand opening!! Huge Party starting at 7pm till 2 am - The Dirty Martini – Yes, tell everyone The Dirty Martini is having it’s huge Grand opening. Live entertainment on patio, DJ’s inside, drink specials all night, free shirts…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Inaugural Renegade Roundup + Full Racing Program (LG) – East Lincoln Speedway – Inaugural Renegade Roundup + Full Racing Program (LG). Gates open at 5:00 and Races start at 7:30…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Fayetteville Guard – Home Game – Carolina Speed Arena Football – HOME GAME! Come cheer on Carolina Speed as they play the Fayetteville Guard at The Bojangles Coliseum…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Acoustic Fusion – Lake Town Tavern – $5 WooWoo & Jolly Rancher Shots, $2 Select bottle beer specials, and $5 Loaded Nachos & Chix Quesadilla’s…

Saturday, June 20, 2009 – Explore! Experience! Enjoy! – XO TAPAS WINE BAR – Besides being LKN’s most Unique and Exciting Dinning Experience, XO is also LKN’s best spot for Late Nght.  With Great “Beats”, a Cool Vibe,…

Sunday, June 21, 2009 – 1st Annual M2 Dodgeball Tournament – Charlotte Sports Center – Come join Moose and friends for M2 Foundation For Kid’s 1st Annual Dodgeball Tournament!  Registration begins at 12:00pm and games will begin at 1:00….

Sunday, June 21, 2009 – Father’s Day Celebration – Visit Lake Norman – Father’s Day Celebration, Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville, 12pm, 704-875-6521…