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Tanner In The Morning

A Water-Skiing Squirrel Coming To North Carolina This Weekend

Author Jim Slade

Charlotte AutoFair is returning to Charlotte Motor Speedway. Get ready everyone a water skiing squirrel is coming to North Carolina this weekend. His name is Twiggy and he’s a big talent.

Greg Walter, executive vice president, and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway says “One of the things that bring people back to AutoFair year after year is that they never know what they’ll see at the world’s largest automotive extravaganza, and that doesn’t stop at just the cars.  Twiggy’s stunts are second only to her inspiring backstory.  Fans are in for a real treat every time she steps on her skis.”

Twiggy’s story began in Florida in 1978.  She was rescued by Louann and Chuck Best Sr.  The small gray squirrel had fallen from a tree during Hurricane David. It quickly became a family pet.  When Chuck bought a remote-control boat for his daughter, the next logical thing was to teach the squirrel how to water ski, right?

Now the next generation of the Best family has taken over the legend of Twiggy, whose crowd-pleasing charisma and messaging about water safety remain the same.  Chuck Best Jr. travels around the country with Twiggy, who is now the spokes-animal for The National Safe Boating Council’s “Wear It” Campaign, which promotes water safety worldwide.

Chuck Best Jr. said, “I feel proud to carry on the legacy of my parents. I love to hear how I am similar to my dad. I believe that our similar jokester personalities in the show bring a light-hearted fun feel to it.  They made a show that was cute and entertaining.  I am lucky enough to continue that same show with a whole lot of meaning behind it.”

AutoFair runs Thursday through Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. There will be hundreds of custom cars, a manufacturer’s midway, and of course, the legendary AutoFair swap meet.  AutoFair hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday.

Best Places in North Carolina to Explore Different Animals

Are you looking to have some fun with animals? Well, I have been contemplating fun things to do and for some reason, a petting zoo has been on my mind. It’s probably because I recently went to Disney World and Animal Kingdom was my absolute favorite place. From The Lion King being my favorite movie to the Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom, I have been thinking about animals like crazy. But, there is no Animal Kingdom here in Charlotte for me to enjoy, right? So, I have to think of somewhere else.

Of course, I decided to take matters into my own hands. That means I am looking into petting zoos, zoos, and all types of animal parks in the state. Why not have some animal-friendly fun? Let’s enjoy some time with the animals and see what you can do here in North Carolina. Can’t wait!

  • Lazy 5 Ranch

    Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive through ranch experience. Whether you are sitting in your car or riding on the back of a wagon, you can ride through the ranch to check out some great animals. Not only will you sight see, but you can also feed them along the way. The ranch is open 7 days a week and has tons of animals like cattle, deer, goats, antelope, and other exotic animals. Doesn’t that sound fun?

  • North Carolina Zoo

    Of course, we’re naming a pretty big one – the obvious, the North Carolina Zoo. The state zoo is located in Asheboro, NC and your chance to see tons of different animals. Explore different animals and plants throughout the zoo during your time there. You can see up close and personal, lions, elephants, river otter, giraffes, zebras, and more! Sounds like a place I need to go for sure.

  • Carolina Tiger Rescue

    Want to visit a tiger rescue? Personally, I have never thought of it but it looks pretty cool to me! So, head to the Carolina Tiger Rescue and check out some wild cats. The rescue is your chance to learn more about and see tigers that have found sanctuary at this rescue spot.

  • Carolina Raptor Center

    Are you a fan of birds? Well, this might be the perfect spot for you. The Carolina Raptor Center is for the  exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Visit and walk a trail to explore the different species that are in house. There are more than 30 birds of prey for you to see up close and personal. Cool, right?

 

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Author Jim Slade
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