Good morning, Hickory.

Residents can bring household hazardous waste to the annual collection event scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hickory American Legion Fairground (1 American Legion Avenue in Newton) where only Catawba County residents will be served and long wait times are expected.

The eighth annual Project Lifesaver International Car Show will take place Sunday, May 4 from 1-5 p.m. at the Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) West Wing parking lot on U.S. Highway 70 SE in Hickory, and registration for show cars and vendors begins at 11:30 a.m. with musical entertainment plus food offered to benefit Project Lifesaver.

Walmart will remodel 41 North Carolina stores, including locations in and around Hickory, and will add new signage + expand services like online pickup, delivery, and pharmacy areas to improve shopping experiences.

The Catawba County Schools Board of Education approved $6 million for building improvements— the funds will be used to upgrade school facilities and fix long-needed repairs.

The City of Hickory is checking hydrants for functionality as part of its annual program running through the end of May to keep its ISO Class 1 fire rating (less than 1% of fire departments earn that rating).

When hydrant testing causes water discoloration, residents should avoid using hot water and call the Public Utilities Department (828-323-7427) to flush the main.

Today, the Hickory Police Department will enforce its May P.A.C.T. on 8th Street NE/Main Avenue NE from 7th Avenue NE to the roundabout and on 3rd Avenue NE from Main Avenue to 2nd Street NE.

The enforcement will target speeding, distracted driving, following too closely and other violations—motorists, pedestrians and cyclists must obey traffic rules to stay safe.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Aging is working with local service providers to distribute free fans to people 60 and older and those with disabilities to help them stay cool during hot weather.

The program runs from May 1 to Oct. 31 and uses donations from Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress and Dominion — local agencies may also buy a few air conditioners for individuals with certain health needs.

Derby Day Celebration

Afternoon — Salt Block Foundation — Ticket includes two drink vouchers — Dress in festive Derby attire and enjoy live music, Southern cuisine, and best-dressed contests.

Charlotte Grappling & BJJ Championship

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hickory Metro Convention Center — Registration fees apply — Experience the excitement of one of the largest mixed grappling tournaments in the world.

The Chain - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — The Hum — Tickets available — Experience the exceptional sounds of Fleetwood Mac brought to life by The Chain featuring Dani Kerr from America's Got Talent.

Swingin’ Under The Stars

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Sails on the Square — Free entry — Experience the Hickory Jazz Orchestra performing beloved big band classics under the night sky.

37th Annual Spring Fling

9 AM – 3 PM — Catholic Conference Center — $17 — Engage in crafts, educational sessions, and activities like line bingo for a fun and informative day.