Did you take a local photo in 2023 that you’re proud of? Submit it in our 2023 Picture of the Year contest. | Photo by @tim_hutch
Anyone else still writing 2023 instead of 2024? Last year left a lasting impression + we want to commemorate it the best way we know how — through our inaugural WStoday Picture of the Year contest.
Between our newsletter and Instagram, you’ve already seen tons of our photos, so we want to see (and share) some of yours — and give a prize for the winning shot. Here’s everything you need to know to participate.
The rules + details:
Photo submissions are open today through Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 11:59 p.m. You are allowed to submit up to five photos, but each must have been taken by you during 2023. To sweeten the pot, anyone who submits a photo will receive 20% discount to use in our online marketplace, Six & Main.
Photo submissions must include a visual element that directly connects to Winston-Salem. Examples include a photo from a local sporting event, music performance, festival, or other 2023 happening; a picture taken at a local park; or a shot that highlights a landmark in our city. Photos that do not include a local element will not be considered. Additionally, photos that include nudity or offensive language or visuals will not be accepted.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in the newsletter on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and you, our readers, will have the chance to vote for WStoday’s 2023 Picture of the Year. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30 and will receive a $25 gift card to use at Six & Main.
Hot Tub and Swim Spa Blowout Expo | Friday, Jan. 5 | 2-7 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Education Building, 569 Fairgrounds Blvd., Winston-Salem | Free | Spend the weekend browsing a large display of hot tubs and swim spas to find the right unit for your home.
Saturday, Jan. 6
Enchanted Waters | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Reynolds Auditorium, 301 Hawthorne Rd. NW, Winston-Salem | $10-$95 | Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano joins forces with the Winston-Salem Symphony for a performance of a concerto from Doug Cuomo and Ravel’s La Valse.
Carolina Thunderbirds vs. Port Huron Prowlers | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 6:05 p.m. | Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex, 421 W. 27th St., Winston-Salem | $10-$28 | Join The Flock to cheer on the Thunderbirds as they hit the ice at home.
Sunday, Jan. 7
“Build Your Own Dream” Vision Board Party | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 2-5 p.m. | Special Moments Venue and Event Space, 2538 Somerset Center Dr., Winston-Salem | Bring a girlfriend and enjoy mimosas, heavy hors d’oeuvres, networking, and all of the materials you need to create a vision board for 2024.
Winston-Salem Montessori School Open House | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 2-4 p.m. | Winston-Salem Montessori School, 6050 Holder Rd., Clemmons | Free | Tour the classrooms and learn more about the learning environment for children ages 18 months to 15 years old.
Freezing rain + ice are possible tomorrow morning (Saturday, Jan. 6). Precipitation is expected to begin around 12 a.m. — with temperatures below freezing, elevated surfaces like bridges, overpasses, and treetops might see a glaze of ice with rain expected to continue throughout the day. (FOX8 WGHP)
Biz
Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. has awarded a total of $219,000 in Minority Business Enterprise Grant Program funding to 20 locally-owned companies. The small business owners who applied to the multi-year grant program had to meet certain qualifications.
Eat
Roll your own sushi for dinner on Monday, Jan. 8. Gringo Ninja’s sushi rollin’ workshop will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Joymongers Barrel Hall — all-you-can-eat tickets are $60 and include equipment, ingredients, and a drink ticket.
Listen
Tickets are on sale for Culture’s 2K24 Kickoff on Friday, Jan. 12. See nearly a dozen hip-hop artists perform during the show at Reynolds Place Theatre (251 N. Spruce St.) from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Theater
The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem (419 N. Spruce St.) will hold auditions for its presentation of “Belleville” on Monday, Jan. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. There are roles for four performers ages 20 to 29 — familiarity with the French language is a plus.
Plan Ahead
Art Crush will return to the Arts District on Friday, April 19. Arts District of Winston-Salem, which organizes the monthly street festival, is looking for volunteers — contact the organization through Instagram to get involved.
Legacy
Local historian, museum curator, and blogger Fambrough “Fam” Brownlee Jr. has died. The Winston-Salem native was known for his attention to detail, accuracy, and embrace of technology to share the past. (Winton-Salem Journal)
History
Three properties in Winston-Salem are now on the National Register of Historic Places. Winston Lake Golf Course, the Coan-Gray House (1121 Arbor Rd.) and the Alexander S. and Mary R. Hanes House (525 N. Hawthorne Rd.) were added in 2023. (WFDD)
Finance
One of our top New Year’s resolutions? Getting our finances in order. Money Pickle matches you with a trusted advisor tailored to your needs through a complimentary video call to help you navigate your money. Book your free session.*
Travel
Got 2024 travel plans? Sign up for a free Going account and get notified when flights are up to 90% off. Hello, trip of your dreams.*
Transit
Scoot to the side
Spin scooters and bikes are no longer in Winston-Salem
You won’t see these anymore in Bailey Park. | Photo by WStoday
You’ll no longer see scooters and bikes for rent around Winston-Salem. Spin has decided to leave the city instead of renewing its operating permit.
City officials cited several reasons for the company’s decision — reduced use and demand, vandalism, and city rules for operating shared mobility vehicles being too strict. So, how can you get around without hopping on a short-term rental? Consider these options:
Get your steps in and walk. The city has a long-term plan to make the city more walkable.
Take a ride on a city bus. More than 30 routes can get you around the city and fares are $1. Pro tip: read the new code of conduct before you climb aboard.
Hire a rickshaw. Two passengers can take a tour downtown. City officials are considering proposed regulations that could expand operations.
Parking — on the street, in decks, and in parking lots — is available if you choose to drive.
Asked
How do you get around Winston-Salem most often?
A. I walk or ride my bike B. I drive C. I take the bus D. I hire a ride
While we might have taken our last rides on Spin scooters and bikes, Segway tours are still a thing in the Twin City. I did one with friends years ago and had a blast. It might a little chilly this time of year but a tour would be something fun to look forward to in the spring.
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