Red Mango's ribbon cutting Saturday included, from left, a Red Mango mascot, partner Paul Carini, partner/operator Trent Barnes, Mayor John Woods and Mayor Pro-Tem Laurie Venzon. (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net)

A crowd of town political candidates, businesspeople and yogurt lovers lined up Saturday morning to formally christen the new Red Mango frozen yogurt shop at Davidson Commons shopping center, off Griffith Street. The shop, which opened Oct. 7, was giving away free yogurt and toppings through 2 p.m. Read the full story

Third-grader Hannah Mills won the market's recent poster contest. Here it is!

Davidson Farmers’ Market will kick off a new season of winter tailgate markets this Saturday, Nov. 5, when it hosts a Winter Market Chef Challenge – a sort of local food “Iron chef” competition.

The market also is promoting its winter schedule with a new poster, including an image by the winner of its winter market poster contest. Hannah Mills, a third-grader at Community School of Davidson, took the top prize with her drawing of a colorful owl.

Her winning artwork and other entries are on display for the next few weeks in the rotunda gallery at Davidson Town Hall. Davidson Town Hall is at 216 S. Main St., and is open weekdays during business hours.

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Outlaw Bash Wednesday at the Brick.

Restaurant events around the area this week include Wednesday night’s Outlaw Bash at Brickhouse Tavern, a ribbon cutting (and free frozen yogurt) at Red Mango in Davidson Saturday, and another in a series of guest bartender nights at Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, this month featuring Davidson Mayor John Woods. Meanwhile, Toast Cafe has officially opened its second location – in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood. Read the full story

Restaurant notes this week: Taco Mac has opened off Sam Furr Road in Huntersville, offering its signature Buffalo wings as well as Mexican food and microbrews. Meanwhile, the Lake Norman area is in line to get Melting Pot later this fall, off Exit 25 in Huntersville. Donato’s Pizza in Davidson has shut its doors. And Wednesday night is “Drink Pink” night at Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse in Davidson, hosted by Davidson College’s Connor House. Read the full story

Davidson Farmers’ Market hosts the last of its summer/fall markets this Saturday, Oct. 29, when sales will be open 8 a.m. to noon next to Town Hall. And market organizers already are planning a kickoff for the winter season on Saturday, Nov. 5, when they’ll host a Winter Market Chef Challenge – a sort of local food “Iron chef” competition.

The winter markets will run alternating Saturdays, 9 a.m., to noon, in the same location as the regular season market, off Main Street.

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The North Mecklenburg Rotary has partnered with the Lake Norman Wine and Food Festival this year to plan its 2nd annual event at Kenton Place in Cornelius. This year, three local charities have been selected as the beneficiaries. Also in this column, Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails and Tenders restaurants in Cornelius host events to benefit the Cornelius Animal Shelter, Alton’s also plans a 5-course wine dinner, Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse unveils new lunch and dinner menus and a gourmet olive oil and vinegar shop, Isabella’s, opens in Mooresville. See details below. Read the full story