This summer has been the first season of Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s Third Thursday series. Every Third Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., the Garden stays open late and hosts a special event.

“We have been able to bring in different groups of people who have never been to the Garden before, and that was our goal. So in that way, yes, it’s been successful,” said Taryn Hughes, marketing manager. “We are hoping to continue our attendance growth and have the community know where to go on every Third Thursday of  the month!” 

This month’s Third Thursday is on Aug. 17 and is Latin Soiree-themed. Anna Fiore of A la Fiore Arts will lead Rueda de Casino, which is an energetic Cuban group dance.

“Our first Third Thursday was Tango unTapped, where Anna showcased the evolution of tango and also taught them how to do the traditional tango steps,” Hughes said. “However, this Third Thursday
is not so much a showcase, but a get up and dance event.” Admission is free with entrance into the garden. 

Anna Fiore is the founder of A la Fiore Arts. She has a background in fitness, movement and the arts. She specializes in yoga, Latin dance, acro yoga and aerial acrobatics. “Through her mission as a local artist and educator, she strives to inspire people to understand the connections between various movement styles and, ideally, explore these ideas through personal engagement and participation,” Hughes said. “Through intentional movement, we increase our body’s awareness, and from this awareness grows greater respect for our bodies and ourselves. Inevitably, this respect inspires us to make decisions that lead to healthier, happier and more balanced lives.”

My Boricau Kitchen will provide delicious Puerto Rican and Caribbean cuisine for the night. There will also be a cash bar. “The cash bar has a variety of beer and wine selections,” Hughes said. “We do carry local brews from Dirtbag Ales, their IPA, Mocha and Kolsh. My Boricua Kitchen will provide the nonalcoholic beverages such as water and tea.”

All audience members, regardless of experience, are invited to take part in dancing and learning Rueda de Casino. “While dancing can be intimidating, it’s a whole lot of fun,” Hughes said. “Don’t worry about your dance level, Anna is a phenomenal teacher and will make sure you enjoy yourself! We welcome all dance levels and hope to see everyone out there dancing. If you don’t feel comfortable dancing, no worries, you’re welcome to walk the grounds or just sit and relax and watch everyone else dance.”

The last Third Thursday of this summer takes place on Sept. 21. The theme is Foodscaping 101. Brie Arthur, an author and horticulturalist, will explain how to turn your yard into edible landscaping that can provide you and your family with produce.

Find out more at www.capefearbg.org.