GET YOUR TICKETS, IT'LL BE A FULL HOUSE
CHARLIE CREIGHTON MEMORIAL POKER TOURNAMENT, JANUARY 24
WEEKEND WEATHER UPDATE
Whether you’re coming for the history, the hospitality, or just a friendly walk in town, Edenton is rolling out the sunshine and gentle breezes this weekend.
Looks like a fine time to be outside and take in the charm of our little waterfront town.
Edenton is shaping up to be as pleasant as a front-porch chat with an old friend.
🌞 Friday:
Morning clouds give way to sunshine by midday, with temperatures climbing into the upper 50s to low 60s. A light breeze off the Albemarle Sound will keep the air crisp and clear — perfect for a lunchtime stroll through downtown or a riverside walk. No rain in sight.
🌤️ Saturday:
A beautiful January day is on tap. Expect clear blue skies and bright sunshine, with highs near the low 60s. Cool mornings turn comfortably mild by the afternoon. Folks might see groups out enjoying coffee on patios or browsing shops along Broad and King Streets.
🌥️ Sunday:
Mostly sunny with a few high clouds drifting in, but still a fine day for outdoor plans. Temperatures again in the upper 50s. Great weather for visiting historic sites or taking a scenic drive around town.
☀️ Monday:
Start the week well with another sun-kissed day. Temps around the low 60s, soft sunshine lingering all day.
Continuing Edenton's Momentum in 2026
Identifying, Engaging, Partnering, Developing
Editor's Note: Edenton's growth is becoming more obvious on a regular basis. New houses, freshly painted buildings along with new businesses and restaurants are sprouting regularly. Over the past year Edenton has experienced 10 business grand opening events – more than all of the surrounding town's combined. As we head into 2026, the grand opening calendar is already penciling in dates. The town's leadership plays an important role in attracting new businesses to town.
Navigating small town local government requires dedicated leadership and vision. Its effectiveness depends on trust, consistency, and a genuine contribution. Edenton is fortunate to have town leaders working to create a sustainable competitive advantage for Edenton’s healthy growth by earning local respect through consistent actions, operational transparency, and sharing decision-making rationale with the community. In light of the new year the Edenton Social Light reached out to Edenton Mayor Hackney High asking him to share his goals for the upcoming year. His impressive list for 2026 is below.
Continuing Town's Momentum in 2026
By Mayor Hackney High
2025 was an exciting year for the Town of Edenton. Our community has been active, engaged, and vibrant in ways we have not seen in many years, and the future of Edenton is indeed bright.
As we prepare for 2026, one of my primary goals as Mayor is to build upon the positive momentum we experienced in 2025 and to position our town for an even more successful year ahead.
In no particular order, some of my goals for 2026 include:
1. Continuing affordable workforce housing efforts on Court Street and Coke Avenue and exploring additional opportunities and locations for more affordable housing for our residents.
2. Identify ways to attract additional new and diverse businesses such as Project Teapot to provide our residents higher paying jobs and a better quality of life.
3. Developing action items and timelines for infrastructure improvements along the Old Hertford Road corridor, including coordination with the developer planning a single-family neighborhood in that area.
4. Emphasizing continued investment and economic development in north Edenton, including but not limited to the Edenton Village Shopping Center.
5. Engaging with grocery store owners, commercial real estate brokers and developers to bring a second grocery store to Edenton, recognizing increased interest from grocers and other retailers in Edenton Village Shopping Center following the opening of Tractor Supply and exploring potential stand-alone sites beyond Edenton Village Shopping Center.
6. Requiring regular updates on the Hotel Hinton and Beechwood Apartments projects and working with developers to establish actionable timelines.
7. Partnering with County Commissioners and private citizen groups to explore ways to reshape the Edenton–Chowan Recreation Department.
8. Partnering with the County Commissioners and School Board to support and improve the local school system and to maximize the impact of the Town’s contribution to the Educational Foundation.
9. Partnering with County Commissioners and private citizen groups on the transfer of ownership and development of Swain Auditorium in a manner that minimizes risk and expense to the Town.
10. Working with the Edenton Police Department and local community groups to address gun violence.
11. Reviewing overhead maps of the Town of Edenton and its extra-territorial limits to develop a plan for balanced growth and development, while identifying opportunities for conservation easements to protect the rural nature and quality of life of Edenton and Chowan County.
12. Reviewing existing street paving phases and identifying streets to be repaved during the upcoming paving season.
13. Identifying potential locations for pickleball courts, keeping in mind noise concerns and experiences of other municipalities.
14. Establishing funding and a location for a splash pad for our children.
15.Working with the developer of the Gordman’s building to have tenants in place by the end of the year or earlier.
16. Developing action items and timelines for eco-tourism and public use opportunities at Hayes, including public swimming and walking trails.
18. Establishing and communicating a timeframe for completion of the new fire department.
19.Partnering with the County Commissioners and School Board to establish a lighting, landscaping, sidewalk, signage, and crosswalk plan for the new high school and surrounding educational district.
20. Establishing a plan for Edenton Harbor which is more user friendly for day boaters and locals.
Town Council worked diligently throughout 2025 to accomplish many of the goals established for the year, and I am confident that we can continue to make similar, meaningful progress toward our 2026 goals in the coming year. We are fortunate to live in such a remarkable town, and it is important that we not rest on our laurels, but instead continue moving forward together with the shared goal of making Edenton the very best place it can be to live, work, play and visit. WHH
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UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY, FEBRUARY
HONORING REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING
Edenton Steamers Annual Oyster Roast
Edenton Steamers Annual Oyster Roast
Edenton Steamers Annual Oyster Roast
Edenton Steamers Annual Oyster Roast
Edenton Steamers Annual Oyster Roast
Roadside Success at NC Extension
Edenton Steamers Annual Oyster Roast
Tuesday Playgroup Inviting Neighbors
Tuesday Playgroup Inviting Neighbors
Learn the Drop Stitch Technique Chowan Senior Center Stitchers
Tuesday Playgroup Inviting Neighbors
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Charlie Creighton Memorial Poker Tournament
Learn the Drop Stitch Technique Chowan Senior Center Stitchers
Learn the Drop Stitch Technique Chowan Senior Center Stitchers
Learn the Drop Stitch Technique Chowan Senior Center Stitchers
Learn the Drop Stitch Technique Chowan Senior Center Stitchers
Learn the Drop Stitch Technique Chowan Senior Center Stitchers
BAYSIDE BAKERY & BOARDS OPENING ON S. BROAD
JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE'S DAY
There is ‘Good News’ happening on the corner of S. Broad Street and East King Street. Bayside Bakery and Boards will be filling the town with the aroma of fresh baked goods soon. The new owners, Patrick and Heather Sexton live in Bulls Bay in Columbia. Heather is the baker and managing owner and Patrick, Heather’s major cheerleader, may be recruited for dish duty as needed.
“I love Edenton Bay, I live in Bulls Bay where I’ve been dreaming of this opportunity. I live in a community where some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met live and have encouraged me to also follow my dream. They may be biased, they have love my baked goods,” Heather said.
Heather will be baking breads, pastries, cupcakes, NY style cheesecake, pies and bagels. They will also be creating bread boards.
“I want to offer a place for the community and visitors to come,sit down and enjoy great baked goods and wonderful customer service,” expressed Heather. “I love baking and even more than that I love the joy it brings to those who eat my baked goods. I want this to be a happy place for all. A place that when you walk in the door the smell hits you and then you take that first bite of your treat and your soul wants to dance.”
As an experienced baker, Heather has been in the service industry for over 30 years and this will be her first time as the owner. The goal is to have the bakery open on Wednesday, February 4, the week prior to Valentine’s Day.
“We will be opening the week before Valentine’s Day and have everything you could need and more for your favorite valentine. We will also have a variety of merchandise available for purchase. Come check us out and let us become one of your Happy Places,” Said Heather. “I’d like to give a huge thank you to the overwhelming support of the local community especially Tomat GreyBeards, My Custom Swag, Polka Dot Palm, Broad Street Bazaar and Broad Street Diner just to name a few. Not to mention all of the patrons of this amazing town. How blessed are we to be a part of such a wonderful welcoming community."
GRAND OPENING SEASON IS HERE
STAY UPDATED. WE WILL SEND YOU ALL THE GRAND OPENING NEWS. LAST YEAR MANY RESIDENTS MISSED TEN GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS...
THANK YOU CHIEF LaFON & THE ENTIRE EPD
GRAFFITI VANDAL SOUGHT
When Edenton Police Chief David LaFon explained the Edenton Social Light news boxes had been vandalized with graffiti I was surprised such a thing could happen in our quiet town. I was even more surprised when Chief LaFon explained he and his graffiti crew had erased the vandalism from the news boxes and a variety of other locations totalling close to thirty spots in town that needed attention.
While the graffiti vandal was surprising and a break from small town norm, the fact we have a police chief and department that not only keeps an eye out for crime, but literally cleans it up. That should be highly commended.
The press release from the Edenton Police Deparment is below.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 27, a widespread incident of vandalism occurred throughout the downtown area. The graffiti was not discovered until daybreak, when officers and community members began noticing the damage. After reviewing available video footage, the Edenton Police Department pinpointed the activity to approximately 2:30 a.m.
One individual tagged and defaced more than 30 locations within the town limits.
We take acts of vandalism very seriously. These actions impact the safety, appearance, and pride of our community, and such behavior will not be tolerated in Edenton. The Police Department is actively investigating this incident and is committed to holding those responsible accountable.
Please see the photo above of the individual believed to be involved in this incident. We are seeking assistance in identifying this person.
If you have any information that may help, please contact:
Chief David LaFon at 252-482-5144 ext. 103
CANDLELIGHT TOUR DOES IT AGAIN
EDENTON'S HOLIDAY ELEGANCE & STYLE WELCOMED VISITORS
Edenton's elegance in both lavish and casual styles where on display throughout town last weekend as a dozen proud owners opened their homes and lifestyles for over 2000 visitors to experience one step at a time. Whether awed by walls framed in history or styled like Hockney one of the main attractions where the bare walls of the Cupola House and the stories being uncovered like the plaster between the laths. Docents Jonathon Tobias and Russell Corker greeted guests throughout the afternoon sharing bits of knowledge recently discovered within the walls.
Since the restoration of the original woodwork began, the bare bones of the building and dismantling of the plaster covering them was a preservation archeologist's dream, of which Edenton is becoming known.
The Candlelight Tour was a wonderful holiday opportunity to tour some of the most historic homes in town decorated in festive lights and holiday decor. Edenton’s 44 annual Candlelight Tour showcased homes along the Edenton's waterfront on Blount Street, West King and Pembroke Circle on Friday and Saturday December 12 and 13. The Hayes Farm was also on a separate ticketed tour.
Guests were greeted by home owners, family members and friends and shared stories of their homes and unique architectural characteristics. Homes on the tour represented a number of periods in history and offered guests a glimpse into the lives of Edenton residents. Paintings throughout many of the homes included notable Edentonians of the past.
The Edenton Historical Commission worked throughout the year to select and collaborate with homeowners on this wonderful holiday event. It is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and this year’s theme was “Once Upon a Christmas”.
Marsha Creighton and Carey Stegal worked closely with the homeowners and Bonnie Pierce and Kathleen Towers coordinated the arrangements to bring the theme to life. Walking into some of the homes was a rendition of a a living Christmas Card.