FIG FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SHOWCASE TALENT
Historic Wozelka House Restoration Unveiled
CHEF CHERYL ORR @ FIG FESTIVAL SUNDAY AUGUST 2
WACH'S MAKE THE EVENING POSSIBLE
Wozelka House, Olsson's Art, Paired for Historic Preview
Joe and Stephanie Wach opened the doors to the freshly restored Wozelka House Tuesday evening as invited guests had the rare opportunity to view the restored historic home along with the phenomenal works of edenton artist Paul Olsson.
The house holds special purpose in Olsson’s life as the dining room ceiling displays his original artwork.
However, while the home and Olsson’s work were the highlight of the evening, the preservationists that restored the home deserve a round of applause.
As the story goes, when Joe and Stephanie Wach came to Edenton on a visit, they had little thought of becoming one of the town’s major investors, both from a financial and volunteering standpoint, however, Edenton has a way about it, to coin a phrase.
What many people don’t know about the Wach’s is they are entrepreneurial gamblers, not in the Vegas sense of the word, but in the invest your money in town sense of the word.
The building housing Surf, Wind and Fire on Broad St. didn’t always appear as inviting as it is today. . It was in need of a fix up or two, maybe three or four, when the Wach’s decided to go to the real estate dice table, purchase the building and restore it. Granted, Edenton was on an upward trend, but the speed of its trajectory was uncertain at the time. On top of Surf, Wind and Fires’ restoration they created two VRBO’s and filled them. That added to th ecounty occupancy tax. You might say the couple spearheaded downtown retail and VRBO renovation.
Their next project could be considered a “Put it all on number 7,” type move. Without any knowledge of one of the most risk oriented businesses in the world, they decided to purchase and restore the waterfront Conger Building and open a needed restaurant.
From that success, the couple opened Carrozza and now their commitment has taken another step in the historic preservation of town.
The Wozelka house has been on the town’s preservation radar for decades. The fact it has come to fruition was a team effort.
“It was an honor for the Edenton Historic Commission to partner with Southern Bank and the Town of Edenton to chart a path for the Elizabeth Wozelka House. Southern Bank’s generous gift of the property allowed us to find an investor willing to restore the house and abide by restrictions to respect its historic integrity”, said Edenton Historical Commission Executive Director Robert Leath “Outeast LLC with Stephanie and Joe Wach checked all the boxes. They have preserved the building with respect for its original woodwork and decorative painted ceiling, and now it becomes a positive contributor to Edenton’s downtown economy.”
Known throughout Edenton as "the bread folks," John Wozelka established a thriving commercial bakery that became both a successful business and the foundation of the family's future.
The Wozelkas raised four children, each becoming part of the family's local history.
Among them was Elizabeth Wozelka, whose name would become permanently associated with one of Edenton's distinctive homes.
In 1927, Elizabeth contracted respected local builder Lord Byron Perry to construct her residence at 103 West Queen Street.
Perry, who worked extensively throughout Chowan, Perquimans and Pasquotank counties during the early twentieth century, proposed building the home for $5,500. Remarkably, his original construction proposal has survived through Elizabeth's descendants, providing historians with an invaluable glimpse into the home's creation.
The house itself is an architectural standout.
Designed as a Craftsman-style bungalow, it features the broad wraparound porch and Doric columns characteristic of the period while incorporating an unusual second-story central section that distinguishes it from more traditional bungalow designs.
The home's design proved so admired that it became something of a regional model. According to the records, neighboring Gates County resident W. Graham Byrum borrowed Elizabeth Wozelka's architectural plans as inspiration for constructing his own residence.
Yet perhaps the home's greatest legacy is not simply its design, but the foresight of the woman who built it.
Because Elizabeth carefully preserved the original architectural documents, generations of descendants were able to pass those records forward. Today, they have become part of North Carolina's historic preservation archives, allowing researchers to understand not only how the house was constructed, but also the remarkable family behind it.
The Wozelka story is ultimately one of perseverance, entrepreneurship and community. From immigrants seeking opportunity to successful business owners known affectionately as "the bread folks," the family's influence extended far beyond their bakery and into the streetscape and civic life of Edenton.
Nearly a century after Elizabeth commissioned her home, the house remains more than an impressive example of Craftsman architecture. It stands as a reminder that behind many of Edenton's historic homes are families whose determination, hard work and vision helped shape the community that residents and visitors continue to enjoy today.
The house is currently deemed commercial and office and retail spaces are available and the location couldn't be any closer to a bank.
SPECIAL THANKS...
The successful restoration of the Elizabeth Wozelka House is the result of an extraordinary partnership between public agencies, private organizations and generous individuals committed to preserving Edenton's architectural heritage. Heartfelt thanks go to Southern Bank, the Town of Edenton, the Edenton Historical Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission and the neighbors of West Queen Street for their support throughout the project. Appreciation is also extended to Lisa Bender, Amélia and Lin Bond, Gray and Sandy Boon, Ginny and Robin Winslow, and The Masonic Lodge for graciously sharing works of art that helped bring the home to life during its opening celebration. Special thanks to the Chowan Arts Council for providing the display easels and to Andrew Overby for ensuring the artwork was safely installed and presented. Together, these contributions transformed the evening into a celebration not only of a beautifully restored home, but of the community that came together to preserve it.
Paul Olsson's Art Graces a Home Worthy of His Legacy
An evening at the restored Wozelka House celebrated one of Edenton's most accomplished artists
Some homes are filled with beautiful paintings.
Others become showcases where art, architecture and history come together under one roof.
That was the scene Wednesday evening as Joe and Stephanie Wach opened the recently restored Wozelka House for an intimate gathering celebrating the artwork of acclaimed Edenton artist Paul Olsson.
Visitors meandered from room to room discovering paintings that reflected both the remarkable versatility of the artist and his enduring connection to northeastern North Carolina.
The collection ranged from expansive landscapes to carefully composed still lifes, from working watermen hauling fish from the Albemarle Sound to a striking self-portrait of the artist standing confidently before his easel, palette and brushes in hand.
Each room offered another glimpse into Olsson's artistic vision.
One of the evening's most compelling works captures fishermen hauling a seine net heavy with fish along the shallow shoreline. Painted in muted earth tones beneath a broad coastal sky, the work reflects both the physical labor and quiet dignity of the commercial fishing industry that shaped life around the Albemarle Sound for generations.
Nearby hung a serene woodland landscape where tall pines and graceful birches frame a winding path beside still water. The painting demonstrates another side of Olsson's talent, capturing light, atmosphere and the peaceful beauty of nature with remarkable subtlety.
Equally impressive was an elegant still life featuring game birds, lobster, fruit and fine glassware—a classical composition that revealed the artist's command of texture, color and form.
Perhaps the most personal work on display was Olsson's self-portrait. Standing before a partially completed canvas with palette in hand, the artist appears thoughtful yet confident, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the man behind the paintings. More than a portrait, it serves as a statement of identity from an artist whose work became woven into the cultural fabric of Edenton.
The setting itself added another dimension to the evening.
The recently restored Wozelka House provided an appropriate backdrop for the exhibition. Built in 1927 for Elizabeth Wozelka and carefully preserved through generations, the Craftsman-style residence has become one of Edenton's architectural treasures. Joe and Stephanie Wach's thoughtful restoration has breathed new life into the historic home while honoring its original character.
Looking upward, guests discovered yet another surprise.
One of the home's ceilings features a painted mural created by Paul Olsson himself, making the residence not only a gallery for his paintings but also a permanent showcase for his artistic craftsmanship. The ceiling transforms the house into something even rarer—a place where Olsson's work remains exactly where it was intended to be experienced.
Throughout the evening, guests moved comfortably between conversation and contemplation, pausing before favorite paintings while sharing stories about the artist and his enduring legacy. Rather than a formal exhibition, the gathering felt like an opportunity to reconnect with a chapter of Edenton's artistic history.
The event celebrated more than exceptional paintings.
It celebrated the preservation of a remarkable home, the vision of its current stewards, and the lasting influence of an artist whose work continues to capture the people, landscapes and spirit of northeastern North Carolina.
For a few hours, the Wozelka House became exactly what historic homes are meant to be—not simply places to admire the past, but places where history continues to live.
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Boys & Girls Club Youth Showcase Talents in Annual Talent Show
The stage at the Old D.F. Walker Gymnasium came alive with music, dance, fashion and creativity as the Boys & Girls Clubs hosted its annual Talent Show on July 29.
The afternoon celebrated the talents, confidence and hard work of club members, providing young performers with the opportunity to showcase their abilities before family, friends and supporters.
Ahmaud Stevenson served as emcee, while Nyla Mayo welcomed guests to the event. The program opened with musical selections by the Boys & Girls Club Chorus, followed by spirited dance performances including "Lit for Christ" and a featured dance by Teyana Sanderlin.
The first portion of the program highlighted students in grades K-5, who demonstrated a variety of talents. Performances ranged from a Michael Jackson dance by A'cir Holley and Prince Burke to an athletic wear modeling presentation by Kyree Murphy and Javion Grandby. Troquan Moore Jr. entertained the audience with a rendition of "Billie Jean," while Lucius and Sebastian Frazier performed a piano recital. Londyn Jackson rounded out the youth showcase with a fashion modeling presentation.
The event also featured a Teen Center Bake Off, where Carmen Jernigan, Patrick Lee, Emoni Boyce and Cataleya Gumbs competed before a panel of judges.
Following intermission, participants took part in a Career Spotlight Walk, highlighting future career aspirations. Adrianna Powell represented the legal profession, while Emoni Boyce and Ziyonna Holley showcased careers in cosmetology.
The afternoon concluded with a judged fashion show featuring Jasean Jernigan, Khiyir Coston, Queen Horton, Carmen Jernigan, Zion Preudhomme, Emoni Boyce, Na'Kijah Walton, Ziyonna Holley and Starlise Eason.
As the program came to a close, all participants returned to the stage for a final bow before judges announced the winners.
The annual talent show provided far more than entertainment. It gave Boys & Girls Club members an opportunity to build confidence, develop public speaking and performance skills, explore career interests and celebrate one another's accomplishments in a supportive environment. Events like these continue to reflect the club's mission of helping young people discover their talents, build character and prepare for bright futures.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB DISPLAYS A VARIETY OF TALENTS
Christmas Spirit Made a Visit
SANTA BRINGS SMILES & SUNSHINE TO MARKET CROWD
Gray skies and an early morning shower did little to dampen the holiday spirit Saturday as the Edenton Farmers Market celebrated its annual Christmas in July event. By mid-morning, the rain had moved on, patches of blue sky emerged, and families filled the market for a festive day of shopping, food, music, and summertime Christmas cheer.
One of the biggest attractions was Inner Banks Santa, who traded snow for sunshine while posing for photographs with children, parents, and visitors beneath the market pavilion. Dressed in his signature red-and-white striped summer attire and Santa cap, he welcomed a steady stream of families eager to capture a uniquely coastal Christmas memory.
Young children dressed in bright yellow raincoats—still prepared for the morning showers—smiled for photos with Santa, while parents laughed and enjoyed the unexpected combination of rain gear and Christmas traditions. Others embraced the theme by wearing reindeer antlers, festive hats, and holiday glasses, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere throughout the market.
With the weather improving, shoppers lingered among more than 35 vendors offering locally grown produce, baked goods, handcrafted gifts, artwork, home décor, specialty foods, and early holiday treasures. The relaxed pace encouraged visitors to browse, visit with vendors, and catch up with friends as the market buzzed with conversation.
Edenton Hot Dog Co. kept visitors well fed throughout the morning, providing a popular stop between shopping and visits with Santa.
Although the day began with wet sidewalks and umbrellas, sunshine gradually returned, making for a comfortable summer morning and proving once again that a little rain could not wash away the community spirit that has become a hallmark of the Edenton Farmers Market.
For many families, the event was less about getting an early start on holiday shopping and more about creating memories together. Children delighted in meeting Santa months before Christmas, while adults enjoyed the playful reminder that the holidays are as much about community as they are about the calendar.
By the time the event concluded, Christmas in July had once again succeeded in bringing smiles, laughter, and a little holiday magic to downtown Edenton—demonstrating that even in the middle of summer, the spirit of the season is never too far away.
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CHERYL ORR TO DEMONSTRATE FIG-LURING RECIPES
One of the festival's featured attractions will be a cooking demonstration by Edenton celebrity chef Cheryl Orr, who will showcase creative ways to prepare dishes using fresh, locally grown ingredients. Orr, well known for her commitment to regional cuisine and seasonal cooking, will also prepare plated dinners featuring her signature recipes alongside other dishes made from local produce. Her appearance is expected to be one of the culinary highlights of the weekend, giving visitors an opportunity to see firsthand how figs can be incorporated into both savory and sweet recipes.
ADACHI OFFERS AN EPIC OBSERVATION OF ODYSSEUS' ODYSSEY
THE ODYSSEY: Rich Storytelling & Memorable Characters
There will likely be two separate groups of audiences who choose to see The Odyssey. There will be those who may have read Homer’s epic poem, which although written over 2500 years ago, is still considered by many today to be the greatest story ever told. Even if they haven’t read the original poem, they may be familiar with many of the gods, humans and monsters that populate the literary work. Then there are those who go to see the film having little previous knowledge of the stories contained in the poem. Following the film may therefore provide its challenges as Christopher Nolan, in the course of three hours, is tasked with condensing Homer’s 24 books and its fractured timeline into one cohesive narrative.
As a result, audiences familiar with Circe, Calypso, the Cyclops, the Sirens and Scylla will no doubt marvel at how amazingly well Nolan has represented these characters in his film. It is Homer’s work come to life, created by a master movie maker. For many unfamiliar with the stories, they may feel the film to be a mishmash of unrelated adventures squeezed into a long film that seems to have little to no coherence. As such, the reaction to the film may be divided between those who love it and those who walk out wondering what all the fuss was about.
The Odyssey covers the 10-year period that it takes Odysseus to return from Troy to his home, Ithaca, where he had reigned as king. It begins near the end of the 10th year, as Odysseus is on an island where he has been kept captive by Calypso for seven years, all the while wishing to go home but not knowing how. His first three years of travel have brought him into contact with one-eyed man-eaters, murderous giants, deadly Sirens, a witch, a terrifying six-headed man-eating sea monster and a deadly whirlpool. All of these adventures are shared with Calypso in flashback. At the same time, we follow two other stories. Penelope, Odysseus’ long-suffering wife, believes him to be still alive despite dozens of suitors who try to persuade her that he is dead in order to marry her and claim the throne to Ithaca. Then there is Odysseus’ son Telemachus who also believes his father to be alive but is yet too young and naïve to ascend to the throne.
Despite the appearance of gods and monsters in Homer's poem, the Odyssey is less about a man sailing off on an adventurous journey more than it is simply about his trying to get home at the end of a 10-year war. This is probably why the poem still resonates with our culture today. Nolan’s The Odyssey is vast in scope yet richly detailed. Nolan tells the story of a king separated from his kingdom, his wife and his son. He is a leader who has seen all his men die. A great warrior and military strategist (Odysseus is credited with the building of the Trojan horse), Nolan also depicts Odysseus as a flawed character. His arduous journey transforms him from an arrogant warrior who dares to defy the gods into a humbled, wiser leader. Through immense suffering and loss, his pride is replaced by a deep appreciation for life.
By the end of The Odyssey, Odysseus has reclaimed his home, restored his family, and reestablished order in Ithaca. The film concludes not simply with his return, but with reconciliation and peace, emphasizing that the ultimate triumph is the restoration of home and rightful leadership. The Odyssey is celebrated for its rich storytelling and memorable characters, while exploring the themes of perseverance, loyalty, and the importance of home and family. Nolan has successfully captured all of these elements in his film, which no doubt will be one of the most highly acclaimed pictures of 2026.
Weather Update-July 30- August 6
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton, North Carolina
7-Day Weather Outlook
Thursday, July 30 – Thursday, August 6, 2026
Thursday – July 30
☀️ Mostly Sunny and Pleasant
High: 87°F • Low: 67°F
A beautiful summer day with sunshine, comfortable humidity, and a light northerly breeze. Excellent weather for boating, golf, or strolling Edenton's historic waterfront.
Friday – July 31
🌤️ Partly Sunny
High: 88°F • Low: 70°F
Another pleasant summer day with a mix of sunshine and passing clouds. Warm afternoon temperatures but still comfortable enough for outdoor dining and evening concerts.
Saturday – August 1
⛅ Mostly Cloudy with Afternoon Thunderstorms
High: 86°F • Low: 72°F
Humidity begins to increase as August arrives. Most of the day should remain dry before scattered thunderstorms develop during the afternoon and evening.
Sunday – August 2
⛈️ Humid with Afternoon Thunderstorms
High: 88°F • Low: 78°F
Expect intervals of sunshine mixed with building clouds. Afternoon thunderstorms may become locally heavy, so keep an eye on the sky if you're spending time on the water.
Monday – August 3
🌧️ Cloudy with Thunderstorms Likely
High: 84°F • Low: 75°F
The week's wettest weather arrives as a moist air mass produces numerous showers and thunderstorms. Localized heavy rainfall and ponding on roads are possible.
Tuesday – August 4
⛈️ Mostly Cloudy with Heavy Thunderstorms
High: 86°F • Low: 72°F
Warm, humid conditions continue with additional rounds of thunderstorms, some capable of producing torrential downpours and frequent lightning.
Wednesday – August 5
🌦️ Periods of Rain
High: 86°F • Low: 74°F
Clouds dominate the day with periods of rain and occasional thunderstorms. Keep an umbrella handy if you're heading downtown or planning outdoor activities.
Thursday – August 6
⛈️ Morning Thunderstorms, Afternoon Rain
High: 87°F • Low: 72°F
Another unsettled summer day with thunderstorms possible during the morning followed by additional showers later in the afternoon. Rainfall may be locally heavy at times.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary
Edenton will enjoy two beautiful summer days before a more typical August weather pattern takes hold. Thursday and Friday offer sunshine, pleasant humidity, and ideal conditions for outdoor recreation. Beginning Saturday, moisture returns to eastern North Carolina, bringing daily opportunities for afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
The greatest chance for widespread rainfall arrives Monday through Thursday, when several rounds of showers and thunderstorms may produce brief heavy downpours and localized ponding. Residents planning boating, golf, festivals, or other outdoor activities should take advantage of the dry weather early in the period and monitor changing conditions later in the week.
📰 Weekly Weather Headlines
- ☀️ Beautiful weather Thursday and Friday
- 🌡️ Seasonably warm with highs in the mid to upper 80s
- 💧 Humidity returns over the weekend
- ⛈️ Daily afternoon thunderstorm chances beginning Saturday
- 🌧️ Wettest period expected Monday through Thursday