FIG FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND
CHEF CHERYL ORR @ FIG FESTIVAL SUNDAY AUGUST 2
JAH OPEN HOUSE ATTRACTS LOCAL, STATE OFFICIALS
SANTA FILLS THE FARMERS MARKET WITH SMILES
HOLMES SPOTLIGHT SHINES BRIGHT
School, county, local and state officials welcome guests to Holmes open house
The community open house at the new John A. Holmes High School on Friday was more than the showcasing a new building. It was a celebration of generations of students, teachers, families, and community members whose collective efforts made the new campus possible while serving as a reminder that the school's greatest accomplishments still lie ahead.
Chowan School Superintendent Tammi Ward welcomed stakeholders, state, county and local officials, school board members and the curious residents to the official community open house showcasing the school and all it has to offer future generations.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers including former Principal Sonya Rhinehart, Chowan County Board of Commission Chair Bob Kirby, and Edenton-Chowan Public Schools Board of Education Chair George Lewis shared a common message. Each reflected on a different chapter in the school's story: it's proud history, the community investment that made the new campus possible, and the responsibility now shared by everyone who walks through its doors.
Together, their remarks formed a portrait of a school deeply rooted in tradition while embracing the promise of tomorrow.
Honoring a Legacy
Former Principal Sonya Rhinehart was the natural choice to reflect on the school's history. Few people have experienced John A. Holmes High School from as many perspectives.
"I guess it's fitting for me to talk about the past," Rhinehart said. "I think I've been here probably the longest."
A graduate of John A. Holmes, Rhinehart later returned as a teacher before eventually serving as principal. Along the way she worked under several superintendents, each helping shape her career while strengthening the school she proudly calls home.
"This is kind of a homecoming moment," she said.
For Rhinehart, the ceremony represented far more than the opening of a new facility.
"Today's not just about opening a new building," she said. "It's the continuation of a story that began generations ago."
She reminded the audience that the new school was never intended to replace its predecessor.
"This building is not a replacement for our past," Rhinehart said. "It's a tribute to it. It's a nod to every student, teacher, parent, coach, and community member who made this school what it is today."
She reflected on decades of academic achievement, athletic success, and community pride that helped establish John A. Holmes as one of northeastern North Carolina's most respected high schools.
"Academic achievement, athletic success, and a striving for excellence were not aspirations," she said. "They were expectations."
Rhinehart pointed to state championships, national recognition for academic excellence, international educational partnerships, and other accomplishments that demonstrated that excellence is never limited by geography.
"Our success was never the result of standing still," she said. "Visionary leadership, dedicated staff, and ambitious students always asked, 'What else is possible?' Time and again we outperformed expectations and proved that innovation and tradition can thrive together."
She described the school as far more than classrooms and hallways.
"The school has always been more than brick and mortar," Rhinehart said. "It's been the heartbeat of our community."
She recalled Friday night football games, concerts, Peanut Festival activities, school dances, alumni traditions, and generations of families who considered the school a second home.
"It was a place where everybody knew your name," she said. "A place where you were welcomed, encouraged, challenged, and when necessary, set straight."
Teachers became mentors. Classmates became lifelong friends. Students discovered not only who they were, but who they could become.
As the audience prepared to enter the new building, Rhinehart reminded them that although the walls had changed, the school's identity had not.
"While these walls are new," she said, "the heart of this school remains unchanged."
She concluded by expressing confidence that the values which defined John A. Holmes for generations would continue guiding its future.
"The address may be new," Rhinehart said, "but the mission remains the same, because this has been—and always will be—a place where tradition meets tomorrow."
A Community Investment
Before Rhinehart's reflections, Chowan County Board of Commissioners Chair Bob Kirby focused on the present and the community effort that transformed years of planning into reality.
Beginning his remarks, Kirby asked those gathered to simply stop and look around.
"Take a few moments to look around at this wonderful facility," he said. "It's almost unbelievable."
Kirby admitted he had never seen a high school quite like the one standing before the community.
"I've never been in a high school like this in my entire life," he said.
As visitors prepared to tour the building, Kirby encouraged them to appreciate the athletic facilities, classrooms, and career and technical education spaces designed to prepare students for a changing workforce.
He particularly praised the return and expansion of career and technical education opportunities.
"Everybody doesn't need to go to college to make a very good living," Kirby said. "The skilled trades remain essential."
Using plumbers as an example, he reminded the audience that successful communities depend upon talented professionals in every field and that students should have opportunities to pursue careers that match their interests and abilities.
Kirby also reflected on the years of planning that preceded construction. He recalled public meetings held in 2019 when residents supported building the new high school on the historic John A. Holmes campus.
"The public emphasized the need to keep this high school on the same campus," Kirby said. "Our elected officials listened. And here we are."
Speaking on behalf of the Chowan County Board of Commissioners and the citizens of Chowan County, Kirby looked at the school as a gift.
"It is a gift," he said, "to the administrators, faculty, staff, and students of John A. Holmes High School."
The Future Begins Tomorrow
While Rhinehart reflected on the school's history and Kirby celebrated the community's investment, Board of Education Chair George Lewis challenged everyone in attendance to think beyond the day.
Lewis began by acknowledging that previous speakers had explained how the school came to be. His purpose, he said, was different.
Referencing Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Lewis compared his remarks to the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come—not as a prediction, but as a reminder that the future depends entirely upon the choices people make beginning today.
"The future of John A. Holmes High School has not yet been written," Lewis said.
"This beautiful campus is not the end of the story," he continued. "It is the first of a new chapter."
Lewis thanked the taxpayers, elected officials, architects, engineers, contractors, skilled tradespeople, teachers, staff, parents, students, alumni, volunteers, and community leaders whose faith made the project possible.
"This school exists because of your faith in children," he said, "and your belief in the future of this community."
But Lewis reminded the audience that constructing the building represented only the beginning.
"The real investment begins tomorrow morning," he said. "Buildings do not educate children. People do."
He challenged parents to send children to school prepared to learn, encouraged students to choose discipline over distraction and excellence over excuses, and praised teachers for investing both their knowledge and their hearts into every classroom.
He urged administrators to lead with courage, school board members to continue making decisions centered on students, and the community to support education not only with financial resources but also with encouragement, high expectations, and active involvement.
"The greatest investment we can make from this day forward is not financial," Lewis said. "It is cultural. It is deciding together that education is the most important work we do."
Lewis described every room in the new building as filled with possibility.
Science laboratories, career and technical education classrooms, the performing arts spaces, athletic facilities, and gathering areas all have the potential to prepare students for meaningful careers while strengthening the entire community.
Yet, he cautioned, buildings alone cannot fulfill those dreams.
"Potential only becomes reality when people invest themselves in it," Lewis said.
He challenged everyone present to choose collaboration over conflict, encouragement over criticism, responsibility over excuses, and excellence over mediocrity.
"If every parent, every student, every teacher, every administrator, every elected official, every business owner, every church, every civic organization, every citizen contributes just a little more than they did yesterday," Lewis said, "those individual investments will multiply into something far greater than the sum of their parts."
Calling that "the power of a community united by common purpose," Lewis said future generations will ultimately judge the success of the school not by the beauty of its architecture or the cost of its construction, but by its impact on the lives of students.
"They will ask whether these classrooms changed lives," he said. "Whether these stages inspired dreams. Whether these hallways produced leaders. Whether this community fulfilled the promise it celebrated on this day."
Lewis closed with a challenge that echoed throughout the dedication ceremony.
"Today we dedicate a building," he said. "Tomorrow morning, we begin deciding what it will become."
More Than a New Building
As guests toured the new campus following the ceremony, the message shared by all three speakers remained remarkably consistent.
The new John A. Holmes High School represents decades of community planning, public investment, educational excellence, and civic pride. But the speakers agreed that its greatest contribution will not be measured by its modern classrooms, impressive athletic facilities, or beautiful architecture.
Instead, its legacy will be measured by the students who discover their talents, the teachers who inspire them, the families who support them, and the community that continues investing in their success.
The next chapter in the history of John A. Holmes High School now belongs to those who walk through them.
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.
4th Annual Fig Festival Returns to Spruill Conservation Farm
LINCOLN ADAMS INSPECTING A FIG
Figs, food, history and the outdoors will come together during the 4th Annual Fig Festival, a two-day celebration scheduled for Aug. 1-2 at Spruill Conservation Farm in Roper.
Lincoln Adams and Julia Townsend have once again been focused on creating the annual highly anticipated event which has grown exponentially over the past three years. Figs begin to tantalize tastebuds locally in late June to early July. Fig enthusiast and Spruill Conservation Farm advocate and volunteer Susan Inglis stood watch over four quarts of pre sold figs at the Edenton Farmers Market teasing passers’- by palates, leaving a taste for the upcoming August festival.
Hosted by The Peanut Factory at the nation's only Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) fig orchard, the festival celebrates one of eastern North Carolina's unique agricultural treasures. The orchard is home to more than 50 fig trees representing over 20 varieties, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the versatility of one of the South's oldest fruits.
Activities begin on Saturday, Aug. 1, with a day focused on exploring the farm and surrounding landscape. Visitors can participate in yoga at dawn, Tai Chi, a Fig Quest scavenger hunt and run/walk, a grounding workshop, and a fig-themed breakfast along the waterfront. Swimming and paddling opportunities on the Albemarle Sound will also be available throughout the day.
The celebration continues on Sunday, Aug. 2, with a full schedule centered on figs and local food traditions. Guests can sample fresh figs, enjoy live music, browse vendors featuring fig-inspired merchandise, and explore arts and crafts displayed throughout the orchard. Educational presentations highlighting local history will also be offered.
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.
The festival will also feature a friendly competition recognizing some of the best fig creations, including cakes, preserves, barbecue sauce and other homemade specialties.
Organizers say the event is designed to celebrate agriculture, conservation and community while introducing more people to the unique flavors and history of the fig. Whether attending for the food, outdoor activities, educational programs or family-friendly atmosphere, visitors will find something to enjoy throughout the weekend.
Additional information, registration details and schedules for both days are available through The Peanut Factorywebsite at www.ThePeanutFactory.org
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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.
Harbor Town Cruises Launches Guided Walking Tours
Warren encourages visitors to explore downtown while boosting the local economy
Harbor Town Cruises is expanding the visitor experience beyond the waterfront with the introduction of guided walking tours of historic Edenton, an initiative designed to encourage tourists to spend more time exploring the community while supporting local businesses.
The new program, created and designed by Ted Warren, Managing Director of Harbor Town Cruises, reflects a simple philosophy: when visitors stay longer and experience more of Edenton, everyone benefits.
Beginning Thursday, July 31, the guided tours will introduce participants to Edenton's rich history, distinctive architecture and the people who have shaped one of North Carolina's most historic communities. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the walks are intended to complement Harbor Town Cruises' popular sightseeing excursions by giving guests another way to experience the town.
"This is about creating an experience that extends beyond the boat," Warren said. "When visitors spend more time in Edenton, they discover our shops, restaurants, museums and attractions. That helps strengthen our entire downtown business community."
Harbor Town Cruises is also inviting local businesses to become partners in the program by offering discounts, incentives or special promotions to tour participants. Businesses can choose the type of promotion that best fits their operation, including percentage discounts, fixed-dollar savings, free desserts, special giveaways or other offers redeemable by walking tour guests.
The company is also encouraging bus tour operators and organized travel groups to include Edenton's guided walking tours as part of their itineraries, creating additional opportunities to introduce new visitors to the community.
The initiative is another example of Harbor Town Cruises' commitment to promoting tourism while supporting small businesses throughout Edenton. By connecting visitors with local merchants and attractions, Warren hopes the walking tours will create lasting economic benefits while giving guests a deeper appreciation for the town's history and charm.
Businesses interested in participating in the program may contact Harbor Town Cruises to learn more about partnership opportunities.
"We've always believed tourism works best when the entire community benefits," Warren said. "If we can help visitors discover everything Edenton has to offer, they'll stay longer, spend more locally and leave with memories that bring them back again."
Weather Update-July 18- July 23
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
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Friday, July 17 — Thursday, July 23, 2026
🔥 Friday – July 17
☀️ Increasing clouds, dangerously hot and humid
High: ~95°F • Low: ~77°F
Heat index values may exceed 105°F during the afternoon. Limit strenuous outdoor activity and stay well hydrated. A Heat Advisory is in effect.
🌤️ Saturday – July 18
🌤️ Partly sunny, hot and humid
High: ~91°F • Low: ~76°F
A typical midsummer day with high humidity. Most locations remain dry, though an isolated late-day shower cannot be ruled out.
⛈️ Sunday – July 19
⛈️ Showers and thunderstorms likely
High: ~91°F • Low: ~75°F
Scattered thunderstorms become more widespread during the afternoon and evening. Heavy rain and frequent lightning will be possible.
🌦️ Monday – July 20
🌦️ Mostly cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms
High: ~88°F • Low: ~75°F
Unsettled weather lingers with periods of rain and thunderstorms. Some sunshine is expected between storms.
🌤️ Tuesday – July 21
🌤️ Partly sunny with an afternoon thunderstorm possible
High: ~90°F • Low: ~78°F
Warm and humid with a typical summertime chance of a late-day shower or thunderstorm.
⛈️ Wednesday – July 22
⛈️ Partly sunny with scattered thunderstorms
High: ~89°F • Low: ~74°F
Humidity remains elevated as another round of afternoon and evening thunderstorms develops.
🌦️ Thursday – July 23
🌦️ Partly sunny with scattered afternoon thunderstorms
High: ~85°F • Low: ~72°F
Slightly cooler temperatures arrive, but afternoon thunderstorms remain possible before gradually diminishing toward evening.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
Classic midsummer weather settles over northeastern North Carolina this week. Friday opens with dangerous heat and oppressive humidity before temperatures ease slightly over the weekend. Beginning Sunday, a more unsettled pattern develops as abundant Gulf moisture fuels daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
While no day appears to be a complete washout, residents should anticipate periods of heavy rain, frequent lightning, and locally gusty winds, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures remain seasonably warm through the week, generally in the upper 80s to lower 90s, with humidity keeping conditions muggy even after sunset.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
🔥 Dangerous heat Friday
🌤️ Hot and humid Saturday
⛈️ Best chance of widespread storms Sunday
🌦️ Daily afternoon thunderstorms Monday through Thursday
💧 Heavy rainfall and lightning possible at times
🌡️ Typical midsummer warmth continues throughout the week