National Lighthouse Day Saturday Aug. 8
Peter Parker Packs a Punch in Spider Man
Fig Festival Features
NATIONAL LIGHTHOUSE DAY - SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Chef Cheryl Orr demonstrates a fig farm dish
Spruill Conservation Farm Celebrates Figs, Food and Conservation at Fourth Annual Fig Festival
The sweet taste of fresh figs, live music and cooking demonstrations brought about a few hundred visitors over the weekend to share in the seasonal bounty. Did you know the Spruill Conservation Farm is home to the only Certified Naturally Grown (CNG) fig orchard in the county? With more than 50 fruit-bearing fig trees representing over 20 varieties, the orchard took center stage during the Fourth Annual Fig Festival in Roper. The free two-day event, held August 1 and 2, drew visitors from both sides of the Albemarle Sound for a weekend celebrating agriculture, food and the outdoors.
Saturday’s activities began early, with guests enjoying a fig pancake breakfast from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by yoga at dawn, Taekwondo demonstrations, and optional swimming and paddling on the Albemarle Sound. The family-friendly day also featured the Fig Quest Scavenger Hunt Run/Walk, an interactive way for children and adults alike to learn about figs and the many varieties grown on the farm. It was a perfect summer day for families to enjoy the games while taking in the property’s natural beauty.
Sunday shifted the focus to food, with award-winning guest chefs Cheryl Orr and Audley Thompson, both of Edenton, presenting live fig-inspired cooking demonstrations. Visitors sampled a variety of creative fig dishes while also enjoying lunch options throughout the afternoon.
Chef Orr, well known in Edenton for her weekly tapas-style appetizers at the Edenton Bay Trading Company Annex, as well as her private cooking classes and wine-paired dinners, delighted festival-goers with another of her signature creations. With a loyal following and outstanding reviews, her appearance was one of the highlights of the weekend.
Chef Thompson, originally from Barbados, returned after cooking at the inaugural Fig Festival. This year he prepared two versions of a kale salad featuring organic figs freshly picked from the Spruill orchard, giving spectators another delicious way to experience the farm’s harvest.
Live music by Cabpot Creek kept the atmosphere lively throughout Sunday as guests browsed educational exhibits, visited local fig vendors, and enjoyed activities for children. One of the festival’s most popular attractions was the opportunity to pick fresh figs directly from the orchard. Visitors also took guided trail walks leading to the picturesque shoreline of the Albemarle Sound, adding to the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
The Spruill Conservation Farm is owned and managed by The Peanut Factory, a nonprofit artist residency and community arts program based in a restored 1932 peanut processing mill in Edenton. Special guest John R. Spruill, whose grandparents were sharecroppers who owned the land beginning in 1919, shared why preserving the property was so important to him. Rather than seeing it developed into waterfront homes, he wanted the land protected for future generations.
“I am thrilled that the Spruill Conservation Farm is now protected and can be enjoyed by all, just like today’s event,” said Spruill.
With the conservation deed now recorded, the property will remain permanently protected as a place where visitors can camp, hike, experience its natural beauty, and support research, education and sustainable agriculture for generations to come.
For more information about the Spruill Conservation Farm, visit: https://thepeanutfactory.org/spruill-conservation-farm/
Get Your 'Good News' First
Daily updates to your email box by subscribing to www.EdentonSocialLight.com. It's free.
Shining light on games, the lighthouse & back to school
The Art of Table Tennis
At first glance, it looks simple—a lightweight paddle, a tiny ball and a table. But table tennis is a remarkable blend of athleticism, strategy and split-second decision making.
Often called "chess at high speed," every rally demands lightning-fast reflexes, sharp concentration and precise hand-eye coordination. Players must anticipate spin, speed and placement, making hundreds of rapid decisions during a single game. Researchers have found that the sport engages both the body and the brain, improving balance, reaction time and cognitive function while providing an excellent low-impact workout.
Perhaps the greatest benefit, however, is its accessibility. Table tennis welcomes players of every age and skill level. Whether competing for bragging rights or simply enjoying a friendly match, it offers exercise, laughter and camaraderie in equal measure. Edenton’s Table Tennis Team was started by Charles Kaplan a year or two ago and the team has grown to nine players. Playing at 6 p.m. most Tuesday nights at the Chowan Senior Center. “We are always looking for experienced players,” said Kaplan. Interested in a game, contact: ckaplan2424@gmail.com
In our August print edition, we'll introduce you to the players who have discovered that some of Edenton's most spirited competition doesn't take place on a football field or golf course—it happens all around Edenton, bringing friendly competition with friends, neighbors and people you may not have met before. ‘Games Edenton Plays’ story is in the August/September issue of the Edenton Social Light newspaper, in our bright red news boxes on S. Broad Street, Friday, August 8th.
The Edenton Table Tennis Club
Front Row L-R: Charles Kaplan, Darryl Yandle, Mat Yandle
Back Row L-R: Mike Burke, Mary Burke, Rebecca Furgason, Warren Curry, Alex Kehayes, Dave Edwards
National Lighthouse Day Celebrates Edenton's Maritime Legacy
The beam from the Roanoke River Lighthouse has guided generations of travelers, but on Saturday, August 8, it will also guide families to a day of history, hands-on activities and fun during National Lighthouse Day at one of Edenton's most treasured landmarks.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse on Edenton Bay to celebrate the important role lighthouses have played in North Carolina's maritime history. The family-friendly event will feature games, crafts, secret message activities and opportunities for children to build and race their own handmade boats, blending learning with plenty of fun.
Originally built in 1886 near Plymouth on the Roanoke River, the lighthouse served as a beacon for commercial vessels navigating the busy inland waterways of eastern North Carolina. It is one of the few remaining examples of a screw-pile lighthouse, a distinctive style designed to stand above shallow coastal waters on iron pilings driven deep into the riverbed.
When advances in navigation made the lighthouse obsolete, preservationists recognized its historical significance. In 2007, the lighthouse was carefully relocated to Edenton's waterfront, where it was painstakingly restored and now serves as one of the community's most recognizable landmarks. Today, it is operated as a historic site by the North Carolina State Historic Sites program, welcoming visitors from across the country who want to experience a piece of the state's maritime heritage.
National Lighthouse Day is observed each year in honor of the first federal act supporting American lighthouses, signed by President George Washington on August 7, 1789. The annual celebration recognizes the vital role these structures played in protecting sailors, supporting commerce and connecting coastal communities long before modern navigation technology.
Whether you're introducing children to local history, admiring the craftsmanship of a 140-year-old lighthouse, or simply enjoying a summer day on Edenton's beautiful waterfront, National Lighthouse Day offers something for every age.
Admission is included with regular site admission, and everyone is encouraged to stop by, explore the lighthouse and celebrate one of North Carolina's enduring symbols of maritime history.
Back to School Bash Combines School Supplies, Great Music and Family Fun
Getting ready for a new school year is about more than sharpened pencils and fresh notebooks—it's about giving every child the confidence to walk through the school doors ready to learn.
That's the goal of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation's Back to School Bash, taking place Friday, August 14, at Waterfront Park.
The evening kicks off at 4 p.m. with a variety of local food trucks, giving families the chance to enjoy dinner together before the festivities begin.
From 5 to 7 p.m., ECPS students can pick up free backpacks filled with school supplies, thanks to the generosity of the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation, its donors and community volunteers. The annual Backpack Program helps ensure students begin the school year equipped with many of the essential supplies they'll need for success in the classroom.
The fun doesn't stop there.
Beginning at 6 p.m., families are encouraged to spread out a blanket or bring a lawn chair and enjoy the Sounds of Summer concert series. The free waterfront performance continues until 8 p.m., providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of music, fellowship and community celebration.
"This is one of those events that truly brings the community together," said organizers. "Families can enjoy great food, pick up school supplies, listen to live music and celebrate the beginning of another exciting school year."
The Back to School Bash reflects the Educational Foundation's mission of building bridges to brighter futures by helping remove barriers that can keep students from reaching their full potential. Through the generosity of local businesses, organizations and individual donors, hundreds of backpacks and school supplies are distributed each year, helping families prepare for the first day of school.
Whether you're picking up a backpack, enjoying dinner from a favorite food truck, or simply relaxing by the water with live music, the Back to School Bash promises an evening filled with community spirit, smiling faces and plenty of excitement as another school year begins.
Back to School Bash
- Friday, August 14
- Waterfront Park, Edenton
- 4 p.m. – Food Trucks
- 5–7 p.m. – Free Backpack & School Supply Distribution for ECPS Students
- 6–8 p.m. – Sounds of Summer Concert
Bring the family, enjoy a summer evening on the waterfront, and help celebrate the students who will soon be hearing that first school bell ring.
PETER PARKER PACKS A PUNCH AT NEW VILLAINS
Spider-Man Brand New Day
Movie Reviewer, Darryl Adachi
Previous Spider-Man films have taken Peter Parker and his alter ego from New York to Europe, the United Kingdom, and even outer space. It is refreshing to see the character return to his roots as a neighborhood crime fighter focused on protecting the streets of New York City. Spider-Man has never felt more authentic than he does here, searching for more compassionate, more humane ways of confronting crime. After all, Spider-Man has never intentionally killed a human being, whether hero or villain.
We have watched Peter grow from a high school student into a college-age young man, and those earlier films carried a lighter, more playful tone. With Brand New Day, however, the filmmakers wisely realized they could not outdo the sheer spectacle of No Way Home. Instead of trying to go bigger, they chose to go deeper, crafting a more character-driven story while still delivering the action and excitement audiences expect from a Spider-Man film.
The result is a genuine crisis of identity. Peter is celebrated as a hero, yet desperately searches for the person he is behind the mask. In No Way Home, Spider-Man agreed to erase all memory of Peter Parker in order to save the universe. His girlfriend, MJ, his best friend, Ned, and everyone else who knew him lost every memory of their relationships with him. It is an extraordinary sacrifice, one that leaves Peter isolated and alone. His loneliness may resonate with audiences who, despite living in an age of constant digital connection, recognize an increasing sense of isolation in modern life.
Peter is still able to spend time with MJ and Ned—but only as Spider-Man, not as Peter Parker, whom they no longer recognize. Those encounters briefly ease the ache of his loneliness, making the scenes between them among the film's most emotionally affecting. Whenever the story moves away from them, it reinforces the growing distance between Peter and the life he once knew.
The film introduces several new villains, most notably Jean Grey, an isolated runaway determined to rescue her kidnapped sister. A powerful telepath, Grey can hijack the minds of innocent bystanders, forcing them to become extensions of her will as they battle Spider-Man. Like Peter, she is defined by loneliness, confusion, and personal loss, making her one of the franchise's more sympathetic antagonists. Sadie Sink delivers a tortured, emotionally layered performance that proves to be one of the film's greatest strengths.
By scaling back from the increasingly convoluted multiverse storyline of No Way Home, the filmmakers have created a more intimate, character-centered adventure. Tom Holland, in his fourth standalone outing as Peter Parker, delivers one of his strongest performances yet, portraying a solitary young man struggling to rediscover his identity. The film demands greater emotional depth than its predecessors, and Holland rises to the challenge. His scenes with Zendaya as MJ provide the film with its emotional heart.
Whatever one's opinion of Brand New Day, there is no denying Spider-Man's enduring global popularity. As of this writing, the film has earned a staggering $927 million worldwide in its opening weekend, and early projections suggest it could surpass the $2 billion mark within its first ten days. Peter Parker remains Marvel's most universally beloved superhero, and Brand New Day demonstrates that audiences are still eager to follow wherever Spider-Man swings next.
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.
PLEASE SEND ME THE SOCIAL LIGHT
Weather Update-July 30- Aug. 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