Edenton Social Light:the town's good news newspaper

Chamber Honors, Celebrates Community, Volunteers, Businesses

CHAMBER DIRECTOR SUSAN CREED DOES IT AGAIN

Edenton Chowan Chamber of Commerce President Susan Creed once again delivered an evening that perfectly blended community, commerce, and celebration, as more than 250 guests gathered for the annual Chamber Business Banquet.

Held inside the showroom-style woodshop of Rustic to Reclaimed, the setting itself reflected Edenton’s evolving business landscape—industrial roots paired with creativity, craftsmanship, and new energy. Warm lighting, handcrafted wood surfaces, and the hum of conversation created an atmosphere that was equal parts polished and personal.

Guests from across the region—business owners, civic leaders, educators, and volunteers—came together not only to celebrate achievement, but to recognize the momentum building across the community.

The evening opened with remarks from Adam Britt of Colony Tire, who offered a compelling look at the history and evolution of Peanut Drive—Edenton’s industrial backbone. Britt highlighted the diverse businesses that call the corridor home, noting their contributions not only to jobs and revenue, but to the character of the town itself—from manufacturing and craftsmanship to the unmistakable aroma of roasting peanuts that still defines the area.

From there, the program turned to recognition.

A wide range of awards honored individuals and organizations whose work continues to shape Edenton’s identity and future:

Steve Taylor, Bridge Turn Exxon
Heather and Paul Newingham, Christian Book Seller
Karen Foley, Main Street Champion
Kathy Masters, Volunteer of the Year
Melvin Tatem, Humanitarian of the Year
John A. Holmes High School staff, faculty and students, Community Champion
Edenton Farmers Market (Mary Wolfe), Tourism Award
Celeste Maus, Mayor’s Environmental Recognition Award
Main Street Edenton, Organization of the Year

Each recognition told a piece of a larger story—one of a town that continues to invest in itself through people willing to lead, serve, and build.

Throughout the evening, conversations returned again and again to a shared theme: progress. From downtown revitalization and small business growth to expanding job opportunities and rising economic indicators, Edenton is not standing still—it is moving forward with intention.

And yet, what made the night memorable was not just the data or the development—it was the people. The laughter between colleagues, the pride in each award recipient, and the sense of genuine connection in the room underscored what makes Edenton unique.

In a space built on craftsmanship, the Chamber’s annual banquet served as a reminder that the town itself is being carefully, thoughtfully built—one business, one volunteer, and one bold idea at a time.

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The Edenton Chowan Chamber of Commerce Dinner

MAYOR HACKNEY HIGH HONORS CELESTE MAUS

Mayor Hackney High has a fondness for benches. As an attorney he stands before them regularly, however, last Thursday evening the barrister honored Celeste Maus for her plastic bag collection initiative that has provided five beautiful benches to town all made from collected plastic bags . To hear High praise for Celeste, watch the video.

MAIN STREET EDENTON HONORED, TOWN'S GROWTH HIGH - LIGHTED

Main Street Edenton was recognized as Organization of the Year in front of more than 250 attendees at the annual banquet hosted by the Edenton Chowan Chamber of Commerce—a moment that underscored the group’s growing impact on the town’s economic vitality and community life.

In presenting the award, Mayor Hackney High highlighted a series of accomplishments that have helped reshape Edenton’s downtown and strengthen the local economy. Among the most significant is the upcoming arrival of Provalus, a technology-driven company expected to bring 155 middle-class jobs with benefits to the community over the next three years. The company’s investment is seen as a transformative milestone, positioning Edenton as a hub for new opportunity and growth.

The mayor also pointed to a wave of new and expanding businesses filling key downtown spaces, including the revitalized former Sears Building—now fully occupied with retail and service businesses. Additional redevelopment projects, including future mixed-use and retail spaces, continue to build momentum and attract both visitors and investors to the area.

“Name a great town or city with a rundown downtown—you can’t,” High told the audience, emphasizing the critical role a vibrant downtown plays in overall community success.

Main Street Edenton, led by Director Ches Chesson and supported by Events Coordinator Timmy Turner, was praised for its dual focus on economic development and community engagement. While Chesson has worked to recruit new businesses and investments, Turner has become the driving force behind many of the town’s signature events, including the widely attended Boogie on Broad, helping to elevate Edenton’s profile as a destination.

The organization has also invested in long-term infrastructure, including the purchase of a professional stage for public events—enhancing the quality of community programming while creating potential new revenue streams. Efforts to secure and preserve key downtown properties for future development were also cited as critical to Edenton’s continued progress.

By the close of 2025, the results were clear: eight businesses had opened, relocated, or expanded downtown, contributing to job growth and increased economic activity.

Perhaps most notably, Edenton saw a 13.2 percent increase in sales tax revenue—far outpacing the state average—driven largely by the strength of its downtown businesses.

For Mayor High, those numbers tell the story.

“For all of these reasons,” he said, “there is no more deserving recipient of Organization of the Year than Main Street Edenton.”

The recognition reflects not only a year of measurable success, but a broader vision—one in which a thriving downtown continues to serve as the economic and cultural heartbeat of Edenton.

After receiving the award, Chesson announced the Edenton Social Light Publisher Karen Foley had been awarded Edenton 2025 Main Street Champion at the annual NC Main Street State Convention in March.

'Smartie Pants' Available on Site, 'Bone Drops Herring

“The Bee at the ’Bone” Brings Buzzing Fun to Benefit Local Boys & Girls Club Youth

Edenton is set to host a lively and lighthearted new event this spring with the debut of The Bee at the ’Bone, an adult spelling bee with a spirited twist—all for a great cause.

Taking place Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 p.m., at The Herringbone Restaurant the event invites teams of four to compete in a high-energy spelling showdown at ‘The Bone’. Whether participants are wordsmiths or just in it for the laughs, the evening promises plenty of entertainment, camaraderie, and community spirit.

Adding to the fun is the event’s signature cocktail, the “Smartie Pants,” designed to loosen nerves and maybe even sharpen spelling skills along the way.

Proceeds from the $250 team entry fee will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Albemarle, supporting programs that make a meaningful impact on local youth. Each participant will also receive an official event T-shirt.

The Boys & Girls Club plays a vital role in the Edenton-Chowan community, providing a safe, supportive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. Through after-school programs, academic support, and character-building activities, the organization works to ensure that every child has access to opportunities that foster success in school and in life.

Helping lead those efforts locally is Director Elizabeth Mitchell, who serves as a dedicated advocate for youth development in the region. Known for her hands-on approach and strong community connections, Mitchell has been instrumental in expanding programming and building partnerships that directly benefit the children and families the Club serves. Her leadership continues to strengthen the organization’s mission and visibility across the area.

Organizers encourage teams to sign up early, as space is expected to fill quickly for this first-time event.

For more information or to register a team, contact Elizabeth at 252-216-5966.

EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED

PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY

DAR SEARCHING FOR ANCESTORS

THE BEE at the BONE, WHAT COULD THIS BEE?

SAY HELLO TO YOUR NEW KITTY, COCO

BEE KEEPER SUPPLIES AT BYRUM HARDWARE

THE BEE at the BONE, WHAT COULD THIS BEE?

A HANDMADE CARD FOR MOM

BEE KEEPER SUPPLIES AT BYRUM HARDWARE

Kids and Cops Glow Run

T-shirt enthusiasts need to register before April 9, to receive a Kids and Cops Glow Run t-shirt. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to host the upcoming Kids and Cops: Glow Run. This exciting event is focused on giving back to the children in our community and strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and our youth.

The Kids and Cops program, established in 2012, was created to build lasting, positive relationships through mentorship, summer camps, and community events. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for connecting officers and kids in meaningful ways.

The 5K run will light up the night with a fun glow run experience, according to the sheriff's office.

Each race packet will include glow gear to help you shine as you run. Participants who register by the early sign-up date will also receive a commemorative event t-shirt.

Join the department and the sheriff for a night of fun, fitness, and community spirit to support our youth. To register go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Edenton/KidsAndCopsGlowRun

Weather Update-MAY 1 - 7

HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK

Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, May 1 — Thursday, May 7, 2026

Friday
🌤️ Some sun, increasing clouds
High: ~69°F • Low: ~52°F
A quiet, seasonable start to May.

Saturday
🌧️ Cloudy, cooler with periods of rain
High: ~59°F • Low: ~47°F
A damp and noticeably cooler day.

Sunday
🌤️ Sunshine with a few clouds
High: ~65°F • Low: ~49°F
Improving conditions and pleasant air.

Monday
☀️ Mostly sunny and nice
High: ~73°F • Low: ~54°F
Classic spring weather returns.

Tuesday
🌤️ Partly sunny and warmer
High: ~78°F • Low: ~61°F
A steady warming trend begins.

Wednesday
☀️ Mostly sunny and warm
High: ~83°F • Low: ~64°F
Early summer feel building.

Thursday
⛈️ Humid with showers and thunderstorms
High: ~81°F • Low: ~60°F
Unsettled with rain and storm chances.

🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟

A cool and damp start to May gives way to a steady warming trend across Edenton this week. After a cloudy and rainy Saturday, conditions improve Sunday into Monday with sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

By mid-week, summer-like warmth returns, with highs climbing into the 80s. The pattern turns more humid and unsettled by Thursday, bringing showers and thunderstorms back into the forecast.

🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines

• 🌧️ Cool, rainy Saturday
• 🌤️ Pleasant rebound Sunday–Monday
• 📈 Warming trend mid-week
• ☀️ Early summer feel returns
• ⛈️ Storms possible Thursday

'A GREAT DOWNTOWN MAKES A GREAT TOWN'

CHAMBER BANQUET CELEBRATES EDENTON'S BUSINESSES, LEADERS