T'WAS THE SEASON IN PICTURES
THE EDENTON CHRISTMAS PARADE
WOMAN'S CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
THE EDENTON CHRISTMAS PARADE
WARMING ANTICIPATION for the annual Edenton Parade to begin.
An Edenton 'Hallmark' Parade
The continued reference to Edenton as a ‘Hallmark Town’ was proven once again on
Saturday morning as residents lined South Broad Street under clear and sunny skies for the annual 2025 Christmas parade. With over 100 entries, the line-up included a number of Grinches and holiday characters, decorated boats, antique tractors, city officials, many churches with messages of peace and spectacular marching bands. The John A Holmes, Elizabeth City and Perquimans High Schools kept the youngster dancing and parents toe tapping as they marched down Broad St.
Although the parade was impressive and enjoyed by all, the most important part of any parade are the enthusiastic community members t lining South Broad Street. Families and friends gathered, bundled up, wrapped in blankets tucked into the back of dad’s pickup trucks, sat eagerly waiting to see the floats. Parents watched as their children marched by in the parade. It was certainly a ‘perfect picture day’ for families enjoying these small town moments joining together with their adult children home from college or who have moved away, grand babies in the arms of grandma and of course those little ones waiting to see Santa at the end of the parade.
The event was coordinated by the Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce with assistance from the Rocky Hock Ruritans. The parade would not be possible without paid sponsors: Kellogg Supply, Feyer Ford, Rocky Hock Ruritans and Carrera Painting. Their contribution of funds and physical effort make a difference in Edenton being Edenton. Please support these sponsors.
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AN EDENTON SOCIAL LIGHT HAT TRICK
CHRISTY SORENSON
CHRISTY SORENSON
CHRISTY SORENSON
We had some lucky readers pick up the newest issue of the Fall Edenton Social Light in the red news boxes on Broad Street. They also became the proud new owners of an Edenton Social Light hat which we placed in each box. Congrats to our newest ‘Social Lights’, James Arias,
Christy Sorensen and sister Lis Sorensen. You look great in your hat.
JAMES ARIAS
CHRISTY SORENSON
CHRISTY SORENSON
All it takes to get a hat is a bit of curiosity and luck. On occasion you may find an Edenton Social Light logo-ized cap in one of the four news boxes on Broad St. The instructions for ownership are simple. 1). Place hat on Head. 2). Take an Edenton Social Light out of the box. 3). As you read it, take a selfie and send it to us.
The rest is history.
LIS SORENSON
CHRISTY SORENSON
LIS SORENSON
RULE UPDATE
As you can see, none of the hat recipients took a selfie. With that in mind and the Social Light in hand, it is perfectly within the rules to have someone snap the picture...
THERE'S STILL ONE HAT WAITING FOR A HEAD...
EDENTON JOY TREE TRADITION GROWING
LIGHTING UP HOLIDAY NIGHTS
It could be said it’s a local’s secret, but the secret’s out and it has spread across the county. However, for whatever the reason, it is not as well known anywhere else as it is here, once again, a birthplace for a tradition, the Joy Tree.
Many may not know this but Edenton may be one of the only town’s in eastern North Carolina where an abundance of trees are blossoming in the frigid cold spell embracing the town.
The seeds for these trees were actually planted in Edenton according to the story tellers and it seems to be a proud Christmas tradition.
Joy trees are blooming in abundance throughout town and the folks, locals and visitors are enjoying the seasonal multi colored blossoms.
The season is in full swing. Red bows, tails fluttering, struggling at times to hold on to the greenery attached to the street lights on South Broad Street add to the town’s welcoming cheer. The stores, filled with unique products and the historic homes have been dresses for the holidays.
Shining a variety of bright lights on the entire season are the Joy Trees that grace the properties on streets throughout town.
The tradition began over a decade ago when town folk started to spread JOY through a less disciplined way of stringing. A ‘joy full’ toss is the technique some use to decorate the various pieces of collaborated artwork.
Whether walking or gazing while driving by the Joy Trees of Edenton will certainly brighten the holidays. There has been talk of a joy tree map, but they grow so sporadically updates would be a monumental task. Walk around, have fun. Water St., Queen St. Blount St. Granville, Church and the Cotton Mill Village are all areas where trees are blooming. But remember, the stores, the sidewalks and all the folks in Edenton are filled with Holiday Joy, thanks to another proud, joyful tradition. Happy Holidays. The Joy Tree picture of people in front of the tree captures the spreading of joy from Melody Perdue. To see Melody’s entire video on How To Spread Joy, Decorating a Joy Tree, go to https://www.facebook.com/reel/908885744796352
Finally, if you are driving through town watch for children and adults also enjoying the evening.
SOCIALLY SPEAKING, THE SEASON IS A GLOW
THAT WAS SOME PARTY...
I have lived in some very special cities and towns over the years including California’s wine country. Because of 27 years along the central coast, Carmel, Sonoma and Napa, I am a bit spoiled when it comes to attending some very elaborate and stunning parties.
Herringbone owners, restaurateurs Stephanie and Joe Wach brought those feelings to Edenton Thursday evening as they christened a holiday tent the community can enjoy throughout the season.
The Herringbone’s professional team topped them all.
Entering the elaborateIt setting, I could see a Hallmark movie in the making, You know the ones filmed in the perfect town with the perfectly styled cast of characters.
Smiles and greetings were bountiful as friends and neighbors enjoyed catching up inside the tent and the restaurant. Stephanie decorated the massive tent with fresh holiday greens and red roses. Tiny white lights cast a glittery glow throughout the space, so complimentary it appeared everyone had work done.
The Brian Smith Band kept toes tapping and filled the space with terrific tunes throughout the evening. The upbeat sound was perfect for the night.
Anne Rowe and Kim Asack tripped the light fantastic making some very fancy dance moves to the envy of Stuart Proctor.
Few had any idea the duo had those hidden steps.
The Herringbone’s large slab of finished wood bar, boasting rough sawn edges was highlighted by the carved Herringbone logo on top. The very impressive work was created by Lucas Belton, who recently began his own business, Rustic to Reclaimed located at 160 Peanut Drive.
The buffet was a culinary creation worth noting. The cups of Brunswick Stew was everyone’s favorite and the unofficial vote is it should appear on the Herringbone menu.
The Herring shaped cookies and puffs on a stick were both delicious hits and were consumed in abundance. The puff count pre-event must have been an amazing display.
When the Brian Smith Band took a break Joe greeted his guest. The unofficial estimate was about 300 Edentonians attended. Joe spoke with sincerity and thanked his staff for their hard work and efforts for making the Herringbone a great place and offered a meaningful message of community.
“Thanks for being part of Edenton and the amazing place where history and hospitality come together and where we light the fuse to the holiday season”.
Joe’s entire message and Anne and Kim ‘tripping the light’ was captured on video and photos are on the home page for your viewing pleasure. You may have noticed I captured a few ‘new couples’ enjoying the holiday party together. It’s great to see new faces contributing to the pulse of the community.
I wish everyone a happy holiday season and Merry Christmas. Don’t forget to reach out to others less fortunate this season. Have a very Merry Christmas.
FOR MORE GOOD NEWS
A SOLEMN MOMENT REMEMBERING VETERANS LOCALLY AND ACROSS THE NATION
Innovate Fund announces $7 mm new markets tax credits
Edenton, NC- 16 December 2025- The Innovate Fund, a certified Community Development Entity committed to transforming underserved communities, today announced the closing of a $7,000,000 New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) investment to support a catalytic commercial redevelopment project in Edenton, North Carolina. This vital funding will drive economic growth and create 155 quality jobs in a community historically lacking access to capital.
The investment is targeted at the renovation of the former Sears Building in downtown Edenton and improvements to the adjacent parking area. The renovated facility will house various tenants, including Provalus, an IT service provider dedicated to elevating high-potential rural communities.
The NMTC investment was made possible through a partnership with Capital One National Association, who served as the tax credit investor for the transaction. This successful partnership underscores the ability of the NMTC Program to attract private capital to areas of greatest need, reflecting the Treasury Department’s strategic commitment to promoting economic opportunity. The project census tract demonstrated a poverty rate of 39.9%.
“This investment in Edenton is a prime example of the NMTC Program’s ability to leverage private capital to generate sustainable economic opportunity in rural America,” said Emma Wyatt, Chief Operating Officer of The Innovate Fund. “We are proud to partner with Provalus, Main Street Edenton, The Town of Edenton, and the community to reactivate key downtown real estate and bring 155 new, quality technology jobs to residents. This is how the Treasury’s community development mission is delivered on the ground.”
“This NMTC investment marks a defining moment for our community. Redeveloping the remaining 16,000 square feet of the old Sears Building, allows us to bring a long-vacant space back to life while creating a workplace for 155 employees,” said James Chesson, Director of Main Street Edenton. “Through our partnership with The Innovate Fund and Provalus, we are ensuring downtown remains the heart of the community while cultivating meaningful jobs that will provide residents an opportunity to grow and make our local economy more robust for years to come.”
The NMTC Program, administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, is a critical tool that historically generates over $8 of private investment for every $1 of federal funding, multiplying the impact of federal support in places that need it most.