EDENTON IN FULL BLOOM
A WEEKEND OF COMMUNITY, ART, MUSIC & CELEBRATION
This past weekend proved just how vibrant a small town can be.
For a community of fewer than 5,000 residents, Edenton delivered an impressive lineup of events that brought together locals and visitors alike for a full weekend of art, music, and celebration.
The weekend began Friday with Easels in the Gardens, drawing hundreds of guests to town for the biennial event. IN the picture above, Arlington, Va. artist Thomas Macia captures the historic courthouse on canvasOver two days, 47 artists from across the region set up in the gardens of historic homes and properties, capturing the essence of Edenton through plein air painting. Guests strolled through the gardens, chatting with artists as they worked, watching scenes of florals, landscapes, and historic homes come to life on canvas.
The Cupola House Association once again delivered a seamless and welcoming experience, blending professionalism with the relaxed charm that defines Edenton.
By late Friday afternoon, the energy shifted downtown. Volunteers from local businesses and Main Street Edenton worked together to transform Broad Street, setting the stage for one of the town’s favorite traditions—Boogie on Broad. By 5 p.m., the street was filled with neighbors, families, and visitors ready to enjoy a warm spring evening together.
Chairs lined the street as people settled in to listen, dance, and reconnect after the winter months. Food trucks and vendors added to the festive atmosphere, while children were entertained by magician Scott Wagoner. As the evening progressed, The Tams kept the crowd on its feet, filling the night with classic beach music and R&B.
Meanwhile, the Chowan Arts Council hosted a private cocktail viewing featuring its “Art and Floral” exhibit. Local floral designers interpreted selected works of art, creating arrangements that mirrored the colors, textures, and spirit of each piece—an elegant blend of creativity and nature. (SEE PHOTOS IN EASEL WEEKEND, CURRENTS)
Saturday brought a continuation of Easels .....CONTINUED in the Gardens, with artists returning to their canvases and the public invited to explore both the outdoor settings and the Arts Council’s exhibit.
The weekend culminated Saturday evening with a gallery cocktail party and art sale held in the fully blooming Cupola House gardens. Guests had the opportunity to purchase works created during the event while enjoying music by Paul Kothe and learning more about the artists behind the paintings.
For many, the celebration didn’t end there. Guests later boarded the Albemarle Queen for a two-hour dinner cruise, with a meal prepared by The Table at the Inner Banks Inn—an experience that added yet another layer to an already memorable weekend.
Adding to the evening’s excitement, John A. Holmes High School held its prom at Edenton United Methodist Church. Students arrived dressed to impress, transforming the space into an elegant setting for a night of dancing and celebration.
By Sunday, the pace had slowed. A dedicated group of Cupola volunteers quietly dismantled tables and chairs, returning the gardens—and the town—to their usual calm.
But the impact of the weekend lingered.
Events like Easels in the Gardens and Boogie on Broad don’t happen without a strong network of volunteers working behind the scenes. In Edenton, that spirit of service is part of the town’s identity.
For those who enjoyed the weekend, organizers offered a simple reminder: consider getting involved. Whether through the arts, community groups, or local events, volunteering not only supports the town—it strengthens the connections that make Edenton such a special place to live.
And as this past weekend proved, it’s also a lot of fun.
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SCHOLARS ACHIEVE HIGH PRAISE, EARNED AWARDS
For graduating seniors at John A. Holmes High School, scholarship night represented far more than financial assistance for college. It was a community celebration of perseverance, character and the promise of the future.
Families, local organizations, civic groups and charitable foundations from across the Edenton community gathered to honor students whose hard work, dedication and leadership earned them scholarship support for the next chapter of their education. Many of the presentations included emotional tributes from scholarship donors who spoke about the importance of investing in local youth and helping students pursue dreams that might otherwise be financially out of reach.
For many families, the scholarships help ease the burden of rising college costs while also serving as recognition of years of academic commitment, community service and personal sacrifice. Donors frequently shared personal stories, memories of loved ones memorialized through scholarship funds, and encouragement for students preparing to leave home for college, trade school or career training.
The evening also highlighted the strong sense of community that continues to define Edenton and Chowan County. Through the generosity of local residents and organizations, students were reminded that their hometown believes in their future and is willing to invest in their success.
School leaders praised both the scholarship recipients and the many community partners whose continued support creates opportunities for local graduates year after year. The event served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder that the impact of community support can extend far beyond graduation day.
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FLEET, BAY BLESSED UNDER SUNNY SKIES
Blessing of the Fleet Celebrates Edenton’s Maritime Heritage
Edenton’s waterfront came alive Saturday morning as the Edenton Yacht Club hosted its annual Blessing of the Fleet at the downtown marina and pier in Colonial Waterfront Park.
Rev. Jonathan Tobias came equipped with enough Holy Water to adequately bless each vessel, skipper and crew.
Skipper Chris Elliot pleased the crowd smoothly maneuvering about the bay, Edenton Mayor Hackney High was among the blessed as was Edenton Yacht Club Commodore Doug Lane in his beautiful awning covered launch.
Rooted in both faith and maritime tradition, the event brought together fishermen, recreational boaters and community members for a shared moment of gratitude and hope for the boating season ahead. The focus of the morning shifted to the water, where vessels of all kinds participated in a ceremonial procession just off Edenton pier.
Boaters assembled near Pembroke Creek, lining up behind the Chowan County Sheriff’s boat before proceeding past the west end of the downtown pier.
At the heart of the event was the blessing itself. Rev. Tobias offered prayers and sprinkled holy water over each passing vessel, asking for safe passage, calm waters and a prosperous season. The ceremony provided a meaningful connection between today’s mariners and centuries of maritime tradition.
The Blessing of the Fleet traces its origins to coastal communities in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, where fishing families gathered to seek protection and abundance before heading out to sea. The tradition was later carried to America by immigrants and has endured for generations, evolving to include all who travel on the water, whether by commercial fishing vessel, sailboat or kayak.
Residents and visitors lined the waterfront to watch the decorated boats glide through the harbor. Following the blessing, many vessels lingered in the bay, creating a picturesque conclusion to a morning that celebrated Edenton’s rich maritime heritage, faith and sense of community.
Under favorable weather conditions, the event once again provided a timeless reminder to Edenton's enduring connection to the water.
BELTON APPOINTED TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Edenton resident and business owner Lucas Belton was recently appointed to the Edenton Historic Preservation Commission. Belton has an interesting background and could be considered and expert in wood.
Belton is excited about his new position on the commission.
“I am very excited and honored to be appointed. I work in that area all the time and think I am a good fit for the commission,” said Lucas.
The commission plays a vital role in protecting the architectural character and historic charm that have made Edenton one of North Carolina’s most treasured historic communities. Appointed by the Town Council, the commission is responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the Edenton Historic District while helping property owners preserve the unique appearance and historical significance of their homes and buildings.
Commission members are selected based on their demonstrated interest, experience, or education in fields such as historic preservation, history, architecture, restoration, construction, and community development. Members must also reside within the Town of Edenton, ensuring that those making decisions about preservation have a direct connection to the community and its historic legacy.
One of the commission’s most important responsibilities is encouraging thoughtful and sensitive planning when changes are proposed to properties located within the historic district. The board works closely with property owners to ensure renovations and improvements complement the district’s established character while still allowing homes and buildings to remain functional and well maintained.
The commission follows two guiding principles when reviewing work on historic structures: repair rather than replace whenever possible, and if replacement is necessary, match the original materials and appearance as closely as possible. These standards help preserve the authenticity and visual continuity that define Edenton’s historic streetscapes.
The commission currently includes Chair Paul Hicks, Vice-Chair Caroline Butler, and members Lisa Baker, Lucas Belton, Brian Towers, Catherine Smoak, and Wade Rogers. Town Councilman Samuel Dixon serves as liaison to the board, while Town Planner Dewayne Whealton acts as staff liaison.
Meetings of the Edenton Historic Preservation Commission are held at 1:15 p.m. on the second Monday of each month in the Council Chambers and are open to the public. Residents interested in historic preservation, architectural integrity, or proposed changes within the historic district are encouraged to attend and learn more about the commission’s work in preserving the historic identity of Edenton for future generations.
FAMILY and FRIENDS ATTEND SINGLE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
CEREMONY HELD AT BEVERLY HALL
In a world where people are constantly searching for acceptance, validation, and love from others, the idea of truly loving oneself can sometimes be overlooked. Yet self-love — the ability to value your own worth, protect your peace, and recognize your own strength — may be one of the most important relationships a person can ever have.
For longtime Edenton resident Patricia White, better known to many simply as “Mama,” that belief recently became the inspiration behind one of the most unique celebrations the town has seen in years: a wedding ceremony where the bride married herself.
"The ceremony was never about publicity or novelty. It was about healing, growth, independence, and recognizing a lifetime of perseverance," said Patricia.
Born and raised in Edenton, Patricia grew up surrounded by a large close-knit family where cousins were treated like sisters and neighbors often felt like extended family. After graduating from John A. Holmes High School in 1983, she began working at the old Edenton Cotton Mill, helping support her young son while learning the value of hard work and responsibility. Over the years, she also worked in several of the manufacturing businesses that once powered the local economy before eventually building her own successful home cleaning business.
Today, Patricia is well known throughout Edenton, particularly among many of the town’s historic families whose homes she has cared for over decades. In many cases, she has watched children grow up, graduate, marry, and start families of their own. Many affectionately refer to her as “Mama,” a reflection of the love, trust, and guidance she has shared with generations of local families.
Her story has not been without hardship. Patricia has experienced personal loss, heartbreak, and the challenges that come with raising children and grandchildren while continuing to work and care for others. Through it all, she says she learned an important lesson: self-worth matters.
“Marrying myself is about self-love,” Patricia explained. “It’s about putting yourself first and understanding your value.”
The idea first came to her years ago, but it became more meaningful as she entered a new chapter in life. One of her longtime clients, Gray and Sambo Dixon, graciously offered their idyllic garden at Beverly Hall for the special occasion held Saturday, May 9. Surrounded by close family, lifelong friends, and many longtime clients who now consider Patricia part of their extended family, the celebration reflected joy, gratitude, resilience, and personal strength.
Known for her warm personality, strong work ethic, and caring spirit, Patricia says she would not change the journey that brought her to this point. Her message to others is simple: stay true to yourself, know your worth, and never lose sight of the importance of self-love.
Photos by Deshane Sanderlin
Photographer DeShane Sanderlin was raised in Edenton and always had a natural curiosity and a knack for learning. DeShane graduated from John A. Holmes High School in 1999 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health in 2008.
What began as a hobby for DeShane quickly grew into a passion for photography and videography. Since he began capturing moments, he has photographed weddings, special occasions and community events
“My work behind the lens has also allowed me to conduct interviews with business owners, aspiring musicians, and entrepreneurs, forming lasting bonds within the community.” said DeShane.