A DAY OF BUTTERFLY FLY-BY CENSUS TAKING
COMMUNITY WELCOMES EDENTON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
CHARLES & VALERIE KAPLAN OPEN NEW COMMUNITY SERVICE
Edenton Mayor Hackney High, Edenton-Chowan Chamber of Commerce Director Susan Creed, Chamber President Bonnie Bond along with friends and supporter welcomed Dr. Charles and Valerie Kaplan to Edenton Thursday evening at a ribbon cutting ceremony at their new business Edenton Behavioral Health.
The Kaplans thanked the mayor, the chamber and the community.
The couple provides a confidential ‘team’ approach to therapy. According to Dr. Kaplan their clients are adults, couples, adolescent and teenage boys.
“We work together on issues of anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and current life challenges. I have 26-years of experience following my PhD in psychology from the University of Connecticut, with research completed at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill,” said Kaplan.
“In our practice, Charles and I collaborate as well as provide services independently. Clients typically seek out Charles for counseling and psychotherapy, while they come to me for psychiatric evaluation and medication management,” explains Valerie Kaplan. “This structure allows us to offer Medication management involves much more than prescribing. It includes evaluating symptoms, making or confirming diagnoses, choosing and adjusting medications, and monitoring effectiveness over time.”
"We are honored to bring these services to Edenton and the surrounding communities, and we welcome your email inquiries at edentonbehavioralhealth.com," said Kaplan.
Edenton Behavioral Help is located at 102 S. Oakum St.
IT'S GOOD NEWS TIME
Artist Mike Lane’s interpretation of the word ‘threshold’ opens the door into his vision of capturing east coast American Landscapes, flora and fauna and painting them in the traditional Asian watercolor techniques.
Lane has worked in Asia for the better part of 30 years. Within the time he studied with accomplished, very patient artists in southern China.
Lane, who enjoys surf fishing, kayaking and boating looks for scenes in the shallow marshes, eddies, winding creeks and dune scapes.
Mike is being featured this month at the Chowan Arts Council. The artist reception is Friday, Sept. 12 at the gallery from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gallery Manager Kim Asack will once again be overseeing the event.
“Asian art is inherently spiritual, and so nature is the Designer’s signature. The creative impulse of ‘ art making’ becomes a motivational Genesis moment reflecting an imprint, the ‘imago dei.’”, said Lane.
Throughout his artistic career Mike has enjoyed investing in the local arts community. He founded and directed the Halizo Arts Festival from 2002-2004. He also teaches Asian art classes and is curator of the Chapel Gallery at his church, Virginia Beach Community Chapel. He is also currently a board member of the local Blue Heron Sumi-e Societyand actively shows at local galleries, shops, and festivals.
In 2020, Mike’s painting, “Garden Community,” won the Award of Merit in the Virginia Beach Art Center’s (VBAC) May show, Garden of Life.
During the reception, Lane will collaborate with Herb Smith a friend and classical guitarist. Smith has interpreted and translated Lane’s work into song. In the future Lane plans on painting a song of Smith’s
In other art news one of the four Inner Banks Art Councils, the Perquimans Art League
announced the winners of its annual 2025 Member Show at a reception on Sept. 4 at the PAL gallery.
Awards were presented by juror Gretchen Schermerhorn and PAL president Tom Brennan.
Schermerhorn, who served as the show’s juror, is the Executive Director of Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft in Columbia, NC. She received her MFA in Printmaking from Arizona State University and has completed more than six artist residencies. Her prints, installations, and works on paper have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and her work is represented in multiple trusts and print collections.
The 2025 PAL Member Show winners are Best of Show
Rebecca Davis — “Koi” (Watercolor), Best of Category, 2D: Tom Brennan — “In Her Closet” (Photography), 3D: Joe Murphy — “Raku Wide Shoulder” (Pottery)
Honorable Mention - Annemarie Pomp — Pottery, Ed Sanford — Photography, Jeff Weekley — Oil, Annie Cummins — Watercolor, Dorothy Ansell — Jewelry
The PAL Member Show celebrates the creativity and artistry of the League’s membership, with entries in a wide range of media including painting, photography, fiber, and three-dimensional works.
The exhibition will remain on view through September 30 at the PAL Gallery, 133 N. Church Street in Hertford. Admission is free, and the public is warmly invited to visit.
LIFESTYLE
HERRINGBONE OFFERS ICE HOUSE HISTORY
Who would have thought the historic whitewashed Conger building, originally constructed in the 1800’s as an ice house catering to the needs of the herring netted from the river and sound would be revitalized into one of Edenton’s top restaurant locations? Joe and Stephanie Wach thought it was a good idea.
After relocating to Edenton from Colorado the couple visioned the waterfront location as a terrific restaurant and proceeded to renovate the historic building.Perched on the banks of Edenton Bay in the shadows of the historic Roanoke River Lighthouse, the Herringbone still deals in ice, however it’s usually in a glass or shaker.
The Herringbone boasts a lengthy bar highlighting the history of the area. Designed with overlapping tobacco leaves atop the bar, its front covered in aged tobacco drying sticks, the bar attracts a lively crowd.
The restaurant has a full dining room and also offers seating in the bar sporting two large T.V. screens. The bartenders pride themselves in contemporary drinks that would stand tall in any area bartending competition.
The renovation offered its challenges. Wach teamed up with Dawson Tyler’s Down East Preservation to preserve the integrity of the building’s history while creating a comfortable atmosphere. The feel of an ice house has been replaced with a number of warming artifacts offered to the establishment’s historic archives. As work progressed on the building, town’s folk offered interesting pieces and historic artifacts, now gracing spaces throughout the eatery.
“We want to preserve the historic values for Edenton and North Eastern North Carolina,” said Wach. “Ed Goodwin brought in an old tractor wheel that is mounted between the bar and the dining area.”
Finding the right talent to manage the restaurant and run the kitchen was a challenge, however the couple sought the help of the culinary director of the College of the Albemarle. They arranged to use the kitchen at the institute and had their choice for chef, Chef Kyle Murphy prepare a five course meal during his interview. Joe, an engineer, had the chef explain why he used each ingredient in the dishes he prepared. Today, Murphy leads the Herringbone’s kitchen where his ingredients speak for themselves on the Herringbone’s tasty menu.
Murphy’s culinary experience comes from working under respected chef’s throughout the south.
General Manager, Mike Bonander has an extensive hospitality background with over 20 years managing restaurants throughout the country. Most recently he managed a family owned Italian restaurant in Chicago. Bonander’s wife Liz, works the front of the house.
Pastry Chef Rebecca Pensyl also has an impressive culinary resume and her dessert reflect that. Stop in for one of Edenton’s most popular culinary adventures.
Herringbone Restaurant
119 W Water St.
Reservations: (252) 368-1068
TOWN GATHERS FOR MAD DASH FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Mad Dash for Mental Health kicked off on Saturday morning. Mayor Hackney High announced the start, put down the megaphone and still made a very respectable finish after an announcer's start. The community support of the race helps Snapback NC provide support and awareness to individuals and our community related to substance abuse, alcoholism and mental health.
A CONSITUTIONAL CONVERSATION
The Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR is holding a Constitution Day celebration on the Historic Chowan County Courthouse steps. The event is sponsored by the Edenton Tea Party Chapter, DAR and the State Historic Sites Edenton.
The program includes a presentation of American 250 Award to Mayor Hackney High and a special Constitutional Conversation between Willie Jones (Alex Kehayes) and James Iredell, ( Larry McLaughlin. Russ Corker is the ‘Town Crier”
Following the conversation, Rev. Jonathan Tobias will offer the keynote address, ‘How a Garden saved the Constitution.”
Constitution Day is especially important for Edenton for numerous reasons. One is the Hugh Williamston Memorial that was dedicated on Constitution Day, 2017. However, the idea came to mind long before.
It was 26 years ago Virginia Wood, anEdenton Tea Party member had a dream and decided to honor Hugh Williamson, an Edenton resident and constitution signer. After the first successful July 4th celebration honoring Joseph Hewes and the reading of the Declaration of Independence, Virginia and Beth Taylor collaborated and began brainstorming about the monument, its location, type of monument and how to procure the funding.
On January 16, 2002 the Chowan County Commissioners appointed a commission and Judge Terry Boyle would serve as chairman. In 2003 the drawing was approved—an elliptical wall bordering the present Hewes monument. In August 2005 funding was received from the N.C. General Assembly.
However, the project lost momentum, the funding was returned to the GA in 2009. In 2012. the monument project gained new life and Mayor Roland Vaughan and Bob Hopkins, Site Director for the State Historic Sites Edenton came up with the idea that the monument would be placed in the Elizabeth Vann Moore Park.
The town would have ownership of the monument. Frank Parker drew a design, got a cost figure and a site plan was drawn. The application was hand delivered to Rep. Bob Steinburg on March 14, 2016. On July 4th 2016, it was announced that funding had been approved by the North Carolina General Assembly.
The monument was installed April 2017 and on Constitution Day 2017 the monument was dedicated. It was 26 years ago that Virginia Wood, member of the Edenton Tea Party, had a dream...a dream to honor Hugh Williamson, signer of the Constitution and Edenton resident. After the first successful July 4th celebration honoring Joseph Hewes and the reading of the Declaration of Independence, Virginia and Beth Taylor collaborated and began brainstorming about the monument, its location, type of monument and how to procure the funding. Both ladies presented the idea to the Edenton Tea Party Chapter and it was approved that Virginia Wood andBeth Taylor would attend the Chowan County Commissioners meeting, present the project and ask that a Hugh Williamson Monument be erected. On January 16,2002 the Chowan County Commissioners appointed a commission and Judge Terry Boyle would serve as chairman. In 2003 the drawing was approved—an elliptical wall bordering the present Hewes monument. In August 2005 funding was received from the N.C. General Assembly. "The project got bogged down and because of the recession we lost our funding back to the NC General Assembly in June 2009." said DAR Honorary Chapter Regent Beth Taylor.
" In 2015 the project got back on track. Mayor Roland Vaughan and Bob Hopkins, Site Director for the State Historic Sites Edenton came up with the idea that the monument would be placed in the Elizabeth Vann Moore Park. A Brilliant Idea. The town would have ownership of the monument."
Frank Parker drew a design, got a cost figure and a site plan was drawn. The application was hand delivered to Rep. Bob Steinburg on March 14, 2016. On July 4th 2016, it was announced that funding had been approved by the North Carolina General Assembly at the annual reading of the green where the Honorable Judge Terrance Boyle was in attendance. The town received the news with enthusiasm and a sense of accomplishment! The monument was installed April 2017 and on Constitution Day 2017 the monument was dedicated, according to Taylor.
“It took 70 years to accomplish this feat and 18 years for Virginia Wood’s vision to become a reality. Two words best describe this project patience and perseverance. Hugh Williamson will be at each ceremony in spirit, as will Virginia Wood, whose vision made the monument a reality,” said DAR Honorary Chapter Regent Beth Taylor.
The Constitution Day Celebration begins on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 11:30 a.m. on the Historic Chowan County Courthouse Steps.
Socially Speaking, Karen Foley
FEED THE HUNGRY FARM NEEDS WELL FED HANDS...COMMUNITY CALL TO PICK
This is an opportunity to make a positive difference.
While we may live in a ‘commercial food desert’ we’re fortunate to be surrounded by farms, many growing produce. Rocky Hock’s nationally renowned Bunch’s Produce comes to mind immediately. You can almost smell the melons on Rocky Hock Rd. Yet, within our community we have families, especially children and seniors, facing hunger risk due to food insecurities.
While the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry plays an important role in resolving hunger problems and easing concerns, there is a grass roots effort that planted seeds on Morristown Rd. that has grown into Feed the Hungry Farm.
The crops are abundant at the farm, raising another problem. Rob Slaughter and Michael Moore’s farming success created a growing challenge. So we’re raising a call for help.
For the past two weekends Slaughter and Moore have been calling all volunteers to help get the crops off the vine. The heat has caused havoc with the farm and the volunteers. Next week is critical to the crops.
Thefarm was established in 2024 by Slaughter and Moore in partnership with the Heritage Associationto support the community food pantry. On Saturday morninglocal volunteers were in action at the farm. Anne Rowe arrived early and picked two bushels, however, the heat kept many away.
Koko Wooly, a first time farm volunteer picked two bushel baskets of red and green peppers of which there was an abundance.
All of the produce picked at the Feed the Hungry Farm is donated to the Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry.
The many rows of ripening melons, squash, cucumbersand corn arestill in neatly planted rows, waiting to be picked.
Everyone’s calendar is packed, busy with family and summer activities. If your July 19 is empty, consider picking a basket of peppers, or a wagon of Cantaloupe, ears of corn, tomatoes, and squash. The morning picking begins at 8 a.m. and lasts until 11 a.m..Volunteers can arrive and leave at theirpleasure. This is a great opportunity to bring the family together and get picking with each other. A great summer lesson for kids and teens to understand giving back to the community and what it takes to get a tomato to table.
Make an event out of it. Get your employees together, pack a picnic and go for a picking picnic. A team building experience.
If you can make it, make sure to bring a largehat and bottled water. Ask any farmer, getting your hands dirty in Eastern NC, dirt is a great feeling, especially when you are making a positive difference.
The Edenton-Chowan Food Pantry provides nutritionalassistance to food insecure families living in Chowan County, with a focus on at-risk children. The Food Pantry serves300 household and 235 senior adults each month. They also oversee the weekend meal program for over 200 children attending Edenton Chowan Public Schools. The Children’s Summer Nutrition Program, serves hundreds of meals to children between mid-June and mid-August each year. The Food Pantry counts on the food from the Feed the Hungry Farm, and the so the farm relies on volunteers to help harvest. Next Saturday, the crops are in dire need of picking. Come for an hour or stay for a few, you will be providing a great service to our community. Make a farm day of it...Don’t worry the Farmers Market is open until1 p.m. so you can make it back for their celebration.
Editor’s note: If it’s raining, the event will be cancelled. Use your best judgment for your health in association with the heat. Bring water and a big hat. For questions, please call Mary Morris at 252-482-6585 at the Chowan County Cooperative Extension or email mary_morris@ncsu.edu
GOOD NEWS in BOXES
You may notice throughout Edenton there are Edenton Social Light boxes in a few locations. Make sure to pick up the latest Summer Issue of the Social Light. Send us your email and we will put you on our complimentary subscription list. You'll receive good news regularly.
FYBE HOSTS EDENTON CHOWAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS SOCIAL
HOLIDAY SEASON KICKS OFF IN STYLE
Penelope would be proud to know that Edenton's future was standing in the entryway of her home Thursday evening as members of the FYBE Team joined Chowan Edenton Chamber of Commerce Director Susan Creed in welcoming chamber members for an evening of socializing. Edenton Chef Cheryl Orr delighted guests with a variety of appetizers and her renowned sweet potato biscuit ham sandwiches.
FYBE Community and Gov. Relations Rep. Sarah Tinkham along with Melissa Smith and other FYBE representatives joined Edenton Mayor Hackney High, Chowan-Edenton Optimists Club President Billy Barrow and other guests for the enjoyable gathering.
FYBE was instrumental in placing Edenton on the Broadband Map just over a year ago. The Town of Edenton officially became a Gigabit City, a community with 100 percent access to broadband; the first of our size in northeast North Carolina to achieve this milestone.
Thanks to a partnership between the Town of Edenton and Fybe – a broadband service provider and subsidiary of Roanoke Cooperative – the expansion of fiber internet services in Edenton now serves 4,300 homes and businesses throughout the community.
Focus Broadband Opens Edenton Office
This past week, FOCUS Broadband also hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new operations site, located in the Edenton-Chowan Industrial Park. The new facility will serve as a central hub for the company’s technicians, as well as store equipment. Speakers included Chowan County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Kirby, Perquimans County Assistant Manager Brandon Shoaf, and NCDIT Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Opportunity Annette Taylor, who each highlighted the transformative impact of high-speed internet access on the area. FOCUS Broadband has announced that high-speed internet service is now available to more than 7,000 addresses in Chowan and Perquimans counties, with additional addresses coming soon. Residents and businesses in rural areas of both counties may now take advantage of fiber optic broadband service with speeds up to 5Gig, enabling them to work and learn remotely, access telehealth services and more. FOCUS Broadband began its efforts to bring high-speed internet to Chowan and Perquimans counties nearly five years ago by partnering with administrations from both counties to pursue funding through broadband expansion programs.
In 2022, the company was awarded $8 million in grant funds from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) Grant program to bring fiber optic broadband service to more than 3,600 addresses in Chowan and Perquimans counties. Building on that success, FOCUS Broadband received an additional $7.2 million in GREAT Grant funding in 2023 to extend service to an additional 1,700 addresses across both counties. In addition to the GREAT Grants, FOCUS Broadband also received $6 million through NCDIT’s Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program to expand service to almost all the remaining underserved addresses in many of the most remote areas of both counties. Construction on these CAB-funded projects has been underway for several months and is expected to be completed quickly. Once these final phases are finished, FOCUS Broadband will serve more than 8,000 addresses across Chowan and Perquimans counties. FOCUS Broadband has invested $3 million of its own as matching funding for these grant awards.
“We are proud to bring reliable, high-speed internet to thousands of residents in Chowan and Perquimans counties,” shared FOCUS Broadband CEO Keith Holden. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the county commissioners, county managers and community leaders. We’re also grateful for the partnership of Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation, whose assistance was instrumental in our network construction, and for NCDIT, whose ongoing commitment to rural broadband expansion through the GREAT and CAB programs was vital to this effort.”
VOLUNTEER SEASON IS UPON US
Docents, umpires, drivers needed
Edenton has been a bit sleepy this January. Coming off the high of the holiday activities, the cold and snowy weather created a hibernation effect for some and others took that overdue vacation to warm-up. As I perused my email messages this morning, I read the Chamber of Commerce upcoming calendar of events. Edenton bounces right back with a list of events and happenings by community and civic groups that will certainly get Edentonians out of their comfortable chairs.
The number of community and historical events available for locals and visitors to enjoy throughout the year is amazing for a town of Edenton’s size. Between the historical sites showcasing Edenton’s American history and the active non-profit organization creating events attracting sizeable crowds Edenton has become a destination ‘Where locals go to visit and visitors go to feel local’. Simply put, there are always great things to do in Edenton throughout the year.
These activities continue to benefit the economy and the hotels, retailers, artisans, restaurants and food vendors participating in them. However, many of these amazing events would not be possible without strong volunteer support from the community. Whether it's volunteering time or offering financial support, Edenton’s long list of volunteers help keep the town moving forward.
When I first moved to Edenton, just over three years ago, I joined the Chowan Senior Center to make use of the gym. I was thrilled the facility and the services were complimentary to senior residents and after a few months, I volunteered to help in the office. I thought it would be a good way to give back and thank them for the wide range of benefits and services the center and staff offered. What I discovered is volunteering offered an opportunity to utilize my professional corporate experience and assist in areas where my talents were needed. Volunteering allows you to learn something new, share your skills and experiences, become part of something larger than yourself and meet new friends, all while supporting our community.
Volunteers make things happen.
Have you ever thought of becoming a volunteer historical interpreter or docent? Why not recreate those days on the ball field? The Chowan Rec. Department is frequently looking for umpires, referees and judges for a variety of activities.
If you have ever wondered what volunteer positions are available in town, there's an upcoming meet up where questions about volunteering will be answered.
Main Street Edenton’s Event Coordinator Timmy Turner is hosting a special event to learn more about volunteering and the organization seeking volunteers. The gathering will focus on the needs of local organizations and will enable attendees to meet with representatives from local non-profits and learn about the many volunteer opportunities available in Edenton.
The event is being held at the American Legion, 1317 W. Queen Street, Thursday, Feb. 20 beginning at 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The evening offers residents an opportunity to mingle and share ideas and to learn about non-profit organizations looking for volunteers. If you happen to be an organization wanting to participate in the event, please contact events@mainstreetedenton.com.
Volunteers help make a difference. I hope to see you there.
Karen Foley
Larry and Mary Jo Sellers guest bartend at The Herringbone to raise money The Boys and Girls Club.
Everybody's in Love with Edenton
None of us expected Mother Nature’s postcard from Minnesota last week, but noticeably once the clouds cleared and we ventured outside you may notice the days, thankfully, are getting a bit longer.
February is the month of love. I especially love the fact it leads us closer to spring with the hope of sunnier weather ahead. Others love it for different reasons, but one thing we know, we all love Edenton. Many have expressed those thoughts in our cover story.
We all have our personal reasons why this charming southern town has captured our hearts. Read a dozen reasons from local Edentonians, while merchants offer ideas on how to find the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day.
Along with longer days, Valentine’s Day boosts the spirits in the middle of the month and will lead to long walks along Edenton Bay if your pooch so chooses that route.
Chowan Art Center is gearing up for their March Gala event and the merchant’s windows on Broad St. celebrate ‘Love’. Martin Luther King’s birthday celebrations included the NAACP banquet with an uplifting, motivational speech by Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr., in coordination with Black History month.
Edenton’s black history shines throughout our community with markers and plaques in our parks and on historic buildings. This issue provides a blinking glimpse into the lives of ten black community leaders including Josephine Napoleon Leary. Although born into slavery she became one of the wealthiest Edenton business women through her focused real estate investments. The J.M. Leary building on South Broad Street proudly boasts her name and is a highlight of the Edenton Historic Tour. The Badham family, one of the most prominent builders in Edenton’s history built the Kadesh A.M.E. Zion Church on Gale Street. The historic building currently under renovation. We lightly touch on the progress of Kadesh.
We also pay tribute to a handful of our historic black community leaders in this issue. My appreciation and thanks goes out to Stella Brothers and Sam Dixon for their guidance in telling these stories. Black history is American history deserving the respect of all who share in the foundations it previously built. Within our limited pages, we couldn’t fully highlight these iconic community leaders. EdentonSocialLight.com will be featuring black community leaders along with other events and profile stories in our weekly updates online during the month.
It’s February, regenerate, catch up with a good book, take time for yourself and your significant other, take a walk on a sunny day and get ready…Easter is just around the corner.
Socially Yours,
Karen Foley
TO VIEW THE SOCIAL LIGHT PRINT EDITION IN MAGAZINE FORMAT CLICK THE PICTURE..
BRICK SHOPS, CARROZZA OPENING
COASTAL THREADS, KRAKEN COFFEEHOUSE, & HUCKLEBERRY'S
The flowers in the Cupola House Garden are in bloom and it’s evident by the number of social activities happening, as spring arrives, so is Edenton. Both locals and visitors start off the month with packed weekends starting April 5, full of activities.
The grand openings at the Brick include Coastal Threads, Kraken Coffee and Huckleberry’s Ice Cream. With the touches of Down East Preservation apparent three unique inviting environment where created.
Across the street, the former Carriage Restaurant reopens as ‘Carrozza’ offering Italian food. I had the opportunity to taste a few dishes and I was very impressed with Chef Gavin Hotler’s style and flavor profiles.We’ll all be excited to try his culinary creations.
Saturday evening enjoy the Chowan Art Council’s huge gala event ‘Destination New Orleans’. The is the CAC’s largest and most important fundraiser. Move quickly, you may be able to still buy a ticket.
Moving on to April 11 weekend the 2025 Pilgrimage Tour is rapidly filling up, with many historic homes being featured for the first time. The Woman’s Club is expecting 1,000 guests for the tour. This amazing group of women fund many local non profits through the club’s grant program supporting many local non profits.
It appears to me a month of Women’s invoIvment in town. Recently, two women have been appointed to important positions in town. Many of you probably know Megan Weiss from the Chowan Chamber. She has been promoted to Edenton’s Public Information Officer. I look forward to working with Megan. I also had a great conversation with Patti Mordecai, formally at Chowan Art Council. She has found her dream job joining the Edenton Historical Commission as the Director of Marketing, Retail and Community Events.
These stories and many more profiles along with a view of Edenton’s spring fashions in this spring 2025 edition. For full coverage of these and other events, update frequently throughout the week, visit www.edentonsociallight.com.
CARROZZA WILL EVENTUALLY BE OFFERING PINZA , A LIGHTER OPTION TO PIZZA> IT IS COOKED LONGER AT A LOW
EDENTON'S PEANUT FESTIVAL WEEKEND REVIEW
THE NUT RUN BEGAN THE DAY
It was a Norman Rockwell day. The sun rose Saturday with a soothing light wind. The streets of Edenton woke up early to be greeted by over 100 people on Water Street geared up for the first annual Peanut Festival Running events including a 10K at 7:00 a.m. followed by the 5K run at 8:30 a.m.. Dressed in their green peanut run shirts, the runners ranged from grade-school aged kids to grandma and grandpa running the charming streets of Edenton. Dogs, kids in strollers and some preferring to stroll added to the delightful morning activities.
THE MARKET DREW A CROWD
CUPOLA MARKET
In conjunction with all the peanut festival activities the Cupola House Market once again fascinated onlookers and shoppers with a variety of crafts and artistry. The market was filled with over a dozen booths focused on artisan and craftsman products. The Cupola House booth featured their special holiday ornaments, beautiful linen towels, while the Cupola Garden Club offered cuttings and seed packs from native plants. The Edenton Woman’s Club, the Edenton DAR and Edenton Historical Commission’s Visitors Center also featured many interesting and special items. Matt Markoya of Old North Colony Pewter "had their best show ever". Annette Ringeisen booth and felting art creations by Cloth&Twine were annual booths returning for the third year event. The Cupola House was open with Docents giving free tours of the first floor construction being prepped for the return of the original wood work. It was a beautiful day for a harvest market and the Cupola team did an excellent job pulling together a wonderful selection for early holiday shopping.
THE PEANUT PARADE
THE PARADE
The sun rose brightly on the 50th annual Peanut Parade as participant started their march down S. Broad Street. Lined with families eager to engage in the parade festivities. Leading the parade, the John A. Holmes HS band's music was a teaser for battle of the bands later in the day. Dressed in their full band regalia, they looked ready to host the Battle of the Bands regional competition starting at 2:00 p.m. that afternoon at the High School.
Parade participants included a line of tractors, a few historic pieces of Earl's peanut harvesting equipment. School groups cheered on the crowd, historic cars and trucks, the JROTC Color Guard, and the Chowan Senior Center Line Dancers danced their way down Broad St. The Chowan County Fair Queen and Princess made an appearance and many, many, more groups and businesses joined in the parade. The famous Planter's Nutmobile was a special feature.
The Peanut Parade and Festival committee worked for months to coordinate the day's events which included the Nut Runs, 50th Annual Parade, the Cupola Market, the educational festival on King Street including the kids sack races and run awards, the music on porches and additional Farmers Market activities. The committee’s goal was to bring back this historic community event and to embrace the fall harvest. It’s all been captured for you to view on the Peanut Day Parade video.
THE PEANUT SACK RACES
KID SACK RACES
There’s nothing more fun to watch than small children attempting to win a peanut sack race.
Following the peanut parade, runners and peanut parade watchers meandered down East King Street to enjoy food vendors and educational booths focused on peanuts. Guests gathered on the historic courthouse greens to celebrate the morning race winners and to give kids an opportunity to compete in a peanut sack race. Broken down into age groups, the kids hopped their way across the green and back. It was hilarious to watch their racing skills.They all seemed to have a terrific time attempting the confined feet, feat.