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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LEATH, HISTORICAL COMMISSION, EXPRESS APPRECIATION, THANKS, & HOLIDAY CHEER FOR VOLUNTEERS
The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center, was filled with holiday merriment Tuesday evening as the Edenton Historical Commission hosted its Annual Holiday Barker House volunteer appreciation party.
The Barker House is festively dressed for the holidays, adorned with seasonal decorations and ornaments awaiting the lines of visitors to arrive for the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, Dec. 12 and 13.
On Tuesday evening Executive Director Robert Leath offered high praise for Marketing Director Patti Mordecai and Director of Community Events Trish Gregory Rand before he offered heartfelt praise and accolades for all those who volunteer to keep the gem shining.
“Month after month, year after year the impact of the people who help us here at the Barker House, the people who are engaged with the trolley, the people who are part of welcoming and greeting tourists throughout the year, our hospitality tours, our special groups, and there is this little thing that happens once a year called the Christmas Candlelight Tour, make these happen,” Robert said. “That is something that truly cannot be done without the volunteers and support of a whole community. And as many of you would have already heard, the Christmas Candlelight Tour in Edenton is becoming so well known and such an attractive spot, and particularly for Christmas, that two years ago, the Candlelight Tour sold out in November. Last year, the Candlelight Tour sold out in October. This year, the Candlelight Tour, thanks to Patti, sold out by mid September.”
Commission Chair Chris Bean expressed his appreciation to the volunteers, his fellow commissioners and Leath, who Bean attributes the progress the Historical Commission and the town has made to Robert since becoming Executive Director.
Chris also welcomed the new Historical Commission board members Cynthia Harding, Bonnie Pierce, Stella Brothers Mary Ann Daniels and Chuck Davis.
Throughout the evening, Barker House Jr. Docent and pianist Louisa Bain provided background music
One of the highlights of the evening was the gift presentation to Barker House Volunteer of the Year Clara Stage who was awarded the honor for her continued volunteerism.
Candlelight tour tickets can be picked up beginning Monday, Dec. 8.
FOR THE PARADE OF PARTIES IN YOUR MAILBOX
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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ST. ANN ITALIAN NIGHT, SATURDAY MAY 16...
Tutto quello che puoi mangiare, Lasagna alla Bolognese, salsiccia e peperoni, spaghetti al marinara.
Cancel the trip to New York this weekend, Little Italy is coming to Edenton.
St. Ann’s Knights of Columbus Mother of Mary Council #11180 is bringing the flavors and fellowship of a traditional Italian gathering to Edenton with its upcoming Homemade Italian Dinner on Saturday, May 16, at Saint Ann Parish Hall. The evening will feature an “all you can eat” menu of classic Italian favorites prepared by local favorite and featured chef, Ed Ross, who will serve as the event’s “Chef Supremo” for the night.
Guests can expect a warm and lively atmosphere inspired by a classic Italian feast, complete with hearty portions of Lasagna alla Bolognese, sausage and peppers, spaghetti with marinara sauce, antipasto salad, garlic bread with roasted garlic butter and parmigiana, hand-filled cannoli, Italian cookies and beverages. Organizers say the dinner is designed to bring the community together for an evening of great food, friendship and fellowship while celebrating the spirit of the Knights of Columbus and St. Ann Parish.
Ross, well known throughout the community for his outgoing personality and enthusiasm, is expected to add plenty of energy to the evening as he takes on his role as chef and host. Organizers say the event reflects the Knights of Columbus’ commitment to community, hospitality and service, while also offering residents and visitors a chance to enjoy an authentic Italian-style dinner close to home.
“Everything is made fresh from scratch — nothing is store-bought or frozen,” said Chef Ross. “I believe that if you are paying for a meal out, it should be special, something you wouldn’t normally have at home.”
While Ross is a self taught culinarian, he did a stint at the Herringbone and learned a lot from Chef Kyle Murphy.
“I feel funny referring to myself as a chef. I’m simply someone who loves to cook and is self-taught, although I learned a great deal from Chef Kyle Murphy at The Herringbone when I worked there,” explained Ross.
The Knights of Columbus served 170 meals during their last Italian dinner event in October. “We hope to serve close to that number again next Saturday,” said Ross. “Our meals are available for dine-in or takeout. If you dine in, it’s an all-you-can-eat experience. Our church hall is transformed into an Italian restaurant with an Italian motif.”
Ross noted that a dedicated team of 15 to 20 Knights of Columbus volunteers help prepare the food. The council, made up of more than 90 men from St. Ann Catholic Church, recently completed its busy Easter season, offeringfish-and-chips dinner every Friday during Lent for seven weeks. This year, the group served more than 800 meals to parishioners and members of the local community, raising more than $8,000 that was returned to local charitable efforts.
“It’s a wonderful group of men whom I’m blessed to know,” said Ross. “This is a great community event and a lot of fun for everyone who attends.”
In addition to bringing the community together, proceeds from the event benefit local charities, including St. Vincent de Paul, Special Olympics, and the LAMB Foundation, which supports local students with special needs.
The dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Saint Ann Parish Hall, located at 207 North Broad Street in Edenton. Tickets are $25 for adults, while children 12 and under may attend for $5. Proceeds from the event will support the charitable and community outreach efforts of the Knights of Columbus Mother of Mary Council #11180.
Tickets should be purchased in advance. Please call St. Ann Parish Office at 252-415-0101, ask for Michelle.
AN ITALIAN NIGHT IN PHOTOS
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