News Digest for Town of Carrboro, NC 
(July 2, 2024) 

Thrilled to celebrate with you this July 4th! We'll be cheering on the runners at Le Tour de Carrboro's Four on the Fourth road race and look forward to watermelon at the finish line! Come out for the Carrboro Community July 4th Celebration with the People's Parade, live music, pie-eating contests and homespun fun!! Marking its 11th year is the Frederick Douglass Community Reading, taking place at noon at the Century Center. Come early for a good seat!  On Monday, Jones Ferry Road will be undergoing roadway improvements with nighttime paving. Carrboro This Week is going on summer break - but you can still sign up for Carrboro Town News for daily updates via email or text! Stay cool, Carrboro! 

Carrboro Community 4th of July Celebration

Join us at Carrboro Town Commons from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th for the Carrboro Community Fourth of July Celebration.

The 10th Annual Community Reading of the Frederick Douglass Essay "The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro" will be held rain or shine. The community reading will be held at the Carrboro Century Center from 12 - 1:30 p.m. 

The Kickoff Event activities will be held at Weaver Street Market beginning at 9:30 a.m., followed by The People’s Parade from Weaver Street to Town Hall at 10:50 a.m. led by the Bulltown Strutters. 

Bring non-perishable items to help support PORCH. Donation bins available at Weaver Street Market and Carrboro Town Commons.

Pre-Event Activities at Weaver Street Market

Join us on the Weaver Street Market Lawn at 9:30 a.m. for pre-event activities!  There will be a Bike/Wagon Decorating Contest along with a Costume Contest for kids! 

• 9:30 a.m. – Pre-Event Activities Begin
• 9:45 a.m. – Designing & Decorating Booths (Patriotic Tattoos, Hat Making & Decorating, Patriotic Flag Coloring, Bike & Wagon Decorating)
• 10 -10:15 a.m. – Registration for Costume Contest

Categories: Ages 1-5; Ages 6-10;  Ages 11-15; Family/Group; Bike/Trike; and Wagon/Scooter/Other 

• 10:30 a.m. – Costume Contest Winners Announced 
• 10:40 a.m. – Parade Assembly on E. Weaver Street 
• 10:50 a.m. – The People’s Parade from Weaver Street Market to Carrboro Town Hall led by The Bulltown Strutters

The People's Parade

At about 10:50 a.m., the People's Parade will begin and travel from Weaver Street Market to the Main Event at Carrboro Town Commons!  Dress up, bring your bikes and wagons, and join your fellow community members with a July 4th themed parade down Weaver!

Annual Reading of Frederick Douglass' Essay

Mayor Barbara Foushee will host our annual gathering of community members for the annual Community Reading of Frederick Douglass' essay, "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro."   The reading will occur in the Carrboro Century Center's Century Hall at 12 p.m.

Live Music at Town Hall

Our emcee will be Aaron Keck of 97.9's the Hill.  Below are the performances scheduled for this year's event:

• 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Queen Bees
• 12:45 - 1:45 p.m. - Emerald Empire Band
• 2-3 p.m. - Emerald Empire Band

Other Events and Activities at Town Hall

Join us for the following during the main event from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Town Hall:

• Senior Bing (Town Council Chambers from 1:00pm-2:30pm)
• Pie-Eating Contest(2 -3 p.m.)
  • 2 p.m. – Ages 6-8
  • 2:15 p.m.  – Ages 9-12
  • 2:30 p.m. – Ages 13-17
  • 2:45 p.m. – Ages 18 & Up

Note: Registration for the pie-eating contest is on-site at the Information Booth from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.  Registration is first-come, first-served and a maximum of eight participants will be accepted.  There is no registration fee, but a waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian.

• Town of Carrboro Fire Department Interactive Smoke House 
• Face Painting w/ Paint Savvy
• Carnival Games and Inflatables (Bounce House) 
• Baby Crawl Contest
• Free Expression Chalk Boards
• Toddler Square
• Family Fun Photo Booth Experience
• Bubble Artist
• Stilt Walker
• Food/Drink Vendors
• Non-Profit Booths

Carrboro to hold 11th Annual  Frederick Douglass Community Reading

Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee is pleased to announce that the Town of Carrboro will hold its 11th Annual Community Reading of the Frederick Douglass essay "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" on Thursday, July 4, 2024. 

The reading will occur from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St. Introductory remarks will be provided by Mayor Foushee with the keynote address given by Civil Rights Historian Danita Mason-Hogans. Closing remarks will be provided by James Williams Jr., an attorney and former chief public defender.

About the Frederick Douglass Speech and Community Reading 

"What to the slave is the Fourth of July?" posed Frederick Douglass to a gathering of 500-600 abolitionists in Rochester, N.Y., on July 5, 1852. Admission to the speech was 12 cents, and the crowd at the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society was enthusiastic, voting unanimously to endorse the speech at its end. This speech would be remembered as one of the most poignant addresses by Douglass, a former slave turned statesman. Douglass gave it on July 5, refusing to celebrate the Fourth of July until all slaves were emancipated.

Frederick Douglass’ essay reflects a sobering point of view about what is commonly considered to be America’s Independence Day and is a part of the history of this country that should be recognized and remembered. The community is urged to attend and listen to the reading of this compelling work.

The reading is one of the events included in the day-long Carrboro July 4th Celebration.

• View the Frederick Douglass Trailer
• View past Carrboro’s Frederick Douglass Community Readings .
• Learn more about The Fourth of July in Carrboro.

Town of Carrboro offices closed for Independence Day

The Town of Carrboro's administrative offices will be closed Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. 

There will be no household waste collection on Thursday, July 4. Thursday’s collection is moved to Friday, July 5 and Friday’s collection is moved to Monday, July 8.

Emergency police, fire and rescue services may be reached by calling 9-1-1

July is Parks and Recreation Month in Carrboro

July is Parks and Recreation Month in Carrboro, as proclaimed by Mayor Barbara Foushee.

The National Park and Recreation Association has designated the theme of this year’s celebration as “Where You Belong,” celebrating the many ways parks and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. 

Parks and recreation programs are an integral part of communities because they help establish and maintain a good quality of life, contribute to the health of residents, and support the economic and environmental well-being of the community and the region.

The dedicated employees of the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department have an average of 18 years of service in providing excellent programs and amenities to grow our community. They strive to maintain safe and healthy park amenities for all ages and offers a comprehensive recreation program, including youth and adult classes, youth and adult athletic leagues, camps, workshops, clinics and many community events.

The Town’s Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department is committed to advancing racial equity and is evaluating its programs, facilities and services using the Racial Equity Assessment Lens within the One Orange Racial Equity Framework

Learn more about the programs and services of the Recreation, Parks & Cultural Resources Department of the Town of Carrboro 

Read the full Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation. 

Metro Mayors Coalition Summer Meeting

The Town of Carrboro was represented at the Metro Mayors Coalition Summer Meeting on Wednesday, June 26.

Pictured from left is Town Manager Patrice Toney, Governor Roy Cooper and Mayor Barbara Foushee. 

The meeting was an opportunity to continue to shape the direction and priorities of the NC Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. There was a special update from key legislators followed by lunch at the Executive Mansion. 

Carrboro Pride Dance Party 2024

Sorry Not Sorry.  WE TURNED UP THE HEAT in Carrboro for the culminating event of Small Town Pride, our joint community Pride. 

From the Pride Piper Walk down Weaver Street with the Rainbow Ram to the Dance Party at Town Commons, people enjoyed the food trucks, vendors and tables with resources for the LGBTQ+ community; drag shows by KiKi Diamond and company; live music mixes from WXYC; dancing led by Zumba Instructor Oscar Garcia; and the beautiful decorations from Balloons & Tunes. 

Our gratitude to all who supported and participated, including Town Councils from the Town of Carrboro and Town of Chapel Hill, and the staff members and volunteers who made this possible!

Four on the Fourth Road Race

A Carrboro road race is scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, July 4. Expect traffic delays around this time, and feel free to cheer on the runners! 

The race begins in front of McDougle Middle School, winds through downtown Carrboro and its neighborhoods, and finishes on the McDougle track. 

McDougle Middle School is located at 900 Old Fayetteville Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

Four on the Fourth is the first race of the Cardinal Track Club's three-race series, Le Tour de Carrboro. These local road races support nonprofits and their work to provide people with access to healthy food, mental and health services, rehabilitation, and more.

Learn more at Le Tour de Carrboro at https://ecs.page.link/r928a 

TOMATO SEASON IS HERE! 

On Saturday, July 13 the Carrboro Farmers’ Market celebrates the bounty of local tomatoes with its biggest annual event of the year - Tomato Day! Open 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Carrboro Town Commons (301 W Main St), the Carrboro Farmers’ Market highlights the summer tomato season with samples of different varieties of locally-grown tomatoes, a huge Carrboro-wide raffle, samples of tomato dishes and recipes, limited-edition merchandise with this year’s event design, and much more. This event is free and open to the public.

From old favorites like Sun Gold, Cherokee Purple, Brandywine, and Big Beef, to lesser-known varieties like Black Krim, Chef’s Choice, Mountain Magic, Super Sweet 100, and Tomimaru Muchoo - farmers at the Carrboro Farmers’ Market grow over 70 different types of tomatoes.

Tomato Day welcome stations at each of the Market’s entrances provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about local tomatoes, find their favorite tomatoes, and get information from Market staff and volunteers.

The CFM sells limited-edition Tomato Day t-shirts, posters, and stickers with a unique annual design. This year’s design features tomatoes on an ice cream cone (“We all scream for Tomato Day!”). T-shirts are designed by The Splinter Group in Carrboro, and printed on ultra-soft, responsibly sourced t-shirts by TS Designs in Burlington. T-shirts are available in unisex sizes and select youth sizes.

Shoppers can enjoy samples of this year’s most popular tomato varieties, fresh from the farmers. Sampling may take place during part of Market hours.

This year’s Tomato Day Guest Chefs are Michelle and Stevie Webb, co-owners of The Cheese Shop in downtown Carrboro. The Webbs collaborate frequently with CFM and its farmers through local events and dinners, and in Fall 2024 will open Wedgewood Cheese Bar, a farm-to-bar, neighborhood spot that will showcase local, seasonal produce and the world’s best cheeses, charcuterie, and specialty foods. Visitors can find them in the Market gazebo from 8:30am to 12:00pm with samples of local tomatoes and their favorite cheeses and ingredients.

CFM prepared food vendors and farmers offer Tomato Day specials like golden tomato soup, local salsa, tomato ricotta herb tarts, tomato basil sauce, and more. Visitors can also find samples of tomato products and tomato pairings at vendor stalls around the market.

Tomato Day zines are available for visitors in printed and digital format, with information on all the tomato varieties at the CFM and the farmers who grow them, tomato specials at local Carrboro businesses, recipes, tasting notes, and more.

The Carrboro-wide Tomato Day raffle includes over 25 prizes and gift certificates from local Carrboro businesses. There is no fee to enter the raffle.

Tomato Day is sponsored by Laser Image Printing & Marketing, The Splinter Group, Overture Chapel Hill, and Visit Carrboro. 

Town of Carrboro Announces Family Financial Assistance Program (Round 2)

The Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program (Round 2) will begin accepting applications on June 24, 2024 for Carrboro families facing financial challenges with food, housing, utilities, transportation,  childcare and internet access.  

The second round of this program has been approved by the Town Council.  Partnering on the program are the Town of Carrboro Racial Equity Commission, Race and Equity team, Orange County Department of Social Services, Empowerment Inc. and the Carrboro Housing and Community Services Department.  

Pick up and drop off completed applications (English or Spanish) at the following: 

• Access applications on the program webpage.
• Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
• Hillsborough Commons, 113-B Mayo Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278 
•  Fax completed applications to 919-644-3305 

The Carrboro Family Financial Assistance Program will receive applications through Friday, July 26, 2024.

For more information, contact Anita Jones-McNair at amcnair@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7381 or Kannu Taylor at ktaylor@carrboronc.gov or 919-918-7351. 

Fitch Lumber & Hardware Parking Lot

to close for repaving

News from Fitch Lumber & Hardware  

The main gate and front parking lot of Fitch Lumber & Hardware at 309 N. Greensboro St. will be closed on Monday, July 1 and Tuesday, July 2 for repaving of the facility.  

All customers and vendors will need to enter and exit through the south gate off Short Street and park inside the gate on the gravel surface.  Please see image below.   We realize this will be an inconvenience to your shopping experience and will do our best to accommodate you upon arrival.

As a reminder: do not park across the street in the Carr Mill Mall Parking lot as you will likely be towed.

Check out all the public parking options in Carrboro.

Tree Pruning Underway around Carrboro 

Public Works Department will be performing street tree throughout the summer months. The pruning will provide adequate clearance over streets and sidewalks and helps keep our trees healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

During pruning, you may notice some temporary disruptions, such as noise or restricted access to sidewalks or parking spaces.

Your understanding and support are greatly appreciated as we care for our trees. 

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Chartwells are offering FREE meals this summer!

Locations:

• FPG Bilingüe, 101 Smith Level Rd, Chapel Hill
• Carrboro High, 201 Rock Haven Rd, Carrboro

Mobile Delivery Schedule:

• Craig St./Gomains Ave.: 10:15 a.m.
• Oakwood: 10:45 a.m.
• Airport Gardens: 11:15 a.m.
• Colony Woods West: 11:45 a.m.
• South Estes: 12:15 p.m.
• (All closed July 4th and 5th.)

 Got Questions? Check out our webpage: https://www.chccs.org/Page/11563

Hot Weather Resources in Orange County

Orange County has compiled a list of resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness during dangerous hot weather.  The Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection Program (SOHRAD) offers help to people living unsheltered. 

Call 919-886-3351 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -to 9 p.m. and Saturday Noon to 9 p.m. 

Additional information can be found on the Orange County Hot Weather Resources Webpage.

News from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority - PFAS Community Chat

News from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) 

Join us for our first PFAS Community Chat featuring local environmental law, regulatory, and utility finance experts to discuss how to fund PFAS removal from drinking water. The community chat will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Chapel Hill Public Library, 100 Library Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

PFAS, short for per-and poly- fluroalkyl substances, are a group of compounds used in a variety of industrial processes and in everyday products to increase resistance to water, grease, and stains. PFAS can be found in carpet, clothing, furniture fabric, food packaging, cookware, some firefighting foams, and other materials. This family of compounds has been around for decades, accumulating in the environment—including drinking water sources. There is no known active industry in the watersheds that feed our reservoirs.

Safeguarding Our Water: PFAS Q&A

Panelists:

• Shadi Eskaf, Director, N.C. Division of Water Infrastructure
• Jeanne Zhuang, Senior Attorney, SELC (Southern Environmental Law Center)
• Stephen Winters, Deputy Executive Director, Orange Water and Sewer Authority

Hear expert insight, get your PFAS questions answered, and learn what OWASA is doing about PFAS! Our expert panelists will discuss the challenges in funding PFAS removal from drinking water. This is an opportunity for members of our community to get insight from local experts, discuss concerns and get questions answered. We hope to see you there!

Learn more at https://www.owasa.org/pfas-and-your-water/

Candidate Filing Underway 

Candidate filing for Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor and the vacant seat on the Carrboro Town Council for Nov. 5, 2024 runs through noon Friday, July 5. 

More information on the Orange County Filing for Office webpage. 

GoTriangle is returning to fare

collection effective July 1, 2024

After suspending fares during the COVID-19 pandemic, GoTriangle will resume collection of fares on July 1, 2024, with new options for passengers that include digital ticketing and a Transit Assistance Pass for income qualified riders to ride fare-free. 

Youth (ages 13-18) and seniors (ages 65 and older) will still ride free (as they did pre-pandemic) after they enroll in one of the GoPass programs that allows them to use the Umo digital ticketing platform.

Learn more at gotriangle.org.

Save the Date: Manchester City and Celtic FC To Meet In Kenan Stadium July 23

The Town of Carrboro is proud to be sponsoring a trolley for increased crowds expected during the Manchester City and Celtic FC International Soccer game on July 23, 2024. The free trolley service between downtown Carrboro and downtown Chapel Hill will make it easy for visitors to support Carrboro restaurants, drinking establishments and businesses. 

English soccer teams Manchester City and Scottish side Celtic FC will play an exhibition match in Chapel Hill as part of the FC Series. It’s the second straight summer Kenan Stadium will host the FC Series after Chelsea and Wrexham played there in 2023. 

In addition to the excitement at Kenan, the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro are planning a week of activities downtown including photos with mascots, pop up tee-shirt sales, and local tailgating opportunities. 

• Read the story by Laurie Paolicelli, executive director for the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau.
• Read an article about the July game on Go Heels.
• Keep your eye on Visit Chapel Hill for more information.

Boost Carrboro Business Summit

Calling all existing business owners in Carrboro and surrounding areas!  Get ready for the Boost Carrboro Business Summit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19 at the ArtsCenter, 400 Roberson St. in Carrboro. 

Discover partners who can help grow and sustain your business. Network with entrepreneurs, engage in meaningful conversations, and explore growth opportunities.

Enjoy lights bites & tasty sips as you elevate your business.

Attendees will be able to book small group counseling services to equip their businesses with the connections and resources to grow their business in Carrboro, NC.

This event is free and open to the public with registration.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or partnerships, contact conference curator Chisa Pennix-Brown.

Chisa Pennix-Brown
Chief Curator, Give It To The People 
Email: giveit2thepeople@gmail.com
Phone: 336-809-8851

Public parking available in downtown Carrboro

It’s easy to find free two-hour public parking in Carrboro, where you can access convenient parking at 10 public lots all over town.

Please remember that the Carr Mill Mall parking area is for mall customers and is not a public parking lot. Leaving the mall premises after parking risks towing. When in doubt, always park in public lots, and enjoy a hassle-free and relaxed shopping and dining experience.

Find more information including an interactive parking map on our Downtown Parking webpage.

How to Stay Informed & Engaged in Carrboro 

The Communication & Engagement Department has your information and engagement needs covered!

• Sign up for Carrboro Town News.
• Follow the Town of Carrboro on social media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Nextdoor and YouTube. 
• Stop by a Town Information Center, outdoor message kiosks at many community locations!

Curious about community hot topics? Check out Engage Carrboro.

Please note that Carrboro This Week, the town’s weekly newsletter, takes a summer break in July and August. 

For more information or assistance, please reach us at communications@carrboronc.gov