Historic Preservation Commission approves plans for the Empire Block project

Published 12:10 am Sunday, August 13, 2023 by Brad Dountz

SALISBURY — The Empire Hotel project has long been one of the last lynchpins in making downtown Salisbury realize its fullest potential as an economic and cultural hub for all of Rowan County.

After the city found developers and architects to help the building return to its former glory, they are ready to show what the first portion will look like.

On Thursday night, the Salisbury Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve the proposed plans for the Empire Block segment of the redevelopment project. Eddie Belk of Belk Architecture, one of the project’s partners, shared with the commission what to expect from this stage in the process.

“Empire Block is the best starting point and the best cornerstone for the overall project because we have five row houses being built that are ready for occupancy and in high demand already. So, we don’t have any question that the city is ready to re-occupy Bank Street,” Belk said.

The Empire Block section of the building is located at 220-228 South Main Street. Belk requested permission to make exterior and interior alterations to allow the construction of three commercial units, six townhomes facing West Bank Street, five apartments, and 17 hotel rooms or suites. According to the schematics, there are two phases to the Empire Block. Once the first phase is finished the second one will begin.

The front section of the building will have three pediments installed and the bricked-in windows will be demolished so that they will match the ones to the right side. It is Belk’s goal to preserve The Efird’s ghost sign, but he couldn’t guarantee it. The storefronts will no longer have their wooden façades and will be restored to match the original, historic designs. Belk said that it’s important to restore the entrances and doorways to the front of the building. There have been discussions about businesses taking over the first floor, but just how many there could be is still up in the air.

On the side of the building, along West Bank Street, the bricked-in windows are going to match the standard ones. Six windows will be lowered for the construction of six doorways. The sidewalk on West Bank Street will be extended, but it should not impede traffic once completed. Metal picket fencing will be put in to produce six new terraces for future tenants.

In the back of the Empire Block, windows will be installed to replace the plain brick wall that is there already. There are intentions to get rid of the additions between the townhomes and new apartments to make room for a southern and central courtyard.

Interior work on the building includes second floor baseboards, operable transoms, and skylights. “

We worked very hard to be sensitive to the history of the building and to put it back into a use that meets the modern day Salisbury,” Belk said.

Belk specified that they still have details to iron out before they send applications in the next few weeks to the State Historic Preservation Office so that they can do their historic tax credit reviews. They also need to continue to look over their full inspection drawings in order to get authorization from the Rowan County Inspection Office. The Empire Hotel and Montgomery Ward phases of the project will be evaluated sometime in the future.

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/08/13/historic-preservation-commission-approves-plans-for-the-empire-block-project/

Piedmont Players presents BYE BYE BIRDIE

Music by Charles Stouse
Lyrics by Lee Adams
Book by Mike Stewart
Directed by Bradley Moore
Music Directed by Jenny Carroll
Choreographed by Tod Kubo

Bye Bye Birdie is the big-hearted & hilarious musical extravaganza that won four Tony Awards including Best Musical. Bye Bye Birdie features a joyous score, a hilarious
book, and so much dancing you will get a workout just watching! Award-winning director Bradley Moore puts a fresh spin on this musical theatre classic that features an immensely talented cast of local creatives that will knock your bobby socks off!

When the draft selects rock star Conrad Birdie, his fans are devastated, but no one more than struggling songwriter Albert Peterson, whose songs Birdie was just about to record. Albert’s longtime girlfriend, Rosie, pushes Albert to write a new tune that Birdie will perform on television and give a goodbye kiss to one lucky fan. The scheme works, with young Ohio teenager Kim McAfee declared the winner, but no one has counted on the
wrath of her jealous boyfriend. Throw in Albert’s overprotective, dramatic mother, Kim’s grumpy dad, a town full of excitable teens, and a bunch of folks trying to carve out their paths in life – Bye Bye Birdie is a gem that delivers two hours of catchy songs and hilarious laughs.

Piedmont Players Theatre’s cast includes Cassandra Barrier, Lucy Black, Theresa Brandt, Molly Bronson, Asha Brown, Corina Childs, Maggie Cross, Micah Cross, Bailey Daugherty, Jonathan Ewart, Caroline Forrester, Rachel Johnson, Daniel Keith, Madison Lee, Jonathan Lodgek, Aidan Melton, Caroline Monroe, Emma Peters, Asher Pethel, Madisyn Prater, Leslie Roberts, Rozalyn Walton, Wendy Weant, and Dennis Welch.

PRODUCING PARTNER: Charles Dabbs

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

  • Friday, July 14 at 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, July 15 at 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, July 16 at 2:30 PM
  • Friday, July 21 at 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, July 22 at 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, July 23 at 2:30 PM
  • Friday, July 28 at 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, July 29 at 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, July 30 at 2:30 PM

Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.

VENUE

The Meroney Theater
213 S Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144

TICKETS
Tickets: $23 for adults; $21 for seniors/students/military.
Tickets are available at www.piedmontplayers.com or by calling 704.633.5471

PRESS: For more information, please visit the Piedmont Players Theatre website
or contact Executive Director Bradley Moore directly at bradley.moore@piedmontplayers.com.

Fourth of July parade celebrates both local and American histories

Published 12:10 am Tuesday, July 4, 2023

By Brad Dountz

SALISBURY — The Fourth of July is a time for millions Americans this summer to reflect and appreciate the country they live in. This means cookouts, fireworks and hanging out with friends and family. Parades are always great for kids to watch, but what if they could actually be in the parade while also getting a history lesson? Clyde, a local Salisbury artist, has helped lead the way by organizing a kids parade complete with bike floats, historical figures and several fun costumes on display.

“We don’t have enough history anymore. People don’t know facts. This is a positive, we want everybody to learn more about America and not be ashamed of a flag,” Clyde said. “We want to remember where we’ve been and serve as people.”

The parade started at the Salisbury City Hall building on South Main Street before stopping at different local landmarks. Volunteers dressed up as figures of history and shared stories about themselves and their accomplishments. Daniel Boone, Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, Paul Revere and George Washington all made appearances. Each person spoke about their importance to American history and how some of them connect to the city of Salisbury.

At the end of the parade, everyone made it to the Rowan Museum where they sung the song “God Bless America” on the front steps before escaping into the air conditioned building. Special prizes were then handed out to the best kids’ costume and best bike float.

What made the parade truly stand out was having both kids and their parents participate in it together. Casey Akers originally came to town to bring her three kids to the transportation museum, but when she found out that the parade was going on in downtown Salisbury, she knew she had to check it out.

“We loved it,” Akers said. “It was wonderful! Their favorite parts were the museum and the prizes!”

Clyde had put on the same parade last year and plans on doing it again next year. He thinks getting kids excited about history leads to a better future for the entire country. After seeing their enthusiasm and spirit during the parade and at the museum, Clyde acknowledged everything he did was for the kids.

“It was perfect. They’ll always remember being at the courthouse and being at the museum.” Clyde said. “This is what we want America to be”

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/07/04/fourth-of-july-parade-celebrates-both-local-and-american-histories/

Downtown stores placing out dog bowls in effort to become more pet-friendly

Published 12:10 am Tuesday, July 4, 2023

By Robert Sullivan

Downtown Salisbury has become even more pet-friendly over the past month thanks to Theresa Pitner, owner of dog training service Understanding Your Dog.

Starting in May, Pitner went around to all of the stores downtown and started making a list of which ones allowed dogs inside. What she found during her list-taking was that almost every business downtown is dog-friendly.

“It is amazing how many shops allow dogs in them. I would go into these stores and ask if they allowed dogs, and all of them would say ‘of course we do, you didn’t know that,’” said Pitner.

The only stores that told her no were the ones that were forced to deny dogs due to health reasons, according to Pitner, places such as the restaurants, tattoo parlors and beauty parlors.

What Pitner was working on was adding outdoor dog bowls to every downtown storefront that would take one. She passed out the water bowls to all of the businesses who said they allowed dogs, in total handing out 35.

“Dogs bring people with them. If downtown is dog-friendly, that’s more people and customers that will go to those stores,” said Pitner.

Pitner thought of the idea because she used to have a downtown location for her dog training business on East Council Street. While there, Pitner would have clients take their pets on walks through the area in order to help them socialize with other people and dogs.

“I noticed that a lot of bigger cities had stuff like this. So while I was having people walk their dogs through the town, I was thinking about how nice it would be if I could take some of my clients through the stores and not just socialize their dogs, but also introduce them to our businesses,” said Pitner.

While Pitner may have moved her business out of the East Council Street Location, her effect on downtown’s pet-friendliness remains. A month after she began her project, all 35 businesses still fill up the water bowls and leave them on the sidewalk on hot summer days for passing dogs to stop for a drink.

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/07/04/downtown-stores-placing-out-dog-bowls-in-effort-to-become-more-pet-friendly/

South Main Book Company hosts “Hope in Turbulent Times,” July 23 conversation with author, Sister Simone Campbell

Salisbury, NC: South Main Book Company is so excited to partner with the Understanding US Initiative this summer to host Simone Campbell, the author of Hunger for Hope and A Nun on the Bus.

Join Sister Simone Campbell and members of our community in conversation as she seeks to understand what holds us together in these turbulent times. What gives you hope? What brings people together in Salisbury? This event is a conversation where we’ll spend time listening, understanding, and discussing how we can bring healing to our community.

Sister Simone Campbell is a religious leader, attorney, author and recipient of a 2022 Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor. She has spent her life and career traveling to communities and learning about where hope lives and what brings people together.

RSVP on Eventbrite for this July 23rd event, to happen from 5 to 6:30pm at South Main Book Company.  Link is here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hope-in-turbulent-times-a-conversation-with-sister-simone-campbell-tickets-655043180787

Learn more about the Understanding US Initiative by visiting https://www.letsunderstand.us/

Located at 110 South Main St., in the heart of downtown Salisbury, NC, South Main Book Company provides a carefully curated selection of locally authored titles, new books, literary memorabilia, and keepsakes.  Visit this bookstore any day of the week, or online at www.southmainbookcompany.com

Salisbury festival celebrates all things Cheerwine 

May 25, 2023 Emmie Brooks ArticleBusiness

Divided by Four bring the beach to Salisbury with their classic jazz and Carolina beach music performance. (Emmie Brooks/North State Journal)

SALISBURY — Cheerwine barbeque, Cheerwine infused beers, Cheerwine cannolis, and so much more, were just the tip of the iceberg for Salisbury’s annual Cheerwine Festival. This year’s festival was May 20th from noon to 10PM, featuring shops, snacks, and shows galore to celebrate the over 100 year old family business. 

“There is always such a buzz and excitement. People come to the festival from literally all over the country,” Vivian Koontz, City of Salisbury Events Coordinator said. “Cheerwine has such a strong following that people are really excited to be here.” 

Cheerwine began in 1917 by L.D. Peeler in Salisbury in the midst of a sugar shortage. Due to the shortage, Peeler discovered a wild cherry flavoring that paired well with the other flavors in motion. Cheerwine is the oldest continuing soft drink and has been run by the same family since the start. 

“You could say Cheerwine runs through my blood,” Joy Harper, Vice President of Marketing for Cheerwine said. Harper’s great-great-grandfather, is L.D. Peeler. “I always had an interest in the family business growing up. I held summer jobs, then I went to school to focus on business and there was an opportunity to come back to work for the family business.” 

Right, North Carolina Ribs on Wheels participating in the celebration of the Cheerwine Festival by serving their southern cuisine. (Emmie Brooks/North State Journal)

The mix of the soft drink was and is today a burgundy color, bringing the “wine” reference into play. The “cheer” was added because of how the drink made people feel: cheery. 

“Cheerwine has been based here in our hometown for over 100 years, still family owned and operated, and employing over 800 people in the area” Harper said. “Our fans through generations have made it a part of their celebrations, traditions, and it’s become engraved as a part of southern culture.” 

The first Cheerwine Festival was hosted by Cheerwine in 2017 to celebrate the compay’s 100th birthday. Following that festival, the city of Salisbury decided to partner with Cheerwine to make the festival an annual event. The Cheerwine Festival itself offers activities for both children and adults to indulge in. 

“We have always had the rock wall at the festival, it’s kind of the staple piece, right in the middle, it showcases the festival,” Koontz said. “F&M Bank provides our activities, they are the sponsor of the Kids Zone and they have a lot of activities for the kids.” 

Along with the rock tower available for children to climb, F&M bank also provides balloons, sandboxes, games, and much more. Many adult activities are also found around the streetways. 

“We try to have really great food, we’re selective about our music to make sure we have a good variety that reaches all genres,” Koontz said. “The Cheerwine beer is always a driving force, and all of those Cheerwine-inspired things you can only get at the festival.” 

The four featured artists/bands ranged from everyone’s favorite country music,

Hundreds gathered in front of the Rowan County Courthouse in Salisbury to listen to the guest artists performing at the Cheerwine Festival. (Emmie Brooks/North State Journal)

performed by Ryan Perry, to New Local, a Charlotte local band, playing admired pop music. Divided by Four brought a saltwater breeze to Salisbury with their classic jazz and beach music. To end the night, the multiplatinum alternative quartet Neon Trees performed award winning songs to hundreds of screaming fans. 

“If you are new to the Carolinas, it [Cheerwine] is a great welcoming to the Carolinas,” Harper said. “It is unlike any other soft drink, and you are supporting a local business.”

Downtown Salisbury Inc. announces recipients for Supporting Existing Business Grant

Funds made possible through the Duke Energy Foundation

(Tuesday, May 9, 2023) DOWNTOWN SALISBURY, INC. (DSI) announces 27 awards totaling more than $156,000 in economic impact to downtown businesses within the designated Downtown Salisbury Municipal Service District (MSD). These grants are part of the Supporting Existing Businesses Grant Program, made possible by the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on strengthening and uplifting communities with vibrant economies, climate resiliency, and justice, equity, and inclusion.

“We are honored and grateful to be one of 20 organizations named as a recipient of the Duke Energy Grant in this most recent round of gifting,” said Sada Troutman, Downtown Salisbury, Inc. director.  “Allowing DSI to make awards to the business and property owners who make Downtown Salisbury a great place to live, work and play has been a powerful reminder of the good work our stakeholders continuously do for our community.”

All business owners located within the MSD, with a storefront presence, and fewer than 50 employees, were invited to apply for grants between $500 and $2,500. The funds can be used for enhanced service or commerce opportunities, furniture for expanded outdoor capacity, storefront beautification, or tools or programs to support workforce needs.

Recipients of the Supporting Existing Businesses Grant Program:

Enhanced service or commerce opportunities

  • Glass Ingenuity
  • Graceful Beauty Lounge
  • Hive                            
  • Piedmont Players
  • South Main Book Company
  • Spotlight Dance Company
  • The Fun Factory
  • Tonyan Grace Boutique
  • U Barkin At Me                                     

Furniture for Expanded Outdoor Capacity

  • Go Burrito
  • Healthcare Management Consultants, Inc
  • The Fish Bowl

Storefront Beautification

  • AnnaCraig Boutique
  • Bangkok Downtown
  • Go Ventures, Inc.
  • Greystone Spa on Main
  • Jayne Helms Group – Re/Max-
  • Kitchen Store
  • Local Focal
  • Off Main Gallery
  • Oxford+Lee
  • Plant World
  • Ruthie Darling
  • SoulFull Nutrition
  • The Lettered Lily

Tools or programs to support workforce needs

  • The Pedal Factory
  • TCW Vizionz LLC

Said Troutman, “It goes without saying, the past few years have been incredibly trying for small businesses across the country, and Downtown Salisbury is no exception. The $25,000 allowed DSI to create a grant program that provided small businesses funding to bring visions and business expansions to life. This will continue to make Downtown Salisbury a vibrant community asset and destination for tourists and residents alike.”

Downtown Salisbury serves as a central hub for existing and growing small businesses and creates a critical mass of activities where commercial, cultural, and civic activities are concentrated. As these small businesses use their grant projects to continue the progress and development of Downtown Salisbury, visit their shops, see their growth, explore Downtown Salisbury, and always, Shop Local. For more information about each project, visit www.DowntownSalisburyNC.com.

As a Main Street America™ accredited program, Downtown Salisbury is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America. Please visit us on the web at www.downtownsalisburync.com.  

A growing concern: Roots comes to town

By Elisabeth Strillacci

Marleigh Adams, owner of the new Roots plant shop on South Main Street, wanted to create a shop for rare and hard to find plants that also offers a place to sit and enjoy a peaceful moment. Photo by Elisabeth Strillacci
Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/05/07/a-growing-concern-roots-comes-to-town/

SALISBURY — Growing up with parents who were both avid gardeners meant Marleigh Adams was already predisposed to love plants, but she didn’t start out thinking she would someday have a plant shop.

Now, she can’t imagine anything else.

Her new store, Roots, opened officially last weekend to a packed house, she said, and the community support has been “beyond amazing.”

The shop, though owned and operated by Marleigh, has become a family affair, with mom, Carrie Adams, and brother Travis helping out. Travis built most of the shelving and created the concrete counter tops in the store that needed almost a year’s worth of renovations.

“We spent a lot of time walking the downtown area and looking for the right spot,” said Marleigh. “This place needed the most work of any of the available spaces, but it was the right space, so we went for it.” The vibe she has created is soothing, earthy, peaceful, and the spotlight is definitely on the plants. From spotted begonias to air plants that need no soil to the carnivorous pitcher plant, Marleigh has what a house needs to add life. And she is prepared to make sure buyers understand how to care for their new purchases, though she has no real plans to offer classes.

“That wasn’t something I set out to do at the beginning, and there are other shops here that do, and I don’t want to conflict with them; I want to keep our relationships happy, and they have both been so supportive,” she said. In fact, shop owners throughout downtown have been supportive across the board, along with the city.

“I can reach out to the city at any time and they are very responsive, have offered a lot of tips and ideas and have been so good about making sure I am aware of any events going on,” she said. The most challenging thing about opening was getting the license to serve alcohol, because the shop offers wine slushies. It required an inspection of the premises, which had to wait until the renovations were complete, but it all came together in the end.

In the front of the store there is a circle of chairs with a center coffee table, surrounded by plants, that Marleigh hopes will become a gathering spot for people, where they can use the WiFi, chat with friends and even enjoy an icy glass of wine if they like. And if the attendance so far is any indication, the store is already making a name for itself.

This past Saturday, Ken Davis from Lexington, a well known singer and musician, entertained the shoppers who were so plentiful at one point that the line snaked through the whole store and back again.

One thing Marleigh does want to do down the road, according to her mother, is create a mobile greenhouse truck that she can take to events to sell plants.

“Initially she talked about just doing a plant truck, a mobile business,” said Carrie. “But eventually it became clear that she should go ahead and establish an actual shop. But I know she still wants to go mobile.”

The plants Marleigh offers come from all over the country, from Colorado, Florida and other states, but also from Statesville and Charlotte. She plans to source as much locally as possible.

“I’ve tried to source for both beginners and collectors,” she said. “And I hope that people will buy here instead of buying online, support a local business, because we do have plants that you really can’t get elsewhere except by going online. You won’t find them in box stores. I am trying to market to everyone, not a particular age group, and not just women, but to everyone.”

Plants, she said, “can completely change a space, can make a space welcoming and warm and peaceful, and that’s what I hope people feel when they come in.”

Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/05/07/a-growing-concern-roots-comes-to-town/

Downtown Salisbury, Inc.

RECEIVES 2023 MAIN STREET AMERICA ACCREDITATION

Salisbury, NC (May 4, 2023) – Downtown Salisbury, Inc. has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

Downtown Salisbury, Inc.’s performance is annually evaluated by [Your Main Street Coordinating Program Name, City of Salisbury][ST1] , which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. To qualify for Accreditation status, communities must meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building grassroots revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.

Downtown Salisbury experienced over $30 million in combined private and public investment, with 42 projects being completed in the district. As Downtown Salisbury grew by 13 businesses and 4 expanded businesses, it welcomed 50 added full-time jobs and 24 added part-time jobs, all of which contribute to a slight increase in rental rates, a sign of a healthy market in the community.

“Downtown Salisbury is thrilled to once again be accredited as a Main Street program, working to invigorate our Main Street community using economic vitality, design, and promotion as the backbone to successful economic development, said Sada Troutman, Downtown Development/DSI Director. Over the past year, Downtown Salisbury saw amazing commitment from property owners, business owners, residents, and visitors alike to make Salisbury a better place to live, work and play. This is highlighted by the safe and successful implementation of the Downtown Salisbury Social District, as well as record attendance at many downtown events.”

“We are very proud to acknowledge this year’s 862 Accredited Main Street America programs, and their steadfast dedication to nurture economically and culturally vibrant downtown districts,” said Hannah White, Interim President & CEO of Main Street America. “The increase in the size and impact of our network speaks volumes to the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of local communities and drive innovative solutions.”

In 2022, Main Street America programs generated $6.2 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 7,657 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 29,174 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,688 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,528,535 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support its operations, it generated $24.07 of new investment back into their downtown communities.

Collectively, 2 million people live or work within the boundaries of designated Main Street America districts. An estimated workforce of 1.1 million people contributes their skills and expertise to advancing the missions of these historic downtowns and commercial corridors.

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ABOUT Downtown Salisbury, Inc.

As a Main Street America™ accredited program, Downtown Salisbury is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities that share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America. Please visit us on the web at www.downtownsalisburync.com.  

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.


South Main Book Company Participating in 2023 Greater Charlotte Book Crawl – March 7, 2023 – Press Release

Salisbury, NC: The independent bookstores of greater Charlotte are delighted to announce the return of the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl!

Beginning April 1, bookstore lovers can pick up Greater Charlotte Book Crawl (GCBC) passports at any of fifteen participating bookstores. Each visit to one of the bookstores during the month of April earns the crawler a new stamp – no purchase necessary. The ultimate goal is to visit all fifteen stores, from Salisbury to Rock Hill, before the GCBC ends on April 29: National Independent Bookstore Day.

Each “Finisher” will earn a special edition GCBC decal designed by Davidson artist Lily Clark; simply show a completed passport at any participating bookstore to collect a prize. Finishers can also submit a photo of their completed passport to be entered in a drawing for the Grand Prize: a collection of gift cards from each participating bookstore (a $300 value).

Coinciding with the GCBC is a book collection for area nonprofit Promising Pages, whose work aims to end book deserts in Charlotte. Collection bins will be at each of the locations, and GCBC participants are welcome to donate brand new or gently-used books for kids into the bins.

The Greater Charlotte Book Crawl launched in April 2022 as a way to celebrate the importance of bookstores in the literary ecosystem, to celebrate Charlotte’s unique and growing indie book scene, and to offer area readers a fun, adventurous way to connect with fellow book lovers.

“Partnering with other independent bookstores has been one of the highlights of my life as a bookseller so far,” says Alissa Redmond, owner of South Main Book Company in Salisbury. “I am working incredibly hard to have our bookmobile – a Japanese fire truck – operational by April 1 so Hazelnut, South Main’s trusty shop dog, and I can visit many of the other stores in the Crawl and raise awareness around literacy promotion in the Carolinas.”

For the full list of participating bookstores, more information about the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl, or a printable passport, please visit https://greatercharlottebookcrawl.com.

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