OWNBEY LEADS DAR CUPOLA HOUSE TOUR
COOKIE COURT VERDICT IN
LOWE'S AND BEHOLD, A GARDEN
A BUSY WEEK IN EDENTON
OWNBEY TALKS CUPOLA
There are few places in Edenton where history feels as present as it does inside the Cupola House, and at a recent gathering of the Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR, that sense of connection was brought to life in a meaningful way.
Nationally recognized preservationist Andrew Ownbey addressed members during their monthly meeting, offering an in-depth update on the ongoing preservation efforts at the Cupola House—one of North Carolina’s most significant colonial-era homes. His presentation detailed both the progress made and the careful, methodical work still underway to ensure the structure remains intact for generations to come.
Following the presentation, Chapter Regent Bonnie Henn and fellow members joined Ownbey for a guided tour of the home. Moving room by room, attendees were able to see firsthand the craftsmanship, challenges, and discoveries that come with preserving a structure of such historical importance.
Built in 1758, the Cupola House stands as a rare example of early American architecture, known for its distinctive jutted overhang and the small cupola that crowns its roofline. The home has long been a centerpiece of Edenton’s historic district, reflecting both the town’s colonial roots and its enduring commitment to preservation. Over the years, it has required ongoing care—each generation taking on the responsibility of protecting its integrity.
Ownbey, whose work in historic preservation has earned national recognition, emphasized the importance of maintaining authenticity while addressing structural needs. His approach balances respect for original materials and techniques with the practical realities of safeguarding the building against time and the elements. For those in attendance, it offered a deeper appreciation not just for the house itself, but for the discipline and dedication required to preserve it.
For the Edenton Tea Party Chapter NSDAR, the event aligned closely with its mission of historic preservation, education, and patriotism. The organization, part of the broader National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, has long supported efforts to protect and interpret sites that tell the story of America’s founding era.
By the end of the tour, what remained was a renewed sense of stewardship. The Cupola House is more than a landmark—it is a living piece of history, and thanks to continued efforts like those outlined by Andrew Ownbey, its story is still being carefully preserved, one detail at a time.
SENIOR CENTER FAIR ATTRACTS HEALTHY CROWD
The Chowan County Senior Center welcomed a strong turnout for its recent Health Fair, an event that combined vital health resources with a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere.
Held at the Senior Center on East Church Street, the fair drew close to 100 participants and featured 22 vendors, offering everything from free health screenings to educational materials and wellness demonstrations. Attendees had access to checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, vision, and hearing, along with information designed to support healthier lifestyles and early detection.
At the center of it all was Sandra Taylor, whose leadership and organization brought the event together seamlessly. From coordinating vendors to ensuring a smooth experience for participants, Taylor’s efforts were evident throughout the day. The result was a well-run event that not only informed but also connected residents with critical services available in the region.
Vendors represented a wide network of local and regional providers, each contributing their expertise and time. Among the organizations involved were the Chowan County Department of Social Services, Albemarle Regional Health Department, ECU Health Chowan Hospital, and the Martin-Tyrrell-Washington District Health Department. Their presence ensured that attendees received both practical screenings and valuable follow-up resources.
Sponsors also played a key role in the event’s success, helping to expand its reach and impact. Their support made it possible to offer free services, educational materials, and even wellness-focused extras like smoothie samples and live demonstrations.
Throughout the morning, there was a steady flow of residents engaging with vendors, asking questions, and taking proactive steps toward better health. More than just a series of booths, the Health Fair served as a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared focus on well-being.
By the end of the event, one thing was clear: thanks to strong participation, dedicated vendors, and the outstanding leadership of Sandra Taylor, the Chowan County Senior Center once again proved itself to be a cornerstone of community health and connection.
LOWE'S & BEHOLD, A GARDEN
For those who enjoy reading in the garden, Edenton can become a public reading room with public gardens aplenty, complete with benches and spots to relax, found throughout town. Soon to become one of the most popular reading gardens in town is only steps away from the fiction section of the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library.
The new community garden was installed by the Elizabeth City Lowe’s store through a companmy sponsored grant. Librarian Anna Kallas, had known about the community grant program since previously working as a part time Lowe’s employee.
Although the garden had long been a part of the library, it was in need of a freshening, especially since the Cupola House Garden was a neighbor, and when in full bloom it’s vibrancy shadowed the library garden.
Lowe’s team of landscapers and gardeners recreated the setting and the store’s manager saw the community grant through the process.
“Ms. Modesta D. Lamb at the Elizabeth City, NC Lowe’s store passed this grant through Lowe’s for Shepard-Pruden to her supervisors and it was approved,” Kallas said. “Ms. Lamb worked with me regarding a vision for Shepard-Pruden landscaping and community garden.”
Taking the garden initiative one step further, the library is inviting the community to celebrate Earth Month with a hands-on, educational event focused on composting. Scheduled for Monday, April 13 at 4:30 p.m., the program is designed to show how everyday food scraps and yard waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil. The initiative aims to empower residents with simple, practical knowledge they can use at home while contributing to a healthier environment.
Participants will learn what materials can and cannot be composted, why composting plays a vital role in reducing waste and supporting the planet, and easy ways to get started regardless of space or experience level. The session is tailored to be accessible and engaging, making it an ideal activity for kids, families, and anyone curious about sustainable living practices. Organizers hope attendees will leave with both inspiration and confidence to begin composting on their own.
Library staff encourage community members to stop by, ask questions, and take part in an activity that blends environmental awareness with everyday action. As interest in sustainability continues to grow locally, events like this offer a welcoming entry point for residents to make a meaningful difference—starting right in their own backyard.
Beyond its environmental impact, composting offers significant benefits for home gardeners. Compost enriches soil by adding essential nutrients that plants need to thrive, improving soil structure and helping it retain moisture more effectively. This means gardens require less watering and fewer chemical fertilizers, creating a more natural and cost-effective growing environment. Healthy soil also promotes stronger root systems, leading to more resilient plants and better yields.
Composting also supports the broader ecosystem within a garden. It encourages beneficial organisms such as earthworms and microbes that naturally aerate the soil and break down organic matter. This living soil environment helps suppress plant diseases and pests, reducing the need for synthetic treatments. Over time, consistent composting can transform even poor soil into fertile ground, making it one of the simplest and most impactful steps gardeners can take to improve both productivity and sustainability
BLESSING OF THE FLEET
Edenton’s waterfront will once again come alive with one of its most enduring and meaningful traditions as the Edenton Yacht Club hosts its annual Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, May 2, beginning at 10 a.m. at the downtown marina and pier in Colonial Waterfront Park.
Rooted in both faith and maritime heritage, the event brings together commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, and the broader community for a shared moment of gratitude and hope for the season ahead. The focus on Saturday shifts to the water—where vessels of all kinds, from working boats to kayaks, will take part in a ceremonial procession just off the Edenton harbor.
Boaters will assemble near Pembroke Creek, lining up behind the Sheriff’s boat before proceeding past the west end of the downtown pier. In a nod to both practicality and tradition, smaller vessels will lead the procession, followed by larger boats, all encouraged to be freshly cleaned and decorated with colorful flags and banners. Those navigating the lineup will monitor VHF Channel 68 as the flotilla takes shape.
At the heart of the morning is the blessing itself. Local clergy will offer prayers and sprinkle holy water over each passing vessel, asking for safe passage, steady waters, and a prosperous season. It is a quiet but powerful moment—one that connects modern-day mariners with centuries of tradition.
The Blessing of the Fleet traces its origins to coastal communities in countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy, where fishing families gathered to seek protection and abundance before heading out to sea. Long before that, ancient civilizations performed their own rituals to honor the unpredictable nature of the water. Carried to America by early immigrants, the tradition has endured for generations, evolving to include all who make their way across the water—whether by trawler, sailboat, or paddle.
In Edenton, the event has become as much about community as it is about ceremony. Residents and visitors alike are invited to bring a chair, settle into the park, and enjoy the view as the decorated boats glide through the harbor. Following the blessing, the flotilla will linger in the bay, offering a picturesque close to a morning that blends history, faith, and the simple beauty of life on the water.
Weather permitting, it is a scene that feels timeless—one where Edenton’s past and present meet along the shoreline.
MEMBER MINGLE
More than 35 local business owners and associates gathered in Edenton for the Chamber’s first-ever Member Mingle, an evening designed to foster connection, collaboration, and community growth among small businesses.
The event was opened by Chamber Director Susan Creed, who welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships within the local business community. She then introduced Edenton Mayor Hackney High, who greeted the group and underscored the vital role small businesses play in shaping Edenton’s economic future. Mayor High’s remarks set an encouraging tone for the evening, highlighting both the town’s momentum and the value of shared ideas.
Designed as an interactive networking experience, the Member Mingle invited participants to briefly share their business offerings before engaging in deeper conversations. Attendees exchanged ideas, explored potential partnerships, and built new connections in a relaxed setting. With a light supper provided and a strong turnout for its inaugural gathering, the event marked a successful start to what organizers hope will become a cornerstone opportunity for local business engagement in Edenton.
THE STORY BEHIND THE HERRINGBONE... OUT FRONT
UPCOMING EVENTS WORTH NOTING
EASELS in the GARDEN RETURNS
Easels in the Garden is a biennial art and garden fundraiser event sponsored by the Cupola House Association, featuring en plein air artists from Edenton and around the region painting in private gardens and public spaces. The event has grown since its start in 2012 and this year will feature 46 en plein air artists will be painting at a dozen private homes and public buildings.
The artists and their work will be on display and available for purchase by ticketed guests at the Saturday evening Garden Party.
If you have not purchased your tickets for this favorite spring-time event that supports the efforts of Cupola House, purchase tickets at: https://cupolahouse.org/ and tickets may be available the day of the event at the Cupola registration.
Pick up a copy of the Edenton Social Light in the Red News Boxes on S. Broad St. for more on this beautiful event.
FARMERS MARKET SPRING FESTIVAL
2026 Homesteading Conference
Calling all homesteaders of eastern North Carolina! Please join us for our third homesteading conference! This event is FREE and the goal is to bring awareness to small farms, plots and back porch patios. If you are interested in holistic farming, livestock raising, gardening and natural living please do not miss this event!
The Plows will be out in the field giving you an up close and personal look at many of the old equipment that was once used in our region. Bring the kids and enjoy breakfast and much more!
131 Morris Town Road Edenton
UPCOMING EVENTS
PREPARE FOR THE FLOATING TEA PARTY
COA CULINARY SERIES INCLUDES QUICK PICKLES
COA CULINARY SERIES INCLUDES QUICK PICKLES
COA CULINARY SERIES INCLUDES QUICK PICKLES
ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
ANNUAL CHAMBER BANQUET
A SUNNY APRIL 4 SATURDAY DOWNTOWN
A Sunny Farmers Market Bouquet of Tulips
A Sunny Farmers Market Bouquet of Tulips
A Sunny Farmers Market Bouquet of Tulips
HOT DOG, HOT DOGS at THE FARMERS MARKET
A Sunny Farmers Market Bouquet of Tulips
A Sunny Farmers Market Bouquet of Tulips
BREAD FOR FARMERS MARKET SOURGOUGH
A Sunny Farmers Market Bouquet of Tulips
THE CHIEF MAKES HIS SATURDAY TOWN ROUNDS
THE CHIEF MAKES HIS SATURDAY TOWN ROUNDS
THE CHIEF MAKES HIS SATURDAY TOWN ROUNDS
WORM FARMER & ANNE DALE HOMESTEAD at SATURDAY'S MARKET
LIKE THE RESIDENTS. EDENTON DOGS ARE EXTREMELY FRIENDLY
Weather Update-APRIL 10 - 16
HISTORIC EDENTON, NORTH CAROLINA 7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK
📍 Historic Edenton North Carolina — 7-Day Weather Outlook:
Friday, April 10 — Thursday, April 16, 2026
Friday
🌤️ Mostly sunny and pleasant
High: ~73°F • Low: ~53°F
A beautiful early spring day.
Saturday
🌤️ Partly sunny and warm
High: ~77°F • Low: ~51°F
Mild and comfortable conditions.
Sunday
☀️ Mostly sunny
High: ~75°F • Low: ~59°F
Quiet and pleasant.
Monday
🌤️ Very warm with sun & clouds
High: ~83°F • Low: ~60°F
A noticeable warm-up begins.
Tuesday
☀️ Mostly sunny and very warm
High: ~87°F • Low: ~63°F
Summer-like warmth arrives.
Wednesday
☀️ Sunny and hot for April
High: ~88–89°F • Low: ~66°F
One of the warmest days so far this year.
Thursday
🌤️ Partly sunny and very warm
High: ~87–88°F • Low: ~64°F
Continued early-season heat.
🌟 Weekly Outlook Summary 🌟
A remarkable early-season warm-up takes hold across Edenton this week. After a pleasant and seasonable weekend, temperatures surge into the mid to upper 80s by early next week, running well above normal for mid-April.
Sunshine dominates much of the period, with little in the way of rain, allowing the warm air to firmly settle in. By mid to late week, conditions feel more like early summer than spring, with several days approaching 90 degrees.
🧭 Weekly Weather Headlines
• 🌤️ Pleasant spring start
• 📈 Rapid warming early week
• ☀️ Summer-like heat mid-week
• 🔥 Near 90° by Wednesday
• 🌤️ Dry and warm stretch continues
Childrens Festival, April 18
On Saturday, April 18, the Chowan/Perquimans Smart Start Partnership (CPSSP) will be hosting the 18 annual week of the young child event.
The yearly Children's Festival brings families, service providers and a massive amount of volunteers together to promote a safe and smart start to a child’s future. A variety of games and active, fun events are scheduled for the kids and a vast selection of information on services and programs to assist children and families facing the joy and challenges of raising youngsters.
In years past, the petting zoo was one of the major attractions of the event.
CPSSP program coordinator Sarah Williams, highlighted services the Smart Start program offers. “Parents who need support improving parenting skills, addressing a specific child behavior, or simply want to ensure that they are doing their best as a parent can enroll in the Triple P program. The partnership schedules both one-on-one and group sessions to help parents address child behaviors or other issues causing them stress or concern.
In the past more than 500 adults and children lined up early and enjoyed the event at Perquimans Recreation Center.
“‘We’re celebrating the lives of young children, providing them with educational experiences, while at the same time because we are a rural community, we are trying to get parents information on what services are available,” Williams said. “Many services are available, but people don’t necessarily know about them or want to ask for help. Working with other agencies and organizations in the community to come together to tackle the big issues facing early child care and education is another way of supporting families.”
This year’s Week of the Young Child Children’s Festival and Safe Kids Day begins at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m at the Perquimans Recreation Center.
Kids and Cops Glow Run
T-shirt enthusiasts need to register before April 9, to receive a Kids and Cops Glow Run t-shirt. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office is thrilled to host the upcoming Kids and Cops: Glow Run. This exciting event is focused on giving back to the children in our community and strengthening the bond between local law enforcement and our youth.
The Kids and Cops program, established in 2012, was created to build lasting, positive relationships through mentorship, summer camps, and community events. Over the years, it has become a cornerstone for connecting officers and kids in meaningful ways.
The 5K run will light up the night with a fun glow run experience, according to the sheriff's office.
Each race packet will include glow gear to help you shine as you run. Participants who register by the early sign-up date will also receive a commemorative event t-shirt.
Join the department and the sheriff for a night of fun, fitness, and community spirit to support our youth. To register go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Edenton/KidsAndCopsGlowRun