Garner Cars and Coffee Building Community and Momentum in Downtown Garner
Garner’s Cars and Coffee is bringing a chill vibe and a variety of cars and car enthusiasts to Downtown Garner.
On the 3rd Sunday of each month between 8:30 and 11am if you hop down to Downtown Garner next to Fullbloom Coffee Roasters and the Garner Rec Center there’s no telling what kind of cars you’ll run into.
From 60’s classics to the latest EVs to classics that are now EVs and from Mustangs and Broncos to Civics and Super Bees.
Garner’s Cars and Coffee is building a reputation for relaxing and chill time for regulars and new folks to spend a Sunday morning talking cars.
General theme is Pre-2000 but other vintage, unique, rare or interesting cars and projects are welcome.
Follow Garner Cars and Coffee on Facebook HERE
Town Council Member Demian Dellinger Named a 2024 NC Main Street Champion
Town Council Member Demian Dellinger was honored as a 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion at this year's NC Main Street Conference. Mr. Dellinger was recognized for his exceptional contributions to Downtown Garner.
Town Council Member Demian Dellinger was honored as a 2024 North Carolina Main Street Champion at this year's NC Main Street Conference. Mr. Dellinger was recognized for his exceptional contributions to Downtown Garner.
Mr. Dellinger has served on the Downtown Garner Association board for six years, including a term as board chair of the Main Street organization. During his leadership, he was instrumental in launching key initiatives that revitalized the downtown area.
One of Mr. Dellinger’s significant achievements was his role in facilitating public art projects that enhanced Downtown Garner’s atmosphere. He also played a crucial role in spearheading efforts to provide financial relief to local businesses affected by COVID-19. His efforts helped sustain and strengthen Downtown Garner’s economy during challenging times.
The NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that have made significant contributions to the success of Main Street programs across the state. Every year, each NC Main Street program selects one individual or entity to receive the NC Main Street Champion designation, which honors extraordinary efforts to revitalize and sustain downtown areas.
For more information, including Mr. Dellinger's recognition video, visit https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/post/demian-dellinger-garner.
Businesses Benefit as Downtown Garner’s Social District Catches On (CBS 17 Video)
Businesses benefit as Downtown Garner’s social district catches on (CBS 17 Video)
Businesses benefit as Downtown Garner’s social district catches on.
Historic Downtown Garner Unveils New Social District
The Garner Social District went into effect on March 1. Visitors to the Historic Downtown Garner commercial district can enjoy alcoholic beverages in a defined public area, but some rules and restrictions apply
The new Garner Social District was launched in Historic Downtown Garner on March 1. See the map below for the district's boundaries. Hours for the district are Monday-Saturday noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Here are some do's and don't's for those who want to enjoy the district:
Please do:
Purchase your beverages only from permitted businesses.
Enjoy your beverages only within the Garner Social District boundaries (see map below).
Be responsible for your behavior. Follow all rules associated with the Garner Social District.
When enjoying your beverage in the Social District, enter only businesses with signage that permits alcoholic beverages and stay within the Social District.
Please don't:
Bring your own alcohol.
Bring or refill your own cups.
Take any alcoholic beverages outside of the designated Social District zone. Boundaries are designated by signage (also, see map below).
Take any alcoholic beverage onto Town-owned property (e.g. the Garner Recreation Center).
Assume that every business located within the Garner Social District zone participates. Please check for appropriate signage.
Rep. Ross, Town Officials Announce $1 Million to Support Downtown Project
U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross—joined by Mayor Ken Marshburn, Council Members Demian Dellinger, Kathy Behringer and Elmo Vance, and Aristotle Spirits owner Jake Howland—on July 22 announced $1,030,405 in funding for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Main Street-Rand Mill Road intersection as well as the creation of 59 new paved parking spots in Downtown Garner.
U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross—joined by Mayor Ken Marshburn, Council Members Demian Dellinger, Kathy Behringer and Elmo Vance, and Aristotle Spirits owner Jake Howland—on July 22 announced $1,030,405 in funding for a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Main Street-Rand Mill Road intersection as well as the creation of 59 new paved parking spots in Downtown Garner. Rep. Ross secured funding for the project earlier this year.
The federal funds will be used to develop a pedestrian plaza and sidewalk and improve stormwater drainage to prevent flooding. The new parking lot will transform an underutilized property into a productive asset, increasing accessibility and capacity for residents and visitors to enjoy restaurants, shops and more.
Between fiscal years 2009 and 2021 (the most recent available data), there was $23.1 million in public investment and $11.5 million in private investment in Downtown Garner.
Bring The Heat! Event - Aristotle Spirits
In honor of their First Anniversary Bash, Aristotle Spirits is hosting a Bring the Heat Cook-OFF! They will also be releasing their Habanero Vodka.
In honor of their First Anniversary Bash, Aristotle Spirits is hosting a Bring the Heat Cook-OFF! They will also be releasing their Habanero Vodka.
There is no fee for participation in the Cook-OFF. Participants are welcome to bring a charcoal grill or smoker. We encourage you to make any dish. The competition will be judged on the overall best of show, so anything goes.
If you would like to bring a pop-up tent and any additional supplies feel free. We will be more than happy to provide additional tables and chairs. You will be able to set up as early as 8am the day of.
Grand Prize includes Aristotle Swag, a $100 Gift Card, First Edition New Release Product, and much more.
If you would like to participate in the competition please visit https://aristotle-spirits.square.site/
or Contact Macie:
macie@aristotlespirits.com
Aristotle Spirits will have an outdoor bar and yard games all day. We will also be hosting a Raffle that benefits Garner Fire Rescue.
New Garner Downtown and Small Business Development Manager Joins Staff
Shayla Douglas has been hired as the Downtown and Small Business Development Manager.
Shayla Douglas has been hired as the Downtown and Small Business Development Manager, replacing Mari Howe, who is now serving as the Special Project Manager for the Town.
A native of Hamlet, NC, Shayla is a two-time UNC Chapel Hill graduate, most recently completing her Master in Public Administration this May. Shayla will be serving as a staff liaison between the Downtown Garner Association and the Town, as well as supporting small businesses across the entire Town of Garner.
Jihan Hodges Recognized as Main Street Champion
The Downtown Garner Association was honored to nominate past DGA Chair and Board Member Jihan Hodges as Garner’s 2021 Main Street Champion. Downtown Development Manager Mari Howe shared the following in her nomination of Jihan Hodges:
Thirty-three North Carolina Main Street Champions were recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities in 2021 during the recent NC Main Street Conference. Including this year’s group of honorees, 837 Main Street Champions have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce since 2000.
The Downtown Garner Association was honored to nominate past DGA Chair and Board Member Jihan Hodges as Garner’s 2021 Main Street Champion. Downtown Development Manager Mari Howe shared the following in her nomination of Jihan Hodges:
Since joining the Downtown Garner Association in 2017, Jihan Hodges has been an amazing asset to Garner’s Main Street program. Bringing her energy and passion to the table, she plays a big part in making Downtown Garner’s signature events successful. Jihan puts in long hours, acting as volunteer coordinator, and looking for opportunities, big and small, to make downtown events better every year. Often the first to arrive and last to leave, Jihan’s commitment is unparalleled, and her assistance is invaluable to the downtown manager. During her four years on the downtown board, Jihan served as vice chair and chair, leading the organization as an advocate for a catalytic public-private development project on Main Street and guiding annual planning efforts to build on downtown’s strategic assets.
The 2021 NC Main Street Champions were honored in a virtual recognition ceremony on March 10. Representatives from the NC Department of Commerce attended to congratulate the new Champoions. “There are three common elements that are found in successful communities. These elements are asset based economic development strategies, public and private partnerships, and local champions,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce.
“Main Street Champions are the key to success in downtown revitalization. They possess courage to move downtown forward; they fight for positive change and do that with creativity and innovation; and they actively get things done, while staying focused on the downtown’s economic development strategies,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center at Commerce.
The Downtown Garner Association would like to thank Jihan Hodges for her dedicated service and enthusiastic contributions to Garner’s Main Street program.
Nana's Lil Sweets Bakery to Open in Downtown Garner
Downtown Garner just got a little sweeter. Nana’s Lil Sweets, a new bakery concept, is slated to open their doors on Main Street some time in May. An official opening date has yet to be released.
Downtown Garner just got a little sweeter. Nana’s Lil Sweets, a new bakery concept, is slated to open their doors on Main Street some time in May. An official opening date has yet to be released.
Nana’s Lil Sweets owner, Barbara Jemison has spent years in the baking and culinary world. Her love for baking is only equaled by her love of her family. As it states on her website, “Nana's Lil Sweets was born to provide a creative outlet for me, but also to share the love and fun with baking with my grandbabies…” From cakes to cookies and everything in between, Nana’s Lil Sweets will help folks enjoy the sweet life.
More information will be coming out once an opening date has been finalized. For now, you can visit Nana’s Lil Sweets online at Nana's Lil Sweets (nanaslilsweets.com) or on facebook Nana's Lil Sweets - Home | Facebook.
Downtown & North Garner Community Update Meeting April 28 at 6pm
Wondering what’s been happening behind the scenes here in Downtown Garner? Join us on April 28th at 6pm to learn more about everything that’s been brewing during the last year and find out what’s coming soon to Downtown and North Garner!
Wondering what’s been happening behind the scenes here in Downtown Garner? Join us on April 28th at 6pm to learn more about everything that’s been brewing during the last year and find out what’s coming soon to Downtown and North Garner!
The Downtown Garner Association will host an in-person community gathering in the Multipurpose Room of the Garner Recreation Center to share our upcoming Calendar of Events and to talk about recent business developments and exciting new additions to our historic downtown district and North Garner. DGA board members will lead a walking tour of the Main Street business district, ending at Aristotle Spirits for Q&A and drinks.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about DGA’s role in downtown revitalization – especially if you’re interested in getting involved! The DGA Board of Directors is looking for volunteers who want to help with public art, downtown events, marketing, and fundraising. If that’s you, we encourage you to attend and bring your questions about how you can get involved.
To register to attend, click the link below.
Garner's Aristotle Spirits Brings Home The Gold
Garner’s Aristotle Spirits takes home two GOLD’s at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for BOTH of the Philosopher Gins.
We took home two GOLD’s at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for BOTH of the Philosopher Gins. Our New American and Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin look good in GOLD.
About Aristotle Spirits
At Aristotle Spirits, we create a drinking experience founded in precision and classical distilling processes. You deserve a craft beverage made with the highest quality North Carolina ingredients and the closest attention to detail. Whether you stick to whiskey or enjoy experimenting with mixers and seasonal infusions, every Aristotle recipe pushes the boundaries of distilling quality and creativity. We invite you to tour our facility, chat with our staff and enjoy unique cocktails with your friends.
Located in Garner, North Carolina, our spirits are distilled on-site with the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. After spending years as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, Jake decided to step away from the corporate environment and open his own distillery to craft the spirits he enjoys. This turned into the realization of a dream to create a culture that focuses on the process and unique character of the spirits.
As far back as the fourth century B.C., the great philosopher Aristotle suggested the possibility of spirit distillation. It is an age-old operation that today combines complex mental calculations and formulas with new technologies. Using several principles of natural science and chemistry, Jake produces a portfolio of spirits, second to none, that are made the right way every time.
Join us at Aristotle Spirits and experience Excellence Crafted. Excellence Served.
Congresswoman Ross Secures $1 million in Federal Funding for Downtown Garner Improvements
House passes bipartisan legislation to fund the federal government; bill includes Violence Against Women Act reauthorization and measures to support Ukraine, invest in education and job training, and lower costs for the middle class
House passes bipartisan legislation to fund the federal government; bill includes Violence Against Women Act reauthorization and measures to support Ukraine, invest in education and job training, and lower costs for the middle class
Project Sponsor: Town of Garner
Address: 900 Seventh Avenue, Garner, NC 27529
Amount Funded: $1,030,405
Project Description and Explanation: The project is a comprehensive rehabilitation of the intersection of Main Street and Rand Mill Rd. in Downtown Garner, North Carolina.
At the intersection and along Main Street, streetscape improvements include: a pedestrian plaza and sidewalk amenities to create a sense of place; grade separation between sidewalk and street at the intersection; pedestrian safety bump-outs to increase visibility at crosswalks; stamped colored asphalt at the intersection and crosswalk to serve as traffic calming; stormwater drainage improvements to prevent flooding; and a 2-story mural of important cultural figures from Garner’s history.
South of the intersection, the town will construct a new public parking lot, including 59 new paved parking spots and a communal trash solution for the downtown business owners. The parking lot will transform an underutilized central lot into a productive downtown asset and public investment in this project will catalyze private development in downtown Garner. This project will increase accessibility and capacity for residents and visitors to enjoy the entire downtown.
Washington, D.C.— Tonight, the U.S. House of Representatives approved a bipartisan government funding bill, H.R. 2471, which will support our allies abroad and make a positive difference in the lives of North Carolina families and workers. This omnibus package provides funding to create jobs in our state, invest in innovation and medical research in the Triangle, and lower the high cost of childcare, college tuition, and housing. The legislation also allocates security and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine and reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act.
This spending bill contains many provisions spearheaded by Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02), including more than $10 million in funding for community projects in Wake County. These projects designate federal investments in local universities, affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure, and more.
“I’m incredibly proud to vote for these historic investments in North Carolina as well as additional support for the people of Ukraine in their courageous struggle for freedom,” said Congresswoman Ross. “I fought hard to secure more than $10 million in funding for community projects that will support underserved areas, foster economic development, and make a real difference in the lives of the people of Wake County. This legislation is a testament to the work we can accomplish when we set our partisan differences aside and put the interests of the American people first. From finally reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act and strengthening Pell Grants, to funding security and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, this legislation tackles the most pressing challenges our nation is facing. I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly pass the bill and send it to President Biden’s desk.”
Within the legislation, Congresswoman Ross secured funding for 10 Wake County community projects. These include:
$500,000 for Raleigh/Wake City-County Bureau of Identification DNA Testing Equipment
$300,000 for Morrisville Small Business Development Program
$3,000,000 for South Raleigh Heritage Walk
$1,000,000 for Cary Regional Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility
$1,030,405 for Town of Garner Streetscape and Parking Improvements on Rand Mill Road
$2,000,000 for King's Ridge permanent, supportive housing
$1,000,000 for Wake County Emergency Operations Center
$900,000 for Town of Cary for Swift Creek Stormwater Management and Modeling Program
$350,000 for North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC for computer science education
$600,000 for Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC for college preparation and success initiative
For more information on each of these projects, click here.
The bill also reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which has been one of Congresswoman Ross’ top priorities since taking office. VAWA makes vital improvements to programs and laws to combat gender-based violence based on extensive consultations with victim service providers, law enforcement, and other experts. This reauthorization includes a Ross-led bill, the Supporting Access to Nurse Exams Act, which addresses the national shortage of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), who are instrumental in providing medical care to survivors of sexual assault. VAWA also includes a Ross amendment that will fund the creation of databases detailing where these nurses are located, a pressing issue in North Carolina.
The government funding legislation also includes significant investments to:
Support the Ukrainian people as they continue to be attacked by Russia. The bill includes $13.6 billion in emergency funding for humanitarian, military, and economy support, as well as measures to help the millions of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the country.
Reduce costs for working families in America by expanding child care and early learning programs to more working families, investing in America’s K-12 public schools, and making college more affordable. The bill increases the maximum for Pell Grants to $6,895, the largest expansion in more than a decade. It also includes $363 million for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Establish the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to accelerate the pace of scientific breakthroughs for diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Create good-paying American jobs, putting North Carolinians to work rebuilding our infrastructure, helping small businesses grow and thrive, fostering the green energy jobs of tomorrow, and supporting high-quality job training. The bill designates $235 million for Registered Apprenticeships and $50 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training Grants. It also includes $8.84 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support cutting-edge research in the Triangle and beyond.
Support the vulnerable by meeting Americans basic needs, by strengthening nutrition assistance, and funding more affordable housing. The legislation includes $11 billion for new affordable housing, critical health, safety, and maintenance improvements to ensure the safety and quality of public and low-income housing and community development activities.
Garner Showcase of Talent, February 26th
Garner proves once again that “we’ve got talent.” Come see your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors take the stage as Garner residents sing, dance and perform a FREE show! The Garner Showcase of Talent is where Scotty McCreery, Arlie Honeycutt and many other performers honed their skills before moving on to bigger stages. Make sure you’re in the audience for this Garner tradition. You just might see the stars of tomorrow before they make it big!
Garner proves once again that “we’ve got talent.” Come see your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors take the stage as Garner residents sing, dance and perform a FREE show!
The Garner Showcase of Talent is where Scotty McCreery, Arlie Honeycutt and many other performers honed their skills before moving on to bigger stages. Make sure you’re in the audience for this Garner tradition. You just might see the stars of tomorrow before they make it big!
Free Admission
Garner Performing Arts Center
742 W. Garner Road Garner, North Carolina 27529
3pm and 7pm
Garner Christmas Parade Returns December 18th at 9:30am on Main Street
This year’s parade will go down Main Street only and highlight “Tradition. Community. Home.”
This year’s Garner Christmas Parade will be a little smaller and unlike previous years will not travel down Garner Road and Main Street but will only travel down Main Street.
Schedule of Events
8:30am Pre-Parade Food and Activities (More information coming soon!)
Funnel Cakes by Tonio on Purvis St.
8:30am Parade Participant Staging
9:30am Parade Start Time
10:45am Parade End Time
Route and Parking
This year’s parade will travel down Main Street only.
There will be no parade activities or parking along Garner Road. There will be designated parking areas around downtown (see maps below)
For more information on parking visit GarnerChristmasParade.com
IMPORTANT: For you and your family’s safety, Do Not Cross the Railroad Tracks to get to Main Street at any point other than designated crossing locations at Highway 50, St. Mary’s Street, and New Rand Road. New fencing along Main Street cannot be climbed.
Garner Selects Lansing Melbourne Group for Downtown Development Site
This decision is the culmination of an almost two year process of working with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative (DFI) to complete pre-development analysis and solicit developer interest for the site, located between the historic business district and the new Recreation Center.
At their May 3, 2021 meeting, the Garner Town Council voted unanimously to endorse the town staff’s recommendation to move forward with Lansing Melbourne Group (LMG) as developer for the Downtown Opportunity Site.
This decision is the culmination of an almost two year process of working with the UNC School of Government’s Development Finance Initiative (DFI) to complete pre-development analysis and solicit developer interest for the site, located between the historic business district and the new Recreation Center.DFI consultant Matt Crook gave a brief overview of the process leading up to developer selection and Downtown Development Manager Mari Howe presented the staff recommendation to work with LMG. Howe told the council that LMG received very high praise from other communities that they worked in, where their original projects often expanded to include additional phases.
In her presentation, Howe shared several key factors that led to staff choosing LMG, including:
their experience with public private partnerships,
their background with parking development,
their community oriented development process,
their “club-level” financing model,
their interest in future phases of development, and
their local approach to retail recruitment.
Council members Demian Dellinger and Gra Singleton participated in interviews with the final two development candidates. Dellinger agreed that LMG would be a good fit for Garner’s culture and needs in Downtown Garner. Singleton said that he felt confident that LMG would work hard to make sure they could deliver what the community wanted, even if that meant changing some elements of their original proposal.
Town council authorized staff to start working with DFI and LMG on negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding for the project, a process which will take about 90 days.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS FOR ART AROUND TOWN
Art Around Town is a community art project for the residents of Garner and artists from surrounding areas to participate in a temporary art exhibit that will illustrate community and natural beauty and bring joy, healing, and civic engagement.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Downtown Garner Association (DGA) and the Town of Garner are looking for local and regional visual artists to participate in an outdoor Art Around Garner art installation beginning August – October 2021.
Art Around Town is a community art project for the residents of Garner and artists from surrounding areas to participate in a temporary art exhibit that will illustrate community and natural beauty and bring joy, healing, and civic engagement.
Artists will be required to submit their “Art Around Garner” idea, concept, or theme of painting at the time of application.
DGA will hold an artists interest meeting on May 13 at 6:30pm via Zoom.
Twenty local and regional artists will be selected to participate.*
$50-100 material stipends are available upon request.
Artists will be notified if their artwork is accepted and where it will be located.
Painting must be completed by July 1.
*This is not a juried exhibit; however, artwork not consistent with the theme will not be accepted.
SPECS & INSTALLATION
Artists will be provided with a 3′ x 4′ board to paint. Acrylic paint is recommended and pieces will be varnished by the exhibit coordinators to be weather safe.
The art will be on display August through October 2021 at the following proposed pedestrian-friendly locations including Town Hall, Garner Senior Center, Garner Rec Center (GRC), Garner Performing Arts Center, and other locations around downtown and town parks.
AUCTION
Upon completion of the exhibit, the art will be auctioned with 75% of the proceeds going to the respective artists and 25% to DGA to benefit future art projects throughout the Town of Garner.
The exact time, location and date of auction is yet to be determined but anticipated for November 2021.
INQUIRIES
Questions from artists should be directed to Lorie Clark at lclark@garnernc.gov.