Library to Host Talk to Commemorate Juneteenth

Freedom Coming, Freedom for All!

The Southeast Regional Library is offering a special program on June 7 that will teach the true story of the 13th Amendment and the expansion of freedom to all citizens as the Civil War was drawing to a close.

Learn the true story of freedom! The passage of the 13th Amendment outlawed slavery in North Carolina. The United States Colored Troops and the Union Forces spread the news as they marched through Garner and southeastern Wake County from Johnston County en route to Raleigh in 1865. NC Museum of History Curator Earl L. Ijames will discuss the freedom process at this year's Juneteenth Holiday.

Registration Required.

June 07, 2022

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

FREE

Friday Family Flicks: Spider-Man No Way Home

The Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will have a free showing of "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (weather permitting) on Friday, June 10, at 8:45 p.m. on the front lawn of Garner Recreation Center (215 W. Main St.).

Join us outside for a free family movie on the big screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. Rain date is the same time the following day. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets!

Don't miss Spiderman! He will be here taking pictures from 8:15-8:45pm.

Concessions will be provided by Funnel Cakes by Tonio!
Menu:
Fresh Popped Popcorn
Nachos and Cheese
Funnel Cake
Deep Fried Oreos
Baked Pretzel
Cotton Candy
Drinks and Refreshments

Check garnernc.gov or the Town's social media sites on the day of the event for updates on any possible rescheduling or cancellation due to inclement weather.

Garner Memorial Day Observance, May 30th, Lake Benson Park. 9:30am.

This annual observance honors those who died while serving our country in the armed forces. Guided tours of the Garner Veterans Memorial will be conducted before the event and after its conclusion.

The event is co-sponsored by Garner Veterans Advisory Committee, American Legion Post 232 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10225. *Please note earlier start time.*

Attendees are encouraged to bring camper chairs for comfort.

Jihan Hodges Recognized as Main Street Champion

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.

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!

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.