By Cynthia Nelson
Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce
Hopefully you all had a great Memorial Day weekend!
I trust that you took a little time to reflect upon the reason for our National Memorial Day as set for the fourth Monday each May.
Memorial Day is a time to remember and pay respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our great nation. While many of our troops returned home from war and conflicts safely, there were countless troops who did not. I for one humbly appreciate such a sacrifice for the generations that were before us, for our current generation, and for the generations to come.
The GTC Chamber of Commerce recently held ribbon cutting events for two new members, The Grind Tabor and Fifty Five Athletics. Both events were well attended. Thank you to everyone who came out to show your support. Seeing you there means so much to the new members and to this Chamber. It reminds us that we are in this “together”.
I would like to mention the N. C. Yam Festival’s Youth Sweet Potato Spring Planting Day for future ‘Tater Farmers, which took place May 26, at the Yam Fest Office. What a great turnout! A special thank you to all parents who brought your children. A huge kudos to Columbus County 4-H who helped us get the word out. Several 4-H families participated.
The youth will now nurture and grow their sweet potato slips into ‘tater producing plants. The harvesting day has been set for Friday, Oct. 23, which is the day before the big Yam Festival Saturday! This is Year No. Six for this event, along with year No. 55 for the NC Yam Festival at Tabor City. The festival is going to be absolutely phenomenal.
Please take a moment to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27, as we are assisting the Veterans Memorial Park of America as they bring the “Freedom Fest — Celebrating 250 Years Parade” to Tabor City. Entry forms may be picked up and returned to the Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.).
A donation of $25 to enter is requested and may be paid via check or it may be sent via Venmo to VMPA-2013. For more information, please call Angela Norris of the Veterans Memorial Park of America at 910.840.3848.
Forms may also be dropped off at the Veterans Memorial Park which is located on Hwy. 701 between Tabor City and Whiteville. Look for all of the flags … you can’t miss it.
The excitement is building for America’s 250th Birthday Celebration — Columbus County Fireworks Style, so Save the Date of Saturday, the 4th of July!
The GTC Chamber of Commerce is still accepting donations and sponsorships. We have received a few anonymous donations, we’ve held a pork bog plate fundraiser, and sponsorships are beginning to come in. Thanks to all of your support, July 4th is going to be a celebration you will not want to miss.
As always, we need more event volunteers. Please call us at 910.377.3012 if you are interested and willing to put in some time and effort. We work hard, but it is very rewarding.
Should you wish to become a member of this Chamber of Commerce, please contact us by email at tccofc@yahoo.com or by phone at 910.377.3012 or 910.840.0292. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Our established days and hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Should you need to schedule a meeting outside of the above days and hours, please call me, Cynthia Nelson, at 910.840.0292 to coordinate it.
Remember that “Opportunity Awaits” as Today’s Youth become Tomorrow’s Leaders.
