Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009

Fuquay gets $40,000 gift for centennial

On March 6, Fuquay-Varina will celebrate its 100th birthday — with a big “happy birthday” from Wake County.

Mayor John W. Byrne submitted a letter to the Wake County Commission requesting $40,000 in funding for the occasion.

“The mayor gave an eloquent presentation at the January meeting and the request was granted,” said Fuquay-Varina Town Manager Andy Hedrick.

For a year now, plans for this year-long event have been progressing under the leadership of co-chairs Shirley Simmons and Frances Senter, as well as approximately 17 other volunteer organizers.

“They’re all doing a fabulous job, working diligently and I couldn’t be any prouder of their efforts,” said Byrne, who agreed to help in any way he could to achieve their goal of preserving the past and planning for the future of Fuquay-Varina.

Hedrick added, “I think that overall one of the proudest moments any community can have is when it celebrates a milestone in its history. Reaching 100 years is a significant milestone.”

The $40,000 gift will be combined with town and privately raised funds for events scheduled throughout the year, beginning with the pealing of 100 church bells at Centennial Square on March 6. Piney Grove Baptist, the oldest church in the area, will ring out the first 20 bells.

In 15-minute successions, four other churches have agreed to do the same. The final 20 bells will be rung by the Fuquay-Varina Presbyterian Church. They will simultaneously be joined, at approximately 12:15 p.m., by school children and other churches that have portable bells.

What’s a party without birthday cake? There will be plenty of cake to go around in town and at schools. The Fuquay-Varina Community Center, located on South Main Street, will host the official, formal opening welcoming residents and serving birthday cake at 7 p.m.

The weekend-long celebration continues with an art exhibit at the Community Center featuring local artists who have grown up or are presently residing in Fuquay-Varina. Viewing on March 6-7 is from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on March 8, from 2-4 p.m.

A 2009 Centennial calendar is available.

“I think the town is going to enjoy this fun-filled year,” Simmons said.

“We hope the community will delight in their town and participate in activities and that 2009 will be well remembered.”