Holly Springs, NC, May 15, 2026 — If you only follow the headlines, it is easy to believe the American economy is humming along just fine.

Markets rise. Unemployment remains relatively low. Consumer spending continues. Politicians and economists debate whether inflation is “cooling” or whether the Federal Reserve can finally engineer the elusive “soft landing.”

But underneath the national narrative, a different story is emerging. A growing number of Americans appear to be carrying more debt, facing higher monthly costs, and struggling to absorb the continued pressure of elevated prices, interest rates, and rising household expenses. The warning signs are not coming from opinion polls or social media. They are increasingly showing up in hard data.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that household debt climbed to $18.8 trillion in the first quarter of 2026, roughly $4.6 trillion higher than before the pandemic recession. Mortgage balances alone now total more than $13 trillion, while auto loans stand at $1.69 trillion, and credit card balances remain above $1.25 trillion.

At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported inflation accelerated again in April, with the Consumer Price Index rising 3.8% over the previous 12 months. Energy costs jumped 17.9% year-over-year. Gasoline prices surged 28.4%. Grocery prices continued to rise, with beef prices up 14.8% and fruits and vegetables up 6.1%. Shelter costs also continued climbing.

For many households, that combination matters far more than stock indexes or GDP reports because people do not live inside economic charts. They live inside monthly budgets. And for a growing number of Americans, those budgets appear to be tightening.

The foreclosure data released this spring paints a similarly uncomfortable picture. ATTOM reported foreclosure filings rose 26% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2026, while bank repossessions increased 45% from a year earlier. Nationwide, more than 118,000 properties had foreclosure filings during the quarter.

North Carolina saw foreclosure activity rise nearly 56% year-over-year, according to the report, while Fayetteville ranked among the metropolitan areas with the worst foreclosure rates in the country.

None of this necessarily signals an economic collapse. The reports themselves repeatedly note that foreclosure levels remain below historic peaks. However, Americans generally do not compare their lives to “historic peaks.” They compare them to just a few years ago, when groceries cost less, borrowing was cheaper, mortgage rates were dramatically lower, and everyday financial decisions felt less punishing.

That is where the disconnect increasingly appears.

National economic conversations often focus on aggregate strength, but aggregate strength can hide individual strain. A family making six figures today may still feel financially squeezed because insurance costs, utilities, food, fuel, housing, childcare, and interest payments have all moved upward together. A younger family trying to buy its first home may find itself effectively locked out of the market by a combination of prices and rates. Retirees living on fixed incomes may find that “moderating inflation” still feels painfully expensive when basic necessities continue to climb month after month.

Even the New York Fed’s data shows signs of growing stress beneath the surface. Student loan delinquency rates increased to 10.3% in the first quarter of 2026, while mortgage transitions into serious delinquency also ticked higher. The share of consumers with third-party collection accounts also worsened slightly.

The broader concern is not simply debt itself because Americans have always borrowed. The concern is cumulative pressure. Higher borrowing costs, higher prices, higher insurance premiums, higher energy bills, higher rents, and higher monthly payments all stack together over time. Eventually, even resilient households begin to run out of flexibility, and when that flexibility disappears, small financial setbacks can become much larger problems.

That is often how financial strain arrives in middle-class America. Not through one catastrophic event, but through a steady accumulation of pressure. A car repair, a medical bill, a job loss, an unexpected increase in insurance, or a jump in utility costs during the summer heat can suddenly push a household from “managing” to struggling.

There is also a psychological component that traditional economic data sometimes struggles to capture. Many Americans increasingly feel like they are working harder simply to maintain the same standard of living they had several years ago. Even if wages have risen in some sectors, many households feel those gains have been consumed by rising costs elsewhere.

That does not always show up neatly in economic models, but it absolutely shows up in kitchen-table conversations.

It is entirely possible for the economy to be technically stable while large portions of the population still feel financially anxious. Those two things are not mutually exclusive. And right now, the data increasingly suggests that while parts of the economy remain strong, a meaningful number of Americans are still under pressure.

That reality may end up being one of the defining economic stories of 2026.

About the Author

Christian A. Hendricks is the publisher and founder of Holly Springs Update, a local news publication covering Holly Springs, NC, and its surrounding area. From time to time, he shares his views on national, regional, and state issues. He can be reached via email at christian.hendricks@hollyspringsupdate.com.

Want your event included in Out and About? Send details to news@hollyspringsupdate.com

Note: Listings are presented in the following order:
- Marquee Events
- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
- Regional Events

Holly Springs, NC, May 15, 2026

Marquee Event

Friday, May 15

Event: Arts Holly Springs Art Walk
Downtown Holly Springs, Holly Springs, NC
https://artshollyspringsnc.org/event/art-walk-may-2026/
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Summary: Arts Holly Springs hosts a downtown art walk featuring local artists and participating businesses, including Ashe School of Music, Fable Books and Café, Fusion Development, and Wine 100.

Event: Beauty and the Beast
Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/carolina-ballet-presents-beauty-and-the-beast-g5evzbm5nhjmq
Note: Shows run Friday through Sunday at various times
Summary: Carolina Ballet presents a world premiere production of Beauty and the Beast with live music and original choreography by Artistic Director Zalman Raffael.

Saturday, May 16

Event: Wild About Nature
Jefferson L. Sugg Farm at Bass Lake, 2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/361/Wild-About-Nature
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Summary: Free family nature event featuring live animals, games, activities, and conservation education from local organizations and experts.

Event: Route 55 Jazz Orchestra
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=hscc
7:30 PM
Summary: Community musicians perform authentic Big Band jazz inspired by Basie, Kenton, Miller, and other classic jazz orchestra traditions.

Friday, May 22

Event: ZZ Top & Dwight Yoakam: Dos Amigos Tour
Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/zz-top-dwight-yoakam-dos-amigos-tour
7:00 PM
Summary: ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam bring the Dos Amigos Tour to Cary with special guest Wesko.

Sports: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Catawba Valley Stars
North Main Athletic Complex Stadium, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
https://salamandersbaseball.com/event/salamanders-vs-catawba-valley-stars-may-22-2026/
6:30 PM

Holly Springs

Friday, May 15

Live Music: On the Patio with Richard Boston
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday, May 16

Event: Holly Springs Farmers Market
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market
8:00 AM – Noon

Event: Complimentary Wine Tasting with Bobby Lee of Tryon Wines
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Live Music: Kam & Co
Switch Craft Beer & Cocktails, 161 Commons Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.switchcraftcocktails.com/
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Live Music: Kevin VanSant Duo
Pimiento Tea Room, 200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.pimientotearoom.com/
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Wildfire Ride
Walley’s Tavern, 1110 Kentworth Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://walleystavernhollysprings.com/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Confidence Kryptonite
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, May 17

Event: Pop Up Vinyl Record Sales with Fuqu’n Vinyl
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Apex

Friday, May 15

Event: Suite Surrender Spring Play
The Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/1961/Suite-Surrender-Spring-Play
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Summary: Comedy play set in 1942 featuring rival Hollywood divas mistakenly assigned to the same hotel suite during a wartime performance engagement.

Saturday, May 16

Event: Apex Farmers Market
The Depot, Downtown Apex, Apex, NC
https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com/
8:00 AM – Noon

Event: Felton Grove High School FFA May Market
Felton Grove High School, 5100 Thriftwood Dr, Apex, NC
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Summary: Community market featuring local vendors, handmade goods, crafts, boutique items, and a petting zoo hosted by Felton Grove FFA and the FFA Alumni & Supporters.

Event: SuperFun Saturday
The Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/1994/SuperFun-Saturday
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Summary: Free arts and crafts event for children ages 4-12 held on select Saturdays at The Halle Cultural Arts Center.

Live Music: Emma G
Southern Peak Brewery, 950 Windy Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.southernpeakbrewery.com/
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Dueling Pianos
TapStation, 320 S Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.tapstationapex.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: Two4One
Oaklyn Springs Brewery - Apex, 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: The Roguez
Shakey Ray’s Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://shakeyrays.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Live Music: Forest Rising
The Exchange Barbershop, 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Live Music: Sonic Blue
Peak of the Vine, 119 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: Maverick Rose
Southern Peak Brewery, 1451 Richardson Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.southernpeakbrewery.com/
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Fuquay-Varina

Friday, May 15

Live Music: 2 Digh 4
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Confidence Kryptonite
Aviator Pizzeria, 601 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Stolen Goods
Aviator Ready Room, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Bad PR
Aviator Hangar Bar, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
8:30 PM – 11:30 PM

Saturday, May 16

Event: Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
FV Chamber of Commerce, 121 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fvgrowersmarket.com/
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Live Music: Josh Rhyne and The Silver Tones
Aviator Brewing Company Amphitheater, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Live Music: The Rat Bastards
Aviator Ready Room, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Live Music: Vet Jam 2026! Benefit to Support Our Veterans!
Aviator Brewing Company, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
3:00 PM
Summary: Benefit event supporting veterans featuring live music by Mixtape Band.

Live Music: Jack Spades
Aviator Ready Room, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Live Music: Kirk Farmer Band
Aviator Brewing Company Amphitheater, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Live Music: Joe Hero
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: Derek Chase
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Jennifer Van Meter Band
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/

Live Music: DW and the Spirit Kings
Aviator Hangar Bar, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
9:00 PM – Midnight

Sunday, May 17

Live Music: Dawson Wright
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Live Music: Sunday Funday with Ryan Mullaney
Oaklyn Springs Brewery - Varina, 505 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
3:00 PM

Regional

Friday, May 15

Event: Comedy Show: Grant Lyon and Matt White
The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/26179/1636
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Stand-up comedy show featuring headliner Grant Lyon and feature performer Matt White at The Cary Theater.

Event: 2026 NASCAR Regional Season - Capital City 170
Wake County Speedway, 2109 Simpkins Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.wcspeedway.com/tickets
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summary: NASCAR Regional racing returns to Wake County Speedway with the Capital City 170 and Military Night honoring current and former members of the U.S. military.

Saturday, May 16

Event: John Crist Live
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/john_crist_live2026
7:00 PM
Summary: Stand-up comedian John Crist performs live with special guests Wellington Ojukwu and Maggie Depalo at DPAC.

Sunday, May 17

Event: Summer Sizzle
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
https://carytownband.org/concerts/upcoming-concerts/#summersizzle2026
5:00 PM
Summary: The Cary Town Band presents concert band classics, Big Band favorites, and cinema tunes featuring vocal soloist Dawn Jonckowski and pianist Luna Knudsen.

Holly Springs, NC, May 13, 2026 — Even as residential growth in Holly Springs begins showing signs of slowing after years of expansion, the town is preparing to spend more heavily than ever on roads, utilities, parks, and public infrastructure.

Town Manager Randy Harrington’s proposed fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27) operating budget and community investment plan (document) totals $139.2 million, an 18.3% increase over the current year, driven largely by transportation projects, utility infrastructure expansion, recreation investments, and operational growth tied to a larger and more complex town government. The proposal keeps Holly Springs’ municipal property tax rate unchanged at 34.35 cents per $100 valuation, but residents would still see noticeable increases in monthly utility-related costs.

The recommended budget (document) arrives at a moment when Holly Springs is trying to manage two realities at once. The town continues to absorb the effects of years of rapid development, particularly traffic congestion and infrastructure strain, while new residential permitting activity has begun to slow considerably. Budget documents show that Holly Springs averaged roughly 600 single-family permits annually over the past decade, but permits dropped below 300 in 2025. At the same time, assessed property values are still projected to rise from $13.9 billion to $14.6 billion during the next fiscal year.

Quick Read Summary of Recommended FY27 Budget

Click on the image to enlarge the graphic

Town leaders repeatedly tied the proposal to results from the 2025 community survey, in which residents continued to rate Holly Springs highly overall while identifying traffic and growth management as the town’s biggest concerns.

“With over 95% of residents positively rating their quality of life, and 96% saying that they feel safe in town, that’s an incredible level of agreement on how residents feel about their overall local environment,” Harrington said. “But we know that there are also opportunities for improvement.”

Much of the budget’s largest spending is concentrated around transportation and mobility projects intended to address the town’s most persistent complaint. Construction is expected to begin during FY27 on the central phase of the Holly Springs Road widening project between Flint Point Lane and Main Street, extending the larger effort to build a four-lane divided corridor connecting NC 55 toward Interstate 540. Town documents describe the project as both a traffic-relief initiative and a multimodal safety project, incorporating side paths and pedestrian improvements.

The town is also continuing investment in its Intelligent Transportation System network, which includes traffic cameras, real-time monitoring tools, and traffic signal technology intended to improve emergency response movement through intersections. Holly Springs has already partnered with NCDOT on roughly $2 million in ITS infrastructure, though the system is still operated by the state. The proposed budget funds operational planning work intended to eventually transition control to the town itself.

The budget also continues expanding the Holly Springs Hopper microtransit service, which launched earlier this year and has already carried more than 3,200 riders. More than half of current passengers qualify for fare-free service because they are seniors or individuals with disabilities, and town officials said approximately 65% of operating costs are currently offset through grant funding. The town is considering expanded weekday service hours and possible Saturday operations later this year.

At the same time, Holly Springs is working to improve mobility and is preparing for some of the largest recreation and public facility expansions in its history.

How to share your thoughts on the budget with Council Members

The town council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on May 19th at Town Hall (map), followed by an additional workshop on May 21st, before planned adoption on June 2nd. Information on how you can participate in the Public Hearing can be found by clicking here.

The proposed budget continues funding tied to Eagles Landing Park, the 56-acre recreation campus under construction on Cass Holt Road across from Holly Springs High School. The project includes a planned 100,000-square-foot recreation center with four indoor courts, pickleball courts, splash pads, turf fields, fitness areas, greenway connections, and an e-sports lounge. The budget adds seven new parks and recreation positions in anticipation of the facility’s opening in late 2027.

“I think it’s safe to say that Eagles Landing Park may be the most anticipated attraction to come in 2027,” Harrington said.

The budget also includes nearly $4 million in improvements at the North Main Athletic Complex, supported in part by approximately $1.8 million in Wake County hospitality tax funding. Planned work includes stadium turf replacement, parking lot resurfacing, scoreboard upgrades, and mechanical system improvements at the complex, which officials said receives nearly 750,000 annual visitors.

Meanwhile, the town’s new Operations Campus is expected to begin opening this summer, becoming Holly Springs’ first major non-public safety or recreation municipal facility developed in more than two decades. The campus will house Public Works, Utilities and Infrastructure, Parks and Recreation, and support staff from multiple departments, and will also serve as the future home of the town’s relocated yard-waste convenience center.

Additional funding is included for Cultural Center renovations through a partnership with Wake County, including roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, restroom renovations, and library modernization. The budget also funds Holly Springs’ upcoming 150th-anniversary celebration, which culminates in the planned “Holly-Hoopla” event in May 2027.

But some of the most financially significant projects in the budget are largely underground and mostly invisible to residents.

Harrington described the expansion of the Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility and the regional Tri-River Water Filtration Facility partnership as “two of the largest infrastructure projects in the town’s history.” The Utley Creek expansion increases wastewater treatment capacity from six million gallons per day to eight million gallons per day using membrane bioreactor filtration technology, while the Tri-River partnership with Sanford and Fuquay-Varina is intended to strengthen Holly Springs’ long-term drinking water capacity and resiliency.

Town documents state that more than $500 million in utility investments are underway or planned over the next five years, helping to explain why utility-related fees are rising even without a town property tax increase. The proposal increases monthly water and wastewater costs for a typical residential customer by $11.89, bringing the estimated monthly bill for 4,000 gallons of usage to roughly $111.30.

Harrington attempted to frame the scale of municipal water service by comparing it to the cost of bottled water.

“To get the same amount of water, you’d have to purchase 30,240 standard-size water bottles,” Harrington said. “Those 15 pallets would cost you $5,040, and that doesn’t even include the shipping or the removal of any wastewater associated with that.”

The proposal also raises the monthly stormwater fee from $5.20 to $6.50 to help address approximately $2.5 million in identified stormwater repair and improvement needs, marking the first stormwater fee increase since 2021. Garbage and recycling charges would also increase by 69 cents per month due to contractor pass-through costs, while yard waste fees would remain unchanged. Combined, all proposed utility and sanitation increases would raise the average household monthly bill from $126.49 to $140.37, an increase of $13.88 per month.

The budget also expands town staffing, adding 19 new full-time positions, including a fire health and safety officer, an engineering project manager, a planner focused partly on housing affordability and long-range planning, a utility budget analyst, a pretreatment supervisor, and seven parks and recreation positions associated with Eagles Landing Park. The proposal also creates a chief of staff position to help coordinate strategic initiatives and organization-wide operations.

Additional funding is provided for design work for a future fire station on Rex Road, intended to serve rapidly growing neighborhoods in southwest Holly Springs, including areas around Bridgeberry, Avocet, Holly Pointe, and Braxton Village. Construction is currently anticipated to begin in 2028.

Taken together, the recommended budget reflects a town still preparing aggressively for future growth, even as development activity begins to moderate, with officials signaling that long-term infrastructure investment, transportation expansion, and utility capacity upgrades remain central priorities regardless of short-term permitting slowdowns.

How to share your thoughts on the budget with Council Members

The town council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on May 19th at Town Hall (map), followed by an additional workshop on May 21st, before planned adoption on June 2nd. Information on how you can participate in the Public Hearing can be found by clicking here.

Holly Springs, NC, May 13, 2026 — Two local education leaders recently drew statewide recognition, one for building a high school athletic program from the ground up, the other for connecting elementary students to North Carolina’s booming biotechnology industry.

At Felton Grove High School, Athletic Director Joe Sharrow has been named the recipient of the NCHSAA Foundation’s Dave Harris Athletic Director Award of Excellence, one of the state’s top honors for high school athletic administrators.

Meanwhile, Pine Springs Prep fifth-grade teacher Erin Harden has been selected for a prestigious Kenan Fellowship that will place her inside FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ Holly Springs campus this summer as part of a statewide workforce-development initiative tied to North Carolina’s rapidly expanding life sciences sector.

Building Felton Grove Athletics “From the Ground Up”

The NCHSAA Foundation praised Sharrow for what it described as “one of the most impactful and forward-thinking” careers in athletic administration across North Carolina.

Currently serving as Athletic Director at Felton Grove High School, Sharrow was recognized not only for his work leading the school’s athletic programs, but also for a broader career that has included rebuilding programs, mentoring fellow administrators, and helping shape statewide athletic leadership initiatives.

According to the foundation, Sharrow became the youngest athletic director in NCHSAA history earlier in his career and later helped oversee the consolidation of two high schools into Vance County High School. He also played a major role in transforming Jordan High School into a Wells Fargo Cup-winning athletic program before arriving at Felton Grove.

The foundation said Sharrow’s leadership philosophy centers on creating student-focused environments that emphasize character, opportunity, and personal growth both on and off the field.

Beyond the school level, Sharrow also serves as a faculty member for the North Carolina Athletic Directors Association and has earned the Certified Master Athletic Administrator designation.

The award recognizes athletic directors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, mentorship, and professional development within their schools and across the state.

School leaders said the recognition reflects the work Sharrow has invested in establishing Felton Grove Athletics as both a competitive program and a positive community presence.

Pine Springs Teacher Steps Into Holly Springs Biotech Boom

Across town, Pine Springs Prep teacher Erin Harden is preparing for a summer immersed in one of Holly Springs’ fastest-growing industries.

Harden was selected as one of 36 educators statewide to receive a 2026–27 Kenan Fellowship through North Carolina State University’s Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership.

Sponsored by NC BioNetwork, the fellowship will place Harden at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ commercial-scale biologics manufacturing campus in Holly Springs, where she will spend the summer learning about biotechnology manufacturing, workforce development, and career pathways in the life sciences industry.

The experience will include visits to manufacturing operations, exposure to regulatory environments, and observation of workforce training programs designed to support the state’s expanding biotechnology sector.

“Educators like Erin Harden are vital to North Carolina’s growing life sciences ecosystem,” said Laurie Braxton, senior vice president and head of North Carolina operations for FUJIFILM Biotechnologies.

Braxton said partnerships among companies, schools, and workforce organizations help students better understand the career opportunities available in their own communities.

Harden said she was drawn to the fellowship because of its focus on connecting teachers directly with industry professionals.

“I believe this program will not only be self-fulfilling in my personal quest to expand my own learning but also incredibly beneficial to my fifth-grade scientists,” Harden said.

The yearlong fellowship includes 80 hours of professional development and a $5,000 stipend to support teachers’ work during the program.

The Kenan Fellows Program, founded in 2000 and based at N.C. State University has supported more than 680 educators across North Carolina through immersive industry experiences designed to bring career-connected learning back into classrooms.

Why This Matters

While the recognitions came through very different fields, athletics and biotechnology, both highlight a broader theme playing out across Holly Springs and southern Wake County: local schools increasingly serving as pipelines for leadership development, workforce readiness, and community growth.

In one case, that means building athletic culture and mentorship opportunities for student-athletes. In the other, it means connecting elementary students to one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing industries before they even reach middle school.

So, how about that?

Raleigh, NC, May 12, 2026 — Wake County school leaders told county commissioners Monday that even as enrollment growth begins to level off after decades of expansion, the cost of operating one of North Carolina’s largest school systems continues climbing almost everywhere else.

Retirement costs are rising. Utilities are rising. Healthcare costs are rising. Charter school payments continue growing. Aging schools need more maintenance. Student mental health referrals are increasing. Special education demands continue expanding. And despite slowing enrollment growth, district leaders said the overwhelming majority of school spending remains locked into staffing and legally required services that cannot easily be reduced without affecting classrooms.

That reality shaped the Wake County Public School System’s proposed 2026-27 operating budget (document), which requests a $25.3 million increase in county operating support, bringing the total county appropriation to roughly $768.2 million. The full proposed operating budget totals approximately $2.29 billion, with state funding accounting for about 55 percent of revenues, local funding 38 percent, and federal funding 7 percent.

Superintendent Robert Taylor repeatedly emphasized that district leaders intentionally kept the request smaller than it otherwise could have been because they understood the broader financial pressures facing Wake County government.

“Budget work is hard,” Taylor told commissioners during Monday’s work session. “We are ready to make those hard decisions because we have to be responsible for the taxpayer dollars.”

Taylor said district staff worked closely with county leadership to shape what he described as a “responsible ask,” even as rising costs continue pushing the school system’s operating needs higher.

“What you will recognize is that there are a number of increases that could have caused this number to be higher,” Taylor said. “Knowing and understanding the climate and what was necessary in order to function, open new schools and provide those services that our citizens count on — parents and students — we did the work to make sure that this budget aligned.”

Even With Slower Growth, Costs Continue Rising

One of the clearest themes throughout the discussion was the growing disconnect between enrollment trends and operating costs.

Several commissioners raised questions they said residents frequently ask: if enrollment growth is slowing, why does the district still need significantly more money each year?

Taylor said the answer is rooted in the structure of school finance itself.

“If we continue to do the exact same work next year, then the cost of business goes up,” he said. “Every year that I’ve been doing this work for nearly 30 years, the retirement rate has increased. I remember when the retirement rate was 8 percent. It’s now around 26 percent.”

District officials told commissioners that roughly 82 percent of the operating budget is tied directly to salaries and benefits, including state-mandated salary schedules, retirement contributions, healthcare costs, and staffing required to operate schools.

That leaves relatively little room for flexibility.

WCPSS estimates that only about 15 to 18 percent of the operating budget is truly adjustable. Even relatively modest reductions can ripple directly into school operations, staffing, transportation, literacy support, or student services.

The superintendent’s original proposal included approximately $5.2 million in strategic reductions, such as transportation adjustments, cuts to literacy coach funding, instructional service cuts, and the transition of parent-student handbooks to digital distribution.

At the same time, district enrollment projections indicate that Wake County is entering a period of relatively flat or slightly declining student enrollment after years of explosive growth. The district projected a slight decrease in WCPSS enrollment next year, while charter school enrollment continues to inch upward.

That combination creates additional financial strain because local funding must continue to flow to charter schools through the state-required pass-through formula.

Special Education Became the Budget’s Biggest Flashpoint

No issue drew more public attention during the budget process than proposed changes tied to special education staffing.

An earlier version of the superintendent’s proposal included roughly $10 million in reductions tied to special education teacher formulas, prompting concern among parents and public speakers during community input sessions and public hearings.

Taylor acknowledged the concern directly on Monday, while emphasizing the overall scale of the district’s special education spending.

“I do want to express to people that the special education budget does still operate with $307 million of our operating budget, and that does not include transportation,” he said.

The school board ultimately removed the proposed special education formula reductions from the final operating request. Instead, district leaders proposed using $4 million in federal carryover funding to keep 515 months of special education teacher positions supported through federal dollars for one additional year.

District officials also repeatedly stressed that budget decisions alone do not change student services under Individualized Education Programs (IEP).

“A budget decision does not change a student’s IEP,” district staff wrote in materials prepared for commissioners. “If a student’s services are proposed to change, families would be involved through the IEP process, with required notice and team participation.”

The district said the only actual staffing formula adjustment tied to special education involved multi-track year-round schools, where allotments would shift to align with traditional calendar schools while still funding 11 months of employment.

The Strain Is Also Showing Up in Student Support Services

While the special education debate drew most of the public attention, commissioners also spent significant time discussing broader staffing pressures throughout the district.

WCPSS leaders acknowledged that student support staffing ratios remain well above recommended professional standards in several categories. District figures presented Monday showed school social workers currently serving roughly 1,278 students each, compared with a recommended ratio of 1-to-250. School psychologists stand at about 1-to-1,450 compared with a recommended 1-to-500 ratio.

At the same time, district leaders said staffing conditions have improved in several important areas over the last two years. WCPSS reported recording the lowest teacher vacancy rate in district history last year, while teacher retention rates have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels.

The district also pointed to the rapidly growing demand for school-based mental health services. WCPSS said it has already processed more than 1,500 mental health referrals this school year compared with 519 referrals the previous year. Those services are largely delivered through a partnership with Alliance Health rather than directly through district-employed clinicians.

Another operational shift involves elementary literacy coaches. Under the previous model, literacy coach support was spread across all elementary schools. Under the revised budget approach, literacy coaches will now be concentrated primarily in the district’s highest-need schools, with district leaders saying that roughly 65 schools will continue to receive literacy coach positions.

New Pressures Continue Piling Onto the Budget

Even beyond the current request, district leaders warned commissioners that additional cost pressures are already forming.

One of the largest looming concerns is Duke Energy’s proposed utility rate increases. WCPSS currently spends nearly $30 million annually on utilities, and district staff said proposed electricity increases of 15 to 18 percent over the next two years could significantly affect future operating budgets.

Federal funding also remains uncertain. District officials said many feared that federal reductions earlier this year would ultimately not materialize, but flat federal funding still creates long-term pressure because compensation and operational costs continue to increase.

Meanwhile, charter school growth continues to affect the district’s local funding structure. WCPSS told commissioners that approximately 11 percent of local operating dollars now flow to charter schools through the state-required pass-through system.

Commissioners also questioned district leaders about transparency, aging schools, and growing disparities between newer campuses and older facilities facing mold, maintenance, and life-cycle issues. Commissioner Cheryl Stallings praised the district’s growing emphasis on renovations and maintaining older schools as the pace of new school construction slows.

Commissioner Shinica Thomas pushed district leaders on creating a public-facing dashboard that would allow residents to better track projects, school needs, and spending decisions. District officials said they are still evaluating systems they can realistically maintain and update consistently.

“We Know Your Needs Are Much More Than $25 Million.”

Throughout the discussion, county commissioners repeatedly emphasized appreciation for what they viewed as a collaborative approach from district leadership during a difficult revenue year.

Commissioner Susan Evans said district leaders clearly understood the broader financial pressures facing county government while still advocating for critical school needs.

“I don’t take it lightly that y’all are trying to work with us in the most reasonable manner,” Evans said. “We know your needs are much more than 25 million extra dollars.”

Taylor acknowledged the broader balancing act facing county leaders as they work through competing demands across county government, including education, public safety, infrastructure, and human services.

“We appreciate the partnership,” Taylor said. “The commissioners are responsible for all those functions of government within the county, and that does include the school district.”

The district’s proposed budget will formally move to county commissioners later this month as Wake County begins weighing school funding requests alongside broader county spending priorities for the coming fiscal year.

Holly Springs, NC, May 11, 2026 — An evening gathering tonight at Local Time Brewery in downtown Holly Springs featuring U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee evolved into a broader discussion about affordability, political messaging, voter frustration, and whether public institutions are effectively addressing everyday concerns.

While the event included sharp criticism of national political leadership and partisan conflict, much of the nearly hour-long conversation centered on rising household costs, including housing, groceries, healthcare, insurance, utilities, and education expenses.

Foushee repeatedly argued that affordability concerns must remain central to political discussions heading into the 2026 election cycle, connecting many of those pressures to broader federal spending priorities and congressional decision-making.

Some of the evening’s most notable exchanges came when attendees questioned whether current political messaging is resonating with voters focused primarily on economic concerns.

Several participants argued that national political conversations have become overly centered on scandal, controversy, and partisan conflict, while many voters are more concerned about practical issues such as affordability and economic stability. One attendee said discussions surrounding investigations and political controversy are unlikely to persuade voters who are primarily worried about paying bills, affording groceries, and supporting their families.

Others pushed for clearer communication focused on lowering household costs, stabilizing healthcare costs, addressing housing affordability, and, more specifically, explaining how policies would improve daily life.

Foushee defended the broader focus on affordability and cost-of-living issues, pointing repeatedly to rising prices at grocery stores, gas pumps, and healthcare providers as evidence that economic concerns are already central to current political discussions. At the same time, she acknowledged the importance of coalition-building, grassroots organizing, voter outreach, and practical engagement with frustrated voters.

The discussion also reflected broader frustration with political institutions and modern public discourse.

Attendees raised concerns about declining trust in Congress, confusion surrounding voting laws, fragmented media environments, and whether government agencies are adequately staffed and funded to meet public needs. Several participants argued that political confusion and information silos are making civic participation more difficult and deepening public distrust.

Participants repeatedly emphasized voter turnout, post-primary unity, and sustained civic engagement as critical heading into the 2026 elections.

Though the gathering reflected strong political viewpoints, the most consistent theme of the evening was broader frustration over affordability, distrust in institutions, and whether political leaders are effectively addressing the pressures facing ordinary households ahead of the 2026 elections.

Want your event included in Out and About? Send details to news@hollyspringsupdate.com

Note: Listings are presented in the following order:
- Marquee
- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina

Holly Springs, NC, May 8, 2026

Marquee Event

Saturday, May 9

Marquee Event: Vertical Horizon
North Main Athletic Complex, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=hscc
6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Live at the Springs is turning up the volume at the North Main Athletic Complex stadium with platinum-selling alternative-rock hits from Vertical Horizon.

Marquee Event: Holly Springs Farmers Market: 20th Birthday Celebration!
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market
8:00 AM – Noon
Summary: Happy Mother’s Day weekend and Happy Birthday to us! Join the market as it kicks off Season 20 and celebrates the beauty of motherhood.

Marquee Event: Mr. Worldwide Beer Crawl + Tap Takeover + After Party
Black Dog Bottle Shop, 140 W Holly Springs Rd, Holly Springs, NC
https://blackdogbottleshop.com/
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Pitbull-inspired beer crawl and tap takeover featuring Incendiary Brewing and HopFly Brewing Co. with themed music, pours, and special releases.

Marquee Event: Cary Ballet Company: Peter Pan
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/cary-ballet-company-peter-pan
1:30 PM & 5:30 PM

Marquee Event: Durham Bulls vs. Round Rock Express
Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham, NC
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/2D006443AC1C9F42?tfl=
6:45 PM

Marquee Event: Ritmo Latino Festival 2026
Downtown Cary, North Academy Street, Cary, NC
https://diamanteartsculturalcenter.org/ritmo-latino-festival/
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Summary: Family-friendly festival featuring Latin music, dance, food, and art in downtown Cary.

Upcoming Dates

Friday, May 22

Marquee Event: Holly Springs Salamanders vs. Catawba Valley Stars
North Main Athletic Complex Stadium, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
https://salamandersbaseball.com/event/salamanders-vs-catawba-valley-stars-may-22-2026/
6:30 PM
Summary: Opening Day, presented by Kimi’s Carpets Plus, kicks off the Salamanders season with a first pitch celebration and summer baseball.

Monday, May 11 – Tuesday, May 12

Marquee Event: An Evening with David Byrne
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events
8:00 PM
Summary: David Byrne returns with a new live show in support of his latest album.

Multiple Dates

Friday, May 8 – Saturday, May 9
Event: Suite Surrender (Spring Play)
The Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Main St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/1961/Suite-Surrender-Spring-Play
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Summary: It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel with assistants, luggage, and a legendary feud in tow.

Holly Springs

Friday, May 8

Live Music: On the Patio with Kenny Shore
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Saturday, May 9

Event: Complimentary Wine Tasting with Neal Thornton of Orsini Wines
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Live Music: Late Bloomers
Switch Craft, 161 Oakview Commons Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.switchcraftcocktails.com/
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Live Music: Angela Bingham, vocals & Frank Longino, piano
Pimiento Tea Room, 200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.pimientotearoom.com
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Tone Merchants - Beach Party
Walley’s Tavern, 1110 Kentworth Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://walleystavernhollysprings.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: The Solutions
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: On the Patio with Steve Vee
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Laws of Power
Niche Wine Lounge, 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://nichewinelounge.com/
8:00 PM

Apex

Saturday, May 9

Event: Apex Farmers Market
The Depot, Downtown Apex, Apex, NC
https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com/
8:00 AM – Noon

Live Music: Maverick Rose
Southern Peak Brewery, 950 Windy Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.southernpeakbrewery.com/
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Stone Age Romeos
TapStation, 320 S Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.tapstationapex.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: The Band Next Door
Shakey Ray’s Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://shakeyrays.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: MikeMickXer Duo
Oaklyn Springs Taproom - Apex, 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Live Music: Kyle Mullins
The Backyard Bar NC, 2901 US Highway 64, Apex, NC
https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: Maskell Freeman Band
Peak of the Vine, 301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Live Music: Skull Jams
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Fuquay-Varina

Saturday, May 9

Event: Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
FV Chamber of Commerce, 121 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fvgrowersmarket.com/
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Event: Cinco De Mayhem
The Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
3:00 PM
Summary: Cinco de Mayo-themed celebration featuring food, drinks, and entertainment.

Live Music: 2DIGH4
The Brick Fuquay, 213 Fayetteville St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092392280823
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Joe’s Cousin
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: Graham’s Number
American Legion Post 116, 6400 Johnson Pond Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://alpost116nc.org/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: The Motel Keys
Aviator Pizzeria & BeerShop, 601 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, May 10

Live Music: Pat Tyler
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Raleigh, NC, May 7, 2026 — Wake County leaders unveiled a proposed $2.28 billion fiscal year 2027 budget during Monday night’s commissioners’ meeting that would increase property taxes by 2 cents while expanding investments in education, public safety, and social services amid what county officials described as mounting structural pressure on local government finances.

The proposed budget would raise the county’s property tax rate from 51.71 cents to 53.71 cents per $100 valuation. County Manager David Ellis said the owner of a $450,000 home would see about a $90 increase in their annual tax bill under the proposal.

But the larger message from Ellis’ presentation (document) was not simply that costs are rising. Instead, county leaders argued Wake County is increasingly being forced to absorb financial responsibilities they believe should be funded by the state, while simultaneously facing an erosion of its property tax base.

“This is the ninth budget I’ve presented to the Board since I became County Manager, and I’ll be honest, it’s been the most challenging one yet,” Ellis said during the meeting.

Wake County relies heavily on property taxes, which account for roughly 75% of county revenue. In a typical year, growth in the tax base generates between $40 million and $50 million in new revenue. For FY27, however, county officials project only about $8 million in new growth revenue.

County officials attributed much of that slowdown to two major issues: a surge in property tax appeals and rapidly growing affordable housing-related tax exemptions following a North Carolina court ruling involving Mitchell County and Blue Ridge Housing.

According to the presentation, Wake County estimates property tax appeals alone could reduce FY27 revenue by approximately $18 million. The county also projects another $12.3 million in lost revenue connected to what officials repeatedly called the “Blue Ridge loophole.”

The presentation detailed how the Mitchell County v. Blue Ridge Housing case expanded apartment owners' ability to qualify for property tax exemptions through nonprofit ownership structures. County officials said the result has been a sharp increase in the value of exempted property across Wake County.

Slides presented Monday showed exempted property values rising from approximately $223 million in 2020 to more than $2.2 billion in 2025.

One example highlighted during the presentation showed an apartment complex in Raleigh shifting from fully taxable in 2024, with $104.2 million in taxable value, to 70% exempt in 2025, with only $31.3 million remaining taxable.

“The growing number of exemptions is the biggest threat to the county’s revenues that I could ever imagine,” Wake County Tax Administrator Marcus Kinrade said in the presentation materials.

Ellis repeatedly argued that counties are also increasingly subsidizing services traditionally associated with state government responsibilities.

The presentation cited county spending on:

• school operations,

• jail operations,

• foster care housing,

• Medicaid administration

• and public safety staffing.

According to county figures presented Monday, Wake County estimates it filled approximately $600 million in state funding gaps during FY2026.

The county manager argued that if the state fully funded those responsibilities, Wake County’s property tax rate could be significantly lower.

“Our property tax rate could drop to 30 cents if the state did its part,” Ellis said.

The proposed FY27 budget would use $35 million from county reserves to help close the funding gap. Ellis acknowledged the move was unusual, saying he had not previously recommended using one-time funds to support recurring operations during his tenure as county manager.

Even with reserve usage and the tax increase, county officials said they denied 37 budget expansion requests totaling $10.5 million. Those rejected requests included additional inspectors, environmental consultants, customer service staff, and continued food security pilot programs.

Much of the proposed spending increase focuses on education and public safety.

The county proposes increasing Wake County Public Schools’ operating support from $742.9 million to $768.2 million. Wake Tech funding would increase from $42.6 million to $44.4 million, while Smart Start funding would rise from $8 million to $10 million.

The presentation also noted that 905 children are currently on waiting lists for Wake ThreeSchool and NC Pre-K programs.

On the public safety side, the proposal would add 16 EMT positions as emergency medical calls continue to rise. The county also plans to reopen the jail annex, adding 240 beds and 92 detention positions, at a cost of approximately $7 million in salary and benefits.

County officials said the detention system is under growing pressure because of population growth, longer inmate stays, and state prison staffing shortages that have left Wake County housing more than 100 inmates who should be in state custody.

Ellis also warned that future county budgets could become substantially more difficult if state lawmakers do not address the Blue Ridge exemption issue and pending proposals that could cap future property tax increases.

“If the state doesn’t close the Blue Ridge loophole, and if the state caps the property tax, we will have to make cuts,” Ellis said.

Those cuts, according to the presentation, could eventually include reduced operating hours, cuts to program investments, and reductions in education funding.

Commissioners did not debate the budget in detail Monday night. Instead, the board unanimously voted to formally receive the proposed budget, open a public comment period, and schedule public hearings and work sessions throughout May, with potential adoption on June 1st.

What’s Next

Wake County commissioners will continue reviewing the proposed FY27 budget throughout May.

Upcoming meetings include:

• May 11th: Budget work session and public hearing

• May 18th: Second public hearing

• May 21st: Additional budget work session

• June 1st: Board consideration of final budget adoption

Residents may also submit comments online through the county’s budget website during the review process. The portal is located here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NXCLTDJ

Apex, NC, May 1, 2026 — PeakFest, Apex’s longest-running community festival, will mark its 45th year on Saturday, May 2nd, with a new footprint centered on Hunter Street and the Town Hall Campus.

The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 73 Hunter St. and is expected to draw more than 45,000 attendees. What began in 1980 as a small arts-and-crafts gathering in a church parking lot has grown into Apex’s signature community event, bringing together artists, performers, nonprofits, and local businesses for a full day of activities.

This year’s festival shifts away from its traditional Salem Street location. Hunter Street will be closed to vehicles between Salem Street and Laura Duncan Road from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate the event.

More than 100 vendors will be set up across the festival footprint, offering arts and crafts, food trucks, and community engagement opportunities. Attendees can expect live music and performances throughout the day, along with a Kids Zone with inflatables and roving street performers.

Stage schedule

Two stages will host performances throughout the day:

Arch Stage

• 9:45 a.m. — Police and Thieves

• 11:45 a.m. — MikeMickXer

• 2:00 p.m. — Hired Guns

Tunstall Stage

• 9:00 a.m. — Kinderdance

• 10:00 a.m. — Apex Performance Academy

• 12:00 p.m. — Infinity Ballet

• 2:00 p.m. — Bach 2 Rock

What to expect

PeakFest is designed as a full-day, walkable event across the Town Hall Campus. Along with performances and food, attendees can:

• Shop from local artists and makers

• Visit booths hosted by Town of Apex departments

• Connect with local nonprofits and community sponsors

• Purchase licensed “Peak of Good Living” merchandise

• Explore downtown Apex businesses before or after the festival

Organizers encourage attendees to plan to stay for multiple hours, as programming and performances are spread throughout the day.

What to know before you go

Several logistical changes accompany the new location:

• Road closure: Hunter Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Parking impacts: Town Hall, arch lot, and the lot near John M. Brown Community Center will close at 6:00 a.m.; a Town Hall Campus lot near Mason Street will remain open

• Transit: GoApex Route 1 will operate on a detour

• Social district: The festival is outside the district boundaries; cups must be discarded before entry

• Pets: Not allowed within festival boundaries

• Weather: Event will be held rain or shine

Attendees are encouraged to review downtown parking options and plan to walk into the festival area.

As PeakFest reaches its 45th year, the event continues to serve as a large-scale gathering point for Apex residents and visitors, combining arts, entertainment, and community engagement into a single-day event that reflects the town’s continued growth.

Apex, NC, May 1, 2026 — PeakFest, Apex’s longest-running community festival, will mark its 45th year on Saturday, May 2nd, with a new footprint centered on Hunter Street and the Town Hall Campus.

The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 73 Hunter St. and is expected to draw more than 45,000 attendees. What began in 1980 as a small arts-and-crafts gathering in a church parking lot has grown into Apex’s signature community event, bringing together artists, performers, nonprofits, and local businesses for a full day of activities.

This year’s festival shifts away from its traditional Salem Street location. Hunter Street will be closed to vehicles between Salem Street and Laura Duncan Road from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to accommodate the event.

More than 100 vendors will be set up across the festival footprint, offering arts and crafts, food trucks, and community engagement opportunities. Attendees can expect live music and performances throughout the day, along with a Kids Zone with inflatables and roving street performers.

Stage schedule

Two stages will host performances throughout the day:

Arch Stage

• 9:45 a.m. — Police and Thieves

• 11:45 a.m. — MikeMickXer

• 2:00 p.m. — Hired Guns

Tunstall Stage

• 9:00 a.m. — Kinderdance

• 10:00 a.m. — Apex Performance Academy

• 12:00 p.m. — Infinity Ballet

• 2:00 p.m. — Bach 2 Rock

What to expect

PeakFest is designed as a full-day, walkable event across the Town Hall Campus. Along with performances and food, attendees can:

• Shop from local artists and makers

• Visit booths hosted by Town of Apex departments

• Connect with local nonprofits and community sponsors

• Purchase licensed “Peak of Good Living” merchandise

• Explore downtown Apex businesses before or after the festival

Organizers encourage attendees to plan to stay for multiple hours, as programming and performances are spread throughout the day.

What to know before you go

Several logistical changes accompany the new location:

• Road closure: Hunter Street will be closed from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Parking impacts: Town Hall, arch lot, and the lot near John M. Brown Community Center will close at 6:00 a.m.; a Town Hall Campus lot near Mason Street will remain open

• Transit: GoApex Route 1 will operate on a detour

• Social district: The festival is outside the district boundaries; cups must be discarded before entry

• Pets: Not allowed within festival boundaries

• Weather: Event will be held rain or shine

Attendees are encouraged to review downtown parking options and plan to walk into the festival area.

As PeakFest reaches its 45th year, the event continues to serve as a large-scale gathering point for Apex residents and visitors, combining arts, entertainment, and community engagement into a single-day event that reflects the town’s continued growth.

Want your event included in Out and About? Send details to news@hollyspringsupdate.com

Note: Listings are presented in the following order:
- Marquee
- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
- Regional
- Sports

Holly Springs, NC, May 1, 2026

Marquee Events

Friday, May 1

Marquee Event: Holly Springs International Food Festival
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsupdate.com/p/holly-springs-nc-international-food
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Event: Fuquay-Varina Chorale Spring Concert
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=311498
Friday, May 1 – Saturday, May 2
7:30 PM
Summary: The Fuquay-Varina Chorale presents its spring concert featuring live choral performances.

Saturday, May 2

Marquee Event: Apex PeakFest
Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakfest.org/
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Marquee Event: Kathy Griffin: New Face, New Tour
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/kathy-griffin-new-face-new-tour-g5evzbwjluszn
7:00 PM

Marquee Event: Philadelphia Flyers vs. Carolina Hurricanes (Game 1)
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/
8:00 PM

Marquee Event: Derby Day: Hats, Horses & Hangovers!
The Brick Fuquay, 213 Fayetteville St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092392280823
2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Upcoming Dates

Monday, May 11 – Tuesday, May 12

Marquee Event: An Evening with David Byrne
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
8:00 PM
https://www.dpacnc.com/events
Summary: David Byrne returns with a new live show in support of his latest album.

Holly Springs

Friday, May 1

Live Music: On the Patio with Chris Gentri
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com/
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Cosmic Revival
Niche Wine Lounge, 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://nichewinelounge.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, May 2

Event: Holly Springs Farmers Market
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market
8:00 AM – Noon

Live Music: Janis & The Crew
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Jazz in the Lounge: Frank Longino, piano & Paul Creel, bass
Pimiento Tea Room, 200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.pimientotearoom.com
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: On the Patio with Ryan Mullaney
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com/
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Event: Complimentary Wine Tasting with Mike Ruocco of Touton Wines
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Live Music: Richard Boston
Golf Hour, 2131 Oakview Commons Dr, Holly Springs, NC
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
https://www.golf-hour.com/
Summary: Live music performance at an indoor golf and entertainment venue.

Live Music: Tommy Thunderfoot & The Accelerators
Switch Craft, 161 Oakview Commons Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.switchcraftcocktails.com/
5:00 PM

Live Music: Jim Morgan
Homegrown Pizza, 4928 Linksland Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://homegrownpizza.com/
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Event: Derby Day
The Blind Pelican, 608 Holly Springs Rd, Holly Springs, NC
https://blindpelicanseafood.com/
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, May 3

Live Music: A Thousand Ways Duo
Niche Wine Lounge, 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://nichewinelounge.com/
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Apex

Friday, May 1

Event: Apex Community Dance
Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/2082/Apex-Community-Dance
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Summary: Community dance event featuring beginner-friendly instruction and live music.

Event: Art Reception – Apex Pride Art
Halle Cultural Arts Center, 237 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/1926/Apex-Pride-Exhibit
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Summary: Open-call exhibition celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists and allies through visual art.

Live Music: The Ridge Band
Shakey Ray’s Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.shakeyrays.com/
8:00 PM

Saturday, May 2

Event: Apex Farmers Market
Apex Depot, 220 Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com/
8:00 AM – Noon

Live Music: Graham’s Number
Shakey Ray’s Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.shakeyrays.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: Joe’s Cousin
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 209 N Main St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: Moonlight Rescue Band
Peak of the Vine, 115 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Live Music: Police & Thieves
The Backyard Bar NC, 2901 US Highway 64, Apex, NC
https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Fuquay-Varina

Friday, May 1

Event: Fuquay-Varina Chorale Spring Concert
Fuquay-Varina Arts Center, 123 E Vance St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=311498
7:30 PM

Saturday, May 2

Event: Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
FV Chamber of Commerce, 121 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fvgrowersmarket.com/
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Event: Fuquay-Varina Museums Heritage Day
Museums at Ashworth Park, 31 S Fuquay Ave, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://fuquay-varina-museums.org/
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summary: Annual event featuring exhibits and programs highlighting local history.

Event: Derby Day
Lucci Blues, 209 Fayetteville St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://lucciblues.com/
5:00 PM

Live Music: 5TA
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Josh Rhyne & The Silvertones
Aviator Pizzeria & Beershop, 601 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Proton Jones
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Southpaw Soul
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: Jason Bunch
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Regional

Friday, May 1

Regional Event: Woody Platt & The Bluegrass Gentlemen
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/woody-platt-the-bluegrass-gentlemen
7:30 PM

Regional Event: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rialto Theatre, 1620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC
https://therialto.com/event/the-rocky-horror-picture-show-63/the-rialto-theatre/
11:55 PM

Saturday, May 2

Event: PeakFest
Downtown Apex, 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/537/PeakFest
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Holly Springs, NC, May 1, 2026 — The Holly Springs International Food Festival returns Friday evening (May 1st) to the Holly Springs Cultural Center, bringing a mix of global cuisine, live entertainment, and interactive cultural experiences to downtown.

The free event takes place from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. along Ballentine Street and within the town’s Sip & Stroll Social District. Organizers say the festival, a recipient of the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association Arts & Humanities Award, is designed to blend food, education, and cultural celebration in a single evening.

Attendees can expect a wide range of culinary offerings, from savory and spicy dishes to sweets and frozen treats, representing multiple continents and traditions. Participating vendors include 50Kitchen, Belgian Waffle Crafters, Bobasaur, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Cafe 301, Chimney Cakery, Cilantro Mexican Cuisine, Crispy Gyoza, Curry in a Hurry, Island Flavour, Kona Ice, Kono Pizza, Mesas El Salvador, Penny’s Greek Street Food, Savor Bowls, and Yagg Sii Tenn.

Beer and wine will also be available for purchase from local breweries, including Bombshell Beer Company, Carolina Brewing Company, and Local Time Brewing.

Passport experience returns with new activities

A central feature of the event is the festival “passport,” which invites attendees to embark on a self-guided journey across the festival grounds. Visitors can pick up a free passport at the Town of Holly Springs tent and collect stamps by visiting seven cultural education stations throughout the event.

No purchases are required to complete the passport. Participants who collect all stamps can return to the town tent for a final stamp and be entered to win a travel-themed prize, including a Holly Springs tumbler. Organizers note that passport quantities are limited.

New this year, the passport experience includes expanded educational games and activities at each station.

Cultural ambassadors and performances

In addition to food, the festival highlights cultural awareness through local nonprofits and community groups offering educational exhibits and activities. Lawn seating will be available for attendees who bring blankets or chairs.

Event schedule

Music Stage

• 5:00–5:45 p.m.: Ewes Tree (Celtic)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m.: Batala Durham (Afro-Brazilian)

• 7:00–8:00 p.m.: Abakua (Latin music including bolero, salsa, merengue, tropipop, and Cuban son)

Dance Area

• 5:00–5:20 p.m.: Venezuela Es Danza (Venezuelan Dance)

• 6:00–6:20 p.m.: Bollywood Dance

• 6:30–7:00 p.m.: Chinese-American Friendship Association (dance and music)

What to know before you go

Organizers recommend arriving early and planning ahead for parking, as downtown spaces are limited. Carpooling, rideshare, biking, or walking are encouraged, and bike racks are available behind the Cultural Center.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.

Those planning to purchase beer or wine should bring a valid ID, and all alcoholic beverages must remain within the Sip & Stroll district boundaries.

For event alerts and updates, attendees can text FOODFEST to 888777.

The event is sponsored by Capital Vacations and supported by the Town of Holly Springs departments and local cultural organizations.

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 29, 2026 — A recent live Editor & Publisher Magazine Reports panel discussion at the New York Press Services’ annual conference posed a familiar question: Are news outlets giving audiences what they want, or what they need? It is a fair question, and one that has been debated in newsrooms for years. But listening to the conversation makes it clear that the real issue lies just beneath the surface. It is not simply about audience preference. It is about whether a single newsroom model can realistically serve two very different objectives simultaneously.

The reality is this is no longer a question of balance. It is a question of choice. Newsrooms must decide what they are trying to do, because the model that supports reach is not the same as the model that builds trust.

On one side is reach. That means publishing more, moving faster, covering broadly, and meeting audiences wherever they are. On the other is relevance. That means focusing on what matters, going deeper, explaining decisions, and serving the people most directly affected. For a long time, many organizations have tried to balance those two approaches, pairing high-volume content with deeper reporting and hoping each would support the other.

In practice, that balance does not hold. Over time, the faster, easier work expands. The stories that can be turned quickly begin to take up more space, while the stories that require time, context, and careful reporting compete for fewer resources. That shift is not a failure of discipline. It is structural. When success is measured broadly, the system naturally rewards what is easiest to produce and quickest to consume.

There have been days when the pressure to publish something — anything — is real. A slow news cycle, a gap in the schedule, the sense that there should be one more post, one more update. Those are the moments where the tradeoff shows up most clearly. Publish to fill space or wait until there is something worth saying.

That is when the real question shows up: What are you trying to do?

There is another way to approach this. Some local newsrooms, including Holly Springs Update in Holly Springs, North Carolina, are choosing to focus less on maximizing audience size and more on consistently informing the people most directly affected by local decisions. That includes coverage of town councils, school boards, county government, growth, taxes, and infrastructure. These are the areas where policy and planning intersect with daily life, often in ways that are not immediately visible but become significant over time.

That does not mean ignoring everything else. Event calendars, real estate transactions, restaurant health inspections, and local interest stories still play an important role in reflecting the broader life of a community. But they are not the foundation. The foundation is coverage of decisions, because that is where clarity has the greatest impact.

When that kind of information is delivered consistently, something else begins to happen. Residents do not simply read it and move on. They carry it with them into their daily lives. It surfaces in conversations at ballfields, in neighborhoods, and in casual exchanges that evolve into more substantive discussions.

You see it most clearly after a story lands on a topic people are already thinking about. A recent piece on e-bike use in the community, an issue that has been coming up more frequently in neighborhoods and on greenways, was sent to just under 5,500 subscribers. It generated a 45% open rate and just under 5,200 total views. More than 2,700 readers arrived beyond the initial send, through shares, forwards, and social distribution.

The story moved — not because it was part of a constant stream of content, but because the people it affected started talking about it, sharing it, and using it to inform their own conversations.

That is how information begins to move through a community. It builds understanding first and, over time, trust. Not the kind of trust that comes from a single story or a spike in attention, but the kind that develops when information is repeated, discussed, and confirmed in real-world experience. When what people read aligns with what they see and hear, and when it proves useful repeatedly, confidence in the source grows.

That kind of trust does not depend on constant publishing. Some weeks, there are stories every day. Other weeks, there are only one or two. The expectation does not need to be continuous output. It needs to be that when something is published, it matters.

One of the clearest signals of that is repeated behavior. Strong local newsletters often see open rates that reflect not just discovery, but habit. Readers are not just arriving once. They are returning because they expect something useful when they do. Some may discover a publication through a specific story or topic, but what keeps them is not volume. It is relevance.

Reach still matters. But how it is achieved matters more than how much is produced. Expanding distribution through newsletters, formats, and consistent delivery can broaden awareness without sacrificing quality. What does not work is relying on low-value volume as the primary path to growth.

Viewed through that lens, the original question about what audiences want versus what they need begins to resolve itself. The more important question is whether a newsroom is willing to define its purpose clearly enough to let that definition guide its decisions.

If the objective is reach, then volume, speed, and breadth are logical priorities. If the objective is to inform a community in a meaningful way, the model necessarily looks different. It emphasizes specificity over scale, depth over frequency, and consistency over cadence.

That does not mean covering less. It means covering what matters with enough depth to be genuinely useful.

There are tradeoffs in that approach. It does not maximize traffic and passes up opportunities that might generate short-term attention elsewhere. But it also creates something more durable. It creates a place people can rely on to understand what is happening in their community.

The newsroom leaders in that panel are right to ask the question. It is an important one. But at some point, the question must lead to a decision.

What kind of journalism are you actually trying to produce?

Because once that is clear, the rest follows.

Christian A. Hendricks is the publisher & founder of Holly Springs Update, a digital-only news outlet serving a former news desert in North Carolina. He can be reached at christian.hendricks@hollyspringsupdate.com.

Apex, NC, Apr. 29, 2026 — Apex is preparing to restart utility late fees and resume service disconnections this summer as more than $6 million in unpaid customer balances continues to weigh on the town’s billing system. The move marks a return to standard enforcement after a multi-year pause tied to billing disruptions, system changes, and meter upgrades that left penalties and shutoffs largely suspended.

Town data shows about $6.1 million in balances more than 30 days past due, including approximately $4.4 million that has remained unpaid for more than 90 days, spread across 4,405 customer accounts out of more than 30,000 active utility accounts. Those figures reflect the combined impact of deferred enforcement and lingering account issues that developed during the town’s transition to a new billing system and infrastructure upgrades.

The current system differs significantly from how utility billing typically operates. Apex is not charging late fees on overdue accounts and has not been disconnecting service for nonpayment, even when balances have accumulated over several billing cycles. That approach is now shifting back to a standard model, where missed payments trigger penalties and, if left unresolved, eventual service interruption.

Under the timeline presented to Town Council, late fees will resume July 1st, applying a 1.0% charge to outstanding balances one day after the due date. Accounts that remain unpaid and reach at least $500 in combined charges and fees would become eligible for disconnection, with the first round of potential shutoffs beginning September 22nd for customers in the town’s first billing cycle. Additional cycles would follow on a staggered schedule based on billing dates.

The enforcement process is structured to include multiple layers of notification before service is interrupted. Customers would receive at least two written notices and two automated calls, along with updated bill messaging, targeted outreach, and online account alerts. The town is also expanding communication through its website, social media, and direct outreach to customers with larger balances.

Disconnections themselves would vary depending on the services tied to an account. Customers with electric service could see remote shutoffs initiated through the town’s system, while others may require in-person service interruption by utility crews. Water and sewer service may also be affected depending on account configuration, reflecting the town’s combined utility billing structure.

To provide flexibility, Apex is continuing to offer deferred payment arrangements, allowing customers to spread delinquent balances over up to 12 months. Customers enrolled in those plans would not incur late fees as long as both their current bill and payment plan amount are paid on time, providing an alternative path to avoid penalties and disconnection.

Town officials framed the decision as a balance between customer support and fiscal responsibility, noting that utility services operate as enterprise funds that depend on customer payments to remain financially stable. “We want to support our customers, but we also want to provide proper financial stewardship for the town’s resources,” Finance Director Jon Griffin said during the presentation.

The scale of the delinquent balances has also drawn attention from residents, particularly regarding broader town finances. One resident questioned whether taxpayers would ultimately bear the burden, saying, “We’re going to have to… pay… to pay for the people that haven’t paid their utility bills.” Another resident noted that the $6 million in delinquent balances is roughly equivalent to about three cents on the town’s property tax rate, underscoring the size of the issue in budget terms.

For residents with overdue accounts, the next several months represent a transition period before enforcement fully resumes. Late fees will begin in July, while disconnections will not start until late September, creating a window for customers to bring balances current or enter payment plans before facing service interruption.

The return to standard billing practices signals the town’s effort to stabilize its utility system after several years of disruption, while also reestablishing expectations around payment and enforcement. How quickly the outstanding balance declines and how residents respond to the renewed policies will likely shape the town’s financial outlook in the months ahead.

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 29, 2026 — In a community where youth sports often take center stage, one 10-year-old Holly Springs student is working toward a milestone that reflects more than athletic ability.

Levi Holder, who began training in 2022 at Master Chang’s Martial Arts, is preparing to test for his black belt this June. His journey is rooted not only in his own effort, but in a family where martial arts has long been a way of life.

Levi’s mother, Melanie, holds a third-degree black belt, and his father, Travis, holds a second-degree black belt in karate. Both have competed nationally and internationally. When the family moved to North Carolina from South Africa, continuing martial arts training remained a priority, something Levi describes as part of their family’s DNA.

That foundation led Levi and his brothers to begin their own martial arts journeys.

More Than Moves

While Levi studies Taekwondo, his parents’ background is in karate. He says the two disciplines differ in forms and movements, but share the same core values.

Karate emphasizes character, sincerity, effort, etiquette, and self-control. Taekwondo builds on those lessons, emphasizing courage, honesty, perseverance, focus, self-control, and respect.

For Levi, those lessons extend well beyond the mat.

“To me, that means becoming a better person, physically, emotionally, and mentally,” he said.

He describes becoming stronger and healthier, while also learning to stay calm and kind. The training has helped him improve his focus and push through challenges without giving up.

“These are not just lessons for class, they are ways to live every day,” he said.

Growth in and Out of Class

Levi trains under Master Seung Hyeon Hong, who teaches forms, self-defense, and technique, as well as discipline and respect in everyday life. Levi says his instructor treats all students equally and helps them improve in every class.

Students at the school also occasionally learn from visiting masters from Korea and other locations.

That training has carried into Levi’s life outside the studio.

At school, he says Taekwondo has helped improve his focus and discipline. He is part of the AIG math program and credits his training with helping him work harder and do his best.

At home, he has taken on more responsibility, including making his bed, cleaning his room, helping with dishes, taking out the trash, and helping care for his younger brothers.

Milestones Along the Way

Levi’s journey has included several key milestones. In 2024, while a blue belt, he rang the gong and entered the Masters Program. He says that step reflects his goal of becoming a leader and, one day, helping to teach other students.

He has also earned recognition for his efforts, including a Best Tester award and a trophy for reaching the blue stripe belt, which marks the halfway point to a black belt.

Now, as he prepares for his upcoming test, Levi has been assigned a Black Belt life skill of honesty. That assignment is what led him to share his story.

“These are my honest thoughts about how Taekwondo has helped me grow,” he said.

A Community Investment

Levi’s parents say the changes they have seen go far beyond physical skill.

“We have had the privilege of watching Levi grow not only in skill, but in character through his Taekwondo journey,” they said. “The discipline, focus, and respect he has developed have carried into every part of his life, from school to home.”

They also expressed appreciation for the instructors' guidance in that development.

“We are especially grateful to Master Hong and the team at Master Chang’s Martial Arts in Holly Springs for their commitment to developing confident, respectful, and resilient young individuals in our community.”

Looking Ahead

With his black belt test approaching in June, Levi is focused on the final stretch of preparation. His goal extends beyond earning the belt itself, with hopes of continuing to grow and eventually helping teach other students.

For now, he is asking for encouragement as he takes this next step.

He said he would appreciate support from the community and asks for “courage, perseverance, strength, and good luck” as he prepares for his black belt test.

Holly Springs, NC Apr. 27, 2026 — Holly Springs is moving forward with upgrades to Womble Park that will add the park’s first basketball courts and replace aging dugouts, after the Town Council approved a $319,625 design and pre-construction contract during its April 21st council meeting. The work is part of a broader project with a total budget not to exceed $1,075,000 and represents the first phase of improvements at one of the town’s most heavily used recreation spaces. (project documents)

The project includes the construction of two new outdoor asphalt basketball courts with lighting, fencing, benches, and ADA-accessible walkways. The courts are expected to be built to high school regulation size, a notable upgrade compared to existing options elsewhere in town.

Town staff said the addition addresses a clear gap in the town’s park system. “Basketball is underserved,” staff said during the presentation, noting that Holly Springs currently has limited options, including a half-court at the Hunt Center and two smaller, confined courts at North Main Athletic Complex. Those existing courts measure approximately 60 feet by 35 feet, well below the 84-by-50-foot dimensions of a regulation court.

The Womble Park courts will be the first full-sized outdoor basketball courts in the town’s system, designed to accommodate both casual play and more structured use. Lighting for the courts is expected to operate similarly to the town’s tennis courts, allowing extended evening use.

In addition to the basketball courts, the project includes replacing eight existing baseball dugouts constructed of solid concrete walls. Staff said those structures limit visibility and do not reflect current design standards. The new dugouts will be open-air, chain-link structures with separate storage areas, improving sightlines for spectators and providing a more functional setup for players and coaches.

Womble Park serves as a central hub for youth sports, hosting games, practices, and daily recreational activities throughout the year. While newer facilities such as Eagles Landing Park will expand the town’s overall recreation offerings, Womble remains one of the most consistently used parks, making upgrades to its core facilities especially noticeable for families who rely on it.

The design contract approved by the council covers site planning, engineering, and cost development. The project is expected to move quickly once design is complete, with preliminary timelines indicating construction could begin as early as mid-summer. Dugout replacements are expected to be completed ahead of the fall sports season, with basketball court construction to follow, and overall project completion anticipated later in the year.

For residents, the upgrades represent both a near-term improvement to aging facilities and a longer-term investment in recreational infrastructure. The addition of basketball courts in particular addresses a gap that has become more visible as demand for court space has increased across town.

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 24, 2026 — The Holly Springs Town Council opened its April 21st meeting by recognizing a mix of local residents, town achievements, and community-wide observances, highlighting both individual participation in local government and broader cultural and awareness initiatives.

The largest recognition of the night centered on the 2026 Holly Springs Citizens Academy graduation, where 25 residents were recognized for completing the town’s seven-week program designed to give participants an understanding of how local government operates. The program includes sessions on public safety, growth management, transportation, parks and recreation, and town finances, as well as direct interaction with staff and elected officials.

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Graduates recognized by the council included Alejandra Orjuela, Alissa Cane, Alyssa Garrick, Andrew Evans, Cathy Bennett, Chanel Wilkins, Christopher Ward, Daniel Cruz, Dave Tiberi, Edward Lilla, Fran Behr, Fred Stehle, Jennifer Mann, John Buzzell, John Petersen, Josh Diaz, Joy Rhan, Kathy Young, Larry Gaines, Linda Gardner Crandall, Tagwa Elmubarak, Tony Grant, Toya Dones, and Trish Amoroso.

During the ceremony, participants described the program as both informative and engaging, with one graduate calling it “totally worth it” and encouraging others to participate, while another said the experience provided a clearer understanding of how the town operates and how residents can contribute to decisions.

Beyond individual recognitions, the council also highlighted town-level achievements, including national and statewide recognition for service delivery and communications. Holly Springs received the “Leading the Way Award” from ETC Institute, placing the town in the top 10 percent of local governments nationwide for overall service quality, customer service, and perceived value for taxes and fees.

The town’s Communications and Marketing Department was also recognized for earning eight awards at the North Carolina City & County Communicators conference, including six first-place honors for work ranging from social media and newsletters to public service messaging and event promotion.

Council also issued a series of proclamations recognizing cultural heritage and community awareness efforts observed in May.

The council proclaimed May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, noting the growing presence of Asian American and Pacific Islander residents in Holly Springs and their contributions across education, business, and science. During the proclamation, Mayor Mike Kondratick highlighted both the historical roots of these communities and their increasing role in shaping the town today.

The council followed with a proclamation recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, acknowledging the long history of Jewish Americans in both North Carolina and the nation, as well as their contributions across fields including industry, the arts, and public service.

A third proclamation designated May 14th as Apraxia Awareness Day in Holly Springs, drawing attention to childhood apraxia of speech, a neurological disorder that affects a child’s ability to plan and produce speech. The proclamation emphasized the importance of early intervention and community awareness to improve outcomes for children and families affected by the condition.

Together, the recognitions and proclamations reflected both the town’s internal focus on civic engagement through programs like the Citizens Academy and its broader effort to acknowledge the diversity and experiences of residents across the community.

Apex, NC, Apr. 25, 2026 — Felton Grove High School’s athletic program has been recognized as one of just eight in North Carolina to receive the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s (NCHSAA) 2025–2026 Commissioner’s Trophy, an honor that highlights the work student-athletes are doing beyond competition.

The award, which includes a $1,000 stipend for the school’s athletic program, is given annually to a select group of NCHSAA member schools whose teams demonstrate leadership through community service and outreach during the school year.

Felton Grove’s selection places it alongside Ashe County, Athens Drive (Raleigh), Eastern Guilford, Franklin, Mount Tabor (Winston-Salem), North Henderson, and West Brunswick as this year’s recipients.

At Felton Grove, that work has been driven by the school’s Athletes in Action Club, a student-led group that brings together athletes from multiple teams to organize and participate in service projects.

“This is one of the most prestigious honors a high school athletic program can receive in North Carolina,” said Athletic Director Joseph Sharrow, who credited the club as the “major driver” behind the recognition.

The club is led by founder and president Kate Anderson, alongside student leaders Samantha Horne (marketing manager), Olivia Ordine-Perez (secretary), and Jordan Eddy (officer), with guidance from advisor Coach Jordan Stevens. The group represents a coordinated, team-wide approach to service, with participation across multiple athletic programs.

The Commissioner’s Trophy is designed to recognize that type of collective impact. In announcing the awards, NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said the selected programs reflect student-athletes “working as teams invested in greater community building endeavors,” demonstrating how those experiences extend beyond athletics.

Felton Grove will be formally recognized at the NCHSAA’s annual awards celebration on June 10 in Greensboro.

For Felton Grove, the recognition reflects the role its student-athletes, coaches, and broader school community play in creating a culture that emphasizes service alongside competition.

Want your event included in Out and About? Send details to news@hollyspringsupdate.com

Note: Listings are presented in the following order:
- Marquee
- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
- Regional
- Sports

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 24, 2026

Marquee Events

Friday, April 24

Marquee Event: Festival of Legends: Pre-Opening Celebration
Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC
https://festivaloflegends.com/
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Family-friendly. The pre-opening celebration launches the Festival of Legends weekend with themed entertainment, live performances, and immersive fantasy experiences.

Saturday, April 25

Marquee Event: Festival of Legends
Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC
https://festivaloflegends.com/
10:00 AM
Summary: A two-day immersive fantasy festival celebrating mythology, folklore, and fairy tales through live music, performance art, costuming, artisans, and interactive experiences.

Friday, April 24 – Saturday, April 25

Marquee Event: James & The Giant Peach
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/?show=311910
April 24: 7:00 PM; April 25: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Summary: The Holly Springs Playhouse presents a children’s theatre production performed by student actors as part of the town’s youth theatre program.

Saturday, April 25

Marquee Event: SpringsFest 2026 by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Holly Springs, 344 Raleigh St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsupdate.com/p/cant-miss-spring-event-springsfest
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summary: SpringsFest is a large-scale downtown festival featuring more than 150 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a Kids Zone, and family-friendly activities.

Saturday, April 25

Marquee Event: Backyard Snakes
Apex Community Park, 220 Laura Duncan Rd, Apex, NC
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Summary: Family-friendly event focused on snake identification, safety, and coexisting with wildlife in the area.

Monday, April 27

Marquee Event: Willie Nelson & Family
Koka Booth Amphitheater, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, NC
https://www.boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/willie-nelson
7:00 PM
Summary: Country music legend Willie Nelson performs live in Cary with special guest Drayton Farley.

Saturday, May 9

Marquee Event: Live at the Springs: Vertical Horizon
North Main Complex Stadium, 101 Sportsmanship Wy, Holly Springs, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/?show=317189
6:30 PM
Summary: Platinum-selling alternative rock band Vertical Horizon performs a live concert featuring their greatest hits.

Upcoming Dates

Friday, May 1
Regional Event: Ali Siddiq
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/alisiddiq2026
7:00 PM & 9:30 PM
Summary: Comedian Ali Siddiq performs two stand-up shows at DPAC, showcasing his storytelling-driven style.

Saturday, May 2
Event: PeakFest
Downtown Apex, 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/537/PeakFest
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summary: PeakFest is Apex’s annual street festival featuring arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, and a Kids Zone.

Saturday, May 2
Regional Event: Chelsea Handler
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/chelsea-handler-2026
8:00 PM
Summary: Comedian and bestselling author Chelsea Handler brings her candid humor and commentary to the stage at DPAC.

Holly Springs

Friday, April 24

Live Music: Kenny Shore
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: Lydia Saint George
Niche Wine Lounge, 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.nichewinelounge.com
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Saturday, April 25

Event: Holly Springs Farmers Market
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market
8:00 AM – Noon

Live Music: Blackbird Barn & Joel Pruner
Niche Wine Lounge, 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.nichewinelounge.com
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: MixTape
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Frank Longino, piano & Angela Bingham, vocals
Pimiento Tea Room, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.pimientotearoom.com
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Live Music: The Run Outs
Walley’s Tavern, 1110 Kentworth Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://walleystavernhollysprings.com/
7:00 PM

Live Music: Stolen Goods
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Apex

Friday, April 24

Live Music: Neon Lights
Shakey Rays Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://shakeyrays.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: Mathew Crowe Band
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday, April 25

Event: EarthFest
Town Hall Campus, 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/1661/EarthFest
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Event: Apex Farmers Market
The Depot, Downtown Apex, Apex, NC
https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com/
8:00 AM – Noon

Live Music: Southern Misfits
Shakey Rays Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://shakeyrays.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: Jeff Kirz: Boots & Boogie: Country Western Jamboree
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Live Music: The Ridge Band
TapStation, 320 S Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.tapstationapex.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: The Roguez
The Backyard Bar NC, 2901 US Highway 64, Apex, NC
https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/
8:00 PM

Live Music: Jim Morgan
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 209 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Julia Golden
Fratelli’s Deli, 1680 Richardson Rd, Apex, NC
https://fratellisdelicatessen.com/
6:00 PM

Live Music: Ian McMahan
Southern Peak Brewery, 950 Windy Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.southernpeakbrewery.com/
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday, April 26

Event: Love Local Showcase
Downtown Apex, Apex, NC
https://www.apexnc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=4691&month=4&year=2026&day=26&calType=0
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Fuquay-Varina

Saturday, April 25

Event: Fuquay-Varina Growers Market
FV Chamber of Commerce, 121 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fvgrowersmarket.com/
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Live Music: Kyle Mullins
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
2:00 PM

Live Music: Deep 6
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
6:30 PM

Live Music: Raleigh Assassins
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: D.W. and the Spirit Kings
Aviator Pizzeria & Taphouse, 601 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Live Music: Fleming Road Band
American Legion Post 116, 6400 Johnson Pond Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://alpost116nc.org/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Sunday, April 26

Live Music: Bluegrass on the Patio
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
1:00 PM

Regional

Saturday, April 25

Regional Event: Spring Daze: Arts & Crafts Festival
Bond Park, Cary, NC
https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/festivals/spring-daze-arts-and-crafts-festival
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Regional Event: Alabama Shakes
Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/
7:00 PM

Sunday, April 26

Regional Event: Floetry featuring Raheem DeVaughn
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events
7:00 PM

Tuesday, April 28

Regional Event: Alice Cooper: Alice’s Attic Tour
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events
7:00 PM

Regional Event: The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit in Concert
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 21 East South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/
4:00 PM

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 23, 2026 — The Holly Springs Town Council voted April 21st to approve the annexation of nearly 57 acres near Harris Lake, moving forward with a development that has drawn sustained opposition from nearby residents.

The decision brings approximately 57 acres at 3313 Avent Ferry Road into the town’s municipal limits, a necessary step for the Villages at Harris Lake project to proceed through Holly Springs’ development process. The property, previously referred to as the Ragan site, sits in the southwestern part of town and has been the focus of ongoing debate about growth, environmental impact, and compatibility with surrounding properties.

Annexation does not approve a site plan or finalize what will be built on the property, but it shifts jurisdiction to Holly Springs. That gives the town control over future zoning, infrastructure planning, and development review. With that step complete, the project can move into the next phases, which are expected to include rezoning requests and additional public hearings.

Residents who spoke during the public hearing urged council to deny the request, raising concerns that extended beyond the technical requirements of annexation. Several questioned whether the property met the legal standards required under state law, arguing that it did not fully qualify under the criteria being used and asking council to take a closer look before moving forward.

Environmental concerns were also a central theme. Speakers pointed to the site’s proximity to Harris Lake and described the area as environmentally sensitive, raising questions about how development could affect nearby ecosystems.

“There are many protected animals and plants,” one resident said, urging council to consider the long-term consequences of building in the area.

Others focused on how the project could affect nearby homes and property owners, raising concerns about density, traffic, and the overall character of the area. Those comments reflected a broader unease about how continued growth is reshaping parts of Holly Springs, particularly in areas that have remained less developed.

Despite those objections, council approved the annexation, allowing the project to move forward under the town’s jurisdiction.

The vote reflects a broader tension facing Holly Springs as it continues to grow. Development pressure remains strong, particularly in areas where land is still available, while residents increasingly push for preservation of natural areas and protection of existing neighborhoods. The Villages at Harris Lake project sits at the center of that balance, with competing priorities around growth, environmental impact, and community expectations.

For residents near Harris Lake, the decision signals that development of the site is likely to continue, even as questions remain about what the final project will look like and how it will affect the surrounding area.

What’s Next

With annexation approved, the project will move into future stages of the development process, including potential rezoning and site plan review. Those steps will require additional public hearings, giving residents further opportunities to weigh in.