This Easter events list has been curated by the publisher of Holly Springs Update. No businesses or organizations have paid for placement, and no items have been exchanged for inclusion. This is not a comprehensive list but a representative selection of events chosen for their broad appeal over the holiday weekend.

Holly Springs

Saturday, April 4

Event: Bombshell Easter Egg Hunt
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com/
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Summary: Easter event with a kids’ egg trail, an adult egg hunt for raffle prizes, face painting, inflatables, a food truck, and beverages.

Event: Holly Springs Farmers Market Egg Hunt
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market
8:00 AM – Noon
Summary: Weekly farmers market featuring local vendors and an Egg Hunt on the Lawn at 10:30 AM for families.

Sunday, April 5

Event: Bombshell Easter Brunch
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com/
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Summary: Casual Easter brunch featuring a special food truck menu, along with beer, wine, cider, and mimosas in a relaxed setting.

Event: Easter Sunday Brunch
Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, 3149 McChesney Hl Lp, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.dohertysirishpubnc.com/easterbrunch
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Summary: Easter brunch featuring à la carte menu items and chef specials, including prime rib and eggs, and cinnamon French toast.

Event: Easter Sunday Brunch
Nightingale Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, 300 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.nightingalerooftop.com/easter-brunch
10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, plus other times subject to reservations
Summary: Easter brunch with a curated menu, specialty cocktails, and family-friendly dining options, including a prix fixe experience for larger groups.

Apex

Saturday, April 4

Event: Mayor’s Eggstravaganza
Norris Park, S Hughes St, Apex, NC
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Summary: Community Easter egg hunt with more than 2,000 eggs, music, prizes, and family activities at Norris Park.

Fuquay-Varina

Saturday, April 4

Event: Community Easter Egg Hunt
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
11:00 AM
Summary: Free community Easter egg hunt featuring bounce houses, food trucks, and family-friendly activities at Mason Jar Lager Co.

Event: McLean Farms Easter Festival
McLean Farms Nursery & Ice Cream Shop, 5410 River Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://mcleanfarmsnursery.ticketspice.com/easter-2026?
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Summary: Family-friendly Easter festival with multiple egg hunts, a petting zoo, bouncy houses, games, ice cream, and farm activities throughout the day. ($$)

From the Publisher

This analysis is based on a comprehensive review of filings and testimony in the Duke Energy Progress rate case currently before the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Documents reviewed include Duke Energy’s formal rate application and supporting materials, motions to intervene and filings from a wide range of parties, and Commission orders granting participation in the case. Intervenors represented in the record include the North Carolina Home Builders Association, Walmart Inc., the Carolinas Utility Customers Association, the United States Department of Defense and Federal Executive Agencies, Google LLC, Environmental Defense Fund, the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, and the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

In addition to written filings, this analysis incorporates multiple public witness hearings, including direct testimony from North Carolina residents. These statements provide insight into how the proposed rate changes are being experienced at the household level and help ground the proceedings in real-world impact.

Taken together, the record reflects input from the utility, large commercial and industrial customers, federal agencies, policy and clean energy organizations, and individual customers.

It is important to note that this case is ongoing. The Utilities Commission has not issued a final decision, and additional testimony, cross-examination, and regulatory review remain ahead. As a result, the positions reflected in the record may evolve, and the final outcome may differ from the proposals currently under consideration.

This story reflects the current state of the record. All documents reviewed can be found here.

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 2, 2026 — Duke Energy Progress has asked the North Carolina Utilities Commission to approve an increase in base rates along with a multi-year rate plan that would raise overall revenues by approximately $401 million, or about 8.3 percent. When applied across the proposed plan, the total increase amounts to roughly $728.6 million, or about 15.1 percent.

For residential customers, Duke provides a specific benchmark. A household using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month would see an increase of about $28.06 per month in the first year and an additional $6.59 per month in the second year, for a total increase of approximately $34.65 per month. If the Commission does not approve the company’s proposed performance-based regulation structure, the increase would be lower, at about $23.58 per month.

Those figures are drawn directly from Duke’s filing and represent the company’s proposed outcome. The Commission may adjust both the total amount and its distribution across customer classes before issuing a final decision.

Duke’s Position: Investment Follows Demand

In its application, Duke points to increased capital investment since its last rate case, including spending on transmission and distribution infrastructure, grid reliability, and generation resources. The company states that these investments are necessary to serve a growing customer base and to maintain system reliability.

Duke’s filing reflects load growth across residential development, commercial expansion, and large-scale industrial demand. While the company does not isolate a single driver, the broader record shows that data centers and other high-load users are becoming a more visible part of the demand profile, requiring system expansion.

Duke’s position is that infrastructure must be built in advance of demand, and that those costs are appropriately recovered through customer rates across the system.

Where the Friction Emerges

The primary point of contention is not whether investment is occurring, but how its cost is allocated.

The North Carolina Home Builders Association, in its motion to intervene, emphasizes the impact of rising utility costs on housing affordability and development. Walmart Inc. raises concerns about rate impacts on large commercial customers and the importance of cost predictability. The Carolinas Utility Customers Association, which represents large industrial users, focuses on ensuring that rates reflect cost causation and do not disproportionately burden high-load customers.

The United States Department of Defense and Federal Executive Agencies highlight the scale of federal energy use and the importance of reliable and reasonably priced electricity for national security operations. Google LLC, in its filing, points to the need for reliable, increasingly carbon-free energy to support data center operations. The Environmental Defense Fund and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association focus on how investments align with long-term energy policy and system efficiency.

Each of these parties accepts that investment is required. The disagreement is over how those costs should be distributed across customer classes.

Public Testimony: From Analysis to Daily Life

Public witness testimony provides a direct view into how the proposed increases are being experienced.

During the hearings, residents described specific financial impacts tied to rising electric bills. One speaker noted that their monthly bill had already increased significantly and that an additional increase of roughly $30 per month would require cutting back on other essential expenses. Another described living on a fixed income and facing ongoing tradeoffs between utilities, food, and medical needs.

Several speakers specifically referenced data centers and large-scale development, expressing concern that infrastructure built to support those users could result in higher costs for residential customers. These views were expressed as concerns during testimony and reflect how some customers perceive the relationship between growth and cost.

One witness also noted that electric cooperatives purchase wholesale power from Duke, meaning that increases approved in this case could extend beyond Duke Energy Progress customers and affect co-op members as well.

Affordability, Perception, and Trust

Affordability concerns raised during public testimony are closely tied to broader questions about transparency and trust. Several speakers pointed directly to Duke’s requested return on equity, questioning whether the balance between shareholder returns and customer costs is appropriate given current economic conditions. Others focused on how bills are structured, noting that riders, adjustments, and layered charges make it difficult to understand how monthly costs are calculated.

These concerns are reflected in testimony rather than formal findings, but they help explain how the proposed increase is being received. For many households, the difference between a $20 increase and a $35 increase is material. Duke’s own benchmark of approximately $34.65 per month for a typical residential customer provides a concrete reference point, but how that number is experienced varies by income, usage patterns, and financial flexibility.

This creates a gap between regulatory design and customer perception. A rate structure that meets regulatory standards may still be viewed as imbalanced if customers do not understand how costs are assigned or believe those costs are not being distributed equitably.

The Broader Policy Context

The arguments presented in this case extend beyond rate design into a broader policy discussion about how infrastructure costs should be assigned in a state experiencing sustained growth. North Carolina’s expansion is visible across residential development, commercial investment, and the emergence of large-scale energy users, each of which places new demands on the electric system.

Intervenors approach this question from different perspectives. The Carolinas Utility Customers Association and Walmart emphasize cost causation, arguing that rates should reflect customers' use of the system, particularly for high-load users. The North Carolina Home Builders Association raises concerns about how rising utility costs can affect housing affordability and development. The Environmental Defense Fund and the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association focus on whether current and future investments align with long-term system efficiency and energy policy goals.

These perspectives do not conflict on the need for investment, but they diverge on how the cost of that investment should be distributed. At its core, the issue is whether the existing framework for allocating costs remains appropriate as the scale and composition of demand continue to evolve.

What the Commission Must Weigh

The Utilities Commission is tasked with weighing these competing perspectives within the legal standard of just and reasonable rates. That process involves more than evaluating the size of Duke’s request. It requires determining how any approved revenue is allocated across customer classes and how those allocations reflect both cost and equity.

Duke’s filing presents a comprehensive case for recovering its investments. Intervenors challenge specific elements of that request, particularly around allocation and rate design. Public testimony adds a grounded view of how those decisions affect households.

The Commission’s decision will reflect a balance of these inputs and will determine not only the level of rates, but also how those rates are structured and applied going forward.

The Underlying Question

This case presents a defined proposal. Duke has quantified its request in both percentage and dollar terms. Intervenors have articulated their positions through formal filings. Customers have described the impact in specific, personal terms during public hearings.

What remains unresolved is how those perspectives are reconciled into a final decision. The Commission must translate competing arguments into a single outcome that determines both the level and distribution of rates.

In that sense, the case is not only about a rate increase. It is about how a growing state assigns the cost of maintaining and expanding the infrastructure that supports that growth.

The Bottom Line

Duke Energy Progress is seeking an increase that would raise residential bills by approximately $34.65 per month for a typical household if approved as filed, or about $23.58 per month if certain elements of its proposal are excluded. Those figures establish the scale of the request and frame the discussion now taking place before regulators.

The Commission will determine whether those amounts are approved, modified, or reduced, and how they are applied across customer types. That outcome will affect household budgets, business costs, and long-term system planning across North Carolina.

Beyond the numbers, the case raises a broader question about how the costs of a changing electric system are shared. The answer will not eliminate the tension between growth, investment, and affordability, but it will define how that balance is managed in the years ahead.

Sourcing

All reviewed source documents are available here.

Contacts:

Note: Public comments regarding Duke Energy NC rate hikes or policies are handled by the NC Utilities Commission (NCUC), not directly by Duke Energy.

NC Public Utilities Commission - https://www.ncuc.gov/contactus.html

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. 3, 2026

Marquee Events

Friday, April 3

Event: Musician Carlos Santana: Oneness Tour 2026
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/santana2026
8:00 PM
Summary: Live performance by Carlos Santana as part of his Oneness Tour 2026.

Event: Don Lemon & DL Hughley
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/don-lemon-dl-hughley-dl-dl-anything-goes
7:30 PM
Summary: A live conversation event featuring Don Lemon and DL Hughley discussing social issues, culture, and current events.

Event: Forever K-POP: A Celebration Concert
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/a-celebration-concert-forever-k-pop
7:00 PM
Summary: A high-energy tribute concert featuring popular K-pop hits in a fan-driven live performance.

Saturday, April 4

Event: McLean Farms Easter Festival
McLean Farms Nursery & Ice Cream Shop, 5410 River Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://mcleanfarmsnursery.ticketspice.com/easter-2026?
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Summary: Family-friendly Easter festival with egg hunts, petting zoo, activities, and food at McLean Farms.

Event: Community Easter Egg Hunt
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
11:00 AM
Summary: Free community Easter egg hunt with food trucks, bounce houses, and family activities at Mason Jar Lager Co.

Thursday, April 9

Event: FM2FV Concert Series – Chairmen of the Board
Centennial Square, 102 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fuquay-varina.org/414/FM2FV-Concert-Series
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Summary: Free outdoor concert series in downtown Fuquay-Varina featuring live music, food trucks, and local vendors.

Friday, April 10

Event: Arrival From Sweden - The Music of ABBA
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/arrival_from_sweden2026
8:00 PM
Summary: A touring tribute show celebrating the music of ABBA with live performances by Swedish artists.

Saturday, April 11

Event: Holly Springs SpringsFest 2026
Downtown Holly Springs, 200 Block Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holly-springs-original-springsfest-is-back-free-admission-tickets-1977304755752?aff=oddtdtcreator
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summary: Free community spring festival featuring live music, food trucks, vendors, and family activities in downtown Holly Springs.

Event: NC Spring Classic Race
Downtown Holly Springs, 242 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NC/HollySprings/NorthCarolinaSpringClassic
Time not listed
Summary: A hometown race event with 5K, 8K, 16K, and ruck options beginning and ending in downtown Holly Springs.

Tuesday, April 14

Event: Bush: The Land of Milk & Honey Tour
Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/events/detail/bush
7:00 PM
Summary: Rock band Bush performs live as part of their Land of Milk & Honey tour.

Saturday, April 18

Event: An Evening with David Sedaris
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC
https://www.martinmariettacenter.com/events/detail/an-evening-with-david-sedaris
8:00 PM
Summary: Author David Sedaris presents an evening of humor and storytelling with live readings and commentary.

Saturday, April 25

Event: SpringsFest 2026 by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Holly Springs, 344 Raleigh St, Holly Springs, NC
https://hollyspringschamberofcommerce.chambermate.com/event-detail/ynFP8OIFISh1V59ejask9w2/springsfest-2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summary: A free family-friendly festival with vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a kids zone, a car show, a touch-a-truck, and a hot dog eating contest.

Multiple Dates

Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12
Event: 2026 Battle of the Badges Tournament
North Main Athletic Complex, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=13403
Various times
Summary: Local fire, police, and EMS departments compete in a softball tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

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Holly Springs

Thursday, April 3

Event: Office Hours on the Patio: Holly Springs Council Member Kara Foster
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Summary: Community members can meet with Council Member Kara Foster for an informal discussion on the patio.

Event: Celebrate Owner Sherrier’s Birthday
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
Summary: All-day celebration at Wine 100 marking the owner’s birthday.

Saturday, April 4

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
Summary: Weekly farmers market at the Holly Springs Cultural Center with an Egg Hunt on the Lawn scheduled for 10:30 AM.

Event: The Comedy, Magic & Mentalism Show Featuring Gary Goodman
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/?show=307486
2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Summary: Family-friendly comedy, magic, and mentalism show featuring performer Gary Goodman.

Event: Complimentary Wine Tasting with Geoff Sandberg
Wine 100, 100 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Summary: Complimentary wine tasting event featuring selections from Grapevine Wines.

Live Music: Jazz in the Lounge
Pimiento Tea Room, 200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.pimientotearoom.com/
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Summary: Live jazz performance in an intimate lounge setting at Pimiento Tea Room.

Live Music: Maskell Freeman Band
Walley’s Tavern, 1004 Werrington Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://walleystavernhollysprings.com/
7:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by the Maskell Freeman Band at Walley’s Tavern.

Live Music: Sean Gentri Trio
Niche Wine Lounge, 109 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://nichewinelounge.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summary: Live performance by the Sean Gentri Trio at Niche Wine Lounge.

Sunday, April 5

Event: Bombshell Easter Egg Hunt
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com/
Noon
Summary: Easter-themed event featuring egg hunts, family activities, food trucks, and beverages at Bombshell Beer Company.

Apex

Friday, April 3

Live Music: Police & Thieves
Shakey Ray’s Tavern, 5160 Sunset Lake Rd, Apex, NC
https://shakeyrays.com/
7:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Police & Thieves at Shakey Ray’s Tavern.

Live Music: Richard Boston
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 209 N Main St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com
7:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Richard Boston at Oaklyn Springs Brewery.

Live Music: Moonlight Ripple
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Moonlight Ripple at The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge.

Saturday, April 4

Event: Apex Farmers Market
Downtown Apex, 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com/
8:00 AM – Noon
Summary: Weekly farmers market featuring local produce and vendors in downtown Apex.

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 activities for children ages 4 to 12 with parent supervision required.

Live Music: Peak City Band
The Backyard Bar, 2901 US 64 Hwy W, Apex, NC
https://www.thebackyardbarnc.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Peak City Band at The Backyard Bar.

Live Music: Sayer McShane
Peak of the Vine, 301 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.peakofthevine.com
8:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Sayer McShane at Peak of the Vine.

Live Music: Codey Pollard
Southern Peak Brewery, 1451 Richardson Rd, Apex, NC
https://www.southernpeakbrewery.com/
8:00 PM – Midnight
Summary: Live music performance by Codey Pollard at Southern Peak Brewery.

Live Music: Cover Society
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge, 225 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://theexchangebarbershop.com/
8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Cover Society at The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge.

Fuquay-Varina

Friday, April 3

Event: Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association’s First Friday
Track Record, 115 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.trackrecordvinyl.com/
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Summary: Monthly First Friday event featuring a live DJ and community gathering in downtown Fuquay-Varina.

Saturday, April 4

Live Music: 80s Unleashed
Aviator Brewery, 688 Brewing Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com/
3:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance featuring 80s-themed hits at Aviator Brewery’s outdoor stage.

Live Music: Dueling Pianos Featuring Blazin’ Keys Entertainment
Mason Jar Lager Co, 341 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.masonjarlagerco.com/
6:00 PM
Summary: Live dueling piano performance at Mason Jar Lager Co.

Live Music: Tom Neuhauser
Aviator Taphouse, 600 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.aviatorbrew.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Tom Neuhauser at Aviator Taphouse.

Live Music: Joe’s Cousin
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
http://brewery.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM
Summary: Live music performance by Joe’s Cousin at Oaklyn Springs Brewery.

Regional

Friday, April 3

Event: Bands, Bites, and Boats
Bond Park Boathouse, 190 Bond Park Dr, Cary, NC
https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/special-events/bands-bites-and-boats-at-bond-park
5:00 PM
Summary: Monthly event with live music, food trucks, and optional boat rentals at Bond Park.

Friday, April 11

Event: Rapper/Songwriter Cardi B: Little Miss Drama Tour
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/detail/cardi-b
7:30 PM
Summary: Live concert featuring Cardi B performing as part of her Little Miss Drama Tour.

Saturday, April 18

Event: Arts on the Block 2026
Historic City Market, Downtown Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
https://artspacenc.org/arts-on-the-block/
Noon – 5:00 PM
Summary: An all-ages block party featuring visual art, demonstrations, vendors, food, and community activities.

Sports

Saturday, April 4

Sports: New York Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/detail/new-york-islanders-vs-carolina-hurricanes-7
7:00 PM

Holly Springs, NC, Apr. 1, 2026 — More than 100 ensembles from across the Southeast gathered at Crown Coliseum last weekend for the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) South Championships, a two-day event featuring Winter Guard, Indoor Percussion, and Indoor Winds.

Seventy-two Winter Guard units competed on Saturday, followed by percussion and winds ensembles on Sunday. Among them, South Wake programs recorded multiple top finishes across classifications, including several first-place finishes.

Winter Guard: First-Place Finishes Across Multiple Classifications

South Wake programs were represented across nearly every level of Winter Guard competition, from elementary through upper classifications.

First-place finishes (listed alphabetically):

• Apex Friendship Blue — 1st, Scholastic Regional A1 (84.430)

• Felton Grove Combined Winter Guard — 1st, Scholastic Regional A2 (82.960)

• Holly Springs Gold — 1st, Scholastic Open (87.600)

• Holly Springs Jr Hawks — 1st, Middle School (93.320)

• Holly Springs Lil Hawks — 1st, Elementary (80.980)

Additional placements:

• Holly Springs Purple — 2nd, Scholastic A2 (76.210)

• Apex Friendship Red — 5th, Scholastic A1 (79.890)

• Middle Creek HS Red — 5th, Scholastic Regional A1 (76.900)

• Middle Creek HS Varsity — 4th, Scholastic A2 (74.660)

• Fuquay-Varina HS Winter Guard — 14th, Scholastic A3 (66.150)

Note: A complete listing of all Winter Guard results can be found by clicking here

Indoor Percussion: Felton Grove Earns Title in Scholastic Region A

Indoor Percussion results included one first-place finish from a South Wake program:

• Felton Grove Combined Percussion — 1st, Scholastic Regional A (80.725)

Additional placements:

• Holly Springs Indoor Percussion — 6th, Scholastic A (80.550)

• Middle Creek Indoor Percussion — 10th, Scholastic A (77.425)

• Apex Friendship Indoor Percussion — 11th, Scholastic A (76.405)

Note: A complete listing of all Indoor Percussion Ensemble (IPE) and Winds results can be found by clicking here

Beyond the Scores

While placements provide a snapshot of performance, much of the weekend unfolded away from the floor.

Between runs, students filled the stands watching other groups, pointing out moments that stood out and talking through what they had just seen. In the concourse and hallways, conversations carried from one performance to the next, with performers comparing shows, techniques, and design choices.

A quieter tradition also played out throughout the venue. Students exchanged decorated clothespins, often customized with team names or show themes, as part of a long-standing ritual known as “clipping.” Some were handed off directly. Others appeared without notice, attached to backpacks or jackets as they passed.

At one point during the weekend, even while covering the event, a clothespin appeared on my own backpack without me noticing. It was a small moment, but one that reflected how participation extends beyond the performance itself.

For those involved in the activity, that broader experience is part of the point.

“It’s for the kids,” said Mike McCain, AIA South Second Vice President, reflecting on what continues to draw people back to the activity.

For many programs, the championships represent a checkpoint within a longer season of development rather than a finish line.

“You see the growth over a season, but you really feel it at an event like this,” said Chris Foster, Director of Bands at Felton Grove High School. “The confidence, the connection, the pride, they carry that with them long after the performance is over.”

Related story: AIA South Championships Bring 100+ Ensembles to Fayetteville for “The Sport of the Arts”

Photographs: All team performances and awards ceremony (by Mick Stewart Photography)

Fayetteville, NC, Mar. 31, 2026 — This past weekend, the Atlantic Indoor Association (AIA) turned Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville, North Carolina, into a gathering place for the marching arts community across the Southeast.

Teams traveled from North Carolina, South Carolina, and southern Virginia, bringing with them months of preparation, creative design, and disciplined rehearsal. What unfolded across two days was more than a competition. It was a full-scale showcase of an activity that blends performance, precision, and personal growth.

On Saturday, 72 Winter Guard units took the floor, followed by 36 percussion and winds ensembles on Sunday. The range of performers reflected the depth of the activity, from elementary students just beginning their journey to adults who have spent decades participating, teaching, and giving back.

Breakout: Championship Results (Quick Access)

For those looking for scores and placements, full results are available by discipline:

• Winter Guard Results (Saturday, March 28th) - Click for Results Page

• Percussion and Winds Results (Sunday, March 29th) - Click for Results Page

Tip: Results are organized by category, with top placements listed in order of highest to lowest score.

Photos: Photo libraries of each participating school and group’s performance, and the Awards Ceremony are available at https://www.mickstewartphotography.com/Winter-Guard/2026-Season/AIA-South-Championship

Where Art and Competition Meet

At its core, the activity exists at the intersection of art and sport. Performers combine dance, musical interpretation, and equipment work into productions that are judged on both execution and overall effect.

The structure and evaluation system are influenced by Winter Guard International, the national organization that has helped shape the modern era of the activity. But what happens on the floor is only part of the story.

Behind every performance are early mornings, late nights, and countless repetitions. Small details such as timing, spacing, and body control are refined over weeks and months, often measured in inches and fractions of a second. The result is a performance environment where discipline and creativity work together.

To fully appreciate the weekend, it helps to understand the three disciplines that make up the indoor marching arts.

Understanding the Three Disciplines

Winter Guard

Often described as the most theatrical of the three, Winter Guard combines dance, movement, and equipment work using flags, rifles, and sabers. Performances take place on a large tarp that transforms the gym floor into a stage, with costuming, props, and music creating a fully realized visual production.

There are no traditional instruments. Every element is conveyed through motion and design, with performers telling a story through choreography and synchronized equipment work.

Indoor Percussion (Drumline / IPE)

Indoor Percussion Ensembles (IPE) bring together rhythm, music, and visual performance. These groups typically include a battery with snare drums, tenor drums, bass drums, and cymbals paired with a front ensemble of marimbas, vibraphones, synthesizers, and auxiliary percussion.

Modern shows often incorporate movement, staging, and theatrical elements, making percussion performances as visually engaging as they are musically complex.

Indoor Winds

The newest of the three disciplines, Indoor Winds combines elements of marching band with the indoor performance format. Ensembles feature brass and woodwind instruments supported by percussion, performing coordinated musical and visual programs.

Like Winter Guard and percussion, wind groups use choreography, staging, and floor design to enhance storytelling, bringing a full ensemble sound into the same competitive environment.

“It’s for the kids.”

For Mike McCain, AIA South Second Vice President and longtime participant in the activity, that balance between performance and purpose is what keeps him connected to the activity nearly two decades after he first joined as a high school student.

He has performed, taught drumline and color guard across multiple states, and now works with organizations operating at the highest levels of the activity. Yet when asked why he continues to invest the time and energy, his answer remains direct.

“It’s for the kids.”

That perspective carries through every level of the weekend. While the performances themselves are polished and competitive, the underlying purpose is developmental. Students are given a place to grow, contribute, and experience something larger than themselves.

The Moments You Don’t See

Some of the most meaningful parts of the weekend never appear on a score sheet. They happen in the transition spaces, in hallways after awards, in conversations between groups, and in the stands as performers watch one another.

Students replay what they have seen, pointing out moments that stood out and imagining how they might reach that level themselves. It is common to hear comments like: “Did you see that group? I want to do that one day.”

Between performances, another tradition quietly unfolds across the arena. Students trade decorated clothespins, often customized with team names, colors, or show themes, as part of a long-standing ritual known as “clipping.” Some are handed off in conversation, others are clipped onto backpacks or jackets in passing, turning a competitive environment into something more connected and communal.

At one point during the weekend, even while covering the event, a clothespin appeared on my own backpack without me noticing. It was a small moment, easy to miss, but one that perfectly captured the spirit of the activity. Participation extends beyond the floor, and everyone in the building, performer or observer, becomes part of the experience.

These exchanges, both spoken and unspoken, are where the activity extends beyond performance. Inspiration is shared in real time, friendships are formed across schools and states, and the experience becomes something participants carry with them long after the season ends.

A Pipeline That Builds Itself

One of the defining characteristics of the marching arts is its continuity. Today’s performers become tomorrow’s instructors, designers, and program leaders, creating a cycle that sustains the activity year after year.

Nearly everyone involved can point to someone who invested time in their development. That may be someone who stayed late, corrected details, or encouraged them to keep going. For McCain, that sense of responsibility is central.

“Someone gave their time and energy so I could experience this activity. Now I’m just paying that forward.”

That mindset is visible across programs of all sizes and levels, reinforcing the idea that the activity is not just about performance but about mentorship and shared investment.

More Than a Weekend

While the AIA South Championships represent a competitive milestone, they are also part of a much longer arc. Performances evolve over the course of a season, and for many groups, the work continues beyond this weekend toward larger regional or national stages.

That growth is not always measured in scores, but it becomes unmistakable in moments like these, when preparation, performance, and perspective all come together.

“You see the growth over a season, but you really feel it at an event like this,” said Chris Foster, Director of Bands at Felton Grove High School in Apex, North Carolina. “The confidence, the connection, the pride, they carry that with them long after the performance is over.”

At the same time, the impact is independent of placement. Participants leave with stronger technical skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of teamwork. Just as importantly, they carry with them experiences rooted in collaboration, creativity, and personal achievement.

The Takeaway

For two days in Fayetteville, more than 100 ensembles stepped onto the floor with a shared purpose to perform, to connect, and to create something meaningful in front of an audience.

What emerged was a reminder of why the marching arts continue to resonate across generations. It offers structure and expression, competition and community, discipline and creativity, all within the same space.

In the end, the scores matter. But they are not what participants remember most.

What stays with them are the moments between performances. The conversations in the stands. The inspiration was sparked by another group’s routine. And sometimes, something as small as a decorated clothespin quietly clipped onto a backpack, unnoticed in the moment but lasting long after the weekend ends.

Those are the pieces that stay. And those are the reasons they come back.

2026 WINTER GUARD RESULTS

Colorguard Elementary School

1. Holly Springs Lil Hawks — 80.980

Colorguard Independent A

1. Carolina Visual Productions — 82.310

2. Carteret Collective Winter Guard — 81.010

3. Awaken Independent — 80.240

4. High Point Independent — 75.310

5. NCSU PackGuard — 74.800

6. Campbell University — 74.330

7. Cumberland Independent — 70.810

Colorguard Independent Open

1. First Flight — 93.100

Colorguard Independent Regional A

1. Elon University Winter Guard — 72.680

Photos Courtesy of Mick Stewart Photography

Photos for all participating schools and groups are available here

Click here to view the AIA South Winter Guard competition photos by school name

Colorguard Independent Senior

1. AssemblyLine Winterguard — 70.490

Colorguard Independent World

1. Assembly Line Senior World — 60.100

Colorguard Middle School

1. Holly Springs Jr Hawks — 93.320

2. Cleveland Arts Middle School Guard — 92.550

3. Harnett Central Middle School Guard — 86.480

Colorguard Scholastic A1

1. Cleveland Arts Guard — 91.330

2. Havelock High School “Panache” — 88.130

3. Northwest Guilford Varsity Winter Guard — 85.080

4. Green Hope Varsity Winter Guard — 84.040

5. Apex Friendship Red — 79.890

6. Smithfield-Selma High School Varsity Winter Guard — 79.610

7. Corinth Holders High School Winter Guard — 78.540

8. West Johnston HS Varsity — 77.630

9. Green Level High School Varsity Winter Guard — 75.020

10. Cary High School Varsity Guard — 72.660

Colorguard Scholastic A2

1. Panther Creek Varsity Winter Guard — 78.880

2. Holly Springs Purple — 76.210

3. Roanoke Rapids HS Winterguard — 75.490

4. Middle Creek HS Varsity — 74.660

5. Cape Fear Gold — 73.270

Colorguard Scholastic A3

1. Bassett High School Winterguard — 78.400

2. Orange High School (NC) Winter Guard — 77.220

3. Athens Drive HS Winterguard — 77.210

4. Magna Vista HS Winterguard — 75.930

5. Carolina Forest High School Varsity Winterguard — 74.060

6. Clayton HS Winterguard — 73.740

7. Chapel Hill High School Winterguard — 73.150

8. St. James Varsity Winterguard — 71.340

9. Heritage High School Winterguard (NC) — 70.310

10. Broughton HS Winter Guard — 70.060

11. West Craven Winter Guard — 69.320

12. Enloe Magnet HS Winterguard — 68.460

13. Lee County High School Winterguard — 67.760

14. Fuquay-Varina HS Winterguard — 66.150

15. Topsail High School Winter Guard — 66.050

Colorguard Scholastic Open

1. Holly Springs Gold — 87.600

Colorguard Scholastic Regional A1

1. Apex Friendship Blue — 84.430

2. Millbrook Winterguard (NC) — 84.000

3. Sanderson High School Winter Guard — 83.680

4. Chatham County Combined Schools Winterguard — 78.040

5. Middle Creek HS Red — 76.900

6. Wake Forest HS Winter Guard — 75.960

7. Franklin County (NC) Combined Schools Winterguard — 75.900

8. Willow Spring Winterguard — 75.190

9. West Johnston HS JV — 74.830

10. Green Level High School Junior Varsity Winter Guard — 72.580

Colorguard Scholastic Regional A2

1. Felton Grove Combined Winter Guard — 82.960

2. Panther Creek JV Winterguard — 79.830

3. Green Hope JV Winter Guard — 77.040

4. South Garner High School Winterguard — 76.730

5. New Bern High School Winter Guard — 75.780

6. Carolina Forest JV Winterguard — 73.440

7. Pitt County Combined “Allure” Winter Guard — 72.950

8. South Johnston HS Winter Guard — 71.190

9. Harnett Central High School Winterguard — 70.500

10. Wheatmore High School Winterguard — 67.530

11. Gray’s Creek High School Winterguard — 67.060

12. Clayton HS JV WG — 64.760

13. Terry Sanford HS Winterguard — 64.640

14. Green Level Cadet Guard — 64.380

15. Dixon High School Winter Guard — 62.660

16. St. James JV Winterguard — 62.020

Percussion Independent A

1. Myrtle Beatz Independent — 78.850

Percussion Scholastic A

1. Enloe Magnet HS Indoor Percussion — 86.425

2. Green Hope Indoor Percussion — 84.425

3. Cumberland County Combined Percussion Ensemble — 83.275

4. Carteret Collective Indoor Percussion — 81.675

5. Athens Drive HS Winter Percussion — 80.800

6. Holly Springs Indoor Percussion — 80.550

7. Northwest Guilford Winter Percussion Ensemble — 80.538

8. Green Level High School Indoor Percussion — 79.425

9. C.E. Jordan Combined Indoor Percussion Ensemble — 78.788

10. Middle Creek Winter Percussion — 77.425

11. Apex Friendship HS Percussion — 76.405

12. Cary Indoor Percussion Ensemble — 76.350

13. Craven County Combined Percussion — 75.125

14. Willow Spring Indoor Percussion — 73.088

15. HIPE Heritage Indoor Percussion Ensemble — 69.050

16. Pitt County Combined Indoor Percussion — 63.725

Percussion Scholastic Concert A

1. Wakefield HS Percussion Ensemble — 83.750

2. Roanoke Rapids HS Winter Percussion Ensemble — 83.200

3. South Johnston HS Winter Percussion — 79.900

4. Wake Forest HS Perc — 76.350

Photos Courtesy of Mick Stewart Photography

Photos for all participating schools and groups are available here

Click here to view the AIA South Percussion and Winds competition photo libraries by school name

Percussion Scholastic Concert Open

1. Cleveland Arts Concert Percussion — 88.050

2. West Johnston HS Concert Percussion — 80.400

Percussion Scholastic Concert World

1. Corinth Holders Combined Winter Percussion Ensemble — 72.200

Percussion Scholastic Open

1. Panther Creek Indoor Percussion — 87.300

Percussion Scholastic Regional A

1. Felton Grove Combined Percussion Ensemble — 80.725

2. Rolesville High School Percussion — 78.125

3. Sanderson Combined Percussion Ensemble — 73.375

4. North Davidson Indoor Percussion — 71.225

5. Harnett Central Indoor Percussion Ensemble — 71.075

6. Jesse C. Carson High School — 68.450

7. Seaforth HS Indoor Percussion — 65.975

Winds Independent A

1. Echoes of Pembroke — 71.575

Winds Scholastic A

1. Northwest Guilford Winter Winds — 80.975

2. Cape Fear HS Winter Winds — 74.525

Winds Scholastic Open

1. Corinth Holders Combined Winds — 77.900

Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 31, 2026 — Much of the public debate around the University of Pennsylvania case has centered on legality. Commentators have focused on whether the government overstepped, whether the subpoena was appropriate, and whether the court reached the right conclusion.

Those questions matter. But they are not the ones that will ultimately determine how this plays out in practice.

There is a more fundamental issue sitting beneath all of it, one that has received remarkably little attention: how, exactly, would anyone determine who is Jewish on a modern university campus? It is the kind of question that sounds simple at first glance, but quickly unravels under closer inspection.

To understand why that question matters, it helps to briefly step back and look at what the case actually involves. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, investigating allegations of antisemitism at Penn, issued a subpoena seeking information that could help identify Jewish faculty and staff who may have experienced or witnessed discrimination. A federal judge ultimately upheld the request, finding it to be a permissible and narrowly tailored part of a civil rights investigation.

That ruling settled the legal question. It did not resolve the practical one.

Identity Is Not a Data Field

Universities are not designed to track religious identity, and in most cases, they do not attempt to do so. Unlike other demographic categories that may appear in institutional datasets, religion is typically absent by design, shaped by both privacy concerns and constitutional boundaries.

There is no standard checkbox for “Jewish” in faculty or student records. No centralized database. No authoritative list that an institution can simply pull off a shelf.

Instead, any attempt to identify Jewish individuals would rely on indirect and incomplete signals. Participation in a Jewish student group might indicate identity, but it might also reflect curiosity, friendship, or cultural interest. Attendance at events tells you even less. Even formal complaints only capture those who choose to come forward, leaving an unknown number outside the frame.

What you are left with is not a dataset, but a patchwork.

The False Precision Problem

That patchwork creates a deeper challenge that is easy to miss. When fragments of information are assembled into a list, the result can appear far more precise than it actually is.

A list drawn from campus organizations will systematically exclude unaffiliated individuals. A list based on complaint records will reflect reporting behavior more than the underlying reality. Event attendance can introduce both false positives and false negatives simultaneously.

Yet once these inputs are combined and formalized, the output takes on the appearance of something complete and authoritative. It looks like a list of people. It behaves like a list of people. But it is not, in any meaningful sense, a reliable representation of the population it claims to describe.

This is how false precision takes hold. The structure suggests accuracy, even when the substance does not support it.

The Fluidity Problem

Complicating matters further is the nature of Jewish identity itself, which does not fit neatly into institutional categories. For some, it is religious and central to daily life. For others, it is cultural, ancestral, or situational. Many move between those expressions over time, or choose to keep their identity private depending on context.

This fluidity is not a flaw. It is a defining characteristic.

But it makes the idea of constructing a fixed list inherently problematic. Any attempt to do so requires drawing boundaries around something that lacks clear edges. Who counts, who does not, and who decides quickly become subjective questions with no stable answers.

Even if a list could be assembled, it would be incomplete the moment it was created and would become increasingly inaccurate over time.

The Incentive Problem

There is also a behavioral layer that changes the equation entirely. Once it becomes known that institutions or the government are attempting to identify members of a specific religious group, people respond in ways that are both rational and difficult to measure.

Some may hesitate to join Jewish organizations. Others may avoid public events or decline to identify themselves in formal processes. Participation, which once reflected community and engagement, becomes filtered through a lens of uncertainty.

Over time, this reshapes the very signals the system depends on. The more visible the effort to identify the group, the less visible the group may become.

In that sense, the act of measurement does not just observe reality. It alters it.

The Precedent Problem

What begins as a narrowly scoped investigation does not stay contained for long. If identifying members of one religious group becomes an accepted practice, it establishes a framework that can be applied elsewhere.

The same logic could be used in investigations involving other religious communities. Each case could be justified on its own merits, tied to legitimate concerns about discrimination or bias.

But taken together, they point toward a broader shift. Religious identity, long treated as something outside institutional tracking, becomes something that can be requested, assembled, and analyzed when circumstances warrant it.

That is not a small change. It is a structural one.

The Analytical Illusion

Once a list exists, even an imperfect one, it creates a powerful incentive to use it. Analysts will look for patterns. Policymakers will draw conclusions. Institutions will make decisions based on what appears to be concrete information.

But if the underlying data is fragmented and inconsistently defined, those conclusions will rest on unstable ground. The analysis may be rigorous. The models may be sophisticated. The outputs may look convincing.

None of that changes the quality of the inputs.

This is how systems produce answers that feel precise and actionable, even when they are built on incomplete representations of reality.

What the Court Didn’t Resolve

The court addressed the legal question and concluded that the government’s request was permissible and appropriately limited in scope. That resolves one dimension of the case, but it leaves others untouched.

It does not answer whether such identification is feasible in any meaningful sense. It does not address whether the resulting information would be reliable. And it does not grapple with the downstream effects of attempting to construct such a list in the first place.

Those questions lie outside the ruling's boundaries, but they are central to understanding what happens next.

Why This Matters More Than It Seems

At first glance, this may appear to be a technical issue, the kind of operational detail that sits behind larger policy debates. In reality, it goes to the heart of how institutions understand and categorize the people within them.

If religious identity cannot be reliably captured, then any system built around identifying it will carry inherent limitations. Those limitations do not stay confined to the data. They extend into the decisions, policies, and narratives that follow.

This is not just about one investigation. It is about whether the framework itself holds.

Bottom Line

Before debating whether the government should have access to a list of Jewish individuals, a more basic question needs to be confronted.

Can such a list exist in a way that is accurate, meaningful, and responsible?

If the answer is uncertain, then the conversation is incomplete. And if the question remains unasked, the implications may not become clear until much later, when decisions have already been made based on information that was never as solid as it appeared.

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.

Raleigh, NC, Mar. 30, 2026 — Wake County commissioners opened the 2027 budget process today with a single-item work session focused on the county’s operating budget and capital debt landscape, but the tone inside the room made clear this was not a routine kickoff. The agenda itself was narrow, covering economic indicators, revenue forecasts, expenditure considerations, a multi-year forecast, and capital debt funding, but the discussion quickly signaled that the financial environment heading into 2027 is more constrained than in recent years.

Staff framed the meeting as the formal start of budget season, telling commissioners, “Welcome officially to your budget season,” while also noting that the conversation had already been building over prior briefings. The message was that this session was not about decisions yet, but about setting expectations for a budget cycle shaped by slower revenue growth and rising demands.

Economic strength remains, but uncertainty is driving caution

On paper, several of Wake County’s economic indicators remain strong. The presentation showed inflation at 2.4% in February 2026, down from 2.8% the year prior, along with income levels that continue to outpace state and national averages. Population growth also remains a defining factor, with the county estimated at 1,285,408 residents in 2026 and projected to reach 1,405,646 by 2032, an increase of more than 120,000 residents.

But those positive indicators were repeatedly paired with caution. Staff pointed to continued tariffs, stock market volatility, and a broader sense of economic uncertainty. More importantly, commissioners heard that residents are not experiencing the economy uniformly. Some households remain stable, while others are facing increased pressure, a dynamic that complicates how the county plans services and allocates resources.

Growth is shifting, and so are service demands

The county’s growth is not just continuing, it is changing. Between 2020 and 2024, 43% of Wake County’s population increase came from residents over the age of 55, adding more than 44,000 people in that age group. That shift has direct implications for services, including increased demand for adult protective services and other forms of community support.

At the same time, development patterns are evolving. Residential permit activity has begun to level off after several years of strong growth, prompting commissioners to ask whether external factors, such as tariffs or construction costs, are beginning to slow housing production. Rural preservation efforts also remain part of the equation, with thousands of acres enrolled in agricultural districts and conservation programs, highlighting the tension between growth and land preservation.

Commissioners pressed for clearer data on community need

While staff presented a broad picture of growth and economic conditions, commissioners pushed for a more detailed understanding of who is being served and how needs are changing. Several commissioners asked for deeper data on vulnerable populations, including poverty trends and service utilization. One example cited during the discussion was Medicaid participation, with roughly 220,000 Wake County residents receiving coverage, including about 100,000 children.

That line of questioning led to a broader point. Commissioners want to see measurable evidence that demand for services is increasing, not just anecdotal descriptions. Staff responded that rising needs are evident across departments, including EMS calls, human services applications, and use of parks and libraries, but acknowledged the importance of presenting that data more clearly as the budget process moves forward.

Homelessness remains a visible and complex challenge

The discussion also touched on homelessness, with data showing an increase in the average length of time individuals remain homeless, rising from 485 days in 2023 to 603 days in 2025. Average shelter stays also increased modestly over that period. While those figures point to ongoing challenges, commissioners raised questions about whether the data fully reflects what is happening on the ground.

Some expressed concern that the numbers may not capture the full scope of need, particularly among individuals and families newly at risk due to rising living costs. At the same time, there was recognition that improvements in measuring homelessness could lead to more accurate data in future reporting.

A redesigned budget process reflects tighter conditions

A significant portion of the work session focused on how the county is now building its budget. The process is more structured than in prior years, beginning with strategic plan alignment and moving through department business plans, internal review, and a series of work sessions leading up to the manager’s recommended budget.

Department requests are now grouped into three categories: cost escalations, ongoing commitments, and county-manager-directed priorities. That structure prompted immediate questions from commissioners, particularly around how long commitments remain in place and how unfunded mandates are being tracked. Several commissioners called for a clearer accounting of those mandates and their impact on the property tax rate, signaling that this will be a key issue as the budget develops.

Revenue growth is slowing, and that is reshaping the conversation

At the center of the discussion was a more constrained revenue outlook. The county is projecting total revenue growth of about 1.2% annually over the next three years, equating to roughly $78 million in new revenue from 2027 through 2029, or about $26 million per year. Property and sales taxes continue to dominate the General Fund, accounting for 89% of total revenue, with property taxes alone making up 75%.

However, growth in property tax revenue is expected to slow due to factors such as appeals, exemptions, and deferred values. Sales tax revenue is projected to remain relatively flat year over year, with recent performance described as uneven. Taken together, these trends point to a budget environment with less new revenue to absorb rising costs.

A slight revenue decline highlights underlying pressure

One of the more notable data points presented was a projected 0.4% decline in total revenue from 2026 to 2027, dropping from approximately $2.169 billion to $2.159 billion. This decline is not driven by falling property or sales tax collections, both of which are expected to increase modestly. Instead, it reflects the county’s decision not to rely on the $35.1 million in behavioral health fund balance used in the prior year.

That decision sparked discussion among commissioners about the nature of those funds and whether they are restricted or could be reconsidered in future budgets. The exchange underscored how one-time funding sources can mask underlying structural gaps between revenues and expenditures.

Expenditures continue to outpace revenue

Even with a more disciplined budgeting process, projected expenditure growth remains well above revenue growth. Depending on the scenario, expenditures are expected to increase between 3.7% and 4.7%, creating a persistent gap that must be addressed through prioritization, reductions, or other adjustments.

That reality was acknowledged directly during the meeting. Commissioners described the outlook as “frightening,” and county leadership made clear that this budget cycle will require difficult choices. The county manager noted that this could be the tightest budget to finalize in years, with limited room for discretionary spending and a need to scrutinize every request.

Education and capital needs continue to drive long-term costs

Education remains a central component of both operating and capital spending. County support for Wake County Public Schools has grown significantly over time, and enrollment trends continue to influence funding needs. At the same time, commissioners sought more clarity on how charter school funding is calculated and how overall education funding is communicated to the public.

On the capital side, debt and infrastructure investments represent a major share of the budget. Transfers to the debt and capital accounts for 25% of the 2026 budget, with the majority supporting school-related projects. Long-term plans include billions in school construction and renovation, as well as major county projects such as a detention center expansion, an animal shelter, and other facilities. These investments are expected to be supported in part by future bond referendums, which may have tax implications for residents.

A budget year defined by tighter choices

No decisions were made during this session, and none were expected. But the discussion made clear that Wake County is entering the 2027 budget process with less flexibility than in recent years. Commissioners are asking for more detailed data, clearer accountability, and a stronger understanding of community need, all while facing slower revenue growth and rising costs.

The result is a budget season that will likely center on tradeoffs. The framework presented in this first work session sets the stage for those decisions, with future meetings expected to bring more detailed proposals, sharper debates, and ultimately choices that will define what the county prioritizes in a more constrained financial environment.

Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 29, 2026 — Retirement was never guaranteed, but it was widely understood as attainable. Work hard, stay employed, save consistently, and at some point, you will step away from the workforce into a different phase of life, one defined less by obligation and more by choice. That expectation shaped how people planned their futures and how the broader system was designed to support them.

What is changing now is not a single policy or moment, but the underlying structure that made that expectation realistic. Retirement is no longer a predictable outcome. It is becoming conditional, dependent on variables that are increasingly difficult for individuals to fully control. The shift is gradual, but its direction is clear.

The Math Broke First

The traditional retirement model relied on a balance that no longer holds. A working life of roughly four decades was expected to fund a retirement lasting 15 to 20 years. Employers often carried part of that burden through pensions, healthcare costs were more manageable, and income growth supported long-term saving.

Today, each part of that equation is under strain. People are living longer, extending the number of years savings must cover. Pensions have largely disappeared, replaced by self-directed accounts that shift both responsibility and risk onto individuals. Healthcare costs have risen faster than inflation, particularly in later life when they are most significant. At the same time, income growth for many households has not kept pace with the cost of living, limiting the ability to build sufficient reserves.

The result is not theoretical. For many households, the numbers do not fully work. The gap may not be obvious early on, but it becomes increasingly apparent as people approach what was once considered retirement age.

Work Didn’t End, It Expanded

As the financial model weakened, the nature of work changed in ways that extended participation rather than limiting it. In earlier generations, many jobs were physically demanding, and retirement was partly dictated by the body’s ability to continue. That natural endpoint has faded.

Today’s economy allows people to remain productive far longer. Knowledge work, digital platforms, and flexible employment arrangements have made it possible to extend careers well beyond previous norms. What appears to be flexibility, however, carries a secondary effect. When people can continue working, the system begins to assume that they will.

Over time, that assumption becomes embedded. Continued work shifts from being an option to being an expectation, and the distinction between working by choice and working out of necessity becomes less meaningful.

Healthcare Locks It In

Healthcare reinforces this shift in both direct and persistent ways. Even with Medicare, the combination of premiums, out-of-pocket expenses, supplemental coverage, and long-term care needs introduces financial exposure that is difficult to predict and often substantial.

For many individuals, employer-sponsored health insurance remains one of the most valuable benefits tied to continued employment. Leaving the workforce means not only replacing income but also absorbing a new layer of health-related financial risk. That risk alone is enough to delay retirement decisions, even among those who might otherwise be positioned to step away.

In practice, healthcare acts as an anchor, keeping people connected to the workforce longer than earlier models anticipated.

What This Looks Like Now

The result is not a single outcome, but a divided one. Retirement still exists, but it is increasingly uneven in its experience.

For those with sufficient assets and stable earnings, retirement continues to function in a recognizable way. They step away from full-time work and enter a period of relative financial security.

For others, retirement becomes partial. Full-time roles give way to consulting, part-time work, or lower-intensity positions that provide income and, in some cases, continued access to benefits. Work does not end; it changes form.

There is also a growing segment for whom retirement remains largely out of reach. In these cases, continued work is not a matter of engagement or preference, but necessity. The option to fully step away from the workforce becomes increasingly unlikely as financial constraints persist.

This Is Not a Personal Problem

It is tempting to view this shift as a matter of individual planning: save more, invest better, work longer. But that framing misses the larger point. The conditions shaping retirement have changed structurally, and individual behavior alone cannot fully offset them.

What is emerging is a system that functions more effectively when people remain in the workforce longer. Extended participation supports economic output, stabilizes certain benefit systems, and shifts risk away from institutions and onto individuals. In that context, delayed retirement is not simply an outcome. It becomes part of how the system operates.

What Comes Next

Retirement is not disappearing all at once, but it is being replaced by something less defined and less certain. For some, it will remain intact. For others, it will be delayed, reduced, or never fully realized.

The more important shift is not when people retire, but whether they have a meaningful choice in the matter. As the balance between work, savings, healthcare, and longevity continues to evolve, that choice is becoming less evenly distributed.

The question is no longer whether retirement will look different from how it did for previous generations. It already does. The question is how many people will reach a point where stepping away from work is truly optional, and how many will not.

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
- Holly Springs
- Apex
- Fuquay-Varina
- Regional
- Sports

Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 26, 2026

Marquee Event

Friday, March 27

Marquee Event: Comedian Jordan Centry
Holly Springs Cultural Center, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://app.arts-people.com/?show=290549
7:30 PM

Marquee Event: Comedian David Spade
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/david_spade2026
8:00 PM

Saturday, March 28

Marquee Event: All-Nashville Roadshow
Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Avenue, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.allnashvilleroadshow.com
5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: A Nashville-style live music event featuring Charlie Argo, Slaw, and Summerlyn Powers, with beer service from Local Time Brewing and hosted by Zach Selwyn.

Marquee Event: Women in Beer Tour
Bombshell Beer Company, 120 Quantum St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.bombshellbeer.com/
1:30 PM
Summary: A guided beer and history walking tour highlighting women in North Carolina brewing and local Holly Springs history.

Marquee Event: Fuquay-Varina Town Easter Egg Hunt
Fleming Loop Park, 503 Fleming Loop Road, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fuquay-varina.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=9444
10:00 AM

Sunday, March 29

Marquee Event: Apex Geek and Grub Market (Fantasy Edition)
The Optimist Club Farm, 2930 Optimist Farm Road, Apex, NC
https://www.geekandgrubmarket.com/event-details/apex-geek-and-grub-market-fantasy-edition-2
Noon – 4:00 PM
Summary: A fantasy-themed market featuring vendors, competitions, special guests, and family-friendly activities.

Upcoming Dates

Monday, March 30

Event: Wines of the Iberian Peninsula Grand Tasting
Wine 100, 100 E Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.wine100nc.com
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Summary: A guided wine tasting featuring selections from Spain and Portugal.

Friday, April 3

Regional Event: Musician Carlos Santana: Oneness Tour 2026
Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 William V Bill Bell Way, Durham, NC
https://www.dpacnc.com/events/detail/santana2026
8:00 PM

Friday, April 10

Marquee Event: NC Spring Classic Race
Downtown Holly Springs, 242 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NC/HollySprings/NorthCarolinaSpringClassic
Summary: A hometown race event with 5K, 8K, 16K, and ruck options beginning and ending in downtown Holly Springs.

Friday, April 11

Regional Event: Rapper/Songwriter Cardi B: Little Miss Drama Tour
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/detail/cardi-b
7:30 PM

Saturday, April 18

Regional Event: Arts on the Block 2026
Historic City Market, Downtown Raleigh, Raleigh, NC
https://artspacenc.org/arts-on-the-block/
Noon – 5:00 PM
Summary: An all-ages block party featuring visual art, artist demonstrations, exhibitions, vendors, food, and community activities.

Saturday, April 25

Marquee Event: SpringsFest 2026 by the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Holly Springs, 344 Raleigh St, Holly Springs, NC
https://hollyspringschamberofcommerce.chambermate.com/event-detail/ynFP8OIFISh1V59ejask9w2/springsfest-2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Summary: A free family-friendly festival with vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a kids zone, a car show, a touch-a-truck, and a hot dog eating contest.

Multiple Dates

Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12

Marquee Event: 2026 Battle of the Badges Tournament
North Main Athletic Complex, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/calendar.aspx?EID=13403
Various times
Summary: Local fire, police, and EMS departments will compete in a single-elimination softball tournament benefiting Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

Sponsored Advertisement

Click on the image for more information and to register for the pickleball tournament

Holly Springs

Friday, March 27

Live Music: Rainbow Rhythm Dance Party
Black Dog Bottle Shop, 140 W Holly Springs Rd, Holly Springs, NC
https://blackdogbottleshop.com/
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Summary: A DJ-led dance party with snacks, games, and door prizes sponsored by Pride of Holly Springs.

Saturday, March 28

Event: Holly Springs Farmers Market
Holly Springs Farmers Market, 300 W Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
https://www.hsfarmersmarket.com
9:00 AM – Noon

Event: Community Yard Sale
North Main Athletic Complex, 101 Sportsmanship Way, Holly Springs, NC
8:00 AM – Noon

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

Live Music: Steve Vee
Homegrown Pizza, 4951 Linksland Dr, Holly Springs, NC
https://homegrownpizza.com/
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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

Apex

Friday, March 27

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

Event: Apex Farmers Market
The Depot, 220 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.apexfarmersmarket.com
9:00 AM – Noon

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

Live Music: Emo Punk Night (DJ)
Oaklyn Springs Brewery - Apex, 205 N Salem St, Apex, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Summary: A DJ-led emo punk night at the brewery!

Saturday, March 28

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

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

Fuquay-Varina

Friday, March 27

Event: Poke-Patrol Meetup
Lost Legacy Collectables, 111 Depot St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fuquay-varina.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=9492
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Summary: A Pokémon-themed community meetup hosted by the Fuquay-Varina Police Department for trading, playing, and family fun.

Saturday, March 28

Event: FVDA’s Downtown Candy Hop
Downtown Fuquay-Varina, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.fuquay-varina.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=9460
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Summary: A downtown candy hop where families can collect treats from participating merchants following the town egg hunt.

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

Live Music: Forest Rising
Oaklyn Springs Brewery, 2912 N Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC
https://www.oaklynsprings.com/
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

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

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

Regional

Friday, March 27

Regional Event: Battle of the Badges Hockey Faceoff
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/detail/battle-of-the-badges-2
7:00 PM
Summary: Raleigh Police and Raleigh Fire will face off in a public charity hockey game with optional donations.

Sports

Saturday, March 28

Sports: New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/detail/new-jersey-devils-vs-carolina-hurricanes-7
5:00 PM

Sports: Bay FC at NC Courage (soccer)
First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary, NC
https://www.nccourage.com
7:00 PM
Summary: The NC Courage hosts Bay FC in a National Women’s Soccer League match.

Sunday, March 29

Sports: Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Lenovo Center, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC
https://www.lenovocenter.com/events/detail/montreal-canadiens-vs-carolina-hurricanes-5
5:00 PM

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is paid content created in partnership with a local business or organization and designed to inform readers about events, products, or services of interest to the community. While it follows the same storytelling standards as our editorial coverage, it is clearly labeled and does not influence our independent news reporting. If you or your business is interested in learning more about Sponsored Content opportunities with Holly Springs Update, email us at news@hollyspringsupdate.com.

Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 26, 2026 — There are wine tastings—and then there are evenings designed to transport you somewhere else entirely.

On Monday, March 30th, Wine 100 (www.wine100nc.com) will host its Wines of the Iberian Peninsula Grand Tasting event (purchase tickets), inviting Holly Springs residents to step into the rich wine traditions of Spain and Portugal without ever leaving town. Space is limited, so it’s best to purchase tickets now.

From 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., guests will move through a curated tasting experience featuring more than 20 wines drawn from some of the Iberian Peninsula’s most celebrated regions. Think bold Spanish reds, crisp coastal whites, and the distinctive character that has made Portuguese wines a quiet favorite among those in the know.

The event is designed so that each pour offers a window into a different region, style, and tradition—making it equally appealing for seasoned wine enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore.

To complement the wines, attendees will enjoy regional cheeses and cured meats prepared by Charcuterie by Nickie, adding another layer of enjoyment to the evening.

At $19.95 per person (purchase tickets), the tasting also reflects a broader trend shaping the wine world right now. As tariffs and rising material costs push prices higher across many categories, wines from Spain and Portugal continue to stand out for their exceptional value relative to quality—something this event puts front and center.

More Than a Tasting—A Community Gathering

While the wines are the draw, the experience reflects something bigger about what Wine 100 is building in Holly Springs.

Since opening in the Village District in late 2023, the shop has positioned itself as more than just a place to buy a bottle. It’s a space designed for connection—where neighbors meet, conversations flow, and discovery happens organically.

Events like the Iberian tasting are a natural extension of that vision. Alongside weekly gatherings like Wine Down Wednesdays and Supplier Saturday complimentary tastings, they offer residents a chance to slow down, explore something new, and spend time together in a setting that feels both relaxed and intentional.

It’s also part of a broader effort to support local collaboration. By partnering with businesses like Charcuterie by Nickie and curating experiences that bring people together, Wine 100 is helping strengthen the small-business ecosystem that continues to define Holly Springs’ growth.

An Evening Built on Discovery

For many guests, the appeal of Wine 100 lies in its sense of constant discovery. With a rotating selection of boutique wines and even a self-serve tasting system that allows pours by the ounce, no two visits feel exactly the same.

The Iberian Peninsula tasting takes that idea and amplifies it.

Instead of choosing a single bottle or glass, attendees will sample wines from across regions and styles in one evening, gaining a broader understanding of what makes these wines distinct and why they continue to attract global attention.

Whether you come for the wine, the food, or simply the chance to unwind with friends, the evening offers something increasingly rare: a shared experience that feels both accessible and memorable.

Event Details:

· What: Wines of the Iberian Peninsula Grand Tasting

· When: Monday, March 30 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.

· Where: Wine 100, Holly Springs Village District

· Cost: $19.95 per person

· Purchase Tickets: Click here [Note: space is limited]

For a town that continues to grow, events like this offer a reminder of what makes a community feel connected in the first place.

If you or your business is interested in learning more about Sponsored Content opportunities with Holly Springs Update, email us at news@hollyspringsupdate.com.

Apex, NC, Mar. 25, 2026 — An approximately 83-acre tract in Apex’s New Hill area is moving through annexation and rezoning, marking another step in the town’s westward growth into areas that have historically remained rural in character.

The site, made up of three parcels totaling roughly 83.5 acres, sits east of New Hill Olive Chapel Road and spans areas both north and south of Old U.S. Highway 1, near the railroad corridor. Today, the property remains under Wake County’s Residential-40 Watershed zoning and includes a mix of existing single-family homes, streams that bisect portions of the land, and areas that were previously wooded but have since been cleared. Annexation would bring the property into the Apex town limits, allowing access to municipal services and enabling the requested rezoning to a Planned Unit Development with conditional zoning.

From a long-range planning perspective, the proposal aligns with Apex’s adopted land use map, which designates the area for medium-density residential uses, along with potential commercial services and park space near key intersections. While that designation allows for development intensity of up to 7 units per acre, the current proposal falls significantly short of that threshold.

What the Development Would Deliver

The Welch Homestead plan calls for a mix of housing types across the site, including up to 123 single-family homes and 152 townhomes. Despite that total unit count, the overall density is approximately 3.3 units per acre, reflecting a deliberate decision to build at less than half of what the land use plan would permit.

The layout concentrates much of the development into the southeastern portion of the property, using a conservation-style approach that clusters homes on smaller lots in defined areas while leaving other portions of the site less disturbed. This approach is intended to balance development yield with open space preservation, particularly given the presence of streams and natural features across the tract.

The proposal also incorporates a range of required and voluntary elements, including roadway improvements tied to traffic impacts along Old U.S. Highway 1, internal street connections to adjacent developments, and stormwater management systems designed to meet town standards. A portion of the site is expected to be dedicated to a linear public park, providing recreational space as part of the broader development.

In addition, the plan addresses historic resources located on the property. A corn crib identified as historically significant is expected to be relocated and preserved in accordance with town requirements, while another structure, the Welch-Hearn House, has not been recommended for preservation.

Where the Proposal Meets Resistance

While the proposal fits within the framework of Apex’s long-range plan, the discussion revealed clear tension between that policy alignment and the lived reality of adjacent property owners.

Residents along the eastern boundary of the site raised concerns about how the development will interface with neighboring properties that are characterized by five- and ten-acre rural lots. The shift from low-density, large-acreage land to a denser residential community represents a substantial change in both scale and character, particularly at the property line where those uses meet.

That concern is heightened by the current condition of the land. The site, previously forested, has been logged and cleared, leaving little to no mature vegetation to serve as a natural buffer. As a result, the effectiveness of required buffering becomes a central issue, with residents questioning whether standard measures will provide adequate separation, privacy, and protection.

Proposed mitigation efforts include installing a Type A buffer and potentially constructing a retaining wall along portions of the boundary. However, those measures have introduced additional concerns, particularly related to safety. Changes in elevation, combined with structural elements, could create abrupt transitions or drop-offs near property lines, raising questions about how those features will function once built and whether they will introduce unintended hazards.

Broader Impacts: Schools and Affordability

Beyond the immediate interface between the development and adjacent properties, the proposal also brings broader infrastructure considerations into focus.

Wake County Public Schools has indicated that middle schools serving the area are already projected to face capacity constraints, with the potential for insufficient space as new students are added. As a result, future residents of the development could be subject to reassignment to other schools or changes in transportation patterns, reflecting a broader trend of growth outpacing available capacity in parts of western Apex and New Hill.

The development also includes a commitment to affordable housing, with the applicant indicating that 10 percent of the total units would be made available to households earning up to 120 percent of the area median income. While that commitment aligns with the town's policy goals, details on how those units will be implemented and integrated into the community remain under discussion.

What Comes Next

The Welch Homestead proposal has already received approval recommendations from both the Planning Department and the Planning Board, the latter of which was unanimous. Those recommendations reflect consistency with the town’s adopted land use plan and development framework.

The final decision now rests with the Town Council, which must weigh that policy alignment against the concerns raised by nearby residents and the practical implications of introducing new development into a transitioning area.

As Apex continues to expand toward New Hill, projects like Welch Homestead are becoming increasingly representative of the choices facing the town—how to accommodate planned growth while managing the immediate impacts on communities that have, until now, remained on the rural edge of that growth.

Apex, NC, Mar. 25, 2026 — A recent change to Apex’s yard waste collection policy surfaced during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, not as a formal agenda item, but as part of council remarks acknowledging community response.

The policy, which would eliminate grass clipping collection, was decided during the Council’s February retreat. By the time it was discussed publicly this week, the focus had shifted from the decision itself to its implementation.

“It’s moved a lot of people in a different way,” one council member said.

In response, leadership signaled a potential pause before moving forward.

“I would like for us to get public input prior to moving forward with the full implementation,” the council member added.

The issue was not included on the meeting agenda or in the supporting materials, and no formal action was taken. Instead, the discussion pointed to a next step: gathering resident feedback before the policy is fully rolled out.

While narrow in scope, the exchange reflects a broader shift in how routine decisions are being received. As Apex continues to grow, even operational changes are drawing closer scrutiny, prompting leaders to reconsider not just what decisions are made, but when and how the public is brought into the process.

Cary, NC, Mar. 25, 2026 — The Wake County Board of Education convened a special-called meeting yesterday with a clear purpose: to get answers from district administration.

In the days leading up to the meeting, board members and district leadership were inundated with emails from teachers, parents, and community members. At the center of that concern was a number that spread quickly and widely, an $18 million deficit tied to special education. It became the focal point of conversation, frustration, and in many cases, fear about what might be coming.

“This meeting is about getting answers,” one board member said at the outset, underscoring the board’s oversight role and the expectation that district leadership would provide clarity.

As the meeting unfolded, however, a different picture began to take shape. There is no current deficit. What the district is facing instead is a forward-looking structural gap, one that has developed over time and now requires adjustment.

That distinction would prove to be at the center of both the financial discussion and the tension in the room.

The District’s Framing

Early in the meeting, district leadership sought to reset the narrative and address what had quickly become the central concern.

The message was direct. The special education program is expected to end the year with a positive balance. The issue, as presented, is not about immediate cuts, but about aligning costs before a future shortfall emerges.

“We are not in a negative position,” was emphasized during the overview. At the same time, leadership acknowledged that continuing current staffing and program levels without adjustment would eventually exhaust available federal funding.

“If we do the exact same thing programmatically this year, then the IDEA grant would run out of money,” was shared during the presentation.

The overview also addressed one of the most widely circulated concerns, clarifying that the district is not eliminating 130 teachers. Instead, staffing changes are expected to occur through attrition and caseload adjustments.

Equally important, leadership reinforced that services to students will continue. Requirements tied to individualized education programs will remain in place, and services cannot be reduced due to funding constraints.

“There will be no change in our requirement to implement students’ IEPs,” was stated during the presentation.

Taken together, the overview was intended to provide clarity and reassurance. But as the discussion progressed, it became clear that the explanation did not fully align with how the situation had been previously communicated or understood.

What Actually Happened

At its core, the issue is not complicated. It is a dynamic that would be familiar in any organization managing a budget over multiple years.

Several years ago, the district received a significant increase in federal special education funding. Some of that funding arrived late in the fiscal year, which created an unusually large carryover balance that rolled forward into future years. That carryover, at times reaching between $20 million and $30 million, provided a level of financial flexibility that had not previously existed.

At the same time, student needs were increasing. The district was growing. More students required services, and those services were not optional. In response, the district added staff, expanded support, and increased service levels for students with disabilities.

Those decisions were understandable. The need was real, the services were required by law, and the funding appeared to support it. But the nature of that funding differed from the costs it supported. The funding increase was temporary. The costs were not.

The Slow Build to a Structural Problem

For several years, that mismatch remained largely hidden. The district relied on the carryover to bridge the gap between ongoing expenses and incoming funding. Each year, spending exceeded new revenue, but the difference was absorbed by prior-year balances.

That approach worked until it didn’t.

As the carryover began to decline, the underlying structure became more visible. What had once been a buffer began to shrink, dropping from roughly $30 million to under $20 million, and is now projected to fall to $2 to $5 million.

If nothing changes, the district would eventually run out of available funding before the end of the next fiscal cycle. That projected gap is what ultimately became associated with the $18 million figure.

What Should Have Been Said

As the discussion unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the issue was not just financial. It was also about how the situation had been communicated.

What many people heard was that the district had an $18 million deficit in special education. That framing suggested an immediate crisis, something already in motion and requiring urgent corrective action.

What should have been said was something more precise and, ultimately, more accurate. The district does not have a deficit today. However, because temporary funding was used to support ongoing expenses, adjustments are now required to avoid a projected shortfall next year.

District leadership acknowledged that the message had not been communicated clearly. “We needed to do a better job in communicating the fiscal status,” was shared during the meeting.

That distinction carries weight. One describes a system already in trouble. The other describes a system that still has time to adjust. When that difference is not clearly made, it changes how staff, families, and the broader community understand what is happening.

In this case, it also shaped the tone of the conversation before the meeting ever began.

What Changes and What Doesn’t

Throughout the meeting, district leadership emphasized that services to students will not be reduced. Individualized Education Programs, which are legally required, will continue to be implemented as written.

Self-contained classrooms and related services, including speech and occupational therapy, are not being eliminated. The changes are expected to come primarily through staffing structure, specifically through adjustments to caseloads for certain special education teachers.

In practice, that means fewer positions funded through the federal grant and more students assigned per teacher, with schools given flexibility in how they implement those adjustments based on student needs.

The commitment is that services will still be delivered. The question is how those services are distributed and supported within the available funding.

A Broader Context: Pressure Beyond the District

The conversation also took place within a larger context that continues to shape public education in North Carolina. The state ranks near the bottom nationally in per-pupil funding, and the current fiscal year began without a fully adopted state budget.

At the same time, salary increases for educators were approved without corresponding increases in state funding, leaving districts to absorb those costs. These pressures do not create this specific issue, but they do narrow the margin for error and increase the importance of long-term planning.

Where Accountability Lands

As the meeting progressed, the conversation shifted toward accountability. The financial explanation was detailed, but board members' frustration centered on the timing, clarity, and consistency of the information.

“I need facts, and I need the truth,” one board member said during the discussion, capturing the broader concern about conflicting information reaching both the board and the public.

The issue itself developed over several years. It was identified internally in the fall. But the way it was communicated, both in language and in timing, created inconsistency that carried into the public conversation and ultimately into the boardroom.

Questions were raised about who knew what and when, how decisions were made to fund recurring costs with temporary dollars, and why the situation was not more clearly explained earlier. Those questions were not fully resolved in the meeting, but they framed the discussion moving forward.

What Comes Next

The superintendent is expected to present a proposed budget in early April. That proposal will include the adjustments needed to align ongoing costs with available funding while maintaining required services for students.

The financial challenge is real, but it is also manageable. The more immediate challenge may be restoring clarity and trust in how that information is communicated.

As was noted at the outset of the meeting, the community is watching. The outcome of this process will shape not only the budget but also confidence in how decisions are made and explained in the months ahead.

Holly Springs, NC, Mar. 25, 2026 — Growing up, my two brothers and I would spend hours riding our bikes, exploring places we’d never been, and pushing our boundaries a little farther each day. There was no real plan beyond seeing what was around the next corner. A trail would turn into a neighborhood. A neighborhood would lead to a field. And somehow, we always found our way back.

That wasn’t unusual at the time. Sometimes friends joined us, sometimes they didn’t. We roamed. It was what we did. And our parents knew it.

Looking back, what stands out isn’t just the freedom. It’s how unremarkable that freedom felt. No one questioned it. No one viewed it as risky or unusual. It was simply part of growing up.

Today, that same kind of experience feels different.

Not because children have changed, but because the way we see the world around them has.

By most measurable standards, children today are safer than they were a generation ago. Violent crime has declined over time, and the scenarios that tend to dominate parental fears, particularly stranger abductions, remain extraordinarily rare. Yet the emotional reality tells a different story. Parents are more aware of those possibilities than ever before, and that awareness shapes how decisions are made.

Information now moves differently. News cycles, social media, and neighborhood platforms deliver a constant stream of incidents, often dramatic and often far removed from our own communities. The human brain does not naturally separate what is common from what is simply visible. When the same types of stories recur, they begin to feel representative, even when they are not.

Over time, that shift in perception changes behavior. Parents are not reacting to what is most likely to happen, but to what feels possible, and what would feel impossible to live with if it did. The result is a quiet but meaningful change in how childhood unfolds. More supervision. More structure. Less independence.

You can see it if you look for it. Neighborhood streets are quieter. Parks are less likely to be filled with kids moving about on their own. What was once ordinary now feels less so.

But fear alone doesn’t explain it.

There is a second layer that has taken hold, one that parents don’t always talk about directly. The question is no longer just whether something is safe. It’s whether it will be seen as safe by someone else.

Would another adult step in? Would they question it? Would they make a call?

In different parts of the country, those questions have become very real. Parents have been reported or investigated for allowing children to walk alone or play without direct supervision. In many cases, those situations were not about harm, but about differing views of what is acceptable.

That possibility changes the equation. Even parents who believe in giving their children independence may hesitate, not because they’ve changed their minds, but because the consequences of being challenged have grown.

And that hesitation feeds on itself.

As fewer kids are allowed to move freely, fewer are visible in public spaces. As those spaces become quieter, they begin to feel less safe, regardless of actual conditions. That perception leads to even more caution, and the cycle continues.

What gets lost in that cycle is harder to measure but no less important. Independence is how kids learn to make decisions, solve problems, and build confidence without immediate adult guidance. Those experiences don’t happen the same way in structured environments, no matter how well-intentioned they are.

This isn’t about suggesting there are no risks or that every child should be given the same level of freedom. Every family makes those decisions differently. But it is worth recognizing how much the boundaries of what feels normal have shifted, and how much of that shift is driven by perception rather than reality.

In many communities, neighborhoods are built around parks, greenways, and connected spaces meant to be used and explored. They were designed for movement, for access, and for shared experience. Yet the way they are actually used today feels different.

Today, that same ride I took with my brothers would feel different. What once felt like discovery, adventure, and simple fun is now more likely to be viewed through a different lens: guarded, potentially dangerous, maybe even out of bounds.

The path itself hasn’t changed.

But the way we see it has.

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.

Raleigh, NC, Mar. 24, 2026 — A long-envisioned effort to connect Research Triangle Park to Raleigh through a continuous network of trails is moving forward, with Wake County leaders outlining early design work and next steps for what is known as the Triangle Bikeway.

The project, presented on Monday to the Board of Commissioners’ Growth, Sustainability and Economic Strength Committee, is designed to create a regional corridor that links employment centers, neighborhoods, parks, and transit routes across the western and central parts of the county.

At its core, the Triangle Bikeway is less a single trail than a connected system. Plans call for connecting existing greenways and building new segments to allow cyclists and pedestrians to travel between RTP, Cary, and Raleigh with minimal interruptions. Along the way, the corridor would connect to destinations including Raleigh-Durham International Airport, NC State University, Umstead State Park, and the broader Capital Area Greenway system.

County staff described the project as both a mobility and quality-of-life investment, one that could provide an alternative to short car trips while expanding access to recreation and outdoor space. The corridor is also intended to integrate with existing and planned transit routes, creating more options for residents to move between where they live and where they work.

The presentation highlighted a series of east-west connections that would serve as the backbone of the system, linking trails such as Walnut Creek, Crabtree Creek, and the American Tobacco Trail. Those connections are expected to play a key role in turning what are now isolated segments into a more cohesive regional network.

The effort is being coordinated across multiple agencies and jurisdictions, reflecting the project's geographic scope. Wake County is working in partnership with the Research Triangle Foundation, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and local municipalities to align planning, funding, and implementation.

That coordination is critical, as much of the proposed route crosses jurisdictional boundaries and relies on a mix of existing infrastructure and new construction. Officials said the current phase focuses on design guidance, identifying priority segments, and establishing a framework for how the project can move forward over time.

While no construction timeline was finalized, the discussion made clear that the Triangle Bikeway is a long-term effort that will depend on sustained funding and continued collaboration among partners.

For residents, the potential impact is both practical and aspirational. In the near term, the project could expand access to trails and improve connections between communities that are already growing closer together. Over the longer term, it represents a shift in how the region thinks about mobility, offering an alternative to driving for some trips and reinforcing the Triangle’s identity as a place where outdoor access is part of daily life.

No formal action was taken during the meeting, but the update signaled steady progress on a project that has been discussed for years. As planning continues, the challenge will be to turn that vision into a connected system that residents can use, not just for recreation but also as a viable way to move through one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.

Raleigh, NC, Mar. 23, 2026 — Wake County leaders are weighing a significant shift in how they recruit businesses and structure economic incentives, with proposed changes that would expand who qualifies for grants, reshape how companies are paid, and open the door to larger, more customized deals.

The proposals, presented Monday to the Board of Commissioners’ Growth, Sustainability and Economic Strength Committee, stop short of final action. But taken together, they point to a clear direction: more flexibility in how the county competes for jobs and investment, and a willingness to rethink long-standing rules that have governed incentives for years.

At the center of the discussion is a recalibration of what the county aims to achieve with its incentives. Under the current system, grants are largely tied to property investment, meaning companies that build or invest heavily in facilities generate the largest payouts. Staff said that the structure no longer aligns with how many modern projects, particularly office and headquarters operations, actually work.

In response, officials are proposing a shift toward job-based incentives in some cases, especially for headquarters projects that bring significant employment but relatively modest physical investment. The goal is to better align incentives with what the county considers the primary public benefit: jobs.

That emphasis on jobs surfaced repeatedly throughout the meeting, including in a separate discussion of hyperscale data centers. While those projects can involve hundreds of millions of dollars in investment, county staff noted they typically generate relatively few permanent jobs, raising questions about how they fit within the county’s broader economic strategy.

The proposed changes also would lower the wage threshold required for companies to qualify for incentives. Today, most projects must pay an average of 110% of the county’s average wage. Under the new framework, that would drop to 100%.

County staff said rising wages across Wake County have made the current threshold increasingly difficult to meet, particularly for entry-level or early-career roles that still offer pathways to higher-paying positions. Lowering the requirement, they argued, would give commissioners more flexibility to consider projects that support economic mobility, even if starting wages fall below the current benchmark.

At the same time, the proposal raises a more fundamental question that commissioners are expected to weigh in future discussions: how low is too low when public incentives are involved.

In another major change, the county is proposing to create a new “transformational project” tier for large-scale investments of at least $500 million. While Wake County has already supported projects of that magnitude, including major pharmaceutical manufacturing investments from Amgen, Fujifilm, and Genentech, the new tier would formally recognize those deals and allow commissioners to negotiate incentives on a more customized basis.

All three of those projects are tied to the Holly Springs and New Hill area, where large-scale life sciences manufacturing has reshaped both the local economy and the physical landscape in recent years. County leaders pointed to those examples as evidence that such projects require a different approach, one that balances their economic impact with the realities of land use, infrastructure demand, and long-term growth.

Additional changes under consideration include reducing the number of standard incentive tiers from five to three, simplifying the policy, and lowering the minimum investment required to participate in state-backed incentive programs. That latter change is intended to ensure Wake County can continue to unlock larger state grants, particularly for projects that create jobs but require limited capital investment.

Notably, commissioners are not being asked to make a decision yet. Monday’s discussion was framed as a working session, with staff seeking feedback before bringing forward a finalized version of the policy for potential approval at a later date.

Even so, the direction is clear. Wake County is looking to modernize its incentive strategy at a time when competition for jobs and the nature of those jobs are evolving quickly. Whether that means broader access to incentives, larger deals, or a redefinition of what qualifies as a “good” project is likely to be at the center of upcoming board discussions.

For residents in Holly Springs and across southern Wake County, the implications are tangible. The same forces shaping incentive policy, large-scale industrial investment, job creation, and infrastructure demands are already visible on the ground. The decisions ahead will help determine not just which companies come next, but how growth continues to take shape in the communities experiencing it most directly.

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Christian Hendricks
Publisher
christian.hendricks@hollyspringsupdate.com
March 22, 2026

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This report is based on residential property sales recorded in February 2026 with the Wake County Register of Deeds, with local analysis by Holly Springs Update.

Cary, NC, Mar. 22, 2026 — February home sales in Cary reflected a broad and active market, with a clear concentration in the upper-mid price tiers alongside a handful of higher-end transactions pushing past the $1 million mark.

A total of 67 homes sold during the month, all with recorded sale prices. Across those transactions, the average sale price was $670,597, while the median was $600,000, indicating that several higher-priced homes lifted the overall average, but most activity remained centered below that level.

The price range ranged from $315,000 on the low end to $1,670,000 at the high end, highlighting the diversity of Cary’s housing stock, from more attainable resale properties to larger, high-end homes in established and newer communities.

What stands out most is the gap between the median and average price. That spread suggests a market where luxury and move-up homes are influencing overall pricing, even as the bulk of transactions continue to occur in more moderate price bands.

In short, February’s data points to a balanced but upward-pressured market, where demand remains strong across multiple price points, with notable strength at the higher end helping elevate overall values.

TOP 15 SALES - CARY

751 CRABTREE CROSSING PKWY, CARY | $1,670,000

Sale Date: 02/11/26
Square Feet: 3,367
Acreage: 0.12
(Property Listing)

214 LANTERN RIDGE LN, CARY | $1,175,000

Sale Date: 02/11/26
Square Feet: 3,767
Acreage: 0.3
(Property Listing)

403 RUTHERGLEN DR, CARY | $1,100,000

Sale Date: 02/06/26
Square Feet: 3,561
Acreage: 0.75
(Property Listing)

1917 EDGELAKE PL, CARY | $1,030,000

Sale Date: 02/12/26
Square Feet: 4,338
Acreage: 0.18
(Property Listing)

1120 QUEENSFERRY RD, CARY | $1,020,000

Sale Date: 02/24/26
Square Feet: 3,290
Acreage: 0.76
(Property Listing)

7523 MCCRIMMON PKWY, CARY | $940,000

Sale Date: 02/05/26
Square Feet: 3,991
Acreage: 0.14
(Property Listing)

601 STOKLEY VIEW DR, CARY | $765,000

Sale Date: 02/20/26
Square Feet: 1,843
Acreage: 0.24
(Property Listing)

920 MARKET HOUSE WAY, CARY | $750,000

Sale Date: 02/10/26
Square Feet: 2,613
Acreage: 0.13
(Property Listing)

109 WATER LEAF LN, CARY | $745,000

Sale Date: 02/12/26
Square Feet: 3,785
Acreage: 0.1
(Property Listing)

104 PELLINORE CT, CARY | $741,000

Sale Date: 02/09/26
Square Feet: 3,406
Acreage: 0.28
(Property Listing)

402 LIPPERSHEY CT, CARY | $735,000

Sale Date: 02/13/26
Square Feet: 2,235
Acreage: 0.27
(Property Listing)

938 REGENCY COTTAGE PL, CARY | $725,000

Sale Date: 02/09/26
Square Feet: 2,685
Acreage: 0.09
(Property Listing)

228 ADAMS ST, CARY | $700,000

Sale Date: 02/18/26
Square Feet: 2,880
Acreage: 0.36
(Property Listing)

106 BANCROFT BROOK DR, CARY | $700,000

Sale Date: 02/03/26
Square Feet: 2,836
Acreage: 0.15
(Property Listing)

203 PIPERWOOD DR, CARY | $685,000

Sale Date: 02/12/26
Square Feet: 2,450
Acreage: 0.2
(Property Listing)