Shows
Discover StatesvilleStatesville's 2025 Highlights: Festivals, Events and MoreCurious about what makes Statesville, North Carolina, full of vibrant events and festivals? Join us as we take you through the exciting event lineup planned for 2025. From the NC Gun Collectors Association Annual Gun Show in February to the sweet delights of the Downtown Statesville Chocolate Stroll, there's something for everyone. Get ready to channel your inner superhero at the Statesville Comic Con, and don't forget to mark your calendars for March's historical reenactments and ghostly tours that bring local lore to life. It's an episode packed with fun and informative insights that will make you want to pack...2025-01-2821 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's Holiday Magic: December EventsWhat makes the holiday season in Statesville, NC, truly magical? Our special guest, Liz Petree, the Community Engagement Manager for Downtown Statesville Development Corporation, joins us to share all the details. From the chance to win $100 in "downtown dollars" on Small Business Saturday to the horse-drawn carriage rides, Liz reveals the vibrant atmosphere and experiences awaiting visitors. We dive into the details of the variety of local events that make downtown Statesville a holiday hotspot.This episode is your guide to the heartwarming traditions that define Statesville's holiday charm. Learn about Santa's visit to City Hall and...2024-11-2626 minDiscover StatesvilleExploring November in Statesville: Festivals and Fun AwaitGet ready to experience the November events Statesville, NC has to offer this month. From haunted trails to community gatherings, this episode brings a comprehensive guide to an event-filled month. We embark on a journey through the Midway Wicked Woods and the theatrical production of "The Cemetery Club," all happening in the first week of November. As the Statesville Pumpkin Fest celebrates its 21st year with pumpkin-themed activities, Harmony introduces its inaugural Fall Fest, ensuring there's something for everyone. Don't miss the Pumpkin Fest after-party with the Uptown Dueling Pianos, or the Masquerade Ball fundraiser, both sure to make...2024-10-3119 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's Carolina BalloonFest: History and HighlightsHave you ever wondered what it's like to have a hot air balloon land in your backyard and how that could change your life forever? Join us as we chat with Sam Parks, the new executive director of the Carolina BalloonFest, who experienced just that in 1986. Sam shares his incredible journey from that unexpected moment to becoming a seasoned balloon pilot and a key figure in the ballooning community. Learn about the fascinating distinctions between hot air and gas balloons and hear Sam's stories of flying hydrogen balloons over vast distances. As balloon meister, Sam's role is crucial in...2024-10-1527 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's October Festivities: Art, Music, and Haunted Tours GaloreGet ready for an unforgettable October in Statesville, NC! This episode of the Discover Statesville podcast promises just that! Join us as we guide you through a thrilling array of events that will keep your calendar packed all month long. From the Midway Wicked Woods trail and the "Making Our Voices Heard" Civil Rights exhibit at the Iredell Museums, to the "Fields and Foothills" art show by Wes Waugh, there's something for everyone. Plus, the Statesville Police Department's National Night Out and the Megan Doss Band's performance at the Friday After Five concert series are must-attend events for families...2024-10-0820 minDiscover StatesvilleCycling Celebrations: Statesville Prepares for Cycle NC's VisitGet ready for an exciting journey as we welcome Roxanne Newman from CycleNC! Over 900 cyclists will arrive in Statesville on October 7th for the 25th anniversary of the Cycle North Carolina Mountains to Coast ride. Statesville is their third stop on their 450-mile ride across the state. Roxanne shares insights into the event’s focus on tourism and community engagement, along with Statesville's special preparations like tethered hot air balloon rides and balloon glows. Discover the meticulous planning behind route selection, community involvement, and the various rides CycleNC offers. Plus, learn about sporting events across North Carolina, and...2024-09-2423 minDiscover StatesvillePreserving Statesville's Past: The Journey of the Historic CollectionUnlock the secrets of Statesville's past with Dr. Steve Hill and Stamey Holland as we explore the evolution of the Statesville Historical Collection! From its humble beginnings to becoming a treasure trove of local history, you'll learn how community support and passionate individuals like Mayor Costi Kutteh, Bill Stiles, the Gordon family, and Jim Wilson played pivotal roles. Discover the Holland Building's remarkable transformation into the collection's new home, and how it now safeguards treasured artifacts.Get a behind-the-scenes look at the monumental effort it took to relocate such an extensive collection and the meticulous care involved...2024-09-1726 minDiscover StatesvilleCycling Through Statesville: From Gravel to GreenwaysLet's explore the vibrant biking culture of Statesville, NC, with our special guest Wes Davidson, owner of First Flight Bicycles and the organizer of the Love Valley Roubaix event happening September 20-22, 2024. Wes takes us through the wide range of local biking options, from thrilling mountain adventures to serene gravel rides. Discover how First Flight Bicycles isn't just a shop but a community cornerstone, complete with a unique beer and wine bar that makes it a go-to spot for cyclists to connect. Wes also shares insights into the increasing popularity of gravel riding, offering a safer and more scenic...2024-09-1024 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's Full Bloom: A Weekend of World-Class CinemaWhat if one weekend could transform a small-town festival into an international celebration of cinema? Join us as we sit down with Sydney Koppelmeyer, the marketing chair behind the Full Bloom Film Festival, to get an inside look at the ninth year of this incredible event in Statesville, North Carolina. This year's festival promises an eclectic mix of 41 films from around the world, including a special guest from China. We're excited to share the buzz surrounding the children's red carpet event for "The Inventor," penned by the writer of Ratatouille, and celebrate the record-breaking ticket sales that have everyone...2024-09-0321 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's September Spectacular: Fairs, Films, and FestivalsWhat if your September could be filled with unforgettable experiences and unique events right in Statesville, North Carolina? Let this episode be your guide to the season's top happenings. From muscadine and scuppernong picking at local farms to the week-long Iredell County Agricultural Fair, there's plenty to do for families and friends. This month also brings the 9th Annual Full Bloom Film Festival, featuring a lineup of films for all movie lovers. Plus, Carolina Farm Trust returns with their Dinner on W. Broad farm-to-table dinner, making this month a treat for food enthusiasts.But that's not all...2024-08-2724 minDiscover StatesvilleHerbs, Crafts, and Music: 25 Years of The Evening Farmers MarketCan you imagine the profound impact a local farmer's market can have on a community over 25 years? Join us as we celebrate the incredible journey of the Evening Farmer's Market at Pecan Park in Statesville, North Carolina. In our conversation with Madge and Byron, we explore the market's origins, tracing its growth from a small gathering in 1999 under Edward Marshall's vision to a bustling hub with a variety of vendors. Madge shares her personal story of selling herbs since moving to Statesville, shedding light on the market’s role in reconnecting the community with traditional practices and fostering new fr...2024-08-1323 minDiscover StatesvilleCrafting Community and Celebrating Local Talent in StatesvilleBringing vibrancy to downtown - Tori, owner of Mercantile on Broad, saw an opportunity for an event and spearheaded the 2nd Saturday Downtown Statesville events. Downtown businesses and vendors come together for a community event bringing in locals and out-of-town visitors to explore Statesville and shop/dine at our downtown Statesville businesses. These monthly gatherings not only boost economic activity but also cultivate a vibrant community spirit.Tori also walks through her journey to become the owner of Mercantile on Broad, a store showcasing 40 local makers and artisans, offering a diverse selection from home decor to pet...2024-08-0622 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's August Adventures: Events RundownWelcome to Discover Statesville! In this episode, we are joined by John and Dylan, our summer interns from UNC Charlotte, as they share insights from their capstone project. John discusses the need for better transportation options, like Uber and Lyft, to boost tourism and support local businesses. Dylan highlights how Statesville's prime location at the crossroads of I-77 and I-40 can attract more visitors.Get ready for a packed August with events for everyone. From the Piedmont HealthCare Friday After 5 concert series to the Statesville Kids Biz Expo by the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, there's plenty...2024-07-3031 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's July Extravaganza: Sports, Markets and FireworksGet ready to fill your July calendar with an array of vibrant events happening in Statesville, North Carolina! Ever wondered where you can catch some thrilling baseball action this summer? We've got you covered with all the details on the Statesville Owls' home games at West Iredell High School. With five opportunities to cheer for the Owls on July 1st, 2nd, 10th, 11th, and 12th, it’s a perfect outing for the whole family. Plus, don’t miss the City's spectacular fireworks celebration on July 3rd – we’ll let you in on all the prime viewing spots around Signal Hill Dri...2024-06-2411 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville's Juneteenth: A Legacy of UnityWhat if a small community event could grow into a cornerstone of town unity and cultural celebration? Join us as we uncover the history of Juneteenth in Statesville, North Carolina, with special guests Seifullahaj El-Amin and Tevin Carr. From the early 1990s beginnings sparked by the local Muslim community under the guidance of WD Muhammad, to the thriving festivities now hosted on West Broad Street, this episode delves into how a modest parade and celebration blossomed into a major annual event embraced by the entire town. Learn how the contributions of local businesses and the dedication of community groups...2024-06-1728 minDiscover StatesvilleSummer in Statesville: Trails, Tunes, and Time-Honored TalesStep into the heart of Statesville this June and immerse yourself in a variety of events celebrating everything from history to music to the great outdoors! We'll whisk you away on a journey through time with a Juneteenth story walk and craft event at Lake Norman State Park—perfect for families. Feel the boom of musket fire at Fort Dobbs, and lace up your hiking boots for a ranger-led adventure on National Trails Day. Art aficionados, prepare to be dazzled at Art in the Park, where the pulsing beats of live bands and an array of local food trucks co...2024-05-2915 minDiscover StatesvilleBountiful Berries and Soulful Sounds of Statesville in SpringGet ready to mark your calendars as May unfolds with a basketful of events in Statesville! If the sweet scent of strawberries has you yearning for sun-kissed afternoons, our episode will guide you to the best local farms for strawberry-picking -just be sure to keep tabs on the weather with a quick social media check. We're not just about the daytime charms; our nights are set to sparkle with the Friday After Five concert series, kicking off with none other than Gump Fiction. For those who prefer chills over tunes, dare to join us on the Haunted Statesville Ghost T...2024-05-0119 minDiscover StatesvillePints and Purpose: The Community Brew of Red Buffalo Brewing Co. in StatesvilleWe never expected a stroll through downtown Statesville would unveil a discovery as refreshing as a cold pint on a warm day, but that's precisely what happened upon meeting Joe Bondi, the mastermind behind Red Buffalo Brewing Company. His journey from purchasing a simple structure to creating a central community heartbeat unfolds in our latest podcast episode. This episode takes you on a six-year voyage with Red Buffalo, showcasing how Joe's love for craft beer intertwines with his commitment to fostering connections and energizing the community's spirit. It's a narrative that captures the essence of Statesville, enriched by the...2024-04-0322 minDiscover StatesvilleStatesville in Bloom: Crafts, Culture, and Craft Beer - April Event Run DownSpring has truly sprung in Statesville, North Carolina. You can almost smell the fresh tulips and taste the locally crafted brews we're chatting about in our latest episode. We've got the scoop on the Howard Family Farms tulip experience that's captivating families and Instagram feeds alike—imagine wandering through rows of rainbow-colored blooms, the perfect backdrop for your spring memories. And if you fancy more than just a visual feast, join us at Fort Dobbs Historic Site's artisan market where your taste buds can revel in the freshest local produce and sweetest treats, happening every first and third Tuesday.2024-03-2713 minDiscover StatesvilleCrafting Success and Community: The Woman Shaping Statesville's Spirit IndustryAs the clink of glasses and the rich aroma of bourbon mark the merriment of International Women's Month, we sit down with Vienna Barger, the trailblazing co-founder and COO of Southern Distilling Company. Her journey is one for the storybooks – from a public health social worker to a distilling dynamo in Statesville, North Carolina, where she's not just challenging the status quo, but rewriting the rules of the spirits game. Vienna's candid recount of her five-year legislative hustle, which has led to an impressive expansion of her craft from a modest operation to an industry titan producing thousands of ba...2024-03-0823 minDiscover StatesvilleTransforming History into Mystery at Statesville's Premier Escape RoomPrepare to be captivated by the enchanting tales from Statesville as Roger Siegrist, the ingenious co-owner of Key to Escape, takes us on a journey through the transformation of a historic 1898 building into a nationally celebrated escape room. Imagine a world where a romantic first date blossoms into a venture fueled by a blend of engineering prowess and psychological insight, crafting intricate puzzles that draw visitors from across the nation. With a location steeped in history—formerly a church, law office, and newspaper headquarters—Roger reveals how the secrets and passages of their venerable establishment contribute to an extraordinarily imme...2024-03-0625 minDiscover StatesvilleCulinary Curiosity Piqued: Savoring StatesvilleEmbark on a culinary tour of Statesville with us as we chat with Jason Cole and Andi Chadwick, the dynamic duo behind The Quarter, Statesville's homage to the New Orleans food scene. Picture yourself whisked away to the vibrant streets of the French Quarter as we uncover the transformation of 124 Landmark Alley into a sanctuary of Southern flavors, ranging from perfectly prepared oysters to beignets dripping with almond praline sauce. We'll also take you just down the street to dining at Broad Street Burger, where the vast burger universe is just a bite away, and shine a light on...2024-02-2822 minDiscover StatesvilleCrafting Unforgettable Events: The Statesville Civic CenterUnlock the secrets to crafting unforgettable events as we journey through the bustling heart of Statesville's community hub with Kenny Roberts and Amye Burks from the Statesville Civic Center. Within these walls, stories unfold of a venue that's more than just brick and mortar; it's the canvas for our town's most cherished memories. From the quirky and electric atmosphere of Comic Con to the elegance of grand banquets, we celebrate the resilience of our beloved center and its roaring comeback post-COVID, showcasing how it continues to be the beating heart that draws crowds and laughter to our downtown streets.2024-02-1327 minDiscover StatesvilleBucket List Dreams Become Reality: Statesville Comic ConFrom a bucket list dream to the heartbeat of Statesville's pop culture scene, Tim and Sherry Deel have crafted a local Comic Con that has become the talk of the town, and they’re here to pull back the curtain on their incredible journey. Our latest episode is more than a behind-the-scenes look; it's a celebration of community, creativity, and the collective love for all things geeky. As successful proprietors of their own comic book store, the Deels are no strangers to the world of superheroes and fantastical tales. They open up about the thrills and challenges of bringing a...2024-02-0720 minDiscover StatesvilleFitness, Festivities, and Fanfare: February in Statesville, NCFebruary is here, and we can't contain our excitement for all the amazing events happening in Statesville, NC. Join us for a thrilling rundown of the month's highlights.🎈 Statesville Rec's 15-Year Celebration! 🎂Richard and his team have something special in store at the Statesville Rec this February. Get ready to celebrate 15 years of community, fitness, and fun. Don't miss out on the festivities!🏊♂️ Polar Plunge: 02/17 ❄️Dive into the icy adventure at the Polar Plunge on February 17th. This year's edition includes a thrilling 1-mile run, adding an extra dash of excitement. Make...2024-01-3117 minDiscover StatesvilleBridging Art and Community: Statesville's Iredell Arts CouncilStepping into the Old Jail in Statesville, North Carolina, you might expect echoes of the past, but it’s vibrant strokes of creativity and the hum of music that greet you, courtesy of the Iredell Arts Council. We had the pleasure of sitting down with John Koppelmeyer, the executive director, whose own story is as colorful as the artwork on the walls. From John's switch from children's behavioral health to championing our local arts, his journey mirrors the transformative power of the council's work. Together, we weave through the council's history, the robust lifeline it provided during the pandemic, an...2024-01-3130 min