Pittsboro, NC – As Chatham 250 continues its celebrations throughout 2021, the planning committee is thrilled to announce five upcoming community events. The events are part of the Chatham 250 Passport Experience, a self-guided tour meets scavenger hunt, which is designed to assist in the exploration of Chatham County in honor of its 250th anniversary. The events focus on the five key areas of Chatham 250 celebration – Creative Arts, Growth and Change, Community and Diversity, Agriculture, and Natural Environment.
The Chatham 250 events are also the first activity featured on each of the corresponding passports. The events will occur virtually, in-person and in hybrid formats and will all be free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for the events over the next six months that will further encourage residents and visitors alike to engage with the unique places, people, cultures and experiences in Chatham County.
Growth and Change Event (Series): Chatham County History of Communities of Color
May 28, June 11 and June 19, 2021
Sponsored by Deep River Chapter Pittsboro, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
The public is invited to join the Chatham Community Library for a three-part virtual lecture series chronicling the history of communities of color in Chatham County. The first lecture is in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and will occur on Friday, May 28 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. The lecture titled “We Are Proud Americans: Asian American Pacific Islanders Honor Their Heritage” will include a live panel discussion moderated by Anna-Rhesa Versola Kallam, Managing Editor of Chatham Magazine.
The second lecture titled “Chatham County – Discovering Our Heritage Through Genealogy” will focus on the genealogical and heritage resources available through the County’s public libraries and other related resources and will occur on Friday, June 11th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
The series will conclude with a much-anticipated lecture titled “From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans in Chatham County” on Saturday, June 19th from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. This lecture, by Charles Johnson, Associate Professor and Director of Public History at North Carolina Central University, is also part of Juneteenth Celebrations in Chatham County.
All lectures will occur virtually, and pre-registration is required to access the login information. Interested participants can learn more and RSVP by visiting the Chatham 250 event page, or by visiting the Chatham County Calendar.
Natural Environment Event: Great Chatham County Camp Out
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Sponsored by Central Electric
Chatham County families are invited to spend the night camping at a designated campsite, in their own backyard, or even in a homemade fort in their living room. Participants can follow along on their own time with many community organizations that will be releasing videos about camping tips and the natural environment of Chatham County. “B. Everett Jordan Dam is looking forward to partnering with Chatham 250 on the Great Chatham County Camp Out by offering a one-night-only camping experience,” said Blake Johnson, Natural Resource Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at B. Everett Jordan Lake. “We’re planning multiple cultural and nature programs for the in-person campout, including storytelling with a Bynum Front Porch storyteller, a campfire sing-a-long, guided hikes and ranger programs with the staff from B. Everett Jordan Dam. We hope to also live stream these programs for our remote campers. It should be an unforgettable night!”
Agriculture Event: Agricultural Photo Contest
Submissions due August 1, 2021
Winners announced in September 2021
Sponsored by Chatham County Farm Bureau
Chathamites are invited to get out their cameras and set their sights on Agriculture. The Chatham 250 Agriculture Photo Contest is the perfect opportunity to learn about the amazing farms and farm history in Chatham County. Contestants will upload one photo of their choosing and give insight into why they chose this photo in 200 words or less. Coordinating this contest is Kaley Lawing, Community Resource Development/4-H Youth Development Extension Agent with N. C. Cooperative Extension – Chatham County Center. “The Chatham 250 Agriculture Photo Contest gives both youth and adults the opportunity to share their photographs of Chatham County Agriculture with everyone,” said Lawing. “Contest participants will upload their photo submission by going to the Chatham 250 event web page. Contest rules, submission form, and updates can be found there as well and will be available in the upcoming months. Submissions are due by August 1st, and winners will be announced in September.”
Creative Arts Celebration Theme Event: Sidewalk Chalk Festival
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Sponsored by Carolina Meadows
Residents are invited to express their creativity by joining Chatham 250 at the Sidewalk Chalk Festival Saturday, September 11th from noon – 4:00 p.m. Community Members are welcome to participate on site at the Park at Briar Chapel or send in a photo of their masterpiece that they created at their own home. The competition will be split into age divisions and the winner will be selected by a panel of judges. “Whether participating or spectating, people can look forward to celebrating Chatham 250 using sidewalk chalk as a creative outlet. I am excited to have people from across the county, and of all ages, show off their creativity and love for Chatham County,” said Mallory Peterson, Program Supervisor with Chatham County Parks and Recreation and co-liaison for the Chatham 250 Events and Activities committee.
Learn more by visiting the Chatham 250 Sidewalk Chalk Festival event page.
Community and Diversity Event: Chatham 250 Parade/Carvana
Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Siler City (Rain Date: Sunday, October 24th)
Sponsored by Town of Siler City
The Chatham 250 celebration will be coming to a cheerful close with the Parade/Carvana taking place in Siler City on Saturday, October 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Chatham 250 welcomes all community members, businesses and organizations to either participate in or watch the parade in celebration of Chatham County.
Learn more about Chatham 250 Events and Passport Experience
For more information on Chatham 250 events and activities, residents may visit www.chatham250.com, or follow Chatham County on Twitter and Facebook. People may RSVP on Facebook for the events. Facebook events can be found on the Chatham 250 website.
Another great way to stay up to date with Chatham 250 activities is to register for the Chatham 250 Passport Experience through the Chatham 250 website home page: www.chatham250.com or Passport page. Registered participants will receive monthly updates throughout the Passport Experience. Already more than 100 individuals have registered to participate in the Passport Experience, and more community members are encouraged to sign up for these fun, unique and memorable activities.