Tag Archive for: #ridgewayncnews

Step 1 in Preserving & Protecting Our Historic Communities

by Craig Hahn

The Warren County Historic Preservation Commission held a public informational meeting 27 July to introduce their initiative to have permanent, historic signs placed in Warren County communities. This County program is designed to help preserve & enhance the history of our local communities and Warren County.

The following communities will be part of Phase 1 of this program: Arcola/Bethlehem, Inez, Ridgeway, Russell Union, Soul City & Warren Plains. At last night’s meeting representatives from Soul City, Russell Union and Ridgeway were in attendance and plan to move forward on signs for their communities.

Citizens interested in being a part of the historic community signage program are needed to form committees to research their communities’ history, select a roadside site where motorists can pull over to read the sign and to raise funds for the purchase of the signs (similar in appearance to the silver-toned State historic markers). These signs will be two-sided. The cost is about $1,200 to $1,700 each (depending on the final design choice. Currently Warren County does have some funding available to assist each community noted above to “kick-start” their respective fundraising efforts in the amount of about $400.

To get involved, Community members interested in participating or getting more information may contact Ken Krulik at 252-257-7027, 252-257-3037, or mailto:KenKrulik@warrencountync.gov.

Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival coming up July 8th

by Craig Hahn

It’s one of my favorite events of the year…the Annual Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival. Join your friends and neighbors on 8 July from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Ridgeway Volunteer Fire Departments for this iconic festival. Enjoy cantaloupes, Brunswick stew, hot dogs and festive refreshments. Come see historical displays, kiddie rides, horseback rides, local entertainment and crafts! This event is free!

You can start the morning with a run in the Ridgeway 5K races. For information and registration, visit the Ridgeway Historical Society’s website. This race starts at 8:00 a.m. and the entry fee is just $25.00. You can also contact Tommy Tucker at 252-213-0429 or tucthm@aol.com.

The Ridgeway Historical Society promotes the history of Ridgeway and its people. It hosts the annual Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival and Ridgeway 5K run as well as other fundraising events. It operates a museum of the history of its people and of the area.

See you on the 8th on US 1 in the heart of Ridgeway!

Chamber of Commerce of Warren County Announces “Dollar Days Raffle”

Calling All Chamber Members…Join in Our “Dollar Days Raffle” Chamber Fundraiser to Give Customers Chance For Big Prizes!

I’m excited to announce the first steps in our upcoming “Dollar Days Raffle” for Warren County. If you’re a Chamber member, look for a visit from me or one of our Board Members in the next week as we collect prizes for a big giveaway.

Here’s how the Raffle will work: We’ll give people a chance to win one of 40 prizes (38 prizes from our members and a cash prize of $500 and $250). Beginning Saturday 22 April tickets go on sale at Spring Fest on the Historic Courthouse Square in Warrenton. We’ll have preliminary prize drawings on 15 May and 12 June, with the big drawing to be held at the Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival on 8 July.

How Can You Help? Simple…we’re looking for donated prizes from our Members. If you can’t give merchandise, then you can follow BB&T’s lead and give a $50 Visa Gift Card. I’ll provide a receipt for your taxes. Then, we’ll give each prize-donating business a poster for your window to promote your giveaway and tickets for sale. Your business gets extra promotion and your customers get a chance to win great prizes.

If you’re interested in donating before I get a chance to visit with you, please call me at 252-257-2657 or email me at info@warrenchamber.org. Looking forward to a great promotion!
Craig Hahn

Executive Director