E-Newsletter 1062 | July 2023

"O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave"

2023 Independence Day will be held in conjunction with Valdese Summer Concert Series on June 30, 2023.

Each year the Town of Valdese celebrates Independence Day by holding an impressive fireworks display on the football field behind the Old Rock School. Regarded as one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the area, the Town of Valdese sponsors this celebration with a brilliant light display that bursts at a lower altitude which allows for a variety of swirls and explosions. Plenty of ooohs and ahhhs for everyone!

Main Street will close at 5pm to allow cars for the Classic & Antique Car Cruise In to fill the downtown area.

Amusement Rides for all ages & plenty of great eats: Dig'n Dogs, Village Inn Pizza, Pelican's Snowballs, 4 Fosters Slushies, & Frostie's Ice Cream Express

Waldensian Style Wines will be pouring all night!

Cool down with a famous Brenda's Peach Bellini! Cold Beer!

Face Painting! Balloons!



Event Schedule

5pm - Main Street Closes

5:30pm - Car Show Begins

6:45pm - Opening Announcements

7pm - Band - THE TONEZ

Dusk - FIREWORKS! - Launched from behind the Old Rock School

The 2023-2024 Budget was approved. Here are some highlights from what was approved.

HOT TOPIC - TAXES! The budget included a reduction in the tax rate from 54.5¢ to 51.5¢ to help offset the impact on citizens from the County Property Tax Revaluation that took place at the beginning of the year.

Property value growth and new construction resulted in $400,000 in new revenues that will be used as follows:

- STREET PAVING! Yes, street paving in the amount of $350,000

- Downtown Improvements - Gateway Signs - $50,000

INFLATION - The Town of Valdese has also seen tremendous increases in operating costs. Example? Fire Hydrants have increased from $1,700 in 2020 to $4,359 today.

SERVICES - The Town has absorbed increased contract costs (approximately 5%) for trash collection & recycling services without any increases passed to citizens.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

-Decrease in Fitness Center fees for Valdese Residents.

-5% Cost of Living Increase for Employees.

-$40,000 contribution to BC Public Library - continuing free & open library for citizens.

The budgeting process continues over several months. The Valdese Town Council invites you to contact them with any questions and how they can help Valdese citizens.

Mayor Charlie Watts - 828-443-0881

Mayor Pro-Tem - Frances Hildebran - 828-201-9107

Councilman Paul Mears - 828-879-2186

Councilman Tim Barus - 828-217-9642

Councilwoman Rexanna Lowman - 828-432-7049

Councilman Tim Skidmore - 828-874-3503

Next Town Council Meeting

Monday, July 10th 6:00 P.M.

Meetings will be held at 6pm at Valdese Town Hall Council Chambers (unless otherwise noted): 102 Massel Avenue South West Valdese NC 28690. All meetings are open to the public. 

55th Season of the Historic Outdoor Drama "From This Day Forward"

This longest running outdoor drama in NC tells the story of the Waldenses, a people from the area known as the Cottian Alps in Northern Italy near the French border, and the founders of the Town of Valdese. See the journey of the Waldenses unfold before your eyes in a tale of faith, courage, and triumph!

July 14 -August 12

Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 P.M.

Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre

Rock School Arts Foundation Open Studio

Every Thursday 11-3:00 P.M.

Rock School Arts Foundation welcomes all two-dimensional artists to paint/draw together on Thursdays in Studio 101, located in the Old Rock School in Valdese, NC. Studio hours will be from 11 am to 3 pm.

All levels are welcome, some experience is recommended since this is not an instructional session.

Participants will need to bring your own subject matter (photo reference or roughed-in subject), canvas or other surface, painting/drawing materials, (including paints/pastels/pens and ink, pencils, brushes, solvents, paint rags). 15 Easels and 3 covered tables, sinks and trash cans are provided.

Why paint together? For the Inspiration, the Fun, the Comradery and Energy, and Peer critique (if desired). This style of collaboration resulted in some of the most important art movements of the centuries. Let’s create something great together!

Next Planning Board Meeting:

Monday, July 17th 4:00 P.M.

The Planning Board reviews amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, preliminary and final subdivision plats, rezoning applications and considers other development issues that affect the town. Planning Board members also serve as the town’s Board of Adjustment for any variance cases that may arise. The Planning Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4pm in the office of the Planning Director located at Town Hall - 102 Massel Ave SW.

For more information, please contact Planning Director, Larry Johnson at 828-879-2124 or via email at ljohnson@valdesenc.gov

Rock School Arts Foundation: Art Camp for Kids!

July 17^th through July 21^st

Kindergarten through Second Grade (Maximum number of campers 8)

10:00am – 12:00pm

Title of Camp: Famous Artist Camp

Instructor: Janice Harris

Description of art instruction: 

From printmaking to abstract painting students will design their own masterpieces influenced by famous artists in this jam-packed week of art camp. Pollock, Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Klimt and Kusama are just a few we will explore. 

Third through Fifth Grades (Maximum number of campers 10)

1:00pm – 3:00pm

Title of Camp: Nurturing the Power of Your Child’s Imagination 2

Instructor: Dr. Tim Boyd

Description of art instruction:

Natural materials and the camper's imagination will be used to create the works. Some of the materials used will be discovered on short walks around the Old Rock School; others will be provided. Instructions and information provided will help your camper to “think outside the box “.

Fee: $60.00 for the week.

Sign up for one or both camps by email rsaf1893@gmail.com or call 828-838-9806.

Family Friday Summer Concert Series:

Check out the 2023 lineup!

Attention, Artists!

Register now for the 2023 Valdese Plein Air Fest!

Or become a sponsor!

Valdese Plein Air Fest is the second annual week-long plein air event for oil, acrylic, gouache, watercolor and pastel painters held in Valdese, NC, the picturesque town located “Where the Piedmont Meets the Mountains.” Up to 40 painters will create their artwork on event-stamped canvas or other art surfaces from September 9th through the deadline for delivery of 3pm on September 15th. Artwork will be placed on display for judging, sale, awards and a reception that takes place Saturday, September 16th from 4 - 6pm in the of Old Rock School. Artist registration fee: $35, includes admission of the artist and one guest at the September 16th reception and awards ceremony. Please note tickets must be purchased for any additional family or friends.

Registration, Event and Ticket Purchase website: valdesepleinairfest.com

Locations: Downtown Valdese (Public areas only) Valdese Lakeside Park, 1149 Rhodhiss Dr. NE; Valdese, NC 28690.

Burke County's reverse 911 system and Smart911 App link. This is where you can sign up to receive the text alerts, the Smart911 App, and emails you in the event of an emergency.

The Town of Valdese is an excellent place to work. With friendly co-workers, challenging duties, and an opportunity to interact with the citizens of the best town in America, seeking employment with the Town is a wonderful career decision. 

Valdese makes for the perfect day trip!

From historical attractions to lush parks, there is something to interest everyone in our small town! Call 828-874-6774 for ideas to make your day trip unforgettable or check out visitvaldese.com!

We are OPEN for tours Tuesday - Friday 

(Closed Mondays & Holidays)

Morning Tour - 11:00am / Afternoon Tour - 2:00pm

828-874-1111

director@waldensianheritagemuseum.com