
By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
CARRBORO — In true Carrboro fashion, the ringing of the Carrboro Century Center bell commemorating the town’s 100th birthday last Thursday evening was barely audible over the celebratory noise of the townspeople inside.
“Nobody can make noise like Carrboro,†said Jacquie Gist, a member of the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, wishing the town a happy birthday.
Following the town’s annual reception recognizing advisory board and recreation volunteers, town staff, former board members, elected officials and residents young and old lined up to ring the bell 100 times.
Carrboro Board of Aldermen member Randee Haven-O’Donnell told the audience how when she came to Carrboro 33 years ago, “I fell in love with it.
“There’s no place like home,†she said.
Rep. David Price, who represents Orange County, presented a letter to the town from President Barack Obama recognizing the town’s birthday, as well as a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Carrboro at Price’s request.
“I couldn’t be more proud to represent this town,†Price said. “I do think Carrboro reflects what’s best about our country and exemplifies the kind of values that not only I want to reflect as your representation, but the kind of values, the kind of community life that I would aspire to for all our countrymen and -women.â€
Chilton recounted the history of Julian Shakespeare Carr, the mill owner for whom Carrboro was named, but who never lived in the town. Attendees also got a lesson in town history from members of the Carrboro High School history club, who described the development of Carrboro over the past 100 years.
A surprise flash mob-style performance of “I Wonder if the Lighthouse Will Shine on Me†by the Triangle Gay Men’s Chorus was certainly the highlight of the evening, taking nearly everyone in attendance by surprise and bringing a tear to more than one set of eyes.
Jay Bryan, Carrboro’s poet laureate, read several poems about Carrboro, including one appropriately titled We’ve Got Attitude, and another, Song de Carrboro.
The event kicked off the town’s celebration of its 100th birthday, which will continue on an extra-special Carrboro Day, which falls on May 1 this year. The centennial celebration will include a circus-style celebration at Town Commons and events at other locations throughout town, and will feature live music and other performance acts, as well as other commemorative activities yet to be revealed.