"CATS Board Applications Open, Festival of India Returns, Wegmans Coming to Ballantyne & More!"

Trivia Question❓

In 1775, the town of Charlotte, North Carolina gained fame for a resolution drafted by citizens stating that they were willing to suffer a "temporary concentration of blood" for their freedom. What was this resolution famously known as?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Tip-A-Cop Fundraiser Brings Community Together to Support Special Olympics North Carolina

Law enforcement and diners team up at Texas Roadhouse to raise funds for nearly 53,000 Special Olympics athletes across North Carolina.

Tip-A-Cop fundraiser benefits Special Olympics North Carolina

Dine for a cause! On Wednesday, September 18 from 5–9 p.m., Texas Roadhouse locations across North Carolina — including Concord and Matthews — will host the Tip-A-Cop fundraiser.

During the event, law enforcement officers will serve alongside restaurant staff, greeting tables and delivering food. Guests are encouraged to “tip” the officers, with 100% of those tips going directly to Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC). Mention SONC or show the flyer, and 10% of your meal will also be donated.

Funds raised support nearly 53,000 athletes and unified partners across the state by covering uniforms, equipment, travel, and training costs. Special Olympics athletes never pay to participate, making events like Tip-A-Cop vital.

If you can’t attend, donations can be made at SONC.net.

👉 Come out, enjoy a meal, and help athletes of all ages “get in the game.”

"Call for Applications: Join the CATS Transit Authority Board in Charlotte"

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is currently accepting applications for individuals interested in serving on the Transit Authority Board.

The board oversees CATS and makes important decisions about transit service in the Charlotte area.

Interested individuals can apply through the City of Charlotte's website.

Josh’s Farmers Market, a beloved Mooresville staple for over 30 years, will soon have a permanent home on the Lowe’s YMCA campus.

This move follows the YMCA of Greater Charlotte selling land to the market, reinforcing its commitment to supporting local food access and boosting neighborhood engagement.

The partnership aims to create a vibrant community hub promoting health, wellness, and meaningful connections.

Josh’s Farmers Market previously operated on the YMCA campus from 2021 to 2023, and its new facility will include a 6,700-square-foot indoor market and seasonal outdoor areas.

Construction begins this fall, with a grand opening planned for spring 2026.

Shared parking and restrooms will be available to both YMCA visitors and market shoppers.

Recent changes to Mooresville’s development ordinance will also support more permanent open-air markets, further strengthening local food options for residents.

The Festival of India will be returning to Uptown Charlotte and Ballantyne on September 20-21, featuring cultural performances, food, and shopping.

The event will include a variety of activities such as dance performances, musical showcases, and traditional Indian cuisine.

Attendees can experience the rich culture and traditions of India through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.

The festival aims to celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness within the community.

Charlotte is taking a bold step by linking affordable housing efforts with sustainable transportation through its Corridors of Opportunity program.

New homeowners in the North Graham and North Tryon corridors receive electric bicycles, offering them an eco-friendly and affordable way to commute.

This innovative pilot aims to ease financial strains that often come with car ownership, particularly for first-time buyers in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Through a partnership with DreamKey Partners, new residents not only receive e-bikes, but also benefit from bike safety training and community workshops.

Funded by a $300,000 gift from the Wells Fargo Championship, the three-year pilot seeks to broaden transportation options for low- and moderate-income families, while building a more equitable city.

The program’s success may pave the way for expansion, helping Charlotte invest in generational wealth and stronger, more connected communities.

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Wegmans to Open First Charlotte Store in Ballantyne by 2026

Wegmans Food Markets is set to open its first Charlotte location in Ballantyne, aiming for a grand debut in the third quarter of 2026.

The new 110,000-square-foot store will rise on North Community House Road, offering locals an extensive range of departments, from fresh produce and seafood to a vibrant bakery and a market café with indoor and outdoor seating.

Hundreds of resident requests drove the selection of this site, reflecting years of careful planning, according to company leadership.

This marks another major milestone for Wegmans’ North Carolina expansion, following its 2019 state debut.

The Ballantyne store will neighbor the dynamic upcoming development, The Bowl at Ballantyne, with trendy tenants like Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and North Italia.

Ballantyne’s continued growth, including new eateries and fitness studios, is transforming the area into a sought-after, mixed-use community for both residents and visitors.

Agora Greek Market on E. Independence Blvd. has become a beloved local hub for Mediterranean flavors in Charlotte.

Since its opening in 2012, this family-run store has evolved from a wholesale supplier into a vibrant retail destination catering to both the Greek community and food enthusiasts.

Shoppers can browse specialty imports ranging from Greek cheeses and kalamata olives to extra virgin olive oil from Eleia and ready-made spanakopita.

Home cooks will also appreciate the selection of phyllo dough, semolina, and other baking essentials for making authentic Greek desserts and dishes.

The welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service set Agora apart, earning glowing praise from regulars who value both the unique products and knowledgeable staff.

Convenient parking, personal recommendations, and a true taste of Greece make Agora a must-visit for anyone seeking culinary authenticity in Charlotte.

Events This Weekend

🎉 Here are 5 great events happening around Charlotte this weekend:

1. Festival in the Park

📍 Freedom Park (1900 East Blvd)

⏰ Fri (4–9 PM), Sat (10 AM–9 PM), Sun (10 AM–5 PM)

💵 Free admission. Arts, music, food vendors, and family fun.

🔗 festivalinthepark.org

2. Mecktoberfest Weekend Two — LoSo

📍 Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (LoSo)

⏰ Sept 19–21, starting ~11 AM each day

🍻 German beer, food, live music, stein-holding contests, and games.