A two-day public workshop is planned Wednesday and Thursday, July 23-24, to begin planning for a proposed mixed-use development on the 5.5-acre Metrolina Warehouse site at Jackson and Depot streets downtown.

As DavidsonNews.net reported last month, a Raleigh-based developer is considering the site for a project that could include stores, offices and residences, and could be tied closely to development of the commuter rail station planned on Jackson Street. (See June 20, 2008, “Developer eyes warehouse for mixed-use project.”)

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There’s no new Harry Potter book to get excited about this summer, but that doesn’t mean the thrill is gone for lovers of fantasy lit. Davidson Public Library is getting ready to celebrate the release of the latest installment in a vampire series with a Potter-esque party and reader lock-in event.

“Breaking Dawn” the fourth book in the “Twilight” series by Stephenie Meyer will be released at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, and the local library will be open to fans.

Also below, news about other library events and the next book in the DavidsonReads series. Read the full story

Lake Norman Orchestra performs a Concert on the Green Sunday.

The community calendar in and around Davidson this week includes an important Town Board meeting Tuesday night, a Lego-building night for teens on Wednesday, and a Concert on the Green Sunday with Lake Norman Orchestra. And don’t forget the Davidson Farmers Market on Saturday! We have details about those events and more … Read the full story

A combo of local folk/bluegrass musicians called Davidson Local will perform a night of original songs about life in Davidson and the region on Saturday, July 5, 8-11 p.m. at Summit Coffee, 128 S. Main St. The group is led by John Swallow, Cameron Swallow, and John Wertheimer, who writes most of the group’s humorous and insightful music.
LISTEN: Last winter, the group put together “The DavidsonNews.net Song” in honor of the first anniversary of this website. Listen below by clicking play.

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(“DavidsonNews.net Song,” MP3 format, 1 min. 35 sec.)

LISTEN: Here’s another song by Mr. Wertheimer, entitled “Waitin’ for the Light Rail.”

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(“Waitin’ for the Light Rail,” MP3 format, 3 min. 8 sec.)

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Nelle Thomas (at right) of Davidson was among those who have been heading to Town Hall this week to pick up a batch of official wrist bands for Davidson’s Fourth of July festivities. The bright red bands stamped with the town logo are a new requirement for admission to the town’s concert and fireworks display Friday. Residents have until 4 p.m. Thursday to pick up the wristbands at Town Hall on South Main. Residents can get the bands for family members and guests. Otherwise, you’ll need to show a driver’s license with a Davidson address at the gates Friday. Non-residents will be charged $5 for entry.

Independence Day is the highlight of the weekend, and revelers can also plan to head to the Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville Thursday evening for a fireworks fix. Other happenings around town include a free youth bell concert at St. Alban’s Thursday, the farmer’s market Saturday and John Wertheimer singin’ at Summit Saturday. Read the full story

As defending champions in the Ben & Jerry’s Scooper Olympics, the Davidson “scoop shop” will have the honor of hosting this year’s games.

The Davidson Dream Team from 2007, with shop Manager Karen Toney at center.

Consider it a preview of the Summer Olympics in Beijing, an opportunity to witness sweet elbow grease, or just a chance to cheer the local team. Whatever the reason, plan to head to the Ben & Jerry’s shop on South Main Street Monday for a 10 a.m. face off among top scoopers.

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Many neighbors have quit town for the mountains or the beach but there’s plenty going on if you’ve decided to stick around this week of July 4. The Town Board meets tonight to discuss proposed N.C. 73 / Davidson-Concord Road zoning changes. A school hand bell choir from New Jersey stops at St. Albans on Thursday. And Independence Day festivities are planned at the Lowe’s YMCA Thursday and in Davidson Friday. For more … Read the full story

Many who attended Sunday night’s Concert on the Green with R&B dance group Rough Draft enjoyed gourmet picnics before rain forced an early end to the festivities (see related item, “Rain causes street closure.”) Winners of the “most gourmet” picnic contest were Judy and Ron Hughes. The runner-up, a young sushi lover named McKenna Hurlbut, had to leave the concert before claiming her prize. McKenna, there is a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cake waiting for you so if you see this article, contact Downtown Davidson Inc.
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