All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances…
William Shakespeare
It is often said, half in jest, that Tarboro is “The crossroads of Western Civilization.” This is part due to this community’s unique sense of style, sophistication, verve and self-confidence – and in part because it is absolutely true.
Tarboro is in many regards nothing like your typical small town in a rural county. We have a remarkable historic district, a distinguished list of “who’s-who” with local roots, widespread influence well beyond scale and a vibrant cultural scene. Tarboro folk are leaders both state and nation-wide.
When you add up the celebrated artists, musicians, actors, authors, doctors, scientists, clergy, political luminaries and other lettered Tarboro residents one could easily say we are the civic equivalent of the celebrated Renaissance Man.
Or – more accurately and very much on point – you could say that this is a Renaissance Town.
Okay, so we will say it: “Tarboro is a Renaissance Town.“
Which is why Saturday’s happenings on and around the Town Common were in every way appropriate as the community hosted this year’s uber-successful inaugural “Tarborough Faire.” Or, more apropos, Tarboro’s Renaissance Festival.
Perfect Fall Day:
The day could not have been more perfect. Sunshine, temperatures hovering between 65 and 75-degrees, all sorts of people, activities, contests, shows, vendors, food trucks, beverage stations and splendidly dressed medieval personages.
It was too nice a day to leave Max at home and so my photography was hampered by the gyrations of a very enthusiastic golden retriever. But I will share what I have and it turned out to be not too shabby.
We have lived here almost three years now and this is the best turnout to a Town Common event I have seen to date. People everywhere. People coming and going. Not just so very many of our Tarboro folk but people from several surrounding communities too. People enjoying our unique and inviting local ambiance, people having fun, people celebrating a lovely fall day. So much going on it was impossible to begin to count.
Celebrating Life!
Celebration. Maybe that is the best way to describe Tarboro this Saturday. People celebrating this amazing gift of life and also celebrating the generous gift of community.
This is who we are, friends. Not those angry people you spend too much time listening to on-line. This is Tarboro, this is our home, this is America at its very best. This is why I believe we are going to be all right.
Peace and love y’all – DEREK
I feel like Tarboro is what Wake Forest used to be like when we moved there in 2001. I hope it stays quaint, as WF became way too overcrowded and commercialized 🙁
We are not close enough to any metro area so any growth has to be related to the town itself. We are in that tricky place where we need more investment – especially in the historic district. I think there is a slow realization of what we have here and I am hopeful that some momentum will build. My vision is to see five more of the key historic homes restored and lived in, a second “destination” restaurant to complement “On the Square”, a bike shop, a couple more boutique stores to get the ball rolling and – this is huge – two or three well-heeled investors willing to take a risk with no expected return for several years… Yes, I have been thinking about this!!