Mathew Barton was instrumental in Boy Scout Troop 45’s cotton candy operation during last year’s Carrboro Day. Photo by Kirk Ross.

by Susan Dickson
Staff Writer

The 13th annual Carrboro Day will feature activities and events both new and old, focusing on a new theme this year: “Celebrating a Sustainable Community.”

Catherine DeVine, director of Carrboro Day, said that while the event will include new features and activities, much of the May 4 festival will be reminiscent of those of years past.

“That’s why we love it,” said DeVine. “It’s like an old movie – out of time.”

This year’s Carrboro Day will be slightly different, however, because it will be trash free, DeVine said.

The Boy Scouts will sell hot dogs and other food at the event as a benefit for the Carrboro Branch Library, but the food will be wrapped in paper, rather than non-recyclable materials. Material-specific recycling bins will be scattered throughout the venues.

Another addition to Carrboro Day, which is run by volunteers, is a new volunteer squad – the Carrboro High School football team.

“I’ve got the Carrboro High Jaguars, wearing their purple jerseys, volunteering all over the place all afternoon,” DeVine said. “They’ll do everything.”

DeVine said the main stage in front of Carrboro Town Hall is “booked solid with live music,” but participants can enjoy other displays and activities throughout the festival as well.

There will be a variety of family games, including relay races and a balloon toss. In addition, Mother Goose will make a special appearance and magician Joshua Lozoff will perform. Kids can also make crafts on the Town Commons.

Several town departments and organizations, including the Carrboro Fire Department, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority and Public Works, will have informational displays.

Behind Town Hall, the Animal Protection Society Drill Team – a group of trained dogs – will perform a choreographed maneuver.

“They show off,” DeVine said. “They’re very well-trained dogs who know how to march.”

Inside Town Hall, local poets will give a poetry reading, and a special ceremony will recognize the winners of this year’s youth poetry contest.

Although DeVine said she hopes for clear skies, Carrboro Day will go on regardless of gloomy weather. If it rains, the entire event, with a few exceptions, will move into the Carrboro Century Center.

For a complete list of Carrboro Day events, see the Carrboro Day schedule box.

Carrboro Day 2007.