Renew Your Vows at 2nd Anniversary of Marry Durham

Good marriages take work, but that work is so much more worth it when an anniversary is reached. Even when the marriage is between a person - and a place.

The good news is that Durham is a great spouse - A+ material.  It's got a good vibe, solid track record, excels in being engaged and present, dependable, and most of all, loving.

Rattling off a better list of attributes for one's betrothed would be challenging. The work of this marriage is totally worth it for many who live in Durham. "I love Durham, its creativity, open-mindedness and its sense of activism," said Shelly Green who heads Durham's tourism marketing agency.

This crazy idea that people would be willing to marry the place they love caught a lot of attention both locally and around the country.  But that's the thing about Durham, it can always be counted on for being progressive and keeping things interesting.

That welcoming nature in this diverse place is a great reason to come down to the anniversary celebration on Saturday, March 23rd.  Starting at 2 PM on Rigsbee Street, where this whole crazy thing started in 2010, will be a street party worth attending.  Break out the tux, the gown, get a wedding party together and join in the celebration.  There will be food trucks, a raffle, a parade, and more. "This is sure to be another great and unique Durham celebration," Green added.

Read more about the original celebration here and here, and about the first anniversary here, and follow this on Facebook for updates.

The Vow That Enlisted An Outburst

Durham is a community with a great deal of self-respect.  This translates into a feeling of pride that those here have chosen to express publicly.  Read on for thoughts on the Marry Durham celebration by local thought leader and DCVB President Emeritus Reyn Bowman.

"The Vow That Enlisted An Outburst"
Bull City Mutterings
Reyn Bowman

Usually the Durham City Manager is pretty stoic, but he was visibly cheered a few days ago when applause erupted during one of several  confirmation vows to the community taken by participants at the second annual “Marry Durham” street festival in the NoCO District.

That particular applause was in appreciation for the repaving of Durham streets, maintenance of which had been neglected and is now being rapidly returned to standard thanks to voter-approved bonds.

Residents will be even more expressive when the visual impression created by maintenance of roadsides, medians and right-of-ways is similarly restored to best-practice standards.

Detailed under “Roadway Image,” this element is part of “Community Character,” Chapter 4 of the plan that overarches both the City and County of Durham and their respective strategic and agency tactical plans.

Standing just at the periphery of that crowd that was cheering on the City Manager a few days ago was a booth for Keep Durham Beautiful, a non-profit whose management is embedded in Durham City General Services, the agency that will need much better funding if roadsides are to receive similar cheers in the future.

Every year Durham residents’ perceptions of roadside maintenance are benchmarked in two ways.  One is a scientific, anonymous opinion survey of residents of both the city and county.  Another way is an eyes-on Index of litter and other forms of neglect conducted by resident volunteers and coordinated by Keep Durham Beautiful.

As can be seen by clicking on each of the links in this sentence, both the Index and the opinion survey illustrate that this is an area both the City and County must improve if they are to meet the extremely high expectations of residents in this regard.

Click here to receive details about or to volunteer to participate in the 2012 Index which will be conducted on April 19th.

Durham Wants You to Show Them Your Cans!

People in Durham take care of one another - that fact is evidenced throughout the community. People in Durham are so intent on taking care of one another that this Saturday is the first anniversary of the Marry Durham event where people married the city.

Now Durham’s vibrant entrepreneurial community is being called upon once again to supply up to 20 teams for the second annual CFD {Creative Food Drive} to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina on Saturday, September 22, 2012.  The event and competition will take place at North Rigsbee (Motorco, Fullsteam, and the adjoining block).

“The Durham community is so active and creative we thought, ‘Why not put this energy to good use?’” said George Hining of MHAworks Architecture, one of the organizers of the event.

According to Hining, roughly 500 people are expected to turn out for this year’s competition, which is taking the form of a block party with live music, games, and local food and drink vendors.  The event will be free to the public and the competitors.

So what is the competition about?  Each team (formed between now and the end of August) will compete by designing and constructing any type of stand-alone “sculpture” they can conceptualize out of non-perishable food items in 90 minutes.  These items have either been purchased or solicited and will be donated after the event to the Food Bank.

One of last year’s sponsors, ReverbNation, is back in the mix providing CFD with three bands for the second year in a row.  King’s Red and White Super Market has also jumped in to show its support as a partnering grocery store, providing teams with an easier way to stock their structures at wholesale prices.  Food Trucks from last year like Will & Pops, Pie Pushers and The Parlour are back, and so are competing teams, such as Semprius and LeChase Construction. “The whole experience was great.  At the end of the program, we had employees looking to the next year, throwing out ideas to make the sculpture even better,” said Joseph Carr, CEO of Semprius, the 2011 Winner of the Best Overall Award.

“It’s a great way for the Durham community to learn about our branch in the city and to provide meals for families who may need our help,” said Linda Fisher, Special Events and Food Drive Manager for the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

“The idea of building sculptures out of non-perishable foods is a fun way to resupply our shelves and help us get food out to the families that need it,” she added.

“Last year the Creative Food Drive was very successful, with 16 competing teams, we were able to raise over 8,160 meals for the Food Bank” says Brittany Guarino, of MHAworks, another organizer of the event. “With overwhelming positive response to our first CFD, this year should be even bigger and better than it was back in October.”

Learn more about other exciting events occurring in Durham by looking at the Durham Event Calendar.

See Also:
Marry Durham Celebrates One Year

Marry Durham Celebrates One Year

Last year on March 19, 2011, over a two thousand citizens formally vowed their commitment to Durham at the Marry Durham Celebration. One year later, Marry Durham will be hosting an Anniversary Party to commemorate and renew the commitments made to Durham.

The free family-friendly celebration will include a parade, local entertainment, a kid’s area, and
food trucks. Sponsored by Motorco, the bar…Durham, Surf Club, Lloyd’s Lounge, and
Fullsteam, the event will offer entertaining options for everyone to enjoy the celebration in the
Warehouse District.

As was true last year, Marry Durham will be about more than just fun. The goal of the Marry
Durham Anniversary Celebration is to remind Durhamites of their vows to keep the streets clean
and safe, protect natural resources, shop locally, support the arts and local non-profit
organizations, cherish diversity, and elect responsible leaders. As with last year’s event
donations will be accepted. The original five non-profits along with 10 new invitees will be
onsite soliciting donations from the guests. General donations will be collected to fund
community based projects proposed by the nonprofits.

Carl Kenney, who officiated last year’s ceremony shared this in a recent column - "The Marry
Durham celebration allowed us a chance to say what we all had been thinking... We say we love
our diversity. We love our local shops and take care of this world we love so much. We vow to
do better at celebrating the arts. We hold our leadership accountable. (We're not a community
that throws stone at people for being different. We throw them at people who throw the
stones.) That day was like no other." This year’s event seeks to remind citizens of their vows
and introduce them to new organizations.

Marry Durham’s Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 17th, from 2:30-
5:30pm, on the 700 Block of Rigsbee Avenue (between W. Geer & Corporation Streets).

Arts Community Rallies to Save The Scrap Exchange

The Durham community is rallying around two Durham nonprofit art institutions; The Scrap Exchange and the Liberty Arts Foundry. The organizations, along with many artists and businesses have been displaced from their Liberty Warehouse location due to the heavy rains that fell May 14, a partial roof collapse, and the subsequent condemning of the building.

In an effort to help the nonprofits secure a new location, offset any costs lost in relocation and help in reopening as soon as possible, the local music community will be putting on a day-long benefit show: Save the Scrap at Casbah on Saturday, June 4 from 1pm-1am.

Save the Scrap will feature (at least) 10 hours of music by 10+ bands for 10 bucks. All of the money will go towards the Scrap Exchangeʼs Capital Campaign and Liberty Arts Foundry relocation. Benefit organizers have received an outpouring of support from local venue owners and area musicians representing all genres of music; the following are just a few of the performers:

Rainbow Nerd, Durham Ukulele Orchestra, The Pnuerotics, Midtown Dickens, Mary Johnson Rockers, Phil Cook & His Feat, LiLa, Hindugrass, Sara Bell, JKuchma and Thee Dirtybeats

Additionally, Casbah will be hosting an Artist Market featuring the work of local artists, artisans and friends of the Liberty Warehouse tenants. The Scrap Exchange will be on site with a hands-on make and take, silk screening Save the Scrap on apparel provided by attendees. Attendees are encouraged to bring an extra shirt!

Both The Scrap Exchange and Liberty Arts Inc will be relocating to a permanent location in the mill behind Golden Belt, at 923 Franklin Street. The Scrap Exchange plans to reopen the same day as the event, during itʼs regular store hours 10-4.

Save the Scrap organizers are calling out to all of those who vowed to support “the myriad of places we have all come to love... and to support Durhamʼs nonprofits” in last monthʼs massive show of community engagement, Marry Durham.

Downtown Durham Dog Park Emblematic of Emotionally Connected City

This week, The Infrastructurist cited Durham as a model for the ‘Emotionally Connected’ city. The article, largely based around findings from the Gallup Soul of the Community survey from 2008 to 2010, points to a link between passion for and loyalty to places, and the health of the local economy.

The article indicates Marry Durham as the example of an emotionally committed community. Engaged citizens gathered to make a formal commitment to make sacrifices, do more, forgive shortcomings and fight to create a community Durhamites desire. 

In the wake of Marry Durham, a neighborhood has joined forces to make use of a sloping, city-owned lot at the corner of Roxboro and Elliot that had been vacant for years. The Downtown Durham Dog Park was born out of a temporary arrangement between the Cleveland-Holloway neighborhood and the city by which the city allowed use of the land and put up a fence while the neighborhood association is responsible for other amenities and maintenance.

With the help of Keep Durham Beautiful and a neighborhood-wide clean up effort, the Downtown Durham Dog Park is now open to the public. Remember that before visiting the park, owners will need to obtain a tag for their dog, issued by the City. Contact Durham Parks and Rec for more information.

Wedding Bells Sounded Like "ChaChing!" for Local Charities

Aside from being an occasion to show community pride, Saturday's Marry Durham event was also a fund raiser - and raise funds it did. The event asked attendees to make minimum donations of $5 per person; however, larger "wedding packages" could be purchased for those who would/could donate more. The packages included things like logo cow bells, wedding certificates, and t shirts, too.

Five Durham non-profit organizations are the recipients of the funds, and the hope was to raise $12,000. That goal was missed, missed because it was exceeded by over $13,000...missed because it was shattered by the generosity of those in attendance which was estimated at 2,500 people. The opportunity to give has not passed--donations are still coming in--so the total is likely to continue to rise.

The non-profit recipients are the Eno River Association, Genesis Home, the Latino Community Development Center, the Scrap Exchange and Walltown Children's Theatre.

This event smacks of Durham as a place. Often lauded for being open, accepting, and entrepreneurial, Saturday's gathering of citizenry to appreciate one another and the community they create is precisely the type of thing that makes Durham so, well, Durham. 

"The event was produced completely by a local group," said Shelly Green, President and CEO of the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau. "That sort of organic outpouring of community engagement is one of the many things that make Durham such a great place to be."

"The Royal Couple (William and Kate, ya know, THE Royal Couple) have asked that all their wedding gifts be donated - they might have been following the example we set here in Durham. In Durham, when we combine good deeds and good times, people will give," said Katherine O'Brien, one of the event's "wedding" planners. "The event was about many things, but one that we can all look back on with pride is the generosity of the folks that make this place great," she added.

See images of the event here, here, and here.

Marry Durham on Saturday

Brides and grooms across the Bull City have less than a week to work through those pre-wedding day jitters. On Saturday all – including brides, grooms, guests and yes even wedding crashers – are invited to gather on the 700 block of Rigsbee Avenue, between Corporation and Geer streets, to witness or participate in what appears to be the first mass wedding ceremony between residents and a city.

Gates open at 3 p.m. for the 4 p.m. wedding ceremony, which will include Mayor Bill Bell and other elected leaders, NPR’s Frank Stasio, Wool E. Bull and music by Justin Robinson and the Bulltown Strutters. “Preacha’ Man” Carl Kenney will officiate.

Marry Durham Wedding Planner May Alexander, MAYDNEW dj and event planning, said attendees should expect a homegrown wedding that will be both unique and traditional.

“They can expect a joyous celebration of civic pride,” Alexander said.

Marry Durham is a light-hearted event intended to celebrate all things Durham, including its unique history, its diverse and creative community, and its community’s unrelenting passion to improve via innovative and grass roots initiatives. The ceremony’s vows promote citizen engagement, shopping locally, electing responsible leaders, and supporting arts and community organizations.

The event also seeks to support five nonprofit organizations that help make Durham a better place to live: Eno River Association, Genesis Home, Latino Community Development Center, The Scrap Exchange, and Walltown Children’s Theatre.

Sponsors include Vaguely Reminiscent, Reverbnation, MAYDNEW dj and event planning, and GR8MUSICROX.

A parade around the block will follow the ceremony. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. a block party-style reception will unfold on Rigsbee Avenue with live music in four venues, a Kids’ Zone, food trucks and special wedding cupcakes. The reception entertainment includes performances by The Beast, the African Dance Ensemble, Triple Fret, Jumbalaya Soul, and Justin Robinson & the Mary Annettes. Robinson was a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, which recently won a Grammy Award for best traditional folk album.

“I have been all around the world but I still choose to call Durham home,” said Robinson, a Durham resident who is building a chicken coop in his yard.

Walltown Children’s Theatre will hold hip hop lessons in the Kids Zone, which will be followed by performances by a variety of community groups. Corn and the Colonels plan to lead a “roots jam” at Fullsteam Brewery. Band member Aaron Greenhood encouraged residents to bring their instruments and participate.

“It’s more than a performance. It is a happening. We are bringing people together to celebrate and make joyful sounds,” Greenhood said. “We have been inviting all of our acquaintances to bring their instruments. We are just going to have a get down. … I would love to have anybody come and play whatever they want.”

Seven Stars Cycles will be on Geer Street next to Motorco Music Hall to provide a free valet service for bike riders. Adrian Fletcher, who is working to open Seven Stars Cycles in the downtown area, said he hopes the bike shop’s service will encourage people to ride their bike to the event.

“We will give them a ticket that identifies their bike,” then we will wheel it to a secure area, Fletcher said. “I just saw an opportunity with this event to remove the concern that someone is going to mess with their bike as an excuse to not ride down there.”

Need more information? Want to volunteer, or buy a wedding package? Go to http://www.marrydurham.com/.

Durham Celebrates...Everything

Durham celebrates everything; just take Marry Durham as an example. A marriage celebrating the love Durham citizens have for their community on March 19th. Given this love of celebration, it’s only natural that some local restaurants have dinner specials in honor of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras, translated Fat Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, is the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season, which starts on Ash Wednesday. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy all Durham has to offer.

Friday, March 4:

The Broad Street Café is hosting a Pre-Mardi Gras celebration with Skeedaddle. This energetic six piece band will play Hawaiian, hokum and viper tunes, but they’ll also have some guests to join in for Cajun tunes as well. New Orleans inspired dinner specials are on the menu and guests are encouraged to wear beads, fun hats, and a smile.

Tuesday, March 8:

Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse is throwing a huge party for Mardi Gras. There will be two party rooms, four bands, a mask contest, face painting, caricatures and an art gallery. Food will be served in the restaurant only, and all the big festivities in the adjacent ballroom. Guests are encouraged wear masks and Papa Mojo’s will provide the beads. For ticket information and for a performance schedule, visit their website.

Blu Seafood is also offering Creole and Cajun classics on their Mardi Gras themed menu served from 5:00-10:00. Menu items will include shellfish gumbo, jambalaya, and New Orleans inspired cocktails.

Bandido’s decided not to pass up the occasion for celebration either and is featuring shrimp and crayfish enchiladas with chipotle cream sauce as a lunch and dinner special. They will also have drinks specials and offer customers beards.  Check out there offer on http://www.durhamncdeals.com/.

The Pinhook is offering Cajun dance lessons taught by Jack and Sandra Wolf at 8:00 (perhaps a good way to exercise off some of the dinner special calories) and at 9:00 the Shamu Garcon band will take the stage to play high octane Cajun dance music.

Don't miss out on all the celebrations Durham has to offer, visit wwwdurhameventcalendar.com to see a comprehensive list.

Gettin' Hitched?

Have you changed your Facebook status to engaged or discussed your “wedding plans” on Durham’s Facebook page? Have you printed out a poster declaring what “Durham Is” to you? If you can answer yes to these questions, you’re probably looking forward to the Marry Durham event on March 19.

Click to Download "Durham Is"

Hundreds are expected to Marry Durham on Rigsbee Avenue near Motorco Music Hall and Fullsteam Brewery. The 4pm-7pm mass wedding, parade, and reception includes performances by The Beast, Grammy-award winning Justin Robinson & the Mary Annettes, Corn & the Colonels, and many more.

On Valentine’s Day the Durham County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 19 as “Marry Durham Day.” The proclamation points out that Durham has received a variety of national accolades recently including: Home to the Creative Class, Foodiest Small Town, Best Place to Retire, Best Place to Visit, Best Green City, and Best Place to Start a Business. The proclamation urged “participants to repeat vows that promise to honor and cherish their beloved Durham by supporting the arts, patronizing local businesses, electing responsible leaders, and keeping the community safe.”

The lighthearted event is intended to give proud citizens an opportunity to celebrate their unique community. Marry Durham is also a fundraiser for five nonprofits, including: Eno River Association, Genesis Home, Latino Community Development Center, The Scrap Exchange and Walltown Children’s Theatre.