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Spring-Summer 2026
Minutes from the Mayor
Newsletter
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A Summer Of Success
Hello, Knightdale! This year has flown by, and so much has transpired throughout our town! Amid the scorching heat and rising temperatures, we have been keeping busy!
I wanted to share some recent events that happened in Knightdale, as well as a few things going on with our citizens and community.
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Learn More About Knightdale’s 2026 Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum
 On November 3, 2026, Knightdale residents will have a chance to vote on the Knightdale Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum. This bond would fund a world-class recreation complex with multiple gymnasiums, fitness studios, and multi-generational programming spaces that will impact all Knightdale residents. We encourage everyone to learn more about what’s proposed and make their voices heard.
The Town of Knightdale is committed to providing residents with clear and factual information so you can make an informed decision.
There are several ways you can get more information about the Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum. You can visit the official website at knightdalebond.com, look out for information tables at Town events with representatives who will help explain the referendum details, or send an email to parksbond@knightdalenc.gov, and a Town representative will get back to you to answer any questions you have.
Welcome Back, Knightdale Students
 The the new school year opens up so many new opportunities and experiences. Now, I know students may not feel that way (LOL), but we in Knightdale do! It was great welcoming students at Knightdale High back to school for the 2026-27 school year. I have no doubt each of these students will "Start Something" truly magnificent this year.
Best wishes, students! Know that we are here if you ever need us!
Congratulations to Promoted Thales Academy Students
 In June I had the opportunity to congratulate and help with the promotion ceremony for students at Thales Academy, and it was simply the best. Facilitated by a team of parent organizers, the students were all "graduating" from the fifth grade and entering the sixth. They were excited to receive their certificates, and I was too thrilled to welcome them to the next chapter of their academic careers.
Congratulations, students! I know you will do great things this upcoming year!
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Knightdale Celebrates Its Hometown Heroes
 Knightdale staff and members of the community came out to Knightdale Station Park to honor the first Hometown Hero Military Banner honorees. Representative James Roberson, myself and Town of Knightdale staff were in attendance and celebrated the members of the military chosen to be on the banners you'll see up around town. We're extremely grateful for their service!
Be sure to look for the military banners around the park and along First Avenue. For more information on the Hometown Hero Military Banner program, click the button below.
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The Joel Fund Center Officially Opens In Rolesville
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 Attending ribbon cutting events is always a treat for me, but this one was very special to me. I got a chance to meet other Wake County mayors and delegates to officially open The Joel Center, a center for veterans in Rolesville supported by The Joel Fund.
The Joel Fund is a North Carolina-based nonprofit helping veterans and their families navigate life after military service through community support, financial assistance, and creative engagement. Since 2016, this particular community of veterans has grown through many engaging programs, including Operation ART Classes, Veteran Coffee Connections, and essential support programs. NOW, they will have the Joel Center as an additional resource hub, and we in Wake County are extremely proud of and excited about this.
We in Knightdale value our veterans and military families, and we will do all we can make sure they have all they need to thrive, both within and beyond their military careers. To find out more about The Joel Center, click the button below.
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The Fourth Annual African American Festival Was A Huge Success
The Town of Knightdale celebrated another successful African American Festival at Knightdale Station Park, bringing together hundreds of residents and visitors for an evening of music, culture, food, and community connection. Of course, I helped co-host the event with our amazing Community Relations Director, Rachel Morris.
The festival featured live performances, local vendors, food trucks, community resource organizations, and family-friendly activities. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant celebration honoring the history, creativity, and contributions of African Americans in Knightdale and across the region.
I love that we put this festival on because it reflects the heart of Knightdale. We are a community that celebrates diversity, honors history, and comes together to uplift one another. And, I am proud to host an event that highlights African American culture and brings joy, learning, and connection to families across our town.
If you didn't make it to this year's festival, you missed a treat! But there's always next year - mark your calendars!
Fourth on First Event Celebrates America's 250th Birthday
 July 4th was an incredible morning to celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th, anniversary, and that's exactly what we did at our Fourth on First Avenue event!
Hundreds of Knightdale residents joined us at Knightdale Station Park for a morning filled with community, patriotism, live music, delicious food, family activities, and our annual bike parade. I got a chance to speak to bike parade participants at the beginning of the event, and EVERYONE looked so festive in their red, white and blue!
I appreciate everyone who embraced the earlier event schedule we implemented to help beat the heat and celebrate safely. A special thank you to our sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, public safety personnel, and Town staff who made the event possible. Your dedication helped create another memorable Fourth on First for our community.
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Knightdale Council Members And Staff Receive Certificates of Appreciation |
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I'm so honored to have received a certificate of appreciation for public service from the staff at Knightdale Elementary School. Along with other Town staff and community volunteers, I was invited to a "thank you" breakfast at the school. We each received tokens of appreciation for our support of Knightdale Elementary.
While none of us do what we do for accolades, I sincerely appreciate all that our volunteers do for our students throughout Knightdale, and I am proud to receive this honor on behalf of everyone who gives their time and energy to our students. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Knightdale Welcomes New Barnes & Noble To Town
Barnes & Noble has officially opened its doors, and I could not be more excited to welcome them to the Knightdale family! I, along with Mayor Pro Tem Steve Evans and Councilors Latatious Morris and Grady Bussey, helped welcome the new store by assisting with the ribbon cutting.
Knightdale residents can now enjoy all types of literature, media and amenities available there, from bestsellers and hidden gems to cozy reading nooks and that perfect cup of coffee.
I hope you will go explore and hopefully discover your next great read!
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Knightdale Residents Participate In Open Forum For Future Park Site
 The Town of Knightdale recently held an open forum for residents to find out more about the future site options for the potential park that we may be building, and I must say: the turnout was AMAZING!
It is always exciting to see residents engaging and providing input for public projects. If you didn't get a chance to come out, you can find more information about the project by clicking on the link below.
Add Your Business To Our New Business Directory
 Attention Local Businesses! Are you part of our community? Don’t miss the chance to be listed in the Knightdale Business Directory! You'll be able to boost your business presence, connect with local customers, and network with other community businesses.
Register today at knightdalebusinesses.com! You won't regret it!
Submit Your Nomination For Knightdale's Extra Mile Award
 The Town of Knightdale will participate in and celebrate Extra Mile Day on November 1, 2026, and we want your help recognizing some awesome community members! All you need to do is scan the QR code in the graphic or click the button below to fill out a nomination form for a member of our community who goes above and beyond themselves for the betterment of others.
Be sure to submit your nomination soon, and tell your #KnightdaleKneighbors to do the same!
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 The Town of Knightdale is partnering with Brianna Fletcher of Impact Brand Studios to bring the community a FREE workshop focused on social media marketing. To prepare for the event there is a poll below to better understand how you and your business are using social media.
When - Tuesday, August 25th from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Where - First Avenue Building (426 N First Ave Knightdale, NC 27545)
Refreshments Provided
Take the Poll and Register at the link below.
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