Union News

County of Union issued the following announcement on July 16.

Union County invites families to celebrate the grand opening of the new Special Events Center. This center is located at 307 Cultivation Circle in Monroe, directly behind the Union County Agricultural Center, on the property of Jesse Helms Park. It includes an outdoor facility, as well as an indoor event center. With a total of 36,500 square feet, this facility will be the site for activities and events hosted by Union County throughout the year. 

Family-friendly programs and opportunities will be offered on Friday, July 23 and Saturday, July 24 for the community to celebrate the grand opening. Starting at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 23 there will be bounce houses, food trucks, a live animal display, followed by an outdoor movie showing of "Rango" at sunset. On Saturday, July 24 at 5:00 p.m., enjoy live music by the band "Chairman of the Board" and there will be bounce houses, food and beer trucks, followed by a firework show at 8:45 p.m. Click here to see the event flyer.

“We are excited to be able to offer the weekend of events for the residents of Union County," said Patrick Niland, Assistant County Manager. "The last year and a half has been challenging and we are elated to finally have the opportunity to showcase this fantastic community asset. If you have a chance, please come out and join us, it promises to be a great weekend.”

The Special Events Center will give Union County Parks and Recreation the chance to offer additional programming opportunities to residents. Such events include movie nights, stargazing events, nature exhibits, educational events, and more. This center will also allow Parks and Recreation to further develop the park property with new playgrounds, shelters and trail systems.

“Union County Parks and Recreation is extremely excited about the new Special Events Center," said Jim Chaffin, Director of Parks and Recreation. "This space will provide numerous opportunities for programming and events for residents in eastern Union County. We also look forward to the development of Jesse Helms Park passive area in the near future as well.”

The Special Events center will also allow Union County Cooperative Extension to offer more educational programming opportunities to residents. The Cooperative Extension plans to host 4-H livestock shows, rodeo shows, large and small specialty sales, equipment trade shows and demonstrations, and more. Additionally, Cooperative Extension will use the space for community development, partnerships with Union County Public Schools and Wingate University, agriculture appreciation week events, and equipment driving contests.

"Union County Extension is excited about the opportunities and outreach potential that the Special Events Center will offer," said Andrew Baucom, Director of Union County Cooperative Extension. "Having a multi-use space that will allow educators to connect with participants in a hands-on capacity for workshops and educational training will enhance the quality of these efforts. UC Extension looks forward to the many partnerships and collaborations with other Union County partners that this building will help facilitate."

The Special Events Center will provide the space and opportunity for Union County to host various activities and events, bringing the community together in new ways. We hope you will be able to join us in celebrating the opening weekend!

Original source can be found here.