New downtown gazebo to ‘bring it together’

Lori Harper sings for the crowd at Monday's ceremony in Tabor City.
Lori Harper sings for the crowd at Monday's ceremony in Tabor City.

Donors hope the new gazebo in downtown Tabor City will provide a focal point for pride in the town.

The gazebo, located at the Tabor City Library, was dedicated in a special ceremony Monday night, and officially turned over to the town. 

Lamont Grate addresses the crowd Monday at the gazebo dedication.

The gazebo was paid for through the collected efforts of citizens and downtown business owners. The donors include Mayor Royce Harper, Keith and Krystal Mercure, Joey and Tracy Hammond, Erin Mincey, Craig Lewis, Tony and Pam Byrd, and Bringing Back Main. The event was attended by a small crowd of pageant winners, town council members, and citizens.

Allen and Jenni Strickland said hope the gazebo helps make the town stronger.

Allen and Jenni Strickland.

“We donated the gazebo just to be able to give something that could help the community and bring it together,” said Allen Strickland, speaking of the group of donors. 

Lori Harper and Tabor City Yam Queen Savannah Turner provided music from under the small white pavilion at Monday’s event as they serenaded the crowd who had showed up to support the dedication. 

 Pam Byrd welcomed those in attendance. Allen and Jenni Strickland and their family officially handed over the gazebo to Harper, who dedicated the gazebo to the town as the onlookers clapped in approval. 

 The dedication program was closed by Tabor City Councilman Lamont Grate. He urged the everyone to be active in their communities and families.

“I must first be a good citizen before I can be a leader of this town,” Grate said 

 An assortment of croissants and other refreshments were served in a casual reception after the ceremony.

Pam Byrd, Dianne Ward and Lamont Grate.
A light reception was held after the dedication ceremony Monday. Donors hope the gazebo will act as a new focal point for downtown.