Kinston is gearing up for the start of the holiday season as Downtown Kinston Revitalization prepares to host its annual tree lighting celebration, Turn on the Holidays, on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. in Pearson Park.
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Kinston revitalization leader calls for action on neglected downtown buildings
Downtown Kinston Revitalization Executive Director Leon Steele told City Council this week that while investment in the municipal service district is growing, abandoned and neglected buildings remain one of the community’s greatest obstacles.
“These structures are not only unattractive, they are unsafe,” Steele said. “They present liability risks, they drag down property values and they obstruct the growth we’re working so hard to achieve.”
Paramount Theater marquee letters restored in downtown Kinston
The Paramount Theater marquee once again bears its name after more than two decades, marking a new milestone in the building’s ongoing restoration.
Local businessman Rick Bostic acquires Kinston Enterprise Center
A cornerstone of downtown Kinston’s small business community has entered a new chapter. Rick Bostic, owner of Bostic Construction and Demolition, Inc., has purchased the Kinston Enterprise Center with plans to not only move his company’s headquarters into the building, but also maintain its availability to local startups and small businesses looking for affordable office space.
Kinston’s Light the Night Christmas Parade set to shine bright
Downtown Kinston is gearing up for its annual Light the Night Christmas Parade, a hallmark holiday event that brings thousands of spectators to the streets. Hosted by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), the parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, starting at 4:30 p.m. from Historic Grainger Stadium, located at 400 E. Grainger Ave.
Downtown Kinston to 'Turn on the Holidays' with tree lighting ceremony
The holiday season officially kicks off in downtown Kinston with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Pearson Park (210 W. Gordon St.). Hosted by Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), the annual "Turn On the Holidays" event begins at 6 p.m., promising an evening filled with music, performances, and holiday cheer.
Downtown board approves $25,000 for Façade Grants program
The Downtown Kinston Revitalization Board approved $25,000 in funds at its August meeting to support the Building Improvement Façade Grant. This matching grant program is designed to assist property owners within the Municipal Service District (MSD) in making improvements to the exterior of their buildings, encouraging investment and maintaining the appearance of the downtown area.
Save the date: Downtown Kinston to host July 4th music and fireworks in Pearson Park
Downtown Kinston will come alive this July 4th with an evening full of music and fireworks, as Downtown Kinston Revitalization hosts its annual concert at Pearson Park. The event, sponsored by local businesses including Bojangles, Walter Poole Realty, Kinston Realty Group, and Neuse News, is set to run from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, culminating in a vibrant fireworks display.
Downtown Dilemma: City remains committed to DKR despite board exodus
The Downtown Kinston Revitalization (DKR), once known as Pride of Kinston, faces significant challenges as it grapples with a series of board member resignations and criticisms of its leadership. DKR has been tasked with rejuvenating Kinston’s downtown area since 1984.
City Council approves animal control interlocal agreement, noise ordinance amendment, and 4-way stop
In a recent Kinston City Council meeting, several important agenda items were discussed and approved. The council addressed various matters, including the authorization of an interlocal agreement for animal control services, an amendment to the noise ordinance, and a request for a four-way stop at the intersection of Mitchell St. and North St.
WATCH: La Grange's Christmas Parade
Watch the entire La Grange Christmas Parade from Sunday, November 27, 2022. Special thanks to our title sponsors: Lenoir Community College, CappsTrailers.com, and Southern Bank.
WATCH: Deep Run's Christmas Parade
Watch the entire Deep Run Christmas Parade from Saturday, November 26, 2022. Special thanks to our title sponsors: Lenoir Community College, CappsTrailers.com, and Southern Bank.
WATCH: Kinston's Christmas Parade
Watch the entire Kinston Christmas Parade from Saturday, December 3, 2022. Special thanks to our title sponsors: Lenoir Community College, CappsTrailers.com, and Southern Bank.
Save the Date: 2022 Kinston Christmas Parade planning begins
Downtown Kinston Revitalization posted the following on their Facebook page about the upcoming 2022 Kinston Christmas Parade and a request to join the planning committee.
Upcoming Christmas parades reach broader audience with live stream
Two upcoming local holiday parades will be live streamed by Neuse News. On Saturday, November 27, 2021 at 6:00 pm, Neuse News will live stream the first-ever Deep Run Christmas Parade. And on December 4, 2021 at 4:30 pm Neuse News will live stream the Light the Night Kinston Christmas Parade.
Downtown Kinston Revitalization recognized as 2021 Main Street America Affiliate
Downtown Kinston Revitalization has been designated as an affiliate Main Street™ program. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of nationally recognized affiliate programs in recognition of their commitment to creating meaningful improvements in their downtowns and commercial districts using the Main Street Approach™, a framework for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.
North Carolina Main Street recognizes Raine Tyndall
North Carolina Main Street recognized Raine Tyndall for her work with Pride of Kinston. Tyndall currently serves as co-chair of the Pride of Kinston Board of Directors.
Former Citizen of the Year Adrian King passes, "We lost a piece of our heart"
Lenoir County lost an integral part of the community with the passing of Mr. Adrian King who died Monday after being treated for COVID at UNC Lenoir since Wednesday.
South Queen Street project begins adding lights on the bridges
The evolution of the South Queen Street Bridge has the beginnings of a new addition. Light fixtures are in the works for both sets of bridges. The larger section of the bridge over the Neuse River will have six light poles, and the smaller section over land will have four. Adding the lights to the bridge will bring the six-year project to fruition after DOT approached the city of Kinston to schedule a resurfacing of Queen Street. The city used that opportunity to replace the water and sewer lines on Queen Street as well as incorporate new landscaping.
Parrott's General Store closes, building sold to Holcomb brothers
Brothers Zac and Grant Holcomb have acquired the property at 300 N. Herritage St., formerly Parrott’s General Store, and announced their new commercial and residential property development startup called 6Thumbs, LLC.