How Do You Want to Move Kannapolis Forward? You gave us your ideas and we listened! Following extensive community outreach that included engaging with community members at events in downtown, Village Park, Cannon Boulevard, Main Street and western parts of the city, the Move Kannapolis Forward 2030 Comprehensive Plan is ready for its unveiling to you, our most important asset. The City is in the midst of transformation and revitalization. Redevelopment of downtown is creating vibrant spaces for residents and visitors of all ages; new neighborhoods are breaking ground; transportation improvements provide more options for people to get around; valuable green space is being conserved; and economic development initiatives are expanding opportunities for residents throughout the region. There is a lot to be proud of in our community – from our great parks and high quality of life, to our diverse and affordable neighborhoods, to our access
Calendar of Events
NOVEMBER 2017
to the Charlotte Metro region and beyond. With growth on the horizon, we’re building off of these assets to expand opportunities for the citizens of Kannapolis to make the city even more vibrant, green and inclusive.
NOVEMBER 4 A Boy and His Superhero: A Mother & Son Event | 6 p.m. Laureate Center | $40 per couple
To build on this shared long-term vision for the future of Kannapolis, the City conducted a robust public engagement process this year to chart our future, called Move Kannapolis Forward. Move Kannapolis Forward is the community-driven process to update the City’s comprehensive plan and establish a blueprint for our shared future. This process establishes the City’s broadest public policy document, setting forth the long-range vision, goals and policies for transportation, housing, development, the environment, the economy and public services. The plan will serve to coordinate the many existing, ongoing and future plans and projects in the city. Move Kannapolis Forward asked citizens to dream big, while respecting and cherishing the resources and cultural heritage that make Kannapolis great. The process is nearing its end, so come out to the final public meeting to help finalize the City’s future actions!
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Run Kannapolis: Fall Back 5K 1:50 a.m. | Downtown
25 Annual Tree Lighting with Fireworks | 6 p.m. | Village Park
Kannapolis Christmas Events Begin November 25
A Join Us for the Public Unveiling of the Move Kannapolis Forward 2030 Comprehensive Plan November 20 | 6-8 p.m. The Laureate Center Kannapolis City Hall All members of the community are invited.
Explorer Post 001 Celebrates 10th Anniversary Kannapolis Fire Department Explorer Post 001 celebrates its 10th anniversary in December. Post 001 is made possible through the Boy Scouts of America and is comprised of young ladies and gentlemen, ages 14-20, who have an interest in fire service, emergency medicine or public service. Members meet twice a month – on the second and fourth Monday nights – to learn about fire fighting and rescue operations, and attend various other events throughout the year. If you are interested in joining, come visit the Explorers from 7-9 p.m. on December 11 at City Hall, 401 Laureate Way.
Kannapolis Christmas will officially kick off at Village Park with the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m., Saturday, November 25. The celebration continues through the Christmas holiday season with the Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express. The Winterland Express train runs every evening from November 25 through December 30 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), from 6-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Ride the train through the park, enjoy more than 250,000 Christmas lights, make s’mores and more. Admission to the park and viewing of the lights is free; tickets to ride the train and carousel are $2 per person per ride. Again, this year, kids of all ages will be able to visit Santa in his studio each night. The park will also feature performances from our very own Kannapolis Singing Bears, who will entertain your family with a 30-minute Christmas Carol performance each hour on the hour. Continued on page 2
25- Winterland Express & 30 Celebration of Lights 6 p.m. | Village Park DECEMBER 1-30 Winterland Express & Celebration of Lights 6 p.m. | Village Park (closed 12/24 & 12/25) 9
Holiday Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Laureate Center
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Christmas Parade 6 p.m. | Downtown
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Run Kannapolis Frostbite 5K 10 a.m. | Kannapolis YMCA No pets or smoking please. More at kannapolisnc.gov.