Canton approves Folkmoot parade, honors museum volunteers and schedules budget hearing

The Canton Board on May 9 approved several community-focused items: co-sponsoring a Folkmoot parade, recognizing museum volunteers for a Community Impact Award, accepting Cruso Endowment support for town improvements, and setting a public hearing for the budget presentation.

Interim Manager Stinnett presented the Canton Merchant Partnership's request to co-sponsor a Folkmoot parade and provided submitted financials; Jeanne Forrest said organizers expect a large crowd with about 50 dance groups. Alderman Hamlett moved to approve the parade; Alderwoman Mull seconded and the motion carried.

Curator Caroline Ponton and Liz Harper of Western Carolina University described processing more than 2,000 photo negatives for the museum, hosting a community scan day and winning a Community Impact Award. The board and community members thanked volunteers who sustained the museum through COVID, the flood and the mill closure.

Stinnett announced the Cruso Endowment will fund replacement of a fence on Mears Avenue, remove downtown alley columns, and purchase a trackless road train to support recreation and events; the board discussed possibly naming the train after a former employee. Stinnett also said the Charters of Freedom ceremony is scheduled for May 20 at 1:30 p.m. and the pool and splash pad will open Memorial Day weekend; the board agreed to a free pool day on June 7.

Alderwoman Mull moved to set a public hearing on the budget for May 23 at 6 p.m.; Alderman Shepard seconded and the motion carried. Finance Officer Walker presented year-end budget amendments and Alderman Hamlett moved to approve the amendments; Alderwoman Mull seconded and the motion carried.

Next steps: the town will post the budget and CDBG planning documents when ready and town crews will install Turner Stage flooring once sponsorships are secured.