In North Carolina, it’s not polite to discuss the following subjects : politics, your favorite shade of basketball blue and barbecue. If you do have the courage to approach these subjects, be ready for a fierce debate—particularly concerning the Eastern vs. Western North Carolina barbecue. The debate may never be settled, but residents of Rocky Mount, NC recently got to sample some of the best pork in the BBQ biz at the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down.

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The Rocky Mount City Council officially approved the reduced electric rates resulting from the Duke Energy Progress asset sale.  Rocky Mount Public Utilities customers saw a reduction of roughly 3.18 cents per kilowatt-hour. 

But how did the city get there? Why was this issue with public utilities vital for economic development? Learn the story behind the story.

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A lower cost of living can affect every aspect of a city: it can reduce unemployment by enticing new businesses and industries, and it can fight poverty by offering more affordable alternatives than living in larger--and more expensive--areas.Rocky Mount, NC is fortunate to have plentiful resources to enhance the quality of life and to be a city where residents can enjoy one of the lowest costs of living in North Carolina. 

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The community isn't the only one that benefits from the work of volunteers. Recent studies indicate that charity work can also be good for you. Researchers found that those who volunteer not only live longer, but they have lower blood pressure and stress levels. What impact do volunteers have on cities and towns? They can help fight poverty and lead revitalization efforts.

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Hang on. The summer’s almost over. Don’t misunderstand: we love summer. The June – August months mean time to spend with family, a break from school, and wonderful activities such as the downtown concerts and movies on the lawn. Rocky Mount excels in a lot of things, including the July – August heat.  Sometimes the August heat even lingers until mid-September, so we’ve got a list of some things that can help you beat the heat in Rocky Mount.

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It was a time when you found your thrill on “blueberry hill” after you “rocked around the clock.” It was a decade of drive-in movies, tail fins and white-walled tires. This July, car and motorcycle lovers of all ages will be able to get a glimpse of classic designs as a part of the annual Rockin’ Classic Auto and Motorcycle Expo. The event will be held July 25 in downtown Rocky Mount starting at 10 a.m. and ending with a motorcycle and car parade at 2:45 p.m.

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Looking for something to do in Rocky Mount? Look no farther than the Imperial Centre. Each summer, the city sets the stage for Downtown Live and Lawn Chair Theatre events—yearly favorites that complement the family oriented activities at the Braswell Memorial Library and the Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center, also located in the Imperial Centre. There's something for everyone in downtown Rocky Mount!

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Several months ago, Gov. Pat McCrory visited Rocky Mount, NC to help promote reinstatement of the historic preservation tax credit bill. Rocky Mount was just one of several cities across NC that benefited from the bill before it expired this year. The bill passed the NC House and headed to the Senate, where initial reports on the progress of the tax credit bill have received mixed reviews. 

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On June 19, 1865, the slaves received word that they were free, and the resulting celebration---termed “Juneteenth” --- is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. It has been an African-American tradition since the late 19th century. Recently, Rocky Mount kept that tradition alive through the Juneteenth Community Empowerment celebration.

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What does landscaping have to do with crime reduction? Quite a lot actually, especially if you’re examining urban development and downtown revitalization.

Rocky Mount, NC is one of several cities across the country that has made great strides with downtown development, and studies show that revitalization isn’t just good for the economy. It also helps make cities safer and less dangerous.

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