Food trucks, music send off Durham Mayor Bill Bell as a community hero

Mayor Bill Bell was celebrated Friday evening as one of Durham's greatest heroes during a celebration at the Durham Athletic Park.

Posted 10:49 p.m. Oct 27, 2017 — Updated 12:29 p.m. Oct 28, 2017

DURHAM, N.C. — Mayor Bill Bell was celebrated Friday evening as one of Durham's greatest heroes during a celebration at the Durham Athletic Park.

Event organizers transformed the baseball field into Heroes in the Park, which featured food trucks and on-stage music from big names like the legendary Kool and the Gang, Morris Day and the Time and Sheila E. The artists and fans turned out to celebrate Bell's legacy.

Event planners say the occasion was held to recognize the mayor's contributions and accomplishments in making Durham a better place to live and work. But Bell says the event was truly about the people of Durham.

Bell was elected mayor in 2001 after serving a stint as a Durham County Commissioner.

In his 16 years in office, he says he met people along the way who helped him work to make Durham a viable part of the Triangle.

"I am here by choice, not by chance, and I've been fortunate to do some of the things I've been able to do and most importantly to have people willing to support me and make these things happen," said BelI. "That's what's important to me."

"He was my mentor," said Cora Cole McFadden, Durham Mayor Pro Tem. "He made Durham one of the most well-known cities in this country."

Mayor Bell says he'll still remain active in business and in the community during his retirement but that he's most looking forward to spending quality time with his six grandchildren.

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