Fuquay-Varina celebrates 100th anniversary

The town was chartered on March 6, 1909, as just Fuquay Springs. A merger in 1963 christened it as Fuquay-Varina.

Mayor John Bryne said the town has come a long way in the past century. He predicted that its businesses have a bright future.

"We're very proud of our downtown areas. We are revitalizing them, redeveloping them and allowing them to be all they can be," Bryne said. "This is a great place to have a business and to shop."

Bryne and hundreds of other residents attended a Centennial Gala banquet and ball Saturday night. Longtime WRAL anchor Charlie Gaddy was master of ceremonies. A pre-gala reception for sponsors was held at the headquarters of Fidelity Bank, which is also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Upcoming celebrations include "100 years on Parade" on Oct. 28, held outside the Fidelity Bank headquarters at 100 S. Main St.

Families are asked to dig through their attics and closets and dress in any old clothing they find – from wedding and prom dresses to a flapper outfit. Brass Nickel Touring Cars will also be on display.