Friday Five New flights, new homes, pancakes and art
There's plenty happening around Cabarrus County, and my family got one of its wishes this week — discount flights to Cleveland, where my grandson lives.
No. 1
Pancake Day at the Boys & Girls Club of Cabarrus County was once again a big success.
Final totals weren’t available at press time, and we’ll share those when they are. But it was great to see so many familiar faces when Kim, Jordan and I stopped by Thursday morning.
The annual event, sponsored by Shoe Show Inc., was expected to raise $100,000 to support the club’s work in the community — work that has spanned more than 80 years.
That impact was highlighted on this year’s placemats, which included a snapshot of the club’s reach:
- 80,800 hot meals served
- 25,238 snacks provided
- 2,113 youth served through after-school and summer programs
- Transportation provided to students from 22 area schools
Most of the children served qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches, and about 63% come from single-parent households.
“Every child we serve makes our community stronger,” the club notes.
And judging by the turnout Thursday morning, this community continues to show up in a big way.
No. 2
Avelo Airlines is adding two new nonstop destinations from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport — Cleveland, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Indiana — expanding its growing footprint in the region.
The timing couldn’t be better for the Plemmons family. My son Dayne, daughter-in-law Sveta and grandson Darko have already booked a trip from Cleveland for the first weekend of service. Dayne said every seat was available, so they may be the first passengers booked on the new route from Cleveland.
These flights will be to and from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.
Service to Indianapolis begins June 18 with twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. Cleveland service starts June 19 and will operate Mondays and Fridays.
Avelo will use Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft for both routes. Introductory one-way fares start at $39, with restrictions. Tickets are available at AveloAir.com.
“We’re excited to announce two new nonstop routes at Concord: Indianapolis and Cleveland,” said Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy. “Our commitment to Concord is unwavering as we continue to offer affordable fares, a convenient travel experience and industry-leading reliability to Queen City customers.”
With the additions, Avelo will serve eight nonstop destinations from Concord: Albany, New York; Cleveland; Indianapolis; New Haven, Connecticut; Long Island, New York; Lakeland/Orlando, Florida; Rochester, New York; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The new Cleveland route also lines up nicely with a family milestone — my niece Cassie is getting married that weekend.
No. 3
M/I Homes is moving forward with several residential developments across the Charlotte metro, including new communities in Concord, Kannapolis and Locust.
Montevue (Concord) - The builder plans 93 homes on 63 acres off Odell School Road, next to its Annsborough Park community. Homes will range from about 3,850 to 4,478 square feet on 100-foot lots, with up to five bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Sales are expected to begin in October.
This is an aerial view of M/I Homes' new Montevue community off Odell School Road.
Crestfield (Kannapolis) - This townhome community will bring 231 units less than a mile from downtown Kannapolis. Plans range from about 2,000 to 2,700 square feet, with three bedrooms and multiple bath configurations, plus an optional fourth bedroom. Amenities will include a pool and cabana. Sales are slated to start in November.
Amber Glen (Locust) - A model home is now open in this 184-home community on 218 acres with partially wooded lots. Homes will range from roughly 2,500 to more than 3,500 square feet. Planned amenities include a pool, clubhouse, pickleball courts, dog park and walking trails.
No. 4
Is CarMax eyeing Davidson Highway? There are signs the national used car retailer may still have plans for a location along N.C. 73.
CarMax previously submitted plans for a dealership at 5007 Davidson Highway — a 6.9-acre site on the south side of the road near the Interstate 85 southbound on-ramp. Those plans have since expired.
However, a zoning verification for the site tied to CarMax was filed as recently as October 2024, suggesting the project may not be off the table.
For now, it’s something to keep an eye on.
No. 5
The Concord Art Walk returns next Saturday, March 28, bringing a full day of art, music and activity to downtown.
Presented by the Cabarrus Arts Council and the city of Concord, the festival celebrates handmade work from local artists and makers.
Visitors can explore The Galleries at the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, featuring the current exhibition and a gift shop with pieces from local and regional artists.
Downtown will also be filled with live music, food trucks, shopping and activities hosted by local businesses. Fifth Third Bank is among the event sponsors.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you have a Friday Five, story suggestion, or something I can rant about, email mplemmons@independenttribune.com or call or text 704-786-0001.
