Catawba, North Carolina, is a city that relishes its small-town charm. With only 588 residents as of the 2020 census, that number reflected an over 27% population growth from the previous year. Just because it is small, there is no shortage of entertainment and events. For those looking for the bright lights of the big city, Charlotte is just an hour away, and lovers of starlight can visit the clear skies of the mountains in just an hour and a half.

In September, take to the streets at the Wine and Jazz Fest. Local groups perform live jazz, show tunes, and swing hits throughout the festival. Hits of yesteryear by John Coltrane, Cole Porter, and more, plus original compositions, fill the air. More than seventy vendors from around the state sell beer and wine, handcrafted goods, and local delicacies, and there is a large variety of food trucks.

The town of Catawba Veterans Festival and Parade pays tribute to those who defend our country. Live music and great food begin the celebration, including the parade, kid's fun zone, and more.  After the parade, head over to the Veterans Garden of Honor. Here local veterans are honored with their names engraved in bricks along the path leading to the garden. There are still bricks available if there is someone you would like to honor.

A day of fun and learning is in order at the Catawba Science Center. The children's museum is 35,000 square feet of science and technology. There are interactive exhibits, an 8,000-gallon shark and stingray tank, and the state-of-the-art Millholland Planetarium. Here you can see the surface of the sun and travel to the center of a black hole. The kid's favorites are the Gross Labs, where they apply for positions like snot surveyor and poop analyzer. Little do they know those jobs require the same skills as many STEM careers.

Take in the sites and fresh air at Catawba's first Town Park, the David A. Hunsucker Memorial Park. Mr. Hunsucker was a vital part of the community and a long-time advocate for recreation in the town. Enjoy a day of volleyball and horseshoes, try the walking trail, and watch the kids laugh on the playground. 

Witness a piece of history while grabbing some great food at Pop's Old Company Store and Tavern. Registered with Preservation North Carolina, the building was built in 1895 and lies in the historic district of downtown Catawba. The owner, Wayne "Pops" Hyatt, graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. He enjoys creating fun dishes and an atmosphere of fun, food, and drink. There is live entertainment, karaoke, line dancing, and more. Grab some dessert and get nostalgic at Cherry Pop's Soda Shop. The 1950s theme abounds along with shakes, old-fashioned malteds, and hand-dipped ice cream.

If you have leftovers from Pops, store them in airtight containers so other Catawba residents, like ants and roaches, can't get in. If they do, then At Ease Pest Solutions has the answer to your problem. We are Catawba's leading pest control service, and true to our military background, ready to serve our community. Contact us today for an estimate.