Silence, be gone: Music returns to Morganton

After an extended interlude (read: inoperable sound system), visitors to downtown Morganton will soon be able to once again enjoy the pleasant sound of music as they stroll the streets.

The city, which is designated a public power community, has received a $10,000 grant from ElectriCities of NC.

The award is a part of the Downtown Revitalization Grant program, designed to help North Carolina public power communities spur downtown economic development and achieve their downtown revitalization goals.

The City of Morganton will put its ElectriCities grant toward restoring its downtown music system. The original system installed in 1998 failed in 2020, and the replacement wireless system installed in 2022 has remained inoperable.

Sharon Jablonski, director of Cultural and Creative Development for the City of Morganton said, “For years, the ambient music was a defining characteristic of downtown Morganton, frequently praised by tourists. The prolonged silence has been a noticeable loss, impacting the overall experience for shoppers, diners, and those simply enjoying the downtown environment.

“The locals miss it,” Jablonski added. “For years when it was in operation visitors always commented on it. We were one of the first downtowns to have a system in place.”

Jablonski said city officials are able to change the music as they want, to provide seasonal tunes when appropriate.

Working with a team from the City of Lenoir, who has had issues with the same music system, the Morganton team has found a solution. Using the grant, they’ll be able to completely rework and activate all 16 of their sound units.

“Restoring our downtown music system is a crucial step in enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of Downtown Morganton,” Jablonski said. “This grant funding enables us to fully implement a proven solution, revitalizing a cherished amenity and contributing significantly to the ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.”

She said the city hopes to have the new system in place and operating by July.

Carl Rees, ElectriCities manager of economic and community development said, “These grant-winning projects show that there are many different ways we can improve our downtowns and support development. Helping fund them injects needed energy into our members’ downtown areas, sparking growth and ultimately improving the quality of life in these public power communities.”

About ElectriCities’ Downtown Revitalization GrantsElectriCities awards the competitive Downtown Revitalization Grants twice a year — each spring and fall — to its members in the North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA) and in North Carolina Municipal Power Agency Number 1 (NCMPA1). Grant proceeds must be used for projects that advance the community’s downtown revitalization goals and are approved by the city or town manager or chief executive.

The next application cycle for ElectriCities Downtown Revitalization Grants opens in the fall of 2025.