Hope Mills is full of up and coming events for residents and our neighbors to enjoy. We are working on plans to improve our services to the residents. We are developing a history of Hope Mills museum and a new shared training facility for our fire and police departments. We are in the process of developing a master plan for the old golf course, and our lakefront park master plan aims for optimum recreational use of our lake area. And, as always, our parks and recreation center is buzzing with activity for all, ranging from youths to seniors.

The Town of Hope Mills has activities for everyone. Whether you are a resident or you want to visit and check us out, all are welcome. We have a variety of road races throughout the year, parades on at least two occasions, Christmas and Fourth of July, the Hope Meals Food Truck Rodeo beginning the first Thursday of the month and the Miss Cotton Beauty Pageant. Ole Mill Days has many festivities over the course of two days to include an Ole Mill reunion. We have Trunk R Treat in our Municipal Park, multiple events for the Christmas holiday with visits from Santa, Valentine’s dinners, St. Patrick’s Day dinner and multiple events for Easter with a visit from the Easter Bunny.

We honor our fallen heroes on Memorial Day and Veterans Day with commemorative services. Of course, the Fourth of July is a big holiday for us as well, with all kinds of fun things for the entire family, including fireworks. If you haven’t gathered as much so far, Hope Mills is a family-oriented community, and our services are geared to keeping that our priority.

Our staff has developed a Citizens Academy that started again on Sept. 7. The academy is free of charge and exists for all citizens who would like to expand their knowledge of the workings of our town. It is an excellent avenue for anyone seeking potential service to the community in either elected or volunteer positions. There are interactive demonstrations throughout the eight-week course. At the first board of commissioners meeting in November, graduates of the academy will receive certificates to acknowledge their commitment to and completion of the program. There will also be a small reception to celebrate their outstanding accomplishment.

Hope Mills is a growing community with a wide range of diversification, and we are making every effort to include everyone in the celebrations and joyful events we sponsor.

Over the last year, Hope Mills formed a committee to help raise funds with matching sponsorship from the Cumberland Community Foundation. We not only reached our goal for the year, we surpassed it and are now on the way to having one of the few playgrounds that’s compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act for children in the county through Reid’s Journey. We are also contributing to the Alms House Backpack for Children program and helping with the beginning stages of the South View High School Arboretum.

Hope Mills is definitely on the way to bettering its community and making this an awesome place to live. We are proud of our community and encourage you to visit us for one of our many events. Who knows, you might find yourself looking at real estate.