Stephanie Gillespie will be the newest member of the Carrollton Board of Aldermen.
Gillespie was the lone qualifier for the seat vacated by Allen Lee last month. The qualifying deadline was yesterday at 2 p.m.
According to Mayor Pam Lee, because only one candidate qualified to run for the seat, there will not be an election on July 14.
Gillespie will complete Allen Lee’s current term, which ends June 20, 2021. Municipal elections will be held next spring, with the new term starting July 1, 2021.
In other town news, planning is underway for the 2020 Pilgrimage and Pioneer Day Festival, set for October 2-3.
According to Mayor Pam Lee, organizers are “cautiously optimistic about the events,” however, safety precautions are being considered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lee said requests to visit Carrollton are increasing, and downloads of the town’s walking tour app are up over last year. Even local musicians are inquiring about availability to perform during the Pioneer Day Festival.
“At the same time, the [Carroll County Development Association], Pilgrimage Board, and the Antiquities Society want to take reasonable precautions to keep homeowners, visitors and vendors safe,” Lee said. “There will be porch parties for ticket holders, limiting in-house tours. Masks and hand sanitizers will be included in the ticket price. Vendors will be spread out with space between them, stretching out to other streets and on the back Courthouse lawn.”
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the filming of “The Help” at Cotesworth. In honor of the anniversary, a special program is being planned for Cotesworth. Lee Ann Fleming, food stylist for the movie, will present Tastes of The Help.
The movie will also be shown on Saturday night at The Tabernacle.
