New businesses, basketball, Halloween, and other festivities across Cabarrus are part of today’s Friday Five.

No. 1

Another dining option is open at Gibson Mill Market in Concord.

Meadow’s Wood-Fired, a Mooresville-based restaurant specializing in hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas and Italian subs, is open in the food hall at the historic Gibson Mill, 305 McGill Ave. NW.

The restaurant, which opened in Mooresville in 2021, serves wood-fired pizzas, handcrafted Italian subs, salads, and appetizers. Its menu emphasizes scratch-made dough, bread and fresh ingredients.

Meadow’s Wood-Fired is open at Gibson Mill Market in Concord. Image courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

Meadow’s will join a collection of restaurants and food vendors at Gibson Mill Market, including Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers, Taco Street, and Thai Esane.

For more information, visit meadowswoodfired.com.

Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria used to be there. I liked their pizza and was surprised when they left. The restaurant business is tough.

No. 2

Signarama, a custom sign and graphics business, has opened in the College Station shopping center at 471 N. Cannon Blvd. in Kannapolis.

College Station is a new name to me. A few years ago, Big Lots was here. Now it’s the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Cosmetology Center. There is a Zaxby’s out front.

The 3,200-square-foot Signarama shop is owned by Dhananjay “Jay” Prajapati, an engineer and technology entrepreneur. It offers indoor and outdoor business signs, vehicle wraps, window graphics, banners, digital signs, and other promotional materials.

Signarama has opened in the College Station shopping center in Kannapolis. Photo courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

Prajapati, whose family has ties to the area dating back nearly 20 years, said he hopes to make the business the go-to sign shop for northern Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties. The shop serves customers in Kannapolis, Concord, Mooresville, and Huntersville.

Prajapati said his interest in the industry began when he created a sign for his daughter’s debut performance following her classical dance training.

“I remember the feeling of watching guests react to the sign,” he recalled in a press release, “and I get to give that moment to business owners now. There’s nothing like seeing a new owner’s face when their sign goes up for the first time; that sign is often the moment their dream becomes real.”

Signarama is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 704-298-0902 or visit signarama.com/locations/nc-kannapolis.

No. 3

The new Sprouts Farmers Market will open Friday, Nov. 13.

The Phoenix-based specialty grocer is moving into the former Earth Fare location at Christenbury Corners, 8885 Christenbury Parkway. Earth Fare opened there in 2017 and closed in August 2025.

Sprouts specializes in fresh produce, natural and organic foods, meats, seafood, bulk foods and specialty grocery products, including plant-based and gluten-free selections. The approximately 24,000-square-foot store will be the chain’s fourth in the Charlotte area, joining locations in Ballantyne, Steele Creek and NoDa.

Our friends over at Axios Charlotte first reported about the new Sprouts.

The opening will be a welcome relief for customers of other businesses in the center. Construction had blocked a large chunk of the parking lot for several weeks.

The grand-opening celebration begins with a ribbon-cutting at 6:45 a.m. Nov. 13, followed by the store opening at 7 a.m. The first 200 shoppers on Friday and Saturday will receive free reusable tote bags, while the first 400 customers on Friday will receive long-stem roses.

The celebration continues through Sunday, Nov. 15, with food samples, scavenger hunts and special promotions. Sprouts Rewards members can receive 20% off eligible purchases, up to $20 per account, during the opening weekend.

Sprouts is expected to create approximately 83 jobs.

No. 4

Basketball season is here. Most of you know how much I love basketball. Many of the teams have already play exhibition games. Barber-Scotia’s men have already played two games.

The Sabers dropped a 73-67 game against Tennessee Valley Community College (Gold) on Oct. 24 and lost 90-74 to Tennessee Valley’s Blue team. Barber-Scotia is on the road Saturday at Randolph. I could not find a women’s schedule online.

Many of you heard Coach Wes Miller’s Charlotte 49ers pushed the Tar Heels to overtime. The regular season opens Monday at Indiana State. The Charlotte women play at 7 p.m. Monday at Halton Arena. I will be doing the radio call again this. I am excited for the season to start.

Catawba’s men open up on Monday, Nov. 9, hosting Virginia Union. The Catawba women play Augusta on Tuesday, Nov. 10.

Livingstone opens with Carolina Christian on Nov. 12. The Blue Bear women head to Barton to play Nov. 9.

Pfeiffer’s men open against Guilford on Saturday, Nov. 7. The Falcon women play Averett on Monday, Nov. 9.

It’s a few more days until the high school tip-off. A.L. Brown plays Nov. 13, and Concord plays Nov. 23. I didn’t look up all the first games. Remember, high school football’s regular season finales are Friday, Oct. 30.

The playoffs begin on Friday, Nov. 6. Many Cabarrus teams will be in first round. The big game this week is undefeated Jay M. Robinson at Northwest Cabarrus. The Trojans have one conference loss, that heart-breaker last week against West Rowan.

No. 5

Looking for something to do? Halloween celebrations, dirt-track racing, holiday shopping and Christmas festivities are on the calendar in Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Midland, Mount Pleasant and surrounding communities.

Friday, Oct. 30 — Downtown Concord Candy Crawl: Downtown Concord welcomes families for an afternoon of trick-or-treating at participating businesses from 3-5 p.m. Children are invited to bring their candy bags and costumes for the free event.

Friday, Oct. 30 — All Hallow’s Eve Book Bash: Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore, 217 S. Main St. in Kannapolis, hosts a free Halloween-themed literary event from 6-10 p.m. Five young-adult thriller authors will participate: Megan Lally, Alex Travis, Jo Salazar, Kaitlin Reilly and Roselyn Clarke. Advance RSVP is requested.

Friday, Oct. 30 — McGill Baptist Church Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat: McGill Baptist Church in Concord will host its Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat from 6-8 p.m. The event offers an evening of Halloween fun for children and families.

Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31 — World Short Track Championship: The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts three days of racing featuring competitors from across the country on its four-tenths-mile dirt oval.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Touch-a-Truck: Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks hosts its eighth annual Touch-a-Truck from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. 49 in Concord. Visitors can explore emergency vehicles, trucks, tractors and construction equipment. A low-sensory period without sirens or flashing lights runs from 9-10:30 a.m., followed by a helicopter landing between 10:45 and 11 a.m. Admission is free, with parking $10 by credit or debit card.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Malloween: Carolina Mall, 1480 Concord Parkway N. in Concord, invites families for Halloween trick-or-treating beginning at 6 p.m. Participating stores will distribute candy while supplies last, and visitors can enter a drawing for a $100 gift card to a mall store of their choice.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Kids Candy Crawl: Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Ave. NW in Concord, hosts its Halloween celebration from 4-8 p.m. Emory and Erika’s Spooky but Not So Scary Spooktacular takes place from 5:30-7 p.m., with a free character meet-and-greet from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Nightmare at the Mill: City Club at Gibson Mill in Concord hosts a Halloween celebration featuring live entertainment, dancing, cocktails and costumes.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Convicted Spirits Investigations: Southern Grace Distilleries at Whiskey Prison in Mount Pleasant concludes its October paranormal investigation events, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the historic former prison after dark.

Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 22 — Carolina Renaissance Festival: The Carolina Renaissance Festival continues at 16445 Poplar Tent Road, along the Huntersville-Concord border. The festival features jousting knights, costumed villagers, falconry, music, comedy, games, food and an artisan marketplace. Gates are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 Election Day: Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Early voting is scheduled to end at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 — World of Outlaws Hauler Parade: The World of Outlaws racing teams kick off World Finals week with their annual hauler parade in front of zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The event offers fans an opportunity to see the racing transporters before competition begins.

Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 4-7 — World of Outlaws World Finals: The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5500 Concord Parkway S. in Concord, hosts four days of championship racing featuring World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models and Super DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds. The season-ending event includes racing, midway entertainment and activities for fans.

Saturday, Nov. 7 — Veterans Salute 5K/10K: The City of Concord Parks and Recreation Department and American Legion Post 51 will host the Veterans Salute 5K/10K in downtown Concord to honor military veterans and active-duty service members. The event includes a free one-mile fun run at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K and 10K races at 9 a.m. The start and finish area is on McCachern Boulevard near the Cabarrus County parking lot. Family activities include a children’s zone with inflatables, a balloon artist, and a military Humvee. Registration is $20 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K in advance, with higher fees on race day. Information and registration: runsignup.com.

Saturday, Nov. 7 — Old Armor 5K for Heroes: The Run Kannapolis series continues with the Old Armor 5K for Heroes, beginning at 8 a.m. in Kannapolis. The event is part of the city’s annual running series.

Saturday, Nov. 7 — Veterans Day Book Sale: The Friends of the Midland Library will hold its annual Veterans Day Book Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Black-Phillips American Legion Post 433 in Midland. The sale, which benefits the Midland Library, will feature fiction, history, and children’s books. A Toys for Tots collection box will also be available, and visitors are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy. It is part of the Post’s Veteran’s Day program.

The Friends of the Midland Library will hold its annual Veterans Day Book Sale from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Black-Phillips American Legion Post 433 in Midland. Image courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

Nov. 11-22 — Southern Christmas Show: The Southern Christmas Show returns to The Park Expo & Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road in Charlotte, for 12 days of holiday shopping and entertainment. The annual tradition features holiday decorations, gifts, apparel, jewelry, toys, specialty foods and seasonal displays. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 11 and Thursdays through Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays. Christmas movie actor Marcus Rosner is scheduled to appear Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. Information: southernchristmasshow.com.

Friday, Nov. 13 — Kannapolis Christmas Tree Lighting: Kannapolis officially kicks off the Christmas season at 6:30 p.m. at Village Park, 700 W. C St. The free ceremony features live music and entertainment, followed by fireworks at approximately 6:45 p.m.

Nov. 13-Dec. 30 — Celebration of Lights and Winterland Express: Village Park in Kannapolis will be illuminated with thousands of Christmas lights, with the Winterland Express train, carousel, Santa visits, Singing Bears, holiday crafts and other activities. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The park is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission to view the lights is free; tickets are required for the train and carousel.

Friday, Nov. 20 — Concord Christmas Tree Lighting: The City of Concord holds its 29th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Concord. The free celebration features live music, food trucks, children’s activities, Santa and Mrs. Claus at Courthouse Plaza and fireworks. Country band Saddletramp will perform on the main stage, with youth performances on a second stage.

Nov. 20-Jan. 3 — Speedway Christmas: Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts its annual drive-through holiday light display, with visitors traveling through illuminated displays around the speedway complex.

Saturday, Nov. 21 — Concord Christmas Parade: The 98th annual Concord Christmas Parade, presented by Eli Lilly, begins at 2:30 p.m. The free parade features floats, marching bands, schools, churches and civic organizations. The route begins at Church Street North and Lake Concord Road and continues along Church Street, Buffalo Avenue and Union Street, ending at Corban Avenue.

Saturday, Nov. 21 — The Geekery Market: The Geekery Market celebrates its 10th year at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 90 booths will offer art, books, crafts, games, collectibles and other pop-culture merchandise. Admission is free, with donations for Second Harvest Food Bank encouraged. Parking is $10 by card.

Saturday, Nov. 28 — Christmas Market at Cabarrus Brewing: Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Ave. NW in Concord, hosts a Christmas Market featuring holiday vendors and shopping as a kickoff to its December Christmas Festival.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 5-6 — Christmas Festival at Cabarrus Brewing: Cabarrus Brewing Company and Cabarrus Festivals host a two-day holiday celebration featuring vendors, Santa photos, a tree lighting, live music, Christmas carols, children’s activities and performances by the Lake Norman Big Band. Hours are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday, Dec. 12 — Kannapolis Christmas Parade: The annual nighttime Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m. in downtown Kannapolis, featuring illuminated floats, marching bands, community groups and Santa Claus.

Dec. 18-20 — A Christmas Carol: The Swanee Theatre in downtown Kannapolis is scheduled to present a stage production of the Charles Dickens holiday classic.

Don’t see your event? Coming Up in Cabarrus helps readers find fun and interesting things to do throughout the area. To submit an event for consideration, email plemmons.mark@gmail.com.

If you have anything for the Friday Five or something I can rant about, email Plemmons.mark@gmail.com or text me at 704-786-0001.

The Cabarrus Compass

Friday Five: Pizza, signs, groceries…