Change is constant. There’s always something new. And there are some things that keep going. Let’s start with that.

No. 1

Robert “Captain” Kirk is taking the plunge once again for a good cause.

Kirk, who has been making endurance swims to raise money for polio eradication for several years, will return to the pool Monday, Oct. 19, for a four-hour fundraiser benefiting Rotary International’s worldwide campaign to eliminate the disease.

The event, sponsored by Cabarrus County Rotary, will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the West Cabarrus branch of the Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA, 5325 Langford Ave. NW in Concord.

Robert Kirk will be swimming to raise money for polio eradication. Image courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

Kirk’s annual swimming efforts have become a personal commitment to Rotary’s mission. Supporters are encouraged to contribute to the fundraising effort or stop by the YMCA to cheer him on.

Rotary has led the global effort for decades, helping fund vaccination campaigns and other initiatives.

Donations can be made online at https://raise.rotary.org/en-GB/project/dive-in-with-dr-kirk-end-polio-now?tab=overview.

The public is invited to encourage “Captain” Kirk as he puts in another four hours in the pool for a worthy cause.

No. 2

Former Cabarrus County Commissioner Robert “Bob” Carruth will join 15 local writers at Hometown Authors, Homegrown Stories, a free community literary event on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Bethel Elementary School, 2425 Midland Road, Midland.

Carruth, who previously served on the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, will showcase his book, On the Banks of the Chestatee. The event, organized by Friends of the Midland Library, will give visitors an opportunity to meet local authors, hear from them, discuss their work, and purchase books.

Other participating authors include Corey Beth Travaglini, Joshua Gomez, Gene Needham, Christen N. Anthony, Jill C. Spencer, R. Miranda, Dianne Miley, Joan Y. Edwards, WD Meyers II, Auri Jones, Jackson Badgenoone, Randy Lankford, Thomas J. Doonan and Christina Luiza.

Robert Carruth will be one of several local authors at the event at Bethel Elementary on Oct. 24. Image courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

Friends of the Midland Library is hosting an event featuring several local authors on Oct. 24. Image courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

The event will feature a variety of literary works, including children’s books, fiction, inspirational writing, photography, and nonfiction. Featured titles include The Hidden Treasure of Dutch Buffalo Creek by Jackson Badgenoone, The Adventures of Squiggle Wiggle series by Christen N. Anthony, and Places That Found Me, a photography book by Joshua Gomez.

Admission is free, and the public is invited. For more information, including a complete list of authors and their books, visit friendsofthemidlandlibrary.org/author-event.

No. 3

Shoppers along Concord Parkway may have noticed a familiar supermarket with a new name.

Frescal Supermarket signage has replaced the Compare Foods name at 840 Concord Parkway North in Concord Plaza. Compare Foods opened at the location in December 2023. Many years ago, this was a Bi-Lo grocery store, and later Northern Tool & Equipment.

The change appears to be part of a rebranding effort. CLT Grocer Management LLC, which operates under the Compare Foods name, filed a federal trademark application for Frescal Supermarket in December 2025.

The former Compare Foods in Concord Plaza is now Frescal Supermarket. Photo credit: Mark Plemmons.

The supermarket specializes in fresh produce, meats, seafood, and international groceries. The company has a handful of Frescal locals in Charlotte.

Almost next door to Frescal Supermarket, another new business is taking shape along Concord Parkway.

Side Pocket Tavern is preparing to open in a building tucked away from the highway behind Whitaker’s Wheel & Tire. The formerly white building has been painted black, and work continues inside.

The building has an interesting history. It originally housed a pet store that relocated from Carolina Mall and later housed a pest control business, among other uses.

Side Pocket Tavern plans to feature 10 pool tables, a full bar and kitchen, big-screen sports, pool leagues and tournaments, and live music and entertainment, according to the company’s Facebook page.

Side Pocket Tavern is currently hiring. Image courtesy of Mark Plemmons.

The business began advertising for employees in August and recently posted another announcement seeking bartenders, servers, and kitchen staff. An opening date has not been confirmed.

The location also offers a chance to catch up on another longtime Concord business. Whitaker’s Wheel & Tire moved to its current location a few months ago after operating for years near the intersection of Concord Parkway and McGill Avenue.

The business traces its roots to Punchy Whitaker, who started the operation decades ago. Car Credit Center has since moved into the former Whitaker’s Wheel & Tire location.

No. 4

There are plenty of changes taking place at Concord Mills as the shopping center gears up for the holiday season, including new stores, an entertainment attraction, and the much-anticipated arrival of The Cheesecake Factory.

The restaurant is scheduled to open Dec. 8 near Dick’s Sporting Goods and Primark. Dang, that is fast. It is shocking to me that it could open that quickly.

The Cheesecake Factory, known for its extensive menu featuring more than 250 selections and more than 30 varieties of cheesecake, is hiring. Positions include servers, bartenders, hosts, cooks, dishwashers, and other restaurant staff.

The opening is part of a larger hiring effort at Concord Mills, where more than 300 full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions are expected as the holidays approach.

Akira is near AMC Theatres and where Forever 21 was for several years. Photo credit: Mark Plemmons.

Inside the mall, Akira, a women’s fashion retailer specializing in clothing, shoes and accessories, has opened near AMC Theatres. Forever 21 occupied the space for a long time.

Another newcomer, Eloise Collections, which we told you about earlier, has opened near the Nike Clearance Store and offers collectibles, plush toys, mystery boxes, and other gift items.

Bubble Planet is coming to the former Hanes Brands spot near the new Cheesecake Factory. Photo credit: Mark Plemmons.

Meanwhile, Bubble Planet, an immersive entertainment attraction, is preparing to open near Primark. The attraction will feature interactive, bubble-themed environments, optical illusions and other experiences designed for visitors of all ages. During a recent visit, colorful Bubble Planet graphics covered the storefront, but the entrance remained closed.

The Adidas Outlet Store also underwent a remodeling project and reopened Oct. 8 near Shoe Dept. Encore.

The additions are part of continuing changes at Concord Mills, which features more than 200 stores, restaurants and entertainment attractions.

No. 5

There’s plenty to do over the next couple of weeks. Here’s some of things we’ve found.

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17 — Oasis Shrine Circus: The Oasis Shrine Circus comes to the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, 4751 N.C. 49 in Concord, for two days of circus entertainment. Ticket information is available through the arena.

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 16-18 — Spider’s Web: Old Courthouse Theatre, 49 Spring St. NW in Concord, concludes its production of Agatha Christie’s comedy-thriller Spider’s Web. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17 — Boomer’s Halloween Bash: Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis hosts two days of family-friendly Halloween and fall activities. The free celebration includes an appearance by Boomer, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers mascot. Activities begin at 4 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Saturday, Oct. 17 — Peak Building Material Auction: The auction begins at 9 a.m. at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center in Concord. The event features building and home-improvement materials.

Saturday, Oct. 17 — Fall All Ford Car Show: The Mustang Owner’s Museum in Concord hosts a fall-themed car show featuring Ford vehicles, with lunch available on site.

Saturday, Oct. 17 — Queen City Corvette Show: The Queen City Corvette Club hosts its annual Corvette Show at Hendrick Motorsports, 4411 Papa Joe Hendrick Blvd. in Concord. The event features Corvette displays and opportunities for car enthusiasts to see a variety of models.

Saturday, Oct. 17 — Nooktoberfest: Percent Tap House at the Nook in Concord hosts an Oktoberfest-style celebration featuring local beer and seasonal festivities.

Saturday, Oct. 17 — ZZ Top Notch: The Swanee Theatre in downtown Kannapolis hosts ZZ Top Notch, a tribute band performing the music of ZZ Top.

Sunday, Oct. 18 — Vegan Vibes Music Series, Fall Edition: Cabarrus Brewing Company, 329 McGill Ave. NW in Concord, hosts live music, vegan food trucks, vegan vendors and other activities from 1-6 p.m.

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, music, comedy, falconry, games, food, and an artisan marketplace. Gates are open Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Oct. 19-25

Thursday, Oct. 22 — Foxtoberfest Car Show Meet Up: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts a gathering for car enthusiasts from 5-9 p.m. at Gibson Mill in Concord.

Friday-Sunday, Oct. 23-25 — Christmas Made in the South: The 45th annual Christmas Made in the South returns to the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center,4751 N.C. 49 in Concord, for three days of holiday shopping. The show features artists and craftspeople offering handmade gifts, jewelry, pottery, artwork, home décor, seasonal decorations, and specialty foods. Santa is also scheduled to appear. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, with children 12 and younger admitted free. Parking is free. Information: madeinthesouthshows.com.

Saturday, Oct. 24 — Fall Safe Disposal: Cabarrus County hosts a special collection event at West Cabarrus High School, 4100 Weddington Road in Concord, offering residents an opportunity to properly dispose of eligible unwanted household materials.

Sunday, Oct. 25 — Sip & Script: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts a pumpkin-lettering and brush-lettering class from 3:30-5 p.m. at Gibson Mill in Concord.

Oct. 26-31

Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31 — World Short Track Championship: The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway hosts the World Short Track Championship, bringing competitors from across the country to the four-tenths-mile dirt oval.

Friday, Oct. 30 — Trick or Treat on Main Street: Harrisburg hosts a family-friendly Halloween celebration at Harrisburg Park, with candy, games, food trucks, vendors, and other activities.

Friday, Oct. 30 — Downtown Concord Candy Crawl: Downtown Concord welcomes families for Halloween treats and activities at participating downtown businesses.

Friday, Oct. 30 — All Hallow’s Eve Book Bash: Editions Coffee Shop & Bookstore in Kannapolis hosts a Halloween-themed literary event featuring young-adult thriller authors.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Touch-a-Truck: The Cabarrus Arena & Events Center hosts Touch-a-Truck beginning at 9 a.m. Families can explore trucks, construction equipment and other vehicles up close.

Saturday, Oct. 31 — Kids Candy Crawl: Cabarrus Brewing Company hosts its Halloween celebration from 4-8 p.m., with costumed characters scheduled to appear 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 presented in partnership with Epic Event Rentals.

Here’s a bonus that I almost forgot. Spirit Halloween, a seasonal, temporary store, is occupying part of the former Rug & Home location on Cloverleaf Parkway. We told you about the redevelopment a couple of weeks ago.

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: Swimming, eating, and shopping …