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After less than two years as a designated NC Main Street community, the Town of Manteo brought home two awards from the 2024 NC Main Street Conference, which was held this past week in Goldsboro.

The award-winning projects were The Pioneer Theater and the Manteo Downtown Market.

“Being the oldest family-owned small theater in the country is not the only claim to fame now for The Pioneer Theater. The NC Main Street recognized the theater for their outstanding achievement of preserving a much-loved historical gem in Manteo and our state,” stated the announcement from the Town of Manteo. The Pioneer Theater was awarded for the Best Façade Rehabilitation for More than $15,000.

“Not only was the façade rehabilitated but the many live music and community events, in addition to movies, have brought more people to the downtown area making an economic impact on the entire town worthy of a Grammy,” the announcement continued. “Michael Basnight and his sister, Jamie Hatchell, recognized the value of investing in not only the restoration of the theater but the priceless preservation of a place where future generations of first dates, first kisses, and other first memories would never end for the community they grew up in, love and call home.”

NC Main Street also recognized the Manteo Downtown Market as a Best Healthy Communities’ Initiative for its Young Entrepreneur Program. “Entrepreneurship is not defined by age, and the young entrepreneurs that participated in the Manteo Downtown Market surely proved that! These middle and high school students have unique opportunities that afford them ways to harness the many changes that life continually throws our way,” stated the announcement. “They helped the community adapt and transformed economic growth by bringing innovation to the market and creating jobs with amazing energy, creativity and passion. As an added bonus, the more seasoned market vendors thrived even more and were there every step of the way supporting the young entrepreneurs as if they were their own, making sure they had any needed items and purchasing their products. Like a child, entrepreneurship starts small but the long-term vision and impacts, such as financial stability and a strong sense of community, are so much greater.”

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