CLEVELAND – Shops on the corner of West Main and South Depot in Cleveland no longer sell plain bricks.
On Saturday, the city unveiled a new landmark: its own barn ceiling with a new logo. Bringing the city’s new branding and agricultural tradition of the West Rowan area to the center of town, the image was a highlight of an all-day celebration.
The day started with a Lions Club breakfast. During the day there was an open house at the new West branch of the Rowan Public Library, the West Rowan Family Medicine of Novant Health, the Cleveland Community Fire Department and an opening ceremony for Elsie’s.
Elsie Bennett, the owner and namesake of the new ice cream parlor and general store, is also the head behind the barn’s new quilting sign.
Bennett said she used the colors of the logo to create the quilt design and represent West Rowan. Bennett said the design works well for the region. She is also one of the local residents working on a barn stepped path in the county.
“It’s a really great way to promote tourism in the community, but it’s also a better way to connect the community and get them excited about the arts,” said Bennett, adding that every quilt tells a story.
Richard Taylor, the city commissioner for Cleveland, said the city considered creating a logo a few years ago. Once the logo was ready, Taylor said the city wanted to find a prominent place to display it and waited to do a stable deal in stores.
“We’ll just keep building on that,” said Taylor.
Greg Edds, chairman of the county commissioner, came out to reveal. He said it was good to see people return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cleveland is changing too. They are modernizing and trying to get everything right with their leadership and volunteers, ”said Edds. “Cleveland is just a great example of how to truly develop not just an economy but a community.”
Mayor Pat Phifer has been with the city council for 30 years. Phifer said Saturday’s celebration is a good move for the city because it “will tell its own story”.
“We have never done that before. We all let our story be told, ”said Phifer.
The event also marked the start of the city’s annual series of concerts, which was canceled last year due to the pandemic. Thomasville’s 7 Roads Band started their set shortly after the quilt was unveiled.
