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Issues

July 2026

Celebrating 250 Years

For as long as I knew him, my late father had a beard. Legend has it he first grew it in for our country’s 200th anniversary in 1976, when “bicentennial beards” were a thing — plenty shaved come August, but his stuck. Although I haven’t heard much about a similar trend this year (maybe “semiquincentennial beard” is just too much of a mouthful), there are plenty of unique celebrations going on around the country and right here in North Carolina. We’ve dedicated this issue to joining in the celebration. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!

—Scott Gates, editor

Carolina Kitchen

America’s Birthday Cake

What better way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than with juicy red North Carolina-grown watermelon? Make our Watermelon Cake your centerpiece with extra wedges piled all around for a crowd!

Let Freedom Ring Deviled Egg Dip

Everybody loves deviled eggs, but nobody loves peeling them! Free yourself from the stress of perfectly peeled eggs and just make this dip! Still delicious and very forgiving when it comes to “ugly” eggs.

Pepper Chicken Salad

“We eat salads year ‘round and always keep a bowl full of some sort of salad. By making different ones that are easy to make and eat, I will reach for the bowl of salad every time. After all, the salad is ready to eat.”—Katie Martin

Carolina Living

Carolina Living

Beneath Still Waters

The hidden world of the American alligator

Carolina Living

Experience the Magic of Outdoor Movie Nights

Easy backyard setup ideas for cozy summer evenings

Carolina Living

Affordable Summer Memories

Save money while making the most of your vacation

Your Power

Your Power

Supporting Music on the Global Stage

Mojotone earned Exporter of the Year honors for its global business success

Your Power

NC Electric Co-ops Advocate for Rural Communities at Rally in Raleigh

North Carolina electric co-ops bring the voices of rural communities to lawmakers in Raleigh

Your Power

Technology Leader Named COO of NCEMC

Chris VanLokeren to help lead NCEMC through a changing energy landscape

More from this issue

Up Front

A Shared History to be Proud of

NC’s electric co-ops celebrate a shared history of service, community and rural electrification

Energy Sense

Efficiency Saves on Bills and Brings Relief

An energy efficient home is a comfortable home

On The House

Co-ops Through the Decades

Some things change, some stay the same

Carolina Adventures

Honoring 250 Years of Independence

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with history, heritage and fun

Carolina Snapshots

Ice Cream

Reader submitted photos

Tip Of The Month

Give the Grid a Break

Save money by shifting your schedule

North Carolina and the Founding of Our Nation

Test your know-how with NC Revolutionary War trivia

Where in Carolina Country is This?

Submit Your Answer

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