American Legion Post 124 to Commemorate the 20th Anniversary of 9/11
Join thousands of Apex enthusiasts at this signature arts and crafts festival in the heart of the downtown district on September 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PeakFest turns 40 this year, having grown its roots from a school parking lot to a premier family event. PeakFest shines with 150 gifted artisans, live entertainment on four stages, roving street performers, carnival-style food, kids activities and giant inflatables.
he COVID-19 pandemic reminded each of us how much community feeds our spirit and soul. Apex is no exception. Its small-town charm, friendly residents and top-notch schools led Money Magazine in 2015 to rank Apex the best place to live in the United States. Today, more than 52,000 people call Apex – the Peak of Good Living – home. PeakFest celebrates everything that continues to make it the best place to live, work and play.
The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Apex Service Memorial with American Legion Post 124 commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The Town of Apex, along with communities around the globe, will pause this day to honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished in the coordinated attacks on the World Trade Center in New York; the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.; and United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on the morning of September 11, 2001.
Post 124 Commander Mike Sayers said, “It will be a fairly lengthy ceremony, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and a bell will toll to mark the moment when each of the World Trade Center towers collapsed [at 9:59 a.m. and 10:28 a.m.].” North Carolina State Pipes and Drums and the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus will perform, and members of the Legion will place a wreath on the memorial. Sayers estimates the ceremony will draw 5,000 people.
wenty years ago, our nation showed remarkable resilience in the face of extraordinary tragedy. Today, it displays that same resilience in emerging from the crippling coronavirus pandemic. By choosing Sept. 11 for PeakFest this year, the Apex Festival Commission not only commemorates the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and our nation’s heroes but also remembers the countless individuals who have been impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis. PeakFest serves as a reminder for “people to gather and live life to the fullest each and every day,” according to its website, ApexPeakFest.com.
Peak City Family Dentistry is the title sponsor of this year’s festival. Located in the heart of downtown Apex, Peak City Family Dentistry has long been a part of the fabric of the Apex community since its establishment in 2013, focusing much of its energy and resources on community events and programs.
“I have lived in this area for 15 years and was delighted to start a dental practice in downtown Apex to serve the community I love so much,” Dr. Kelly Viau said. “We are so excited to sponsor PeakFest to celebrate its 40th year, especially since COVID prevented festivals last year. The people of Apex are ready to gather together in celebration and we love being a part of that!”
While at PeakFest, don’t miss the Sweet Potato Festival, 9 a.m.-noon, at the Apex Farmers Market behind Tobacco & Mule Exchange on North Salem Street. Vendors will showcase the flavors of our state vegetable and kids can learn more about this colorful food, which was grown here by Native Americans long before the European colonization of North America. (Some scientists believe that sweet potatoes might have even nourished the dinosaurs!)
Admission to PeakFest is free, so come out and spend the day enjoying what makes the Peak of Good Living so good!
