LOCAL HAPPENINGS: Medal of Honor recipient speaks on Memorial Day weekend

ASHEBORO — Medal of Honor recipient retired Col. Joe Marm will tell his story in a Friends of the Library Sunset Signature Series event on Saturday, May 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Asheboro’s historic Sunset Theatre.

The talk is free and the public is invited.

In 1965, Marm was a 2nd lieutenant leading a platoon of the 7th Cavalry Regiment during the Vietnam War when his unit joined what became the battle of Ia Drang, the first major engagement between the US and North Vietnamese armies. The battle is recounted in the book We Were Soldiers Once… and Young by Hal Moore and Joseph L. Galloway, and in the film We Were Soldiers.

With his platoon under fire from a concealed machine gun, Marm exposed himself to draw fire and locate the enemy position, then made two attempts to destroy it — the second by charging 30 yards under heavy fire to eliminate it despite being severely wounded.

For his actions, he received the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon Johnson on Dec. 19, 1966. The citation states that Marm’s “selfless actions reduced the fire on his platoon, broke the enemy assault, and rallied his unit toward the accomplishment of his mission.”

Marm, a Pennsylvania native and Eagle Scout, earned a business degree from Duquesne University in 1964 before joining the Army. He retired in 1995, and resides in eastern North Carolina.

The Sunset Series celebrates art and ideas by bringing world-class speakers and performers to the heart of Asheboro. The series is sponsored by the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, the City of Asheboro and the Friends of the Randolph County Public Libraries.

The final 2026 Sunset Series event will be Our State Editor Elizabeth Hudson speaking on Friday, Sept. 25, beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

The Sunset Theatre is located at 234 Sunset Ave. For more information, call the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau at 800-626-2672.
 

THIS WEEK

The Hatley Family is May’s Sunset bluegrass guest

ASHEBORO  — Friday Night Bluegrass is back in May on Friday, May 15, with the guest appearance by The Hatley Family, which has played in many venues throughout the state. The group represents five generations of Hatleys and is known for its gospel offerings and tight four-part harmonies. Tickets are $10 for the 7 p.m. event at Sunset Theatre, 234 Sunset Ave., Asheboro.

Randleman’s Market & Music returns on May 15

RANDLEMAN — The music of Marsha Morgan will be the highlight when Randleman’s Market & Music series continues on Friday, May 15, in its downtown Commerce Square venue. The evening begins at 5 p.m. with local vendor produce sales and food truck arrivals. Music runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring your own chair.

Randleman fun continues on Saturday in a Cruise In

RANDLEMAN  — A Randleman Cruise In event last year was so popular that it’s being brought back at 245 S. Main St. While there will be plenty of classic cars, trucks, hot rods, muscle cars and more to peruse, the 10 a.m.-4 p.m. event includes much more: Food trucks, vendors, a Kids Zone and, as an added draw, an appearance by Tim Phillips, a Smokey & The Bandit tribute performer who will show up as the Bandit. As an added literal gift, cruiser goodie bags will be handed out at both entrance gates.   

First Sunday night concert in Bicentennial is Sunday

ASHEBORO  — Asheboro’s Sunday Night Concert Series kicks off on May 17 when Band of Oz visits Bicentennial Park in downtown Asheboro. This will be the first of five Sunday events scheduled for music goers this summer. All concerts are free to attend. Bring a chair or blanket for these outdoor events. Food trucks and downtown restaurants will be available.

RhinoLeap’s tennis court production continues

ASHEBORO  — In the midst of a stretch of 11 performances in 17 days, RhinoLeap’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Beginning on Friday, May 8, and happening again 10 more times through May 24, continues this weekend and into next weekend. Three actors take you on a frenetic 90-minute journey through some three dozen Shakespeare plays in Memorial Park. The plays take place on one of the Memorial Park tennis courts. Admission is $32. See details on 5A.

UPCOMING

The summer’s first Rock’n the Park arrives on May 23

ASHEBORO  — The City of Asheboro’s four Friday night monster Rock’n the Park concert events, which have drawn thousands of people to each event since their debut a few years ago, are set for a 2026 debut on May 23 in Bicentennial Park with a Megastars of Country Tribute to Brooks and Dunn. Music begins at 6:30 with local opening musical entertainment followed by the main event from about 8 to 10 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite but downtown restaurants and pubs will be packing them in, too, and with the Zoo City Social District hours in effect, you can take your drink with you to the party. The event is free to spectators, but it’s held outdoors, so bring you chair or blanket, food and drink and kick back to enjoy another round of historical tribute fun.