Have questions about a category? Here’s how we define each category on the ballot.
ADULT CHOIR | an organized singing group consisting mostly of adults, typically one that takes part in church services or performs regularly in public |
ANNUAL FESTIVAL/COMMUNITY EVENT | a regularly planned event or series of events that are open to the public, whether free or ticketed. does not include fundraisers |
ART GALLERY | a space dedicated to the display or sale of works of art |
COMMUNITY/AMATEUR PERFORMING ARTS GROUP | an organized group of non-professional performers (theatre, music, dance, etc.) |
DANCE STUDIO | a business where people can go to take dance lessons |
FARMERS MARKET | a food market at which local farmers sell fruit and vegetables and often meat, cheese, and bakery products directly to consumers |
FUNDRAISING EVENT | an event designed to raise awareness and donations for an organization’s mission |
HOLIDAY EVENT | a holiday-themed event that has occurred in the last 18 months |
KARAOKE VENUE | a bar, restaurant, club or mobile venue that offers karaoke equipment so people can sing publicly |
LOCAL BAND | 2 or more musicians that perform together regularly in Moore County |
LOCAL MUSICIAN (SOLO) | a musician who performs by themselves/without a band, regularly, in Moore County. open to singers, instrumentalists, DJs, etc. |
PERFORMING ARTS VENUE | a space that is intended for use by various types of the performing arts, including dance, music and theatre; does not include bars/restaurants |
PLACE TO GET CREATIVE | a business that offers opportunities to create visual art |
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – animals | a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to animals; must have a 501(c)3 status |
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – arts | a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to the arts; must have a 501(c)3 status |
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – children | a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to children; must have a 501(c)3 status |
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – community service | a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to the general community; must have a 501(c)3 status |
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – military | a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to military; must have a 501(c)3 status |
PLACE TO GIVE YOUR TIME OR MONEY – seniors | a non-profit organization, foundation, service club, etc. that focuses on giving back to seniors |
PLACE TO PRACTICE YOUR GOLF SWING | a business that offers opportunities to practice golf. Not necessarily an outdoor course; can include a simulator, mini golf, putting green, etc. |
PLACE TO TAKE A SELFIE | a publicly accessible place within Moore County with a photogenic element |
PLACE TO TAKE A VISITOR | a unique business or attraction that people might visit for pleasure and interest |
PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE | a theater or outdoor space where movies are shown for public entertainment; must be owned by a business or an organization (no home living rooms or back yards) |
POTTERY SHOP | a business that sells pottery |
PUBLIC/SEMI-PRIVATE GOLF COURSE | a golf course that is open to the general public |
TRIVIA NIGHT | a business that hosts a regular trivia night event where patrons can compete against each other |
WEDDING VENUE | a venue that is available to use for wedding ceremonies |
YOUTH CHOIR | an organized singing group consisting of children/teenagers that performs regularly in public |
AUTO MECHANICAL REPAIR | a business that specializes in the restoration or replacement of the working parts of cars, such as the engine and operational software |
AUTOMOTIVE CUSTOMIZATION | a business that specializes in car modification(s) that involve altering a vehicle’s appearance, performance or both. |
BARBERSHOP | a haircare business that specializes in shorter haircuts that require little styling between visits (usually men’s haircuts) |
CAR DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT | an automotive service department within or attached to a car dealership |
CAR WASH/DETAILING | a business that offers car wash and/or auto detailing services |
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY | a law firm that specializes in defense law |
CUSTOMER SERVICE / HOSPITALITY | a business known for consistently delivering outstanding customer service and creating a welcoming, helpful and accommodating environment for customers |
ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEY | a law firm that specializes in estate planning |
FINANCIAL PLANNER | a business or a person employed to manage the personal finances of clients. |
FLORIST | a business that sells and arranges cut flowers |
HAIR REMOVAL | a business that specialize in providing treatments to remove unwanted hair from the body, such as laser hair removal, waxing, sugaring, threading, etc. |
HAIR SALON | a haircare business that focuses on longer haircuts as well as the styling techniques and products needed to maintain them (usually women’s haircuts) |
INSURANCE COMPANY | a business offering insurance |
LIMO/CAR/SHUTTLE SERVICE | a business that offers automobile transportation for hire |
MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS | a business where at least 51% of the ownership, operation, and control is held by one or more minorities (such as Black, Hispanic, Asian-Pacific, Asian-Indian or Native American) |
MULTICULTURAL HAIR SALON | a haircare business that specializes in multicultural haircare/styling |
NAIL SALON | a business that offers nail care services such as manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements |
NEW BUSINESS (opened May 2024 – June 2025) | a new business that opened between May 2024-June 2025 |
PAVING | a business that uses asphalt or concrete to build paths, parking lots, walkways and/or driveways |
PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | a law firm that specializes in personal injury law |
TOWING SERVICE | a business that offers towing of motor vehicles |
VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS | a business owned by a military veteran |
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | a photographer for hire who specializes in photographing weddings |
WEDDING/EVENT PLANNER | a business that specializes in planning and organizing weddings and/or other events |
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS | a business that is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled on a daily basis by one or more women |
CHILDCARE (infant – 3 years) | a business that offers childcare for children aged 0-3 years |
CHILDREN’S DENTIST | a dental office that sees children |
CHILDREN’S/BABY BOUTIQUE | a retail store that sells clothing or products for children/babies |
CHURCH YOUTH GROUP | an organized group of young people that is linked to and supported by to a local religious organization |
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY | a law firm that specializes in family law |
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | a photographer for hire who specializes in lifestyle/family photoshoots. |
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT | a restaurant that is family friendly |
KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY | a business or venue that is available to host children’s birthday parties |
LOCAL WATER ACTIVITY SPOT | a local water activity spot used for recreation (swimming, kayaking, fishing, etc.) |
OUTDOOR ACTIVITY | a business or location that offers outdoor recreational activity space |
PEDIATRIC THERAPY SERVICE | a business that specializes in helping children develop, improve, or regain cognitive, physical and motor function (does not include dentists) |
PLACE TO BUY TOYS | a business that sells toys |
PLAYGROUND | any public playground |
PRESCHOOL | a school for children who are between 3-5 years of age |
PRIVATE OR CHARTER SCHOOL | any grade school that runs independently from the local school district |
RAINY DAY ACTIVITY | a business or venue available to entertain children in rainy weather |
SANTA SIGHTING | a business that organizes a Santa sighting event |
SUMMER CAMP | a camp providing recreational and/or athletic facilities for children during the summer vacation period |
TRICK-OR-TREATING | a community or area popular for trick-or-treating |
YOUTH SPORTS CLUB | an athletics club or sports association for children or teens |
AUTHENTIC PUB | a business, such as a tavern or bar, that is licensed to sell alcoholic beverages |
BAKERY | a business where bread and cakes are made and sold |
BAR OR RESTAURANT FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT | a bar or restaurant that features live music |
BBQ | a restaurant with BBQ on the menu |
BEER SELECTION | a bar or restaurant that serves beer |
BREAKFAST/BRUNCH | a restaurant that serves breakfast or brunch |
BURGER | a restaurant that serves hamburgers |
CASUAL DINING | a sit-down restaurant with a relaxed ambiance and an affordable menu |
CATERER | a business that provides on-site or off-site catering |
CHEF | a chef working in a local restaurant |
CHICKEN SANDWICH | a restaurant that has a chicken sandwich on their regular menu |
CHINESE RESTAURANT | a restaurant that primarily serves Chinese food |
COFFEE SHOP | a restaurant or free-standing shop serving brewed coffee |
CRAFT/CREATIVE COCKTAILS | a business that mixes specialty cocktail drinks |
DONUTS | a business where donuts are made and sold |
FINE DINING | a restaurant that is more sophisticated, unique and typically more expensive than casual dining |
FOOD TRUCK (based out of Moore County) | a portable restaurant where food is cooked on-site |
FRENCH FRIES | a restaurant that has french fries on their regular menu |
FROZEN TREATS | a restaurant that serves frozen treats; may include ice cream, sherbet, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen alcoholic drinks. etc. |
HEALTH-FOCUSED MENU | a business that serves menu items that cater to dietary restrictions; may include vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, low calorie, high-protein, plant-based, etc. |
HOT DOG | a restaurant that serves hot dogs |
INDIAN RESTAURANT | a restaurant that primarily serves Indian food |
ITALIAN RESTAURANT | a restaurant that primarily serves Italian food |
JAPANESE/HIBACHI RESTAURANT | a restaurant that primarily serves Japanese food or hibachi |
LOCAL BEER/CIDER | a locally made beer or cider |
LUNCH | a restaurant that serves lunch |
MEXICAN RESTAURANT | a restaurant that primarily serves Mexican food |
MICRO-BAKERY | a small-scale bakery business that may be operated out of someone’s home, commissary or ghost kitchen |
MOBILE BAR | a portable bar service that can be set up at various events like weddings, corporate gatherings, or festivals. |
NEW RESTAURANT (opened May 2024 – June 2025) | a restaurant that has opened between May 2024-June 2025 |
OUTDOOR SEATING | a bar or restaurant with a specific area for outdoor dining or drinking |
PIZZA | a restaurant that serves pizza |
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT | a restaurant that serves seafood |
SOUP | a restaurant that serves soup |
SOUTHERN FOOD | a restaurant that serves southern food |
SPORTS BAR | a bar where televised sporting events are shown |
STEAK | a restaurant that serves steak |
SUB/SANDWICH SHOP | a restaurant that serves subs or sandwiches |
SUSHI RESTAURANT | a restaurant that serves sushi |
THAI RESTAURANT | a restaurant that serves Thai food |
WINE MENU IN A RESTAURANT | a restaurant with a focus on wine selection by the bottle or glass |
WINGS | a restaurant that serves wings |
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY | a business that offers an alternative/holistic approach to health, such as acupuncture, reiki, cryotherapy, etc. (Does not include chiropractic care or physical therapy since these have their own categories) |
CBD SHOP | a standalone store that sells products that are CBD infused. |
CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE | a practicioner or group focused on the system of integrative medicine based on the diagnosis and treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column |
CONCEPT FITNESS STUDIO | a small gym that focuses on group exercise and specializes in one or two fitness areas |
DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE | an individual or group that practices medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders |
FACIAL & SKINCARE SERVICES | a business that specializes in skincare treatments such as steam, exfoliation, extraction, facials, peels, etc. |
GENERAL DENTISTRY PRACTICE | a dental practice responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of services related to patients’ oral health needs; children’s dentist are highlighted in an additional category under the “FAMILY” group |
GYM | a gym or fitness center that is open for general use and not limited by a group exercise schedule |
HEARING CARE FACILITY | a practice focused on the sense of hearing |
HOME CARE SERVICE | a business that provides in-home health care. Care that focuses on the palliation of a chronically ill, terminally ill or seriously ill patient’s pain and symptoms, and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs |
MASSAGE | a massage establishment |
MEDSPA | a spa that offers specialized treatments and cosmetic services and is under the supervision of a licensed physician |
OPHTHALMOLOGY/OPTOMETRY PRACTICE | a medical practice that focuses on eye care and/or corrective lenses |
PHARMACY | a store where medicinal drugs are dispensed and sold |
PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE | a practice offering medical treatment used to restore functional movements, such as standing, walking, and moving different body parts |
RETIREMENT/ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY | a living center that may or may not provide nursing care, housekeeping and prepared meals as needed |
SPA | an establishment offering health and beauty treatment through such means as steam baths, massage, or other |
YOGA STUDIO | a standalone business that focuses on yoga |
APPLIANCE STORE | a store that sells new kitchen appliances |
CARPET & RUG CLEANING | a business that offers domestic and commercial carpet and floor cleaning services |
CUSTOM WOODWORKING | a business that offers custom woodworking |
ELECTRICIAN | a business that installs and maintains electrical equipment |
FLOORING COMPANY | a business that offers solutions for floor surfaces, can include sales or installation, can be stand-alone or part of a larger store |
HEATING & AIR COMPANY | a business that provides HVAC services that include new equipment, services and repairs |
HOME & VACATION RENTAL COMPANY | a property management company for single or multiple unit dwellings |
HOME BUILDER | a new homebuilding company |
HOME DECOR & INTERIOR DESIGN STORE | a business that sells a variety of home decor |
HOME INSPECTOR | a business that inspects homes before they’re sold |
INTERIOR DECORATOR | a business or person who is employed to decorate the inside of people’s houses |
INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING | a business that offers interior and/or exterior residential painting services |
KITCHEN & BATH CABINETRY COMPANY | a business that specializes in cabinetry for commercial and home application, including but not limited to bathroom and kitchens |
LANDSCAPING COMPANY | a business that specializes in creating, designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor spaces |
LAWN CARE SERVICE | a business offering yard maintenance services such as mowing, aeration, seeding, weed control or tree and shrub care |
MORTGAGE COMPANY | a brokerage offering mortgage services |
PEST CONTROL COMPANY | a business that deals with the regulation or management of a species defined as a pest that adversely impacts human activities |
PLUMBER | a business that installs and repairs the pipes and fittings of water supply, sanitation or heating systems |
PRESSURE WASHING | a business that uses pressurized water to clean the exterior surfaces of houses and/or pavement |
REAL ESTATE AGENT | a licensed residential Real Estate Agent or Realtor(R) that has bought or sold a home in Moore County in the last 12 months |
REAL ESTATE FIRM | a real estate company with an employing broker |
RESIDENTIAL CLEANING COMPANY | a business that provides occasional or scheduled domestic cleaning services |
ROOFING COMPANY | a business that constructs or repairs roofs |
TILE & COUNTERTOPS STORE | a business that specializes in countertops for commercian and/or home application, including but not limited to kitchens and bathrooms |
DOG TRAINING | a business that specializes in training dogs |
DOG-FRIENDLY BUSINESS | a business that allows dogs (not limited to service animals) |
EQUINE SUPPLY & TACK | a business that products for riding horses |
PET BOARDING | a business that provides overnight boarding for domestic animals, in-home or on-site; can be part of a larger store |
PET EVENT | an event that is focused on animals, such as a fundraiser, fair, show, or sanctioned adoption event |
PET GROOMING | a business that provides grooming for domestic animals, in-home or on-site; can be part of a larger store |
PET SUPPLY STORE | a business that sells supplies for domestic pets |
VETERINARIAN PRACTICE | a veterinarian office or clinic |
ANTIQUE STORE | a store that specializes in antiques and/or collectibles; can be a vendor booth that sublets space at a larger store |
BOUTIQUE FOR ACCESSORIES | a store that sells accessories such as belts, hats, scarves, purses and/or fashion jewelry |
BOUTIQUE FOR LINGERIE | a store that sells lingerie |
BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN’S CLOTHING | a store that sells clothing for women |
BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN’S SHOES | a store that sells a wide variety of shoes for women |
CAR DEALERSHIP | any licensed auto dealership that sells new vehicles |
CONSIGNMENT SHOP | any shop that sells apparel on behalf of the original owner, who receives a portion or percentage of the selling price (furniture has a separate category on the ballot. ) |
FINE JEWELRY STORE | a store that sells jewelry made of gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metals with or without gemstones or other semi-precious stones |
FURNITURE STORE | a store that that sells new furniture and related accessories |
GARDENING STORE | a store that sells plants and related products |
GIFT SHOP | a retail store that specializes in curated, giftable items like home décor, candles, souvenirs and unique or local goods. (the shop must focus primarily on gifts — clothing-only stores or general retailers, such as department or grocery stores, are not eligible) |
GOLF SHOP | a store that primarily sells golfing equipment |
GUN SHOP | a business that specializes in the sale and service of firearms and realted products |
HARDWARE STORE | a store that sells items for the house and garden such as tools, nails and building supplies |
LOCALLY MADE PRODUCT | a product made within Moore County by a local business; may include individually packaged food or drinks |
MEN’S CLOTHIER | a store that sells clothing for men |
PLACE TO BUY CONSIGNED/USED FURNITURE | a store that sells pre-owned furniture |
SPECIALTY SHOP | a store whose retail items are largely based around a specific focus |
STOREFRONT WINDOW DISPLAY | a store with a window display |
THRIFT SHOP | any resale shop that sells secondhand articles, especially clothes or furniture; the original owner does not receive compensation for sales. (Does not include boutique for women’s clothing, boutique for women’s shoes, boutique for accessories, furniture store, children’s/baby boutique etc. since these have their own categories) |
WINE SHOP | a store that focuses on selling wine by the bottle or glass, rather than liquor or beer |