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 GALLERYa 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 STUDIOa 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 EVENTa 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 CREATIVEa 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 SHOPa business that sells pottery
PUBLIC/SEMI-PRIVATE GOLF COURSEa 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 VENUEa 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/DETAILINGa business that offers car wash and/or auto detailing services
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYa 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 ATTORNEYa law firm that specializes in estate planning
FINANCIAL PLANNER
a business or a person employed to manage the personal finances of clients.
FLORISTa 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 COMPANYa business offering insurance
LIMO/CAR/SHUTTLE SERVICEa 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 SALONa 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 ATTORNEYa law firm that specializes in personal injury law
TOWING SERVICEa business that offers towing of motor vehicles
VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSa business owned by a military veteran
WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERa 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 DENTISTa dental office that sees children
CHILDREN’S/BABY BOUTIQUEa 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 ATTORNEYa law firm that specializes in family law
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
a photographer for hire who specializes in lifestyle/family photoshoots.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTa 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 ACTIVITYa 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 TOYSa business that sells toys
PLAYGROUNDany public playground
PRESCHOOLa 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 ACTIVITYa business or venue available to entertain children in rainy weather
SANTA SIGHTINGa 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-TREATINGa community or area popular for trick-or-treating
YOUTH SPORTS CLUBan 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
BAKERYa business where bread and cakes are made and sold
BAR OR RESTAURANT FOR LIVE ENTERTAINMENTa bar or restaurant that features live music
BBQa restaurant with BBQ on the menu
BEER SELECTIONa bar or restaurant that serves beer
BREAKFAST/BRUNCHa restaurant that serves breakfast or brunch
BURGERa restaurant that serves hamburgers
CASUAL DINING
a sit-down restaurant with a relaxed ambiance and an affordable menu
CATERERa business that provides on-site or off-site catering
CHEFa chef working in a local restaurant
CHICKEN SANDWICHa restaurant that has a chicken sandwich on their regular menu
CHINESE RESTAURANTa restaurant that primarily serves Chinese food
COFFEE SHOPa restaurant or free-standing shop serving brewed coffee
CRAFT/CREATIVE COCKTAILSa business that mixes specialty cocktail drinks
DONUTSa 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 FRIESa 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 DOGa restaurant that serves hot dogs
INDIAN RESTAURANTa restaurant that primarily serves Indian food
ITALIAN RESTAURANTa restaurant that primarily serves Italian food
JAPANESE/HIBACHI RESTAURANTa restaurant that primarily serves Japanese food or hibachi
LOCAL BEER/CIDERa locally made beer or cider
LUNCHa restaurant that serves lunch
MEXICAN RESTAURANTa 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 SEATINGa bar or restaurant with a specific area for outdoor dining or drinking
PIZZAa restaurant that serves pizza
SEAFOOD RESTAURANTa restaurant that serves seafood
SOUPa restaurant that serves soup
SOUTHERN FOODa restaurant that serves southern food
SPORTS BARa bar where televised sporting events are shown
STEAKa restaurant that serves steak
SUB/SANDWICH SHOPa restaurant that serves subs or sandwiches
SUSHI RESTAURANTa restaurant that serves sushi
THAI RESTAURANTa restaurant that serves Thai food
WINE MENU IN A RESTAURANTa restaurant with a focus on wine selection by the bottle or glass
WINGSa 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 SHOPa 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 FACILITYa 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
MASSAGEa massage establishment
MEDSPA
a spa that offers specialized treatments and cosmetic services and is under the supervision of a licensed physician
OPHTHALMOLOGY/OPTOMETRY PRACTICEa medical practice that focuses on eye care and/or corrective lenses
PHARMACYa 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 STUDIOa standalone business that focuses on yoga
APPLIANCE STOREa store that sells new kitchen appliances
CARPET & RUG CLEANING
a business that offers domestic and commercial carpet and floor cleaning services
CUSTOM WOODWORKINGa business that offers custom woodworking
ELECTRICIANa 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 BUILDERa new homebuilding company
HOME DECOR & INTERIOR DESIGN STOREa business that sells a variety of home decor
HOME INSPECTORa 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 COMPANYa 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 FIRMa real estate company with an employing broker
RESIDENTIAL CLEANING COMPANY
a business that provides occasional or scheduled domestic cleaning services
ROOFING COMPANYa 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 TRAININGa business that specializes in training dogs
DOG-FRIENDLY BUSINESSa business that allows dogs (not limited to service animals)
EQUINE SUPPLY & TACKa 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 STOREa business that sells supplies for domestic pets
VETERINARIAN PRACTICEa 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 LINGERIEa store that sells lingerie
BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN’S CLOTHINGa store that sells clothing for women
BOUTIQUE FOR WOMEN’S SHOESa store that sells a wide variety of shoes for women
CAR DEALERSHIPany 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 STOREa store that that sells new furniture and related accessories
GARDENING STOREa 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 SHOPa 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 CLOTHIERa store that sells clothing for men
PLACE TO BUY CONSIGNED/USED FURNITUREa store that sells pre-owned furniture
SPECIALTY SHOPa store whose retail items are largely based around a specific focus
STOREFRONT WINDOW DISPLAYa 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