About
Celebrate Wilmington! was established as a partnership between the Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear, UNC Wilmington, and the community to celebrate the arts and promote Wilmington 's Walk of Fame. A nonprofit organization, Celebrate Wilmington was founded in 1994 and governed by a volunteer board of representatives from the community, UNCW, corporate and nonprofit organizations. The Walk of Fame was adopted as Celebrate Wilmington's project in 1997 to recognize people who have lived in the Cape Fear region and who have obtained national and international fame in their respective fields. It consists of stones marked with a star, the Celebrate Wilmington! logo and the inductee's signature and induction date. The stones are permanently set into the walk, located in the Walk of Fame plaza, Water Street entrance of the Cotton Exchange. In addition, a Wall of Fame with photos and memorabilia is located inside the Cotton Exchange on the second floor and is open during regular business hours.
Prior inductees include Roman Gabriel, Minnie Evans, Hugh Morton, Henry Bacon, Frank Capra Jr. Caterina Jarboro, Robert Ruark Jr., Althea Gibson, David Brinkley, Charlie Daniels, Percy Heath, Claude Howell, Isaac B. Grainger, Sonny Jurgenson, Don Payne, Meadowlark Lemon, and James Goodnight.