Sanford has always had a way of supporting its own, and few people left a bigger mark than J.D. McDuffie. Racing as No. 70, McDuffie competed in the Winston Cup Series from 1963 to 1991, boasting 106 top-10 finishes over a career that made him a bona fide NASCAR legend. He called Sanford home throughout it all, and the city never stopped claiming him as one of its own. July marks the anniversary of the first NASCAR race McDuffie ever competed in, making it the perfect time to visit the mural on the west-facing wall of 329 Carthage Street, where artist Scott Nurkin captured the man and his legendary race car in vivid detail.

As a creative hub in Downtown Sanford, Oxide Gallery of Fine Arts offers a space where artists and art lovers can come together. With a variety of local artwork on display, from paintings to sculptures, the gallery celebrates the talent and passion within the local community. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious about the local scene, Oxide Gallery provides an engaging way to explore, connect, and be inspired by the arts.

Having studied and obtained degrees in both Dance and Education, Suzanne has nurtured young dancers in the basement of the “old Belk building in downtown Sanford since 1995. As owner and instructor of the Sanford School of Classical Ballet, she has shepherded the school through many achievements which will soon include the 30th anniversary of the Spring Student Performance at the Mann Center of NC and the 25th anniversary of the school’s inaugural performance of The Nutcracker. With both of Suzanne’s daughters as alumnae and her eldest grandson now in her pre-ballet class, the Sanford School of Classical Ballet is a true family legacy worth experiencing.