Oakboro is known for its strong traditions and resilience. The town hosts a week-long July 4th celebration that has been held every year since 1938, a longstanding tradition that brings the community together. It also has a monthly Cruise-In car show that is considered one of the largest in the state.

In the 2000s, Oakboro lost two of its largest employers, Stanly Knitting and Tuscarora Yarns. Just last year, however, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry opened a foundry in town, helping to recoup many of the jobs lost from those earlier closures. That ability to endure economic change while maintaining community traditions is part of what sets Oakboro apart.

In the late 1990s, local citizens founded the Oakboro Regional Museum. What began as a small museum housed in an old store on Main Street has since grown significantly.

Today, the museum organization includes a transportation museum located in the old depot, a historic house museum that highlights architecture and daily life in the 1920s, and the former local Presbyterian church, which is now owned by the museum and used as an event space. The museum’s growth reflects sustained community involvement and a commitment to preserving and sharing Oakboro’s history.

When Stanly Knitting Mill and Tuscarora Yarns closed, downtown Oakboro nearly dried up. In response, a group of local residents purchased much of the downtown area and began renovating the buildings.

Today, nearly every building is occupied. Downtown now includes restaurants, a daycare, an embroidery shop, a realty office, a bank, hair salons, tax offices, a music hall, Town Hall, and a hobby shop. In addition, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry relocated from Charlotte to Oakboro and brought approximately 450 jobs with it. The coordinated effort of local investment and business recruitment helped restore activity and stability to the town center.

What stands out most is that Oakboro did not give up. After losing major employers and many businesses, the town retooled and reimagined itself.

Today, as a community of around 2,000 residents, it is thriving. That persistence and willingness to adapt continue to inspire efforts to keep strengthening the town.