If you’ve ever been to the NC Pickle Festival, you know it’s more than just an event.
It’s one of those weekends where Mount Olive feels especially full of families, small businesses,
and the kind of traditions that make a place feel like home.
For Southern Bank, it’s one of our favorite ways to spend time with the community we’ve been
part of for more than 125 years.
This year, we’re showing up in a new way.
A Mural Built by the Community
In honor of Southern’s 125th anniversary, we’re helping bring a community mural to downtown
Mount Olive, in the parking lot between 116 and 110 E. Main Street.
The mural is being led by artist Max Dowdle, director of NC Public Art. His work is rooted in
the idea that art can tell meaningful, lasting stories — especially when it’s created in and
for a community.
Our piece is designed to do exactly that. It will reflect the places, people, and shared
experiences that have shaped Southern’s footprint over the years — with elements that
represent not just Mount Olive, but the broader communities we serve across eastern
North Carolina and Virginia.
Be Part of It on April 25
Max will begin work on the mural ahead of the festival, but until Saturday, April 25, we’re
leaving part of it unfinished — on purpose.
That’s where you come in.
Stop by, grab a brush, and help bring the mural to life alongside your neighbors. No experience
needed — just show up and we’ll guide you from there.
Of course, there’s plenty more to enjoy throughout the day, from live music to local vendors
and family-friendly activities. (Also, more pickles than you ever thought possible.) But this
is something a little different — a chance to leave your mark on a piece of Mount Olive that
will last long after the festival wraps up.
We’d love to see you there.
Celebrating 125 Years of Community
This mural is just one of the ways Southern is celebrating 125 years of showing up for the
communities we serve. See how we’re honoring this milestone anniversary.
