How Latinx Culture Has Shaped Mount Airy, NC
Mount Airy, NC, which is nestled in Surry County, has changed a lot over the years, but its deep sense of community remains. Its demographics have shifted to include a growing Latinx population, and these individuals have helped transform the area into the vibrant region it is today. From contributing to the local economy through entrepreneurship to sharing their cultural heritage through the dining scene and public festivals, this small-but-swelling ethnic group continues to make an impact on the region. Read on to discover how the Latinx culture continues to shape Mount Airy, NC, and Surry County.
Entertainment
Fun activities and events can be found throughout Mount Airy, NC, and Surry County, including many that celebrate the Latinx community. Examples include:
- Latino Friday, a monthly celebration that transforms Mount Airy’s Market Street Arts & Entertainment District into a community gathering space with Latino music, dancing, authentic cuisine and family-friendly fun. It began as a Cinco de Mayo celebration before evolving into what it is today.
- Dia de Los Muertos, an event that begins with an outdoor festival at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and ends with a block party on Market Street that includes interactive altar displays, food vendors and traditional music.
- Two traditional Latin dance groups are based in Mount Airy, and groups and performers show up at themed events and other festivals downtown.
“As someone who works with Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. and is deeply involved in our community’s cultural programming, I’ve seen firsthand how the Latino community continues to shape the heart of Mount Airy, not just through business and industry, but through vibrant traditions, events and the shared spaces we all call home,” says Morgan Johnson, executive director of Mount Airy Downtown, Inc. “The goal is always to welcome everyone to experience and celebrate Hispanic heritage together.”
Maria Luisa Saldarriaga Osorio is the director of library services for Surry Community College and occasionally participates in festivals as a face painter.
“I love to see how beautiful our town looks with all the murals and building renovations,” Saldarriaga Osorio says. “Most of these events happen on Market Street, the most vibrant and multicultural area in Mount Airy where you always feel welcome.”
Events bring a large audience to downtown Mount Airy, which benefits pop-up vendors, entertainers and small businesses.
Mariana Huerta is the founder and owner of Varsity Club Pilates, a boutique fitness studio in downtown Mount Airy.
“I really value the sense of community here and the chance to appreciate the pace of slow, small-town living each day,” Huerta says.
She shares that gatherings like Latino Friday and Dia de Los Muertos, help the Latinx community feel more included.
“These events help break stereotypes and create space for Mount Airy residents to be more open and welcoming to different cultures,” Huerta says.
Restaurants and Other Small Businesses
The local Latinx influence can be seen in small businesses throughout Mount Airy, NC, and Surry County. Examples include restaurants and stores, like:
- El Agavero Mexicano (authentic Mexican food)
- El Aguacate (authentic Mexican food)
- Super Mercado Esmeralda (Mexican grocery store)
- Gonzales Produce (produce and flowers)
- Heavenly Café (bagels, wraps, salads)
- Rusty Rooster Southern Breakfast (classic breakfast food)
These establishments reflect new consumer trends and how the local community embraces entrepreneurs.
“Mariana Huerta’s work reflects the evolving face of Latino influence in Mount Airy, showing that heritage shapes not only our food and celebrations, but also our approach to health, entrepreneurship and lifestyle,” Johnson says of businesses like Varsity Club Pilates.
Industry
Beyond the charming small businesses in Mount Airy, NC, and Surry County, larger employers also count themselves among Latinx-owned businesses, specifically companies producing metal buildings and structures. Some of the largest among the 35 such manufacturers in Surry County, nearly all of which are Latinx-owned, include:
- Eagle Carports
- Carport Central
- Carolina Carports
- Best Choice Metal Structures
- Steel Buildings and Structures
The industry employs well over 1,000 just in manufacturing, at least double that in building installation. Plus, the manufacturers help sponsor events and are civically involved. For example, some sponsor the Autumn Leaves Festival in Mount Airy, support Mount Airy City Schools’ Dual-Language program and find other ways to invest in the community.
“This industry was born here, and it has remained here,” Huerta says. “Geographically, we’re in a great location, most of the companies service the Eastern U.S., and being in North Carolina makes both Northern and Southern states easily accessible.”
These employers represent myriad other industries beyond manufacturing, such as graphic design, customer service and finance.
“I believe most of us do try to support one another whenever the opportunity is there, Huerta says. “With my small business, for example, we work with a Latino-owned cleaning service that handles our weekly studio maintenance as well as a Latino-owned company that provides our branding and marketing services.”
From events and festivals to the region’s food scene to small and large businesses, the Latino population has helped create a wonderful, vibrant place to live.
“What really makes this region stand out is that balance,” Johnson says. “We have the charm and closeness of a small community, but we’re also just a short drive from larger cities and airports when we want to explore new places. But no matter where I go, I always love coming back home to Mount Airy.”
The Latinx community’s impact on Surry County is immense, as it brings people, industry, culture and creativity to the forefront of this welcoming place that is excited to see everyone succeed.
This article is sponsored by the Surry County Economic Development Partnership.