**Concord, North Carolina**
**Population:** 99,226 (2020)
**Culture:**
* Concord is a diverse city with a rich history and culture.
* Home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the city is known for its love of racing.
* The city hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including the Concord Jazz Festival and the Cabarrus Arts Council's ArtWalk.
**Special Events:**
* **Cabarrus County Fair:** A week-long fair with rides, games, food, and live entertainment.
* **Concord Jazz Festival:** A free outdoor festival featuring local and national jazz musicians.
* **ArtWalk:** A monthly event showcasing local artists and their work.
**Local Attractions:**
* **NASCAR Hall of Fame:** A museum dedicated to the history of NASCAR racing.
* **Concord Mills Mall:** One of the largest shopping malls in the Southeast.
* **Great Wolf Lodge:** An indoor water park and resort.
* **Reed Gold Mine:** A historic gold mine that offers tours and panning for gold.
* **Charlotte Motor Speedway:** A world-famous race track that hosts NASCAR races.
**Food:**
* Concord is known for its barbecue, with several local restaurants serving up delicious pulled pork and ribs.
* The city also has a variety of other dining options, including seafood, Mexican, and Italian.
**People:**
* Concord's residents are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.
* The city has a strong sense of community, with many residents volunteering their time to local organizations.
**History:**
* Concord was founded in 1799 and named after the Battle of Concord in Massachusetts.
* The city was a major center of the textile industry in the 19th and 20th centuries.
* Concord became known as the "Racing Capital of the World" in the 1960s, due to its proximity to Charlotte Motor Speedway.
**Other Information:**
* Concord is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, about 20 miles northeast of Charlotte.
* The city is served by Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
* Concord is home to several colleges and universities, including Pfeiffer University and Cabarrus College.