**Conover, North Carolina**
**Population:** 8,829 (2020 census)
**Culture:**
* Conover is known as the "City of Granite" due to its historic granite industry.
* The city has a strong German heritage, with many festivals and events celebrating its German roots.
* Conover is home to the Conover Historical Society and Museum, which preserves the city's history.
**Special Events:**
* **Octoberfest:** An annual festival celebrating German culture with food, music, and dancing.
* **Granite Falls Festival:** A weekend-long event featuring live music, arts and crafts, and a car show.
* **Conover Christmas Parade:** A festive parade featuring floats, marching bands, and Santa Claus.
**Local Attractions:**
* **Conover City Park:** A 100-acre park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
* **Conover Granite Quarry:** A historic granite quarry that offers guided tours.
* **Hickory Museum of Art:** A museum featuring American and European art.
* **Catawba Science Center:** A hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits.
**Food:**
* Conover is known for its German cuisine, including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and potato salad.
* The city also has a variety of other restaurants offering American, Mexican, and Italian food.
**People:**
* Conover is a friendly and welcoming community.
* The city's residents are proud of their German heritage and value hard work and community involvement.
**History:**
* Conover was founded in 1859 as a railroad town.
* The city's granite industry flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
* Conover was incorporated in 1893 and has continued to grow and prosper over the years.