Local Business Leader Lin Honeycutt Calls for Stronger Community Investment in Seasonal Events and Small Farms in Raleigh

Yahoo

19-05-2025

Owner of Fieldstream Farm and The Holiday Light Store urges residents and leaders to support locally-run experiences and agricultural spaces that bring people together and strengthen local identity https://www.linhoneycuttraleigh.com/
RALEIGH, NC / / May 19, 2025 / Raleigh native and longtime entrepreneur Lin Honeycutt is calling for greater community awareness and support for seasonal family events and small-scale farms, which he believes are essential to preserving local culture, stimulating the economy, and giving families meaningful ways to connect.
"As someone who's lived and worked in Raleigh my whole life, I've seen how much our community values shared experiences," said Honeycutt, owner of Fieldstream Farm and The Holiday Light Store. "But we're losing a lot of those spaces because we're not thinking long-term about what they give us-not just economically, but socially."
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, North Carolina has lost more than 1 million acres of farmland since 1997. At the same time, cities like Raleigh are growing rapidly-with Wake County gaining roughly 62 people per day according to 2023 census estimates.
"Everyone loves the new restaurants and tech hubs, but we also need places where families can park, walk, look at lights, and just be together," said Honeycutt, referencing the popularity of his annual Fieldstream Farm Christmas Light Show, which draws thousands of cars each year to its 2 million+ light display.
Beyond entertainment, Lin emphasizes the importance of preserving local agriculture. His farm grows hay, tobacco, and raises chickens-and hosts over 50 community events annually, from weddings to celebrations of life.
"These types of businesses are more than just income-they're anchors," Honeycutt said. "They keep land open, they create jobs, and they offer people space to breathe. But they need consistent support to stay afloat."
He's encouraging residents to:
Support locally-owned seasonal events and venues, not just large commercial options.
Buy from local farms and vendors, especially those that produce in Wake County.
Speak up at city planning meetings when rezoning proposals threaten green space or agricultural land.
Start their own backyard gardens, seasonal traditions, or community events.
"You don't have to own a farm to protect what makes Raleigh special," Honeycutt added. "You just have to show up. Go to a farm. Bring your kids to a light show. Buy eggs down the road instead of the big box store. That's how we build something lasting."
For Honeycutt, the ask isn't about himself-it's about ensuring the next generation has the same kinds of community-rooted experiences he's spent decades trying to protect.
"If we lose our local spaces, we lose part of who we are," he said. "This is about holding on to the good things we already have, and making sure they're still around tomorrow."
Media Contact
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SOURCE: Lin Honeycutt
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