City lights up blue for autism awareness month
By Rochelle Moore
Published in News on April 5, 2017 9:59 AM
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News-Argus/SETH COMBS
Blue dye in the Center Street fountain in honor of National Autism Awareness month.
ROCHELLEMOORE
rmoore@newsargus.com
Some may think downtown's water fountain turned Carolina Blue this week but the color was changed to recognize National Autism Awareness Month.
The fountain water was dyed blue the same weekend as UNC battled for the NCAA title, which it took home Monday night in a 71-65 victory against Gonzaga in the championship game.
Changing the water color has a deeper meaning for many in the Goldsboro area, including downtown business owners who are supporting autism awareness by setting out blue lights in storefront windows.
Businesses have added blue table cloths, employees have worn blue T-shirts and others are selling blue frosting-covered cookies and specially priced chicken cordon blue sandwiches.
One local artist also created a blue T-shirt with a light bulb and #lightupblue in support of the Light Up Blue campaign to raise international awareness of autism during World Autism Awareness Day, April 2.
The fountain water will remain blue during the entire month of April, also nationally recognized as Autism Awareness Month.
"The Light it up Blue campaign was a great opportunity to add some color and excitement to the fountain and use it to promote understanding, awareness and support for those with autism," said Randy Guthrie, Goldsboro assistant city manager.
Guthrie coordinated the effort at the request of several residents.
The idea to add the color blue at the fountain came from Kevin Hill, owner of Kevin Hill Photography.
Hill originally asked city officials if blue lights could be added to the 12-and-a-half-foot high, multi-tiered granite fountain on Center Street.
Instead, Guthrie found a chemical that would dye the water blue and wouldn't stain the fountain or damage its filtration system.
Excitement surrounded the color that was added at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, with people gathering for photos by the fountain Sunday and downtown merchants setting up blue lights in their front windows.
Hill said he was inspired to ask city leaders if the fountain -- a center piece of the downtown area -- could be used to also center on autism in the community.
"It's really incredible," Hill said, especially the nighttime color that illuminates with the fountain lighting. "It's really beautiful."
Also through April 14, Kevin Hill is offering free photo shoots for anyone with Down syndrome or autism. Hill will add one of the photos to his business Facebook page and will offer printing rights and five photos for $20. The business can be reached at (919) 429-1380.
City officials may consider coloring the water at other times, depending on requests and an assessment of the first-ever attempt this month. The chemicals used to turn the water blue cost the city $21, Guthrie said.