Twenty-five years ago, Bermuda Run became a town. Bermuda Run is a lively residential community located just across the Yadkin River in Davie County. It is home to Bermuda Run Country Club and the once-popular Crosby Invitational Golf Tournament. The community was experiencing growing pains and needed services only a municipality could provide. Street maintenance, lights, and a sewer system were necessities. Don Angell, a resident of Bermuda Run, a developer, and the owner of Bermuda Village Retirement Center, had recently purchased the country club. He was also building a residential community across Hwy. 801 - Bermuda Run West. Don, a man who believed anything was possible, sought the assistance of State Senator Betsy Cochrane, a community resident. Senator Cochrane worked to secure the passage of the bill for incorporation, which was successful with a 40-4 vote. In the community, eighty-two percent of the residents who voted for incorporation supported the plan, which allowed the town to raise money for roads.

Bill Burnette, a developer who played a crucial role in establishing Bermuda Run as a town, was simultaneously working on plans for a development called Kinderton Commercial. This development was designed to be a neo-classical complex, including homes, stores, restaurants, and businesses. Mr. Burnette expressed his optimism about the project, stating, "There are no negatives, only positives, for the town and me as the developer." The annexation would enable increased sewer capacity.

 After the Town’s incorporation, the Bermuda Run Homeowner’s Association board members served as the Town’s Council until the elections. November came, and the residents voted for the first elected Town Council and Mayor. In a recent interview, the first elected Mayor, John Ferguson, chuckled as he said, "A lot of people talked to me and others about running, and they couldn't convince anyone to run except me, so I agreed, and the rest is history, I guess." Ferguson served from 1999 - 2011 and still lives in Bermuda Run with his wife, Erlene. During those years, the Town witnessed the building of Town Hall, a good portion of Kinderton Commercial, the Lowes Food Shopping Center, and the opening of new businesses. It was a special day when the Davie Community Foundation acquired the land where Fusion Soccer and Truist Sports Park are today. Once farmland and floodplain, it is a thriving, nationally recognized organization hosting national tournaments in our backyard.

In 2011, Ken Rethmeier was elected as the second Mayor of the Town of Bermuda Run and served from 2011 - 2019. During his tenure, Ken loved saying, "Bermuda Run is a place, something people can identify when they hear the words Bermuda Run." Ken encouraged the building of thoughtful monuments that have become Town icons, like the roundabout Obelisk with the beautiful Blue Heron sculpture and the stately black iron clock at the entrance of the business park. During these eight years, the community watched the opening of Atrium Davie Medical Center, formerly known as Davie Medical Center. The inpatient tower was next. Kinderton Village became a part of Bermuda Run. We watched as the grand barn got a facelift and became the magnificent WinMock. We watched the construction of Comet, the first apartment complex in Bermuda Run. We were becoming a place! Rethmeier also encouraged the Town's Planning Board and Council to develop the first comprehensive plan. Now, in its third iteration, it is a roadmap for the Town.

The third Mayor of Bermuda Run was Rick Cross. Mayor Cross was known for encouraging community engagement and connecting our community. On an occasional morning, Rick would sit in his chair at Maddie Cakes, sharing conversations with citizens. Then COVID hit. Some towns lost much of their momentum, but not Bermuda Run. No Town businesses closed during the pandemic year, and Rise Indoor Sports opened its doors in 2021. Before becoming Mayor, Rick had served on the Planning Board and Town Council, so constructing the Blue Heron Trails was a project close to his heart. The walking trails would connect the neighborhoods and businesses within the Town limits. Last summer, Rick was honored to cut the ribbon and open Phase One of the Blue Heron Trail. Ariston Place opened its doors. He brought concerts to the Town Green, Christmas in the Town of Bermuda Run, and Food Truck Friday for all residents and visitors to enjoy. Bermuda Run was quickly becoming a place!

In this 25th Anniversary Year, Mike Brannon is the fourth Mayor of Bermuda Run. In his brief time at the helm, a new residential development of the Townhomes at Bermuda Run has begun construction. Additionally, the Walker’s Retreat housing community was also approved for development. We have a new coffee shop and restaurant, and more businesses are coming to Bermuda Run. Finally, after 50 years, work has started on the new pedestrian pathway in Bermuda Run East. We are looking forward to the opening of the long-awaited Flags at Blue Heron Trail and continued improvements to sidewalks in our other communities. 

Today, Bermuda Run is a charming, bustling little Town. It is a place we call home. 

Happy Anniversary!