Pinehurst residents learned all they ever wanted to know and more about their community Wednesday afternoon.

Longtime residents and newcomers alike had the chance to meet local officials and representatives from community organizations during the first-ever Pinehurst Exposition at the Fair Barn.

The Pinehurst Civic Group and the village of Pinehurst sponsored the event, with hopes that residents could learn more about their community by having the chance to interact with those in charge of local government agencies and members of the clubs and nonprofit organizations that serve the area.

The event was prompted by the fact that residents and newcomers to the area sometimes have difficulty finding information about services, clubs and organizations available in Pinehurst and around the county.

Often, residents don't know how to reach the right people in organizations or what government agency to contact if there is a question about village activities.

Organizers saw a steady flow of visitors throughout the afternoon as people stopped by on their way home from work.

Attendees learned everything from how to get information on zoning ordinances to how to join a volunteer organization in the area.

At the village of Pinehurst's Board of Adjustment booth, Dot Greenwood was getting information from Lou Clay, a board volunteer. Greenwood has been active in the community since she moved to Pinehurst 15 years ago, but she said she came to the event to get information on any new programs and activities in the area.

"I'm trying to see if there was something I haven't kept up with," she said.

Down the aisle, Bill Reaves, a member of the village Alternative Energy Committee, was explaining the potential benefits of the village's new "green" building program to visitors.

Reaves helped develop the plan for single-family home construction and remodeling projects that offers the incentives in form of permit rebates for builders. The program went into effect Aug. 1.

Reaves said many residents he has spoken to seem receptive to the new initiative.

"It's been very encouraging," he said. "The interest has been put forth, and a lot of people have interest in saving energy."

More than 40 organizations from Pinehurst, Southern Pines and around Moore County participated in the event, including the Moore County Chamber of Commerce, Animal Advocates, the United Way of Moore County, Moore County Guardian Ad Litem and Artists League of the Sandhills.

Contact Hannah Sharpe at hannah@thepilot.com.