Looking for a sign? You’ve found one—or a hundred. What began as a small yard‑sign business is growing into a countywide tradition as Buggy Town Yard Signs prepares for its second Senior Sign Parade, a display that owner Jill Lumgair created to celebrate every graduating senior in Moore County.
The smiling faces of students from Union Pines, Pinecrest, North Moore, and other programs lined Carthage corridors last spring as more than 80 signs went on display.
Lumgair launched the parade last year after noticing how many families wanted a way to honor their seniors, regardless of school or income. Any graduating senior—public, private, homeschooled, or enrolled in online academies—can participate.
“I wanted something that brought the whole county together,” Lumgair said, smiling. “People come to Carthage to pay taxes, go to court, to handle business. As the county seat, it felt like the right place to show unity. When they see the Senior Side Parade, hopefully people can feel a little bit of unity in the county.”
Last year, the parade route began near Keith Hardware, continued up Monroe Street, circled the courthouse, and ran past the former Buggy Factory. Families walked the sidewalks last year to find their students’ photos, and Lumgair said the response surprised her. Parents took pictures, students and strangers signed messages on the displays, and residents who didn’t even have children in school reached out to thank her.
“If you have a chance to unify your community, do it,” she said. “It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.”
A display Lumgair curated for the town of Sanford.
This year, Lumigair anticipates the Senior Sign Parade will be even bigger and even better.
For residents looking to give back to the community, the parade opens the door for sponsorships. Signs cost only $30, but Lumgair arranges anonymous donations so students who can’t afford a sign can still participate. Twenty‑five seniors received sponsored signs last year, since the number of students in the parade will most likely grow.
She hopes more residents will consider sponsoring students. A $60 donation covers two seniors, and participants keep their signs after the display ends.
“I want people to know they can be part of it even if they can’t afford it,” she said. “Everyone deserves to be celebrated.”
Lumgair started Buggy Town Yard Signs just shy of five years ago after leaving her job on Fort Bragg to spend more time with her family. She learned social media from scratch, joined local business groups, and built a partnership with a graphic designer. Her work now stretches from Montgomery County to Harnett County, and she has curated displays for individuals’ homes, schools, sports teams, restaurants, and more.
Her basement is a wonderland of every sort of sign imaginable, spanning every occasion. From her stockpile, which goes far, far beyond the run-of-the-mill letters and numbers, Lumgair can produce a sign for every interest.
“Pick something, anything,” she prompted, laughing, as she happily pulled out some of her most popular signs to show off. “Taylor Swift? The Office? Cats, dogs, dragons? What’s your favorite kind of food? I have Starbucks, and have done a custom order for Shrek and Fiona as well, and every sport.”
Lumgair said she keeps her pricing lower than many competitors and changed her rental model after researching industry standards. Instead of 24‑hour rentals, she gives families 48 hours and includes lights and themed additions at no extra cost. Her “Buggy Town” package includes a name, age, greeting, recipient interests, and solar lighting, while her “Fancy Pants” package adds specialty pieces such as selfie frames and LED graphics.
“I like things to look good, and I want people to be happy,” she laughed, “and I like to do a lot with the community, too.”
Lumgair also collaborates with other small businesses on community projects. Two years ago, she helped launch a Valentine’s Day “Adopt‑a‑Grandparent” program for nursing homes, delivering balloon clusters and handwritten cards to about 100 residents.
This year’s Senior Sign Parade for Moore County will run during the first two weeks of June. Lumgair will also host a separate parade for Lee County in late May at the Lee County Athletic Park.
To learn more about Buggy Town Yard Signs or to sponsor a senior, visit the official website or Facebook page.
Photos via Buggy Town Yard Signs.
Abegail Murphy | Assistant Editor
Written by Sandhills Sentinel assistant editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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