“We’ve been on Bald Head for more than 30 years, which means we’ve been watching the sun set on West Beach for a long time,” laughs Harper. “We wanted to share that experience with everyone who sets foot on the island.”
Like the Key West parties, Harper’s Sunset Celebration features music, performers and
a carnival-like atmosphere that spectators find infectious. On any given Wednesday during the summer, jugglers and face painters delight the crowd. The puppet theater draws the young and young-at-heart to its sometimes silly but always entertaining productions, while the drum circle brings out the aspiring musicians in the crowd. If you’re lucky, you might see a pirate or two milling about.
One of the biggest draws is DJ Fray, the affable guy behind the turntables who gets the
crowd moving and keeps them grooving until long past sunset. “Fray is a reggae DJ, but on Wednesday nights he plays a little bit of everything,” says Harper. “I just love to see grandparents
BALD HEAD ISLAND
SUNSET CELEBRATION
and kids out there together, showing off their moves. It’s the best!”
to leave the party so soon, but don’t worry, you’re not really leaving. The fun is just relocating. On West Beach, the drum circle continues and a fire for making s’mores brings out the kid in everyone. If you stay long enough, you might get to see a swordfight between pirates—the start of Riverside Adventure’s famous ghost walk.
WHEN: Every Wednesday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day, starting at 5:30 p.m. Come early to enjoy a wine tasting on the porch of Bald Head Island Limited Real Estate Sales.
When the sun begins to set, the action moves to West Beach. You might be reluctant
“Our goal was to create an event that would bring the whole island together,” says Harper.
“It surprised me just how organically it happened. What we learned was, people are looking to interact and connect. We just provided a fun place to do it.”
WHERE: Starting at the lot between Riverside Adventure Company and Delphina, then moving to West Beach around 7 p.m. as the sun starts to set. WHO: Hosted by the folks at
Riverside Adventure Company and Delphina Cantina and sponsored by Bald Head Island Limited Real Estate Sales.
WHY: Because it’s the most fun you’ve had on a Wednesday night in a long time!
ABOVE: The Ghost Walk begins on West Beach with a pirate showdown. TOP LEFT: The drum circle continues, inspiring families to break out in dance. FACING PAGE: Making s’mores over an open fire is an iconic summer experience.
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