SENC Magazine - Fall 2023

FA L L 2 0 2 3

Let’s Roll!

Port City business transforms Buses into tiny homes FORT FISHER

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

VETERAN’S MUSEUM

New visitor center

Snow Hill native wins

Historical landmark

to open in 2024

statewide competition

undergoes renovations

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Explore the charming indoor opportunities this fall brings

ON THE COVER Backroad Purpose Photo contributed by Backroad Purpose PUBLISHER Jim Sills EDITOR Ena Sellers esellers@apgenc.com WRITERS Chris DeWitt Annesophia Richards PRODUCTION & DESIGN Ena Sellers ADVERTISING/SALES Norma Miller njmiller@apgenc.com

Southeast North Carolina Magazine is a publication of the Duplin Times and APG Media of Eastern NC. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

4 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

As fall leaves cover the ground with beautiful orange and golden tones and the crispy morning air gets you thinking about cozy sweaters and indoor activities, join us for another edition of SENC. In this issue, we will learn about Springbrook Farms Horse Drawn Tours, a Wilmington company that rescues and trains Percheron horses for their trolley tours, saving them from being auctioned and potentially exported to foreign slaughterhouses.

Next, we will explore Burgaw, a charming town in Pender County that has been home to several film productions.

Talking about charming, if you are intrigued by tiny homes or are considering off-the-grid living, you will love to learn about a Wilmington couple who turned an old school bus

into a luxury, fully functional home.

Today, they operate a thriving business known as Backyard Purpose.

If you are looking for cool places to visit, check out the Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum. This beautiful historical building showcases a Queen Anne architectural style with Neoclassical influences and as you step through its doors, history unfolds in front of your eyes with artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War. Learn about the new Fort Fisher Visitor’s Center. The new and improved facility is expected to be ready by May 2024.

Fans of Bluegrass should check out our feature on musician Donald Dunn.

For Halloween ideas and tips, turn to pages 40 and 41.

Our wildlife photography lovers will enjoy the feature on Neil Jernigan, who recently won a statewide wildlife photography competition with a beautiful composition of a Bobcat crossing the Greene County dam in the early morning hours.

If you are unsure what you are in the mood for, that is okay too. Check out Play Dates on page 44 and take your pick! Our selection of events ranges from art walks, parades, festivals, and even a pig cooking contest, among many others!

We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it for YOU.

Enjoy some of our favorite Instagram finds for southeastern North Carolina!

Our picks for top Instagramers’ photos:

Follow us @senc.magazine

Share YOUR favorites use hashtag

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Wrightsville Beach, N.C. @noahj_or Wilmington, N.C. @mayamuranostudio

New Bern, N.C. @Above Terra

Surf City, N.C. @Papa_vance

Do you have beautiful photos, unique artwork or artisan product or know someone who does that we should know about?

Clinton, N.C. @Twistedvinesvinyard

Tag us @senc.magazine or send us a photo on Instagram for a potential feature.

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8 8

Rescue horses Springbrook Farms Horse Drawn Tours transport visitors back in time

14

Burgaw

32 Fort Fisher

41

Healthy

36 Bluegrass musician

42

Wildlife photography competition

New visitor center in the horizon

A setting for Hollywood movies

26 Veterans Museum Warsaw’s historical landmark undergoes renovations

Halloween snacks

36 40 Scare up a

42

haunted house

44 Play Dates

26

Find out what’s going on up and down southeastern NC

40 Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 7

feature

Horse-drawn carriage tours transport visitors back in time Story by Annesophia Richards | Photos contributed by Springbrook Farms

One of the most quintessential experiences while exploring any historic city is a horse drawn carriage tour. In the Port City, Farms Horse Drawn Tours has been transporting visitors back 8 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

in time along the Riverfront, throughout its celebrated streets and past downtown’s most prominent mansions.

M

ore than just a tourist attraction, however, this carriage company is on a mission – a

rescue mission, in fact. For 35 years, this local, family-owned business has been saving abused and unwanted Percheron draft horses from an uncertain fate by giving them a new life and purpose in the heart of the city.

According to Springbrook Farms Horse Drawn Tours’ operations manager Rebecca Leonard, the carriage company’s roots can be traced back to 1987. John Pucci, the company’s original owner, moved to Wilmington from Ohio and started the operation using a

We go to the Amish farms and rescue horses they’ve decided are no longer useful because they’re too slow to pull the farm equipment or can’t keep the same speed as their paired horse. That’s fine for us because we need them to be slow.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 9

single horse named Don whom he’d purchased from an Amish farm in Ohio. Pucci was motivated by the desire to keep Don and other horses like him from ending up in auctions and then exported to foreign slaughter houses.

“We’re the only carriage company in America that uses rescued Percheron horses,” says Leonard. “We go to the Amish farms and rescue horses they’ve decided are no longer useful because they’re too slow to pull the farm equipment or can’t keep the same speed as their paired horse. That’s fine for us because we need them to be slow. So instead of those horses being sold or auctioned and potentially going to meat processors and shipped over the borders, we purchase them and bring them back to Wilmington to train them for our trolley tours.”

Since rescuing Don, Springbrook Farms Horse Drawn Tours has saved 19 other Percherons over the past three decades, with seven currently working as carriage horses in downtown Wilmington. The horses alternate between 2-3 weeks of time spent working downtown during the day (with nights spent in a barn off Front Street,) then 2-3 weeks of rest and relaxation on a 13-acre farm in Belville.

“Our older horses tend to stay at the farm a little longer since we’re prepping them for retirement, because once they’ve retired, they’ll

10 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

live at the farm 100% of the time,” says Leonard. “But with the younger horses, if they stay out at the farm too long, they get in trouble by doing things like digging holes and breaking fences.

They get bored and all they want to do is go out and work, because they have that mindset.”

Originally bred as war horses, Percherons are a breed of draft horse used throughout history to pull stagecoaches, agriculture equipment and other heavy goods. They are best known for their muscular build, great strength, intellect and willingness to work.

“These are a working breed of horse, so they can get antsy and bored easily because they need to be active and aren’t made to sit around,” says Leonard.

The horses on duty pull carriages Mondays through Saturdays, weather permitting. In the event of lightning, a heat index of 103 or more, or winter temperatures below 35 degrees, the tours are suspended. During normal operating hours the horses are rotated to work with different partners and on different sides of the carriages, and none work all day long but one of the two daily shifts.

“We don’t make the horses move on a set schedule each day either, but

instead our drivers load people on, talk about the horses and answer any questions, and then wait for the horses to indicate that they’re ready to go,” says Leonard. “We also don’t take a certain specific route each time, so if passengers have preferences or routes they’ve taken before, we can always change it up and go a different way instead.”

Downtown pedestrians might catch a glimpse of the horses pulling an empty trolley during the day, but that doesn’t mean the carriage company is asking its horses to work without customers to take a ride. Instead, this is part of their new horse training program, a process that Leonard says can last anywhere from weeks to months.

It begins with a slow introduction to the carriage, the first step of which is simply allowing the horses to watch as other more experienced horses get hooked up. Next is hooking the new horses up to the carriage or trolley and then just standing in place to become accustomed to the feel of the rigging without asking them to pull any load.

After getting hooked up several times over the course of about a week, Leonard says the drivers will take the horses with carriages attached downtown and hook up to the carriage stand located at

Our older horses tend to stay at the farm a little longer since we’re prepping them for retirement, because once they’ve retired, they’ll live at the farm 100% of the time. the end of Market Street, but not offer tours in order to acclimate them to standing still while loading and unloading passengers. Finally, it’s time for the drivers to let the new horses begin pulling the trolley around town.

“We pair them up with one of our more experienced horses and we’ll take them out,” says Leonard. “The new horses follow the ques from the older horses and see what they’re supposed to do.”

At the end of the day the horses return to the barn, where a barn manager who lives on site is dedicated to making sure they’re cared for at all times.

The horses are showered off daily to remove the dirt, dust, sweat, and any other grime they’ve accumulated while traversing downtown. Once or twice a week the shower also includes a full conditioning treatment to ensure soft, shiny hair and manes. A farrier also visits the barn monthly to upkeep the horses’ hooves.

As for the horses themselves, Springbrook Farms Horse Drawn Tours’ current team of seven includes white-coated old timers Mike, Pete, and Prince (who is the oldest of the gang and is semi-retired) white and grey-spotted boys Jake and Jeff, and the company’s youngest new pair, Trumpet and Trooper.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 11

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The younger horses, if they stay out at the farm too long, they get in trouble by doing things like digging holes and breaking fences. They get bored and all they want to do is go out and work, because they have that mindset.

“Those guys are completely black since they’re the youngest and their coats haven’t started to turn light yet,” says Leonard. “They’ve got the most personality and are very spunky, always trying to play at the carriage stand and nip and bully each other.”

You don’t have to be a tourist or new to Wilmington to enjoy a downtown horse drawn carriage tour. In addition to an array of holiday events throughout the year, such as special tours during the Christmas, Halloween, and Easter seasons, Leonard explains that even the traditional tours are always family-friendly and a little different from one day to the next, depending on the driver and the route. She says the best part about taking a horse drawn carriage ride is getting to learn something new about Wilmington’s history and the buildings people might drive by every day but don’t even know the stories behind them. She encourages people to take a ride and in doing so, enjoy slowing down from the fast pace of life, learn about an amazing city, and help support a great cause.

“Our tours provide the income that feeds our horses, provides them with proper veterinary care, and gives us the ability to go out and rescue more,” says Leonard. “The more people that come down and ride, the more tours and events we can offer, which is how we raise funds to care for these horses and then save even more of them.”

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 13

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Lights! Camera! Burgaw!

A setting for Hollywood movies, offscreen living Story by Chris DeWitt

When people hear Burgaw, film productions are probably not one of the things that come to mind.

Many people think about the annual blueberry festival held there or its historic districts and significant past as a railroad town.

B

ut this town of 4.1 thousand people has some big surprises. Burgaw has served as the setting for scenes of several major film productions, including Silver Bullet (1985), I Know What You Did Last Sum-

mer (1997), and Divine Sisters of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002).

Most recently, seasons 1 and 2 of Fox’s Welcome to Flatch were filmed in Burgaw. While no current productions are taking place, Burgaw is still home to its longtime residents and is a destination for visitors within and outside the state who want to explore its rich history.

“The Historic Downtown Burgaw is an eclectic variety of 18th and 19th Century architecture that represents a vanishing example of a bye-gone era,” said Olivia Dawson, Mayor of the Town of Burgaw. “The film industry has always been attracted to this charming iconic downtown, it hasn’t changed a lot which is a good thing in this case.

It is a picture-perfect Hallmark movie

The film industry has always been attracted to this charming iconic downtown, it hasn’t changed a lot which is a good thing in this case.

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setting. A town/downtown that centers around a Courthouse Square. Our shops, parks, schools, street corners and more have been backdrops for dozens of your favorite television and movie productions.”

Some may think that all of this Tinseltown buzz may have completely changed the makeup of Burgaw and the way of life for its residents. While the film industry has brought different opportunities, Burgaw still remains true to itself as a place holding the trade and agricultural roots of North Carolina and as a home to farmers, teachers, and citizens who enjoy the quieter pace of small-town living while also balancing the demands of the film industry.

“The productions bring awareness to the town, [so] it is good for tourism,” says Dawson.

“Many are shocked and not aware that we have had so many films and television series made here. These productions contribute to the town and local economy. It provides jobs, opportu-

1.

Our shops, parks, schools, street corners and more have been backdrops for dozens of your favorite television and movie productions. nities, business, and funding that goes back into the community. When filming takes place, the crews are spending money locally supporting and contributing to the everyday spending at our local businesses. For some residents, it

has even provided an opportunity for them to serve as background actors or an opportunity to meet certain actors.

Filming does sometimes interfere with the usual everyday business, but we try to work with and respect the residents and the film crews.”

As Dawson notes, the film industry has been healthy in many ways for Burgaw and its residents. Many residents welcome the chance to see a production coming to life right in front of their eyes.

“Most residents are excited to see filming and learn about what productions are being made here,” said Dawson. “We want to welcome more film opportunities to the town.”

Art imitates life as the saying goes.

Many of the productions that were filmed in Burgaw, such as Welcome to Flatch feature the quirks and joys of living in small towns. However, I Know What You Did Last Summer doesn’t capture the essence quite as well. Capturing that picturesque small-town vibe

Freedom Song

Much of the film was filmed in Downtown Burgaw and Wilmington, N.C. Freedom Song was based on true stories of the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi in the 1960s. It tells the story of the struggle of African Americans to register to vote in the fictional town of Quinlan.

2.

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I Know What You Did Last Summer

Considered a slasher film from 1997, a scene from “I Know What You Did Last Summer” was filmed across the courthouse square then inside the department store. The store is featured prominently in the scary chase scene, playing its part as the “Shivers” department store.

3.

Dawson’s Creek

Dawson’s Creek was often filmed at the south end of Topsail Beach. The TV show aired from 1998 to 2003, starring James Van Der Beek as Dawson, Katie Holmes as Joey, Michelle Williams as Jen, Joshua Jackson as Pacey, Mary Beth Peil as Evelyn, and Kerr Smith as Jack.

4.

5.

Date with an Angel

The Gazebo that sits on the Courthouse Square lawn was used in the movie “Date with an Angel,” a 1987 American romantic fantasy and comedy film

One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill aired on TV from 2003 to 2012. Filming locations included Burgaw, Lanes Ferry on the NE Cape Fear River and some of the basketball scenes were filmed at Topsail High School.

6.

Under The Dome.

This CBS TV series was based on a book written by Stephen King. Downtown Burgaw was transformed to look like a small town where an invisible force field descended upon the town causing injuries and trapping people.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 17

is something Dawson would like to see more of in future filming.

“I would like to see something that portrayed more of the real Burgaw life here, again a picture-perfect Hallmark lifestyle town,” says Dawson.

While seeing more of Burgaw and its true spirit onscreen is something residents and visitors can relish, Dawson reminds us that the best way to experience Burgaw is live.

“The people, the residents, the community of those that live here can only be experienced when you visit, that may not be seen fully by seeing it on screen,” said Dawson.

For more information about the Town of Burgaw and its events and offerings, go to visitburgawnc.com.

7.

Tammy

This film is a 2014 American road comedy directed and co-written by Ben Falcone. “Tammy” was filmed in Downtown Burgaw around the Courthouse Square during the spring of 2013.

8.

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The Conjuring

The film is a supernatural horror film based on a true story based on the hauntings that occurred in the Perron home in the early 1970s. “The Conjuring” was directed by James Wan. The story is told by Ed Lorraine Warren.

9.

The Jailhouse

The Old Historic Pender County Jail building has been used for many scenes in films and television series. “The Jailhouse” is a story about a deputy sheriff after moving his family to a house once used to house prisoners, the old jail that occupied the 2nd floor of their century-old home.

10.

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The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Walking around downtown Burgaw, you will find familiar sites, such as the old Dee’s Drug store, for backdrops from several movies that would include “Silver Bullet,” “Windmills of the Gods,” “The Rose Garden,” “The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” etc.

Sleepy Hollow

The Fox TV series is based on the 1820 short story ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ by Washington Irving.

“Sleepy Hollow” was filmed on Morgan Road in Currie, N.C., during the summer of 2013.

12.

Silver Bullet

Burgaw was transformed into the small town of Tarker’s Mills, Maine. “Silver Bullet” is one of the first movies filmed in the Historic Downtown Burgaw area.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 19

Wilmington couple creates tiny homes out of old school buses Q & A with Caleb Nelson Story by Chris DeWitt | Contributed Photos

Home is where you hang your hat as they say.

Some people may want to do that in the idyllic quiet suburb with a modest home and fenced-in backyard. But there are other options, and many people are considering them in today’s tough housing market.

F

or Caleb and Emily Nelson, a different option for owning a home was their chosen path. They converted a bus into a fully functional home, and now they are doing the same for others like them.

SENC Magazine interviewed Caleb to learn how their journey in building a tiny home turned into Backroad Purpose, a business thriving in the Eastern North Carolina region creates functional, luxury, off-the-grid, tiny homes.

Q. How did you and Emily get into this?

20 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

A. It was truly by accident. We built a bus for ourselves and then documented the process. People then started seeing what we were doing and started reaching out asking for us to help on their bus and then slowly turned into us acquiring larger builds for people, and now we have a full business with a 2,800 sq. ft. shop in downtown Wilmington.

Q. What inspired you all?

A. Legacy and freedom. Wanting to build something for my family to be proud of and for my kids to have something of me after I’m gone, and

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 21

then the freedom to give my family and the people around [me] to do what they want, when they want, because they can.

Q. What has the response been from your community?

A. [The] local community has been great, and it’s always a pleasure telling people what we do because they always get excited about what we do and love asking more questions.

Q. Have you seen a great need/ want for these kinds of houses?

A. We have. People are still a bit skeptical of living in a tiny home let alone a school bus because they can’t

imagine it to be this tiny functional luxury space in something that many of us don’t care to remember being a part of our childhoods. But once they see what we can create they always come around to “I could totally live in a space like this.” Then, the other part of it is people seeing the sense of freedom that it brings with having the ability to take our home wherever you choose and being comfortable.

And also being able to live with less overhead gives you more time and money to spend how you choose.

Q. What are some of the reasons people opt for these tiny homes?

A. Safety is usually a big part of it and knowing that these buses are

built solid and that they can really take any beating you put them through. The other is customization, you can really build these units to fit every bit of your life and the way you live. From the chemicals you do or don’t want to be around to the size bathroom you want and the amount of people you want it to sleep. I built a 40’ bus to sleep eight people, and then I just built a 42’ bus to sleep two. It’s all up to what fits their life.

Q. Where do you get the buses and construction materials from?

A. Buses get auctioned off regularly, and you can usually find a nice bus locally for around $4-5k. A lot of the built materials are sold at your typical home construction stores like Home Depot and Lowes, and then a few of the RV stuff and off-grid stuff gets bought online.

Q. Please tell me more about the construction process for them.

A. There’s a lot to unfold with that, but one of the more important facts is that you can choose every bit of the materials that you put into your build. Not cheap plastic falls. No styrofoam insulation, no particle board but real quality products that you can feel when you walk into the space.

Q. What makes this work meaningful for you and your wife?

A. It changes people’s lives. It’s giving people time together or a second chance to live the life they want without having to win the lottery or move in with family.

Q. So, since these tiny homes are made from buses, can you still drive them?

A. Yes, you can still drive them.

Q. With the current challenging housing market, have you seen an increase in your demand for tiny homes?

A. Yes, people are considering it way more now. The price of homes has doubled or even tripled from just a few years ago. And with more

22 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

people working remotely, the concept of having your portable home to take with you wherever you want to go is very appealing.

Q. What would you say to people who are considering an alternative housing arrangement like these tiny homes?

A. Well, many people who come see our work for the first time say, “Ok, I could do this.” And they are

right. The spaces can range from 100 up to 350 sq. ft. While that seems like a big downgrade from your typical 1,000 or so sq. ft., it is a comfortable setup if you have a strategic and smart build. You also have the benefit of being able to move the unit around, as we mentioned previously.

You can be outside more and enjoy the freedom of exploring the area you want to be in.

Q. Anything else you want to share with readers?

A. We do more than just living spaces but also build out rigs for people to create jobs out of. We turned a shuttle bus into a mobile art studio where she could drive around and teach art classes in Nashville and did that for a local lady, so she could have a mobile massage studio.

To learn more about these tiny homes, visit backroadpurpose.com.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 23

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WARSAW’S HISTORICAL LANDMARK

Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum undergoes renovations Built in 1894, the historic L.P. Best House home of the Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum is an impressive historical landmark that sits on the corner of East Hill and North Center streets in Warsaw.

26 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Story and photos by Ena Sellers The museum showcases a Queen Anne architectural style with Neoclassical influences restoration home, and recently underwent a series of renovations and upgrades including a new security system, and a handicap-accessible elevator.

The elevator can accommodate a person in a wheelchair and two other people. It also has a phone.

“Whoever is in there has total control of the lift,” explained Earl Rouse, Museum Curator as he spoke about the

elevator’s safety features. “This update makes the museum fully handicap accessible.”

Commissioner Russell Eason shared that the total cost of the upgrades was approximately $80,500, of which $62,500 were funded thanks to Republican efforts in the General Assembly

by Senator Brent Jackson and Representative Jimmy Dixon, who were both instrumental in securing the funding needed for the upgrades. The museum, which runs on donations, funded the

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 27

28 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

It took a lot of effort from the Board and everyone worked really hard to make it possible. ~ RUSSELL EASON cost to paint the inside of the facility.

“We are very appreciative of Senator Jackson’s Office and Representative Jimmy Dixon, they both stepped up and they have done a great job in helping us get the money.”

“We have made a vast improvement in the place,” said Commissioner Eason adding that the renovations have been in the works for approximately two years.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 29

“It took a lot of effort from the Board and everyone worked really hard to make it possible, “ said Commissioner Eason.

Rouse and Eason encourage the public to visit the museum and learn about the fascinating stories of courage, honor, and sacrifice that adorn the museum walls. Each represents service members who gave it all to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today.

The museum features memorabilia donated by local veterans and their families, including artifacts, military displays, uniforms and photographs from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea and military conflicts thereafter.

At the entrance, visitors will find the Duplin Veterans Roll of Honor, an oversized, spiral-bound book containing the names of more than 10,000 Duplin County veterans.

The museum is located at 119 East Hill St., Warsaw, N.C.

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For Civil War history buffs or those who’ve grown up in Eastern North Carolina, the significance of Fort Fisher during the conflict is a well-known narrative. For those less familiar with the history, Fort Fisher was a Confederate fort that protected 32 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

the port city of Wilmington, keeping it open for blockade runners during the Civil War as they supplied goods to Confederate forces.

Construction began in 1861 and ramped up under the direction of Col. William Lamb when he arrived in July 1862. Fort Fisher was completed

in 1865. It was the largest earthwork fortification ever built in America.

Its presence was important because the Confederacy depended heavily on imported war materials to supply its armies. As the war progressed, and all other southern ports were closed by the Union forces, Fort Fisher and Wilmington became more critical to the Confederate war effort. On January 15, 1865, following three days of the largest naval bombardment in American history, a combined force

Enduring history of Fort Fisher leads to building new visitor center Story by Chris DeWitt | Contributed photos

of the Union Army and Navy captured Fort Fisher. This occurrence closed the port of Wilmington and ended the blockade-running trade. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was starved of supplies and forced to surrender in less than 90 days, effectively ending the Civil War. Though the Civil War is long past and remains in the annals of American history, it continues to teach us lessons today. Today, Fort Fisher is a recreational area that sits by the

glistening coast of Kure Beach, North Carolina, and serves as an educational center. The historic site has eight full-time staff, four of which serve as educators and engage visitors daily.

There are currently eight regular volunteers who assist with various operations. The site receives a multitude of visitors annually, and the need to accommodate the growing number of visitors prompted the construction of a new visitor center.

“Today, Fort Fisher receives more

than one million visitors annually,” said Jim Steele, Fort Fisher State Historic Site Manager. “Fort Fisher’s old visitor center was built in 1965 for an anticipated visitation of 25,000 visitors a year. The small size of the visitor center limits the site’s ability to accommodate such crowds. For example, a typical school field trip can include more than 150 children, and the site’s orientation theater only seats 50. This makes management of large crowds difficult and has an adverse Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 33

The largest challenge has been serving crowds of visitors amid the inconveniences of construction.

However, visitors have been understanding and are excited when they learn about the historic site’s plan for new facilities ~ JIM STEELE impact on the visitor experience.

Additionally, exhibit space in the old facility is small, which limits the amount of history and other information that can be shared with visitors.

A larger exhibit gallery will allow Fort Fisher to expand its interpretation of the site to include broader and more diverse narratives and to share new historical discoveries.”

According to Steele, the construction began in October 2022 and is expected to be completed by May 2024. While the building of the new facility has been an exciting time, it has brought challenges.

34 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

“Construction has impacted site operations significantly,” says Steele.

“Although the old visitor center remains open, parking has been relocated to a field south of the old parking lot that is less convenient. Additionally, construction obstacles have forced the postponement of a few site programs, including the battle anniversary event held every January. The largest challenge has been serving crowds of visitors amid the inconveniences of construction. However, visitors have been understanding and are excited when they learn about the historic site’s plan for new facilities.”

Steele highlighted that the new visitor center will have much more space than the old one, allowing the site to serve its large crowds of visitors better. It will also include new notable features such as a revamped exhibit gallery that will have items to discuss the history of the Indigenous Peoples that lived in Kure Beach before settlement and another space to showcase Fort Fisher’s historical role in World War II. “The orientation theater will seat 100 people, Steele said. “The exhibit gallery will be 50% larger than the old one, allowing the presentation of more artifacts and historical information. There will also be a dividable multi-purpose room that will serve as indoor classroom space and also be available for special private events such as wedding receptions. Overall, the site will be a more pleasant and exciting experience for visitors, offering a variety of amenities that are not currently available.”

Steele went on to mention that an additional feature in the works is the

The orientation theater will seat 100 people. The exhibit gallery will be 50% larger than the old one, allowing the presentation of more artifacts and historical information.

Kinston-Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Department 2602 W. W Vernon V Avenue, A Ki Kinston t NC 28504

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building of replica earthwork fortifications in the south airstrip. In 1941, the United States Army bulldozed a significant piece of Fort Fisher’s land face away to make way for an emergency landing strip, back when Fort Fisher was a World War II training station. The historic site plans to rebuild this missing segment to look as it did in the 1860s, complete with the main gate and tunnel leading into the fort, an underground ammunition magazine, and replicated artillery emplacements with original cannons.

According to Steele, the original fortifications are fragile, and visitors generally must keep off of them. The replica earthworks will allow a new level of visitor interaction and appreciation for the historic site.

Steele wanted to extend a warm welcome to returning visitors and new ones alike in anticipation of the completion of the new visitor center.

“Come visit us after May 2024 and enjoy all the historic site’s new exhibits and amenities,” said Steele. “There will be so much more to see and do than on your last visit!”

For more information about Fort Fisher, visit www.historicsites.nc.gov/ all-sites/fort-fisher.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 35

Bluegrass and The Country Squire helped shape musician Donald Dunn Story by Donna Davis

Musician Donald Dunn (now happily transplanted in Winterville) was born and raised in Duplin County.

Dunn (or “Duck” as he is sometimes called) said his whole family worked at The Country Squire at one time or another. He did yard maintenance there when he was in high school. And yes, apparently there is still a tree growing inside, and goldfish ponds.

It was in the rural county that his passion for music took root, hearing his grandmother and aunts play the piano and sitting on a church pew.

“I grew up in a big music environ36 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

ment. I grew up in church with gospel music and that was a huge influence on me in the beginning,” Dunn said.

“In my family you were encouraged to try an instrument. And it was piano.

I talked my parents into getting me a guitar when I was 9.”

Then his father helped put together a group including Dunn and his brother, along with another set of brothers. They called themselves the Gloryland Band and the boys went around to different churches to play, dressed alike in burgundy plaid suits and big ties.

“The interesting thing was this was in the 1970s and you had to check with the church to see if you could bring a guitar in. Especially an electric guitar or drums.

“You just didn’t walk in with a set of drums. My dad would always

check with the pastor to see what instruments we could bring in.”

Dunn’s family also had Saturday night jams in the living room. Eventually, the little gospel band broke up and Dunn said he didn’t play much until he got to high school.

“I ended up in a little rock and roll band in high school. We played the Beatles and AC/DC. ... We were called Blaze and we just thought we were going to set the world on fire,” he said.

Dunn credits several mentors for helping him progress with his music.

One of them was Dennis Aldridge. He said sometimes they’d practice seven days a week together.

After Blaze, he went to another rock and roll band with some people about 10 years older than him who helped him grow as a musician.

“I learned a lot from those guys.

We played local rock and roll clubs.

I learned a lot of harmonies, about running bands, PAs and guitar work.

I was going to make my money with this band. The day I registered for classes at Lenoir, I think the band busted up two weeks later. So I learned my first lesson: Don’t depend on bands for money.”

Dunn moved to Greenville in 1982 and has been in the area ever since.

After graduating high school, he did odd jobs until he was 21 and decided he had better go to college.

“I went to Lenoir first and then migrated up to Greenville. I had a girlfriend here who was going to East Carolina and we dated about seven years. And my dad moved here. So I had a couple of things going on that pointed this way. Of course, we broke up, and my Dad passed away about 30 years ago. But I stayed on. Made a life here. Married another girl and been happy ever since.”

About the time he came to Greenville, Dunn started listening to Ricky

I grew up in a big music environment.

I grew up in church with gospel music and that was a huge influence on me in the beginning.

Skaggs and a lot of country music.

“I was raised on country,” he said.

“My mom liked the Alabama stuff and Waylon. Rock and roll to me, about that time, started fading. It just wasn’t there for me. I actually caught the country bug again.

“So when I moved to Greenville, I started playing with country bands up here,” he said. “In the early 2000s I played in a lot of bar bands. I owe a lot of what I do to working with good musicians in those bands. I played

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guitar and was developing my solo skills.

“I worked with a guy named Raymond Rouse out of Kinston, and he really helped my country side. He played a real nice style.”

Then in the early 2000s, Dunn was building a house and would come out when working on it, plug in a drop cord, and turn the radio to a class country station. But sometimes the station would play bluegrass.

“I heard bluegrass growing up but I thought bluegrass was dead. When Flatt and Scruggs broke up, that it was over,” Dunn said. “But then I started hearing this new bluegrass, something like ‘Blue Highway’ and I said, ‘Man!’ and I started back listening to Ralph Stanley.

“I said ‘Ricky Skaggs is doing this 38 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

My wife gave me one for Christmas... Next thing I knew, I was in two or three different bluegrass bands. And I said this wasn’t what I attempted to do with this stuff but it’s where it ended up. country stuff that I really love but he’s just redoing the Stanley Brothers stuff — he’s just doing it with steel guitars.’ I said ‘Wow! This is what I’ve

been missing.’”

All this while Dunn was playing his guitar. But when he went to his first bluegrass jam and saw 17 guitars (or so) and one mandolin, he thought perhaps he could pick up mandolin.

“My wife gave me one for Christmas, I guess this was in 2002. Next thing I knew, I was in two or three different bluegrass bands. And I said this wasn’t what I attempted to do with this stuff but it’s where it ended up.”

Dunn has played in the country band, Highway 58, and currently plays with The Old Grey Suits bluegrass band. He also is starting back with a group of friends who have played rock and roll for years, called Graystone.

Dunn says he likes a lot of different kinds of music, acknowledging that both bluegrass and country music have gone through transitions.

“Bluegrass music is changing,” Dunn said. “I like Larry Cordle’s take on it: ‘We can’t play the same 350 songs the rest of our life.’

“A lot of traditional bluegrass has gone by the way,” Dunn said.

“As more of these progressive type groups come in, it squeezes out some traditional stuff. That’s what I worry about. Younger people want to hear younger stuff and not listen to Ralph Stanley all day.

“Blaine at Greenville Guitars said it best. He said, ‘We need another movie.’ Like ‘O Brother Where Art Thou.’ We had a whole rush with that. Have a good movie and watch the value of instruments go up. It was the same thing with country music and the movie in the 1980s and the line dancing went crazy. And ‘Saturday Night Fever’ before that. It’s amazing how Hollywood drives what happens through all entertainment.”

With so much experience under his belt (or perhaps, his mandolin strap), Dunn is full of advice for upand-coming musicians. And perhaps the best is simply: “The real education comes from the people you play with. You learn so much from them.”

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Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 39

Scare up a haunted house at home

E

veryone deserves a good scare come Halloween.

Some people sit down to horror movie marathons, while others page through thrilling books from famed horror writers such as Stephen King and Dean Koontz. However, hands-on scares can be just as effective, which probably accounts for the popularity of haunted hay rides and haunted corn mazes.

Homeowners looking to provide their own share of scares to friends and family — or to create a scream-worthy tableau for the visiting public to enjoy — can consider some of these ideas.

CREATE A SPOOKY AMBIANCE The fear of the unknown can be a powerful force. In many horror scenes, suspense is built by what audiences cannot see. Borrow this idea when creating the mood for your haunted house. Dim lighting by way of red or black outside bulbs will help increase the shadows and camouflage any decorations that may not be completely realistic in the light of day. In addition to lighting, create a playlist of creepy sounds. Consider how effective those grandfather clock bell tolls were at evoking fear in season four of “Stranger Things.”

Pick your spooky sounds, whether it’s animals or something more supernatural.

NARROW DOWN A THEME Decide which type of scenes you’ll want to depict and maintain continuity throughout. Graveyards, monstrous realms, insane asylum, or evil fairy tale creatures can serve as inspiration for a theme. Once a theme has been chosen, you can build props, decorations, lighting, and other effects around it.

ENLIST SOME LIVE-ACTION HELP Gather a bunch of volunteers who 40 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

can be on hand to staff your haunted house, particularly if you’re opening up your property to the neighborhood for a night or two, or if you’re hosting a party. Each volunteer should be dressed and acting according to the theme. A mix of stationary decorations with creepy people moving about can really set a haunted house apart.

CREATE ‘BLOODY’ CANDLES Purchase white pillar candles and get one long, red candle as well. Over a protected surface, melt the red candle and drizzle “blood” trickles over the white candles from the tops and down the sides. These candles can be placed around your haunted house.

SPOOKY SILHOUETTES Back-lit silhouettes made of

cardboard or another thick paper can cause haunted house visitors to take a second look. Prop them up in windows or place them at the end of dark hallways to create the feeling that someone is watching. You’ll be sure to get pulses rising.

GATHER OLD DOLLS Dolls can be creepy characters, and older dolls may appear even more haunted and spooky. Set up an old baby bassinet with a bunch of worn dolls found at various antique stores or garage sales. Work them into your theme or let them be scary all on their own.

Once your haunted house is complete, set up a clearly marked path so visitors know where to walk. Create different scenes along the path to have a scare around every corner.

Healthy Halloween snacks Halloween is a magical time of year. Homes are adorned with festive fall accoutrements, including hay bails, pumpkins and mums as well as the black, purple and orange decorations that are unique to a season of ghouls and goblins.

A

lthough decorating is a large part of the fun of Halloween, the sweet treats that are distributed to trick-ortreaters and presented at Halloween parties are arguably the most popular component of this beloved holiday.

Candy is everywhere come Halloween. The National Confectioners’ Association reports that Halloween is the largest confectionary holiday, followed by Easter and Christmas. The National Retail Federation and NCA indicate the average American consumes 3.4 pounds of candy around

Halloween, and 600 million pounds of candy are purchased across the country for the holiday.

Is it possible to escape the Halloween sugar overload? For those who want to enjoy some healthier options than candy corns and other sweet staples, these ideas are not so frightening.

• Pizza mummy: Use slices of toasted sandwich bread or English muffins to make some spooktacular fare. Coat the bread with pizza sauce. Then place thin vertical slices of mozzarella cheese in a haphazard pattern to replicate the look of gauze on a mummy. Two pieces of sliced black olives serve as the eyes.

• White, orange and yellow platter: Simulate the look of candy corns’ white, orange and yellow color palette with healthier offerings. Stack cauliflower, or another white food like monterey jack cheese, baby carrots and yellow bell peppers on a platter. Serve with your favorite dip.

• Deviled brains: Turn regular deviled eggs into something more

sinister for Halloween buffet tables.

Simply add food coloring to the filling to create a pinkish-brown hue that resembles a human brain. Then use a piping bag fitted with a thin icing tip to pipe the shape of brains onto the hardboiled egg halves.

• Veggie skeleton: Use assorted vegetable slices, cheese sticks, fruits, nuts, and more to inspire a Halloween-inspired charcuterie board.

Arrange everything to resemble a skeleton on the platter.

• Ghostly bananas: Insert popsicle sticks into the bottoms of bananas and freeze until solid. Prepare white melting chocolate according to directions, then dip the frozen bananas into it. While wet, stick on two mini chocolate chips to make the eyes of the ghosts. Place in the refrigerator to harden.

• Spider crackers: Use buttery Ritz® crackers or something similar for this recipe. Spread a relatively thick layer of cream cheese (or peanut butter if allergies are not a concern) on one cracker. Cut thin Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 41

Snow Hill native wins statewide wildlife photography competition Story by Breanna Sapp

The photograph was years in the making, but “Bobcat on Dam” was worth the effort, Snow Hill wildlife photographer Neil Jernigan said.

T

he image captured on a beaver dam with a trap camera outside of Snow Hill was selected from more than 1,700 entries as the grand prize winner of the statewide 2022-23 Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition.

It is featured on the cover of the July/August issue of Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine following the success.

42 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

“The funny thing is, I actually thought I messed it up,” Jernigan said about the photo, adding he talks about it in detail in a YouTube video.

“I was set up for a night-time shot, and the cat actually crossed in the early morning hours. So my exposure was messed up and I was thinking that I had finally gotten this photo and I ruined it. But I was able to recover it in post-processing.”

Camera trapping allows wildlife photographers to use wide-angle lenses, Jernigan said, which makes the animals appear larger in the frame and as if the viewer is right next to the subject.

For “Bobcat on Dam,” Jernigan said he had set up a camera trap

across from the beaver dam, which often acts as a natural bridge for wildlife.

He spent several months shooting photos of deer, turkeys, squirrels and raccoons before capturing a bobcat crossing the Greene County dam one morning.

“The project itself has been years in the making, I’ve been set up trying to photograph bobcats for about five or six years,” Jernigan said.

The annual competition looks for photographs of North Carolina wildlife or habitats captured by the magazine’s adult readers throughout the state to earn a place on the cover of one of its six issues.

Jernigan’s photograph was the

first camera trap image to win the competition, described as a “favorite of all the judges” by Art Director Marsha Tillett.

“The trend that you will see in our winning photographs is that not only is the subject matter interesting and unique, but the photograph is of high-quality — well-composed images with proper lighting and in focus,” editor-in-chief Josh Leventhal added in an email statement.

“That’s not an easy combination to capture.”

Jernigan has a long history with Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine. He won the publication’s youth category in 2008 and the grand prize for its adult category in 2014.

“I grew up loving the outdoors and we were subscribers to the magazine. My grandfather subscribed to it and I’ve got issues dating back to the ’40’s, so I’ve been a big fan of this magazine ever since I was a little kid flipping through,” Jernigan said. “So that was a goal of mine when I started photography, was to

Growing up watching Discovery Channel and National Geographic, I learned of wildlife photographers like Steve Winter who used camera traps to document the secret lives of lions, and tigers, and big cats. be published in the magazine.”

As a child, Jernigan spent most of his time hunting and fishing alongside his father and grandfather, who would often document their trips through photography. Because his mother owned a scrapbook business, Jernigan said the family often carried a camera with them.

Jernigan’s love for the outdoors influenced an interest in wildlife photography at a young age. By 15-yearsold, he had saved enough money to

purchase his first camera.

Soon after, Jernigan enrolled in photography courses at Lenoir Community College following graduation, eventually starting his own photography business.

“Growing up watching Discovery Channel and National Geographic, I learned of wildlife photographers like Steve Winter who used camera traps to document the secret lives of lions, and tigers, and big cats,” Jernigan said.

Because they are the only native wild feline found in North Carolina, capturing a bobcat has always been a goal of Jernigan’s, who began using camera traps to photograph wildlife in their natural habitats in 2014.

On his style of photography, Jernigan said he prefers to capture photographs that fulfill him personally, lightly describing himself as “selfish” with his work. His love for the outdoors and wildlife photography often reflects in his photographs, which have recently been published in publications like Our State magazine.

Jernigan said he hopes to one day venture out of the state and capture wildlife in the Western United States, such as mountain lions and grizzly bears.

“That’s what it’s all about, is going out (and) enjoying time in nature, documenting what I see and then sharing it with others,” Jernigan reflected. “Because not everybody gets to see, you know, a bobcat.”

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 43

Play Dates

Events and places to visit in Southeastern North Carolina

SEPT

30 FRI

36th annual NC Seafood Festival 412 Evans Street, Morehead City, NC

The 35th annual NC Seafood Festival is scheduled for Sept. 30- Oct. 2.

For a full schedule of bands playing, visit www.ncseafoodfestival.org.

SEPT

30 SAT

Muscadine Festival 195 Fairgrounds Dr. Kenansville, N.C.

Pour in the fun at the Muscadine Festival on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The two-day event celebrates the nation’s first cultivated grape.

Featuring wines from wineries across the State of North Carolina. Enjoy the wines as well as live bands, arts and crafts, children’s activities, foods from around Eastern North Carolina, a shag contest, a cooking contest and a winemaking contest.

SEPT

SEPT

30 FRI

Movies in the Park Union Point Park New Bern, NC

Movies in the Park presents “Mary Poppins.” Movie starts at dusk at Union Point Park. Call New Bern Parks & Recreation 252-639-2901.

44 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

30 SAT

Cabin Lake Craft Fair 220 Cabin Lake Rd. Pink Hill, N.C.

Bring your friends and family to Cabin Lake and enjoy food, homemade goods, handmade items, wood works and more.

Free admission and free parking.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON UPCOMING EVENTS: All of the events listed here were still on schedule as of press time, but it’s best to check with each venue to ensure that the event is still going on as planned.

OCT

OCT

07 SAT

Bark in the Park 321 Causeway Dr. Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

The 29th annual Bark in the Park is on Saturday, Oct. 7 at Wrightsville Beach Park at 11 a.m. Take a gander as canine athletes compete to build up points by catching Frisbees, for a combination of distance and accuracy and extra points for air catches. There will be prizes for best-dressed dog, best-dressed team and dog with the most personality. The event is free for spectators.

07

Cops and Bobbers 105 Rose Avenue Wallace, N.C.

SAT

Cast your line and reel in fun memories at Cops and Bobbers on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Farrior Park.

This event is for kids ages 4 through 14.

Win prizes and meet with Wallace Police officers who will be there to share fishing tips. To register call 910-285-2126.

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Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 45

OCT

07

Pets in the Park 400 Lake Park Blvd S Carolina Beach, N.C.

SAT

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce presents its annual celebration of pets, their owners and pet-friendly businesses. Held at Carolina Beach Lake Park from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., activities include a pet blessing, adoptions, pet costume and trick contests, an “ask the vet” booth, vendors, a K9 demonstration, pet portraits, food trucks, beer and wine and more. Admission is $5.

OCT

07 SAT

Wilmington Riverfest 321 Causeway Dr. Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

The granddaddy of all Wilmington fall festivals, Riverfest has been around since 1979, drawing tens of thousands of people. This free, family-oriented celebration runs through Historic Downtown Wilmington along Front Street between Chestnut and Orange Street. The two-day event will be on Oct. 7 and 8. Riverfest boasts craft vendors, concessions booths, a children’s play area, a Wilmington Riverfest Pageant, entertainment on various stages, Saturday night fireworks, and more.

OCT

14

Fire in the Pines 4099 S. 17th St. Wilmington, N.C.

SAT

OCT

13 FRI

Art in the Arboretum 6206 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, N.C.

It’s the 28th annual celebration of Art in the Arboretum at the New Hanover County Arboretum. This year, the celebration will be an Art Festival show with 70 artists booths on Oct. 13, 14, and 15.

Tickets for Art in the Arboretum are $5 and available at the gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, military with ID and members of Friends of the Arboretum.

46 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Fire in the Pines is a family-friendly festival at Wilmington’s Halyburton Park put on by the Nature Conservancy from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fire in the Pines aims to raise awareness about the benefits of doing controlled burns in the longleaf pine ecosystem. The festival includes an art contest, hay rides, face painting, live music, food trucks and even an actual controlled burn. Free to attend.

OCT

14

Hog Wild Cook Off 508 E Main St, Beulaville, NC

SAT Celebrate Beulaville’s Hog Wild cookoff on Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beulaville Municipal Complex. The Hog Wild will feature live entertainment, a half and half drawing, vendors a BBQ contest and a plate sale. The proceeds from the plate sales will benefit the community. For more information call 910-262-5272.

OCT

14

SAT

MumFest 1309 Country Club Rd New Bern, N.C.

Family fun, entertainment, attractions, exhibitors, and great food in the beautifully restored setting of historic downtown New Bern and its waterfront. Oct. 14 from 10 a.m to 6:30 p.m. Amusement hours: 10 a.m to 8 p.m. Beer Garden hours are 11 a.m to 7 p.m. Shuttle hours to and from Lawson Creek Park are 9:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Amusement Hours: 10 a.m - 5 p.m. Beer Garden hours are 11:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Shuttle hours to and from Lawson Creek Park are 9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. The 1 Mile Fun Run begins at 7 a.m. and the 5K begins at 7:30 a.m, both at Union Point Park.

OCT

20 FRI

Autumn with Topsail 720 Channel Blvd.

Topsail Beach, N.C.

Held since 1998, the Autumn With Topsail Festival is Oct. 20-22 on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building which houses the Missiles & More Museum in Topsail Beach, NC. The festival features an Artists’ and Crafts Court with over 100 regional artists displaying and selling their work. Enjoy exciting live musical entertainment, a variety of amazing food with beer and wine, inflatables and crafts for children, and much more! Parking is limited, so regular shuttles will run to the festival grounds.

OCT

21 SAT

Pet Day in the Park W. Clement Street Wallace, N.C.

Join Pet Day in the Park and enjoy a pet costume contest, police dog demos, vendors and more on Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Clement Park between West Clement Street and Hall Street in Wallace. Pet Day in the Park is hosted

by Pet Friends of Duplin County and Wallace Parks.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 47

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OCT

21 SAT

N.C. Oyster Festival 11 E. Second St. Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Enjoy oysters, vendors, the famous oyster-shucking contest and great acts, including The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, Gary Lowder and country singer Terry Douglas. Admission is $5, free for kids. The festival runs 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 22.

OCT

21 SAT

Trunk or Treat & Camp Ground Fest

OCT

21 SAT

211 Baysden Pond Rd. Chinquapin, N.C.

Celebrate Halloween festivities on Oct. 21 at Juniper Creek Outfitters in Chinquapin. They will have hot dog roast and pot luck, camping, pumpkin judging, music, games, and lots of family fun.

Autumn Fest 100 S. Wright St. Burgaw, N.C.

Autumn Fest is Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and will feature craft vendors, food trucks, races, an eating contest, inflatables, candy, pumpkin decorating, kids costume contest, train rides, and more.

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NOV

03 FRI

Cape Fear Kite Festival Fort Fisher, NC

This high-flying festival brings in dozens of kiters from all over to celebrate the end of the kite-flying season Nov. 3-5 at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. To see the air filled with all those colorful kites, many in the shape of animals, is really quite a sight.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 49

NOV

04 SAT

Festival Latino Ogden Park Wilmington, N.C.

Billed as the largest Latino event in North Carolina, this festival started at Wilmington’s Long Leaf Park in the late ‘90s and has happened most every year since, growing along with the area’s Latino community. It returns to Ogden Park this year for the first time since the pandemic. Highlights include a range of food from countries around Latin America, Latino music and dancing, and plenty of fun for the entire family.

NOV

04 SAT

North Carolina Spot Festival 14221 US-17 Hampstead, N.C.

The NC Spot Festival is Hampstead’s festival of fried fish and brings live music, pageant queens and more on Nov. 4, 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. and Nov. 5, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. There will be food vendors, beer and wine and an area for the kids to play, but the main attraction is the plates of fried spot loaded up with hush puppies.

Admission is $5 kids under 6 are free.

NOV

05 SUN

Cucalorus Film Festival Wilmington, N.C.

The 29th annual Cucalorus Film Festival will take place Nov. 15-19 and will screen more than 90 films along with a schedule of music and performances. Filmmakers, performers, activists, and community members come to celebrate the art-form and discover new work. For details, visitcucalorus.org/festival 50 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

4849 Castle Hayne Rd Castle Hayne, N.C.

The St. Stanislaus Polish Festival is the only one of its kind in the area.

Folks turn out for the Polish food and desserts, live tunes and kids’ activities. More at StStanislausCatholic.org.

NOV

15 SAT

St. Stanislaus Polish Festival

NOV

18 SAT

Surf City annual Tree Lighting Surf City, N.C.

The Surf City annual Tree Lighting will be on Nov. 18 at Soundside Park includes a bunch of stuff for the kids to do, as well as food trucks and live music. Details at SurfCityNC.gov.

NOV

11 SAT

Warsaw Veterans’ Day Parade Warsawr, N.C.

Come to Warsaw and celebrate the oldest consecutive Veterans Day Parade in America. The 103rd Warsaw Veterans’ Day Parade will be on Saturday, Nov. 11.

NOV

24 FRI

North Carolina Holiday Flotilla Wrightsville Beach, N.C.

Festivities begin Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. with a Kick-Off Party featuring the Band of Oz. On Saturday enjoy a Day at the Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Town Complex.

Boat parade begins at 6 p.m. followed by fireworks. Parade winners will be announced on Nov. 26.

NOV

30 THUR

A Carolina Sound Christmas Dinner & Show Downtown Wilmington, NC

“A Carolina Sound Christmas Dinner & Show, will be on Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Farm at 95 at 215 Batten Road in Selma, the event will feature the University of Mount Olive’s acapella vocal performance group, Carolina Sound. The two-hour Christmas special will feature a delightful combination of traditional classics, contemporary favorites, and original Christmas tunes. A buffet meal will be ready for guests as the doors open at 6 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person. Seating is limited, so guests are encouraged to get their tickets early. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 51

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