Canine contests get the fun rolling on Saturday morning, including a fashion show and look alike and cutest pup contests. The popular Little Mr. and Miss Leprechaun Contest takes center stage at 11am. Both boys and girls age 2-3 and 4-5 will be judged on the originality and creativity of their costume and overall stage presentation. Preregistration is required by noon on Friday, March 16 by filling out a form at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation or printing it off from www.emeraldisle-nc.org/stpats and dropping it by the office. While each entrant wins a small prize, the winners receive a $50 savings bond. Because the festival will be busy, no registration can be handled that morning. While the youngsters warm up the crowd at one end of the event, the Emerald Stage will get things started at 11am with Pamlico Joe. Also slated to perform are Conch Stew and Selah Dubb, while Spare Change, My Three Kilts, Craicdown and others keep things rolling on the Gold Stage. New this year, North Carolina based Transit BMX Team will wow the crowds with performances at noon, 2 and 5pm. And be sure to be on the lookout for the Port City Pipes & Drums parading around the festival throughout the day. Entrance to the festival and parking, as always, is free. To learn more about the St. Patrick’s celebration, call 252-354-6350 or visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org/stpats.
The Old Woodies
The artistry and practicality of the wooden boat will be celebrated May 5 in Beaufort as the NC Maritime Museum launches its annual Wooden Boat Show. In its 38th year, the Wooden Boat Show is the largest undertaking of the NC Maritime Museum – bringing more than 5,000 visitors to the quiet tree-lined streets of historic Beaufort. The little fishing hamlet, if only for a few days, will become home to 60-70 small wooden beauties. Throughout the preceding week, boat rides will be offered from 1 to 4 pm daily as the museum gears up for the big event. The rides are free, however, a $5 donation is suggested and all funds collected will go toward the ongoing sailing program at the Maritime Museum. It’s Friday night, however, when the weekend’s pace is set with the Watercraft Center Party, a reception slated to kick off the show. Scheduled from 5:30 to 7pm, the party includes live music and light hors d‘oeuvres. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the museum. The wooden boats are on display from 10am to 4pm Saturday, interspersed with demonstrations of traditional skills, educational activities, boat models and the annual National Boat
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Building Challenge, which gives teams of two builders four hours to complete a 12-foot skiff. While it can be fun to watch the craftsmen at work, it’s often much more fun when it comes time to test the vessel’s seaworthiness. Sailboat races are planned for 11am and 3pm and free boat rides will once again be offered between the races. Festivities roll to a close with a post-show reception and awards ceremony planned from 5-6pm at the Watercraft Center. To learn more about the event, to register a boat for the show or to purchase tickets for the parties and fanfare, call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseum.org.
In Celebration of Music & Art
Teaming art and music, the Beaufort Music Festival and the Beaufort Sister Cities Mural Competition are joining forces for the second year in a row, creating a weekend celebration of culture and arts by the sea. For 24 years, the Beaufort Music Festival has brought throngs of visitors to this picturesque waterfront town for two days of free musical entertainment. From special music for the youngsters at the Beaufort Historic Site to rock, blues and jazz on the festival’s two main stages, the event brings together an eclectic offering with everybody’s tastes in mind. Keeping pace, many of the town’s pubs, restaurants and bars pick up the tab when the festival closes each evening at 10pm, offering live music inside (and out) for the visitors who are eager to keep the beat going. Planned for May 11-12, visitors to the musical festival will also have the opportunity follow along as artists compete in the annual mural competition on Saturday afternoon. Sanctioned by the Beaufort Sister Cities organization, the winner of the contest is provided with a trip to France as Beaufort’s entry to the International Mural Competition held annually in Beaufort-enVallee. As always, the festival is free and open to the public. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are suggested. Pets and glass containers should be left at home. WF
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