SNIPPETS

Christmas in the County

Old Homestead Farm in Rocky Point transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.

BY ASHLEY L. HAFER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

 Santa Claus is coming to the farm. For the fourth year in a row, the family at Old Homestead Farm is sharing the holiday spirit through their Christmas in the Country event. This is a great opportunity to gather your loved ones into the car and take a short drive out into the country. Nestled between Burgaw and Wilmington, this charming family horse farm in Rocky Point transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season.

Old Homestead Farm feels like something right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. The quaint drive-through light show, with its lovely landscaping of wide-open places, lights glistening off the lake and, of course, Santa’s village, is guaranteed to be a memorable experience. The radiant lights and displays vary a little each year, but they never stray from the original holiday motif. The mile-long adventure is accompanied by classical holiday favorites that bring the scenery to life. Carefully thought out and coordinated lights dance with the music playing conveniently from your own car radio. While enjoying the comfort and warmth of your car, you can sip on some hot cocoa that they sell on the premises.

This showstopper begins Thanksgiving night and continues into the new year, giving visitors ample time during the busy season to run out and enjoy some good oldfashioned fun. There’s no need to plan ahead or fuss with buying online tickets; just come out and buy a general admission ticket straight from the source. They make it easy for you, accepting cash and major credit cards. For the small admission price of $25 per vehicle, you will spend 15 minutes driving through the landscaped light show. The folks at Old Homestead Farm have made the course accessible for all types of vehicles, keeping everyone’s needs in mind. Restrooms and a concession stand are available on site.

Santa is featured at Christmas in the Country on a nightly basis; however, he will have to retire Christmas Eve to get some work done, naturally. Get that ugly Christmas sweater out and your best necklace made of sleigh bells for a family holiday photo opportunity with Santa. There is no extra fee to take the photos. You can take your own photos and edit them as you please and then, of course, distribute them to the masses!

WANT TO GO?

Christmas in the Country Old Homestead Farm, 438 Rocky Point Elementary School Road, Rocky Point (910) 262-0246 • christmasinthecountryohf.com Cost: $25 per carload When: November 26 to January 1, Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 5:30 to 10 pm

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

32nd Annual Autumn with Topsail 2021

 It’s almost here! The 2021 Autumn with Topsail Festival will be held October 15 to 17 on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building, which also houses the Missiles & More Museum, in Topsail Beach. Started in 1988, the festival features a juried Art and Crafts Court with more than 100 regional artists displaying and selling their artwork, live musical entertainment, a variety of amazing food, beer and wine plus inflatables and crafts for children. A free shuttle service will provide easy access to the festival from various areas in Topsail Beach. Visit the website for more information and tickets: autumnwithtopsail.com

Reel Housewives of Topsail Island Annual Breast Cancer Bike Ride

 The annual Reel Housewives of Topsail Island (RHOTI) Breast Cancer Bike Ride took place on Saturday, September 18 at Surf City Soundside Park. The popular 26-mile bike ride fundraiser is usually held in April, but due to COVID-19 organizers moved the event to September. Now in existence for more than 10 years, RHOTI is a nonprofit organization that uses the money raised from the ride to help local breast cancer patients and survivors. RHOTI thanks everyone for their participation and support. For more information and to make a donation visit reelhousewivesoftopsailisland.com.

Surf to Sound 5K

BY BRIAN WILNER

 Lace up your running/walking shoes and join the community for a great fundraiser on Saturday, September 25. Whether you are an experienced runner, an occasional jogger or a walker looking forward to foot-crossing the Surf City Bridge, the inaugural Surf to Sound 5K is the perfect way to celebrate the Topsail Island community and all the small businesses that make up the area. All sponsorships and proceeds from the race will benefit Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

With an 8 am start at Soundside Park, 517 Roland Avenue, Surf City, the 3.1-mile trek will offer beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the lovely Intercoastal Waterway. James Worsham, the race’s founder, is an avid runner and four-time marathoner who wants to give back to the Surf City community as well as raise awareness for the Turtle Hospital. He hopes to bring folks together from the eastern part of North Carolina and throughout the state to run, walk and simply enjoy the Surf City community and bridge. If you are unable to attend in person, the race also offers a virtual run/walk. Check out the Surf to Sound 5K website at runsignup.com/Race/NC/SurfCity/SurftoSound5K or find info on Facebook.

PHOTO BY UNIQUE MEDIA AND DESIGN

Surf City Bridge Jam

 The Town of Surf City’s Surf City Bridge Jam was a blast on Saturday, May 15. Townsfolk and visitors alike came out to Sound Side Park to enjoy food trucks, a beer garden and live music. Salty Turtle Beer Company sponsored the event, and vendors of all types had booths offering their products. The event also paid homage to three bridge tenders of the historic Sears Landing Bridge: Earl Glenn Batts, James Franklin Batson and Lacy Norman Atkinson. The Town of Surf City thanks all who attended and made this a successful event.