SENC Magazine - Summer 2022

SUMMER 2022

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: ISSUE: • ART HAPPENS IN GLASS • BATS AND BREWS • HOLLY GROVE FARMS • SUMMER CONCERTS AND MORE!

2 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 3

Adventure awaits

L

ON THE COVER iFly Photo Contributed by iFly world PUBLISHER Jim Sills EDITOR Ena Sellers WRITERS Lauren Branch Chris DeWitt Annesophia Richards Rebecca J. Whitman PRODUCTION & DESIGN Ena Sellers ADVERTISING/SALES Alan Wells awells@ncweeklies.com CONTACT esellers@ncweeklies.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

ike ocean waves lapping the shores wipe away footprints off the sand, another summer full of possibilities emerges on the horizon.

Opportunities to discover all the beauty Southeastern North Carolina has to offer awaits, so buckle up and join us in this adventure as we explore exciting new venues and some fun places to visit this summer.

First on our line up is Bats and Brews in Wilmington, N.C. After a major uplift of the batting cages on Oleander Drive, the new owners opened doors to a fun an creative venue that incorporates batting cages, a beer garden and outdoor games. Check out the story on page 8 to learn about the fun new features of this unique venue.

For all the art lovers, we have an interview with talented stained glass artist Kim S. Joy, owner of Art Happens in Glass. Turn to page 14 to read the story and see some of her beautiful glass pieces, distinctive for her use of geometric shapes and swirls of color.

If you are looking for a unique family bonding activity, check out our canning feature on page 18 and make fun memories to the ping of popping lids as you discover the ins and outs of canning. Learn about some great resources available to the public through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Principles of Canning and check out an excerpt with tips from the pros on page 20.

With some of our favorite holidays peeking

just around the corner, we have a special feature about Duplin County’s July 4th Celebration, which promises to be a big hit this summer! Check out the story on page 22 and turn to page 25 for a list of places where you and your loved ones can enjoy the fireworks.

If you love adventure, our next feature will make you smile as you learn that iFly, a state of the art indoor skydiving center, will soon break ground in Wilmington, NC. The veteran-owned franchise uses STEM technology to swoop you up inside a vertical wind tunnel that produces wind-forces strong enough to get you floating on the air. Turn to page 26 to read the story.

If the adrenaline rush of indoor skydiving is not quite your pace, turn to page 30 and enjoy a feature story about one of the largest female-owned goat dairies in the U.S., located in the town of Mount Olive. Holly Grove Farms is known for their delicious Chevre cheese featuring 13 mouth-watering flavors.

Cute farm animals abound in this edition of SENC. If you enjoyed the photos of the goats, you will also enjoy the cute animals at Green Pine Farm. Located just stone’s throw away from Camp Lejeune, the veteran-owned farm is a haven for horses and recently opened its doors for youth summer camps where kids can learn about farm animals and work with horses. Learn more on page 34.

Hungry? Check out What’s Cooking on page 38, featuring Chef Amanda Ezzells’ fabulous recipes for some mouth-watering ideas to impress your summer guests.

Next on the line up is a highlight of some of the area’s free Summer Concerts featuring your favorite local bands. Turn to page 43 to get the scoop!

As we wrap up this edition of SENC, we invite you to checkout Play Dates on page 44, there you will find a large selection of events, ranging from festivals, theater productions, musicals, fun classes, live-music, and lots more!

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

Follow us

Share YOUR favorites use hashtag

#southeasternnc

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

Our picks for top Instagramers’ photos:

@senc.magazine

Wrightsville Beach, NC @riggindoctor New Bern, NC @theflamecatering

Swansboro, NC @locally.tashh

Kenneth Batts Family Park, Holly Ridge, NC @ Papa__vance

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

Wallace, NC @burneysofwallace

Tag us @senc.magazine or send us message on Instagram!

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 5

New Bern Beaufort Jacksonville Kinston

Morehead City Swansboro

Surf City Kenansville

Wrightsville Beach Carolina Beach

Fayetteville

Wallace Wilmington 6 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

8

Bats and Brews

14

Art Happens in Glass

Brings unique pairing for baseball enthusiasts

22

Celebrate country and family

23

4th of July Celebrations

30

Holly Grove Farms

34

Green Pine Farm

38

What’s Cooking

43

Summer Concerts

44

Play Dates

A look into one of the largest female-owned goat dairies

Swirls of color and geometric shapes

18

Canning Making fun memories to the ping of popping lids

26

The wind beneath your wings Discover indoor skydiving

Recipes with chef Amanda Ezzell

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

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 7

Bats and Brews

Brings unique pairing for baseball enthusiasts Story by Annesophia Richards

N

othing symbolizes the arrival of summer quite like baseball, and if you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime, it’s hard to imagine anything better than spending time playing the sport while drinking a cold beer. Now thanks to the creative efforts of Rob Good and Paul Badrock, a new family-friendly recreation concept called Bats and Brews is bringing this perfect pairing to Wilmington.

Acquaintances since their high school days in Durham, Good and Badrock reconnected five years ago when their sons played on the same little league team in Wilmington. The two men formed a friendship as well as a professional relationship, working with mutual clients through Good’s real estate dealings and Badrock’s insurance business. Having spent many hours with their sons at the old batting cages on Oleander Drive (previously known as The Stadium) when the pair heard the facility was for sale, they saw an opportunity to improve upon a Wilmington staple.

8 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

I think the main difference is the vibes. Customers are happy, employees are excited to work, and the owners are dedicated. Everything is new and refreshing. ~ CHRIS WETHERELL

“The batting cages had been open since the 1970’s under several different owners, and they had gotten pretty run down,” says Good.

“When I heard about it being for sale, I called Paul and said ‘Dude, we should buy this place,’ kind of jokingly, but we started talking and

decided to do it.”

Not wanting to simply become yet another owner of the facility, the duo formed the company Goodrock Ventures and purchased the complex with the intent of making it something special. The idea of selling beer and wine soon came to mind,

inspired by the two fathers’ own experiences at the cages in the past with their sons. “When we’d take our kids there, we’d always encourage them to hurry up and hit the balls so we could finish up and leave,” says Good. “We didn’t really want to hang out. We thought that if we offered beer, parents could actually start staying longer and having a good time.”

Good and Badrock began the process of revamping and restoring the facility, including replacing the original pitching machines still in use from the 70’s. Other refurbishments included renovating the entire inte-

I didn’t realize so many people had ties to the cages with childhood memories here, so it’s really cool when people come in and say it’s been 15 years since they’ve been here, and now they’re bringing their kids. ~ ROB GOOD

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 9

rior of the building and bathrooms, replacing the netting and fencing, adding mulch and installing picnic tables and umbrellas. Other additions include two wall-mounted televisions for showing major and minor league games and a speaker system for music. The snack and beverage bar offers five local draft beers plus a prosecco on tap, as well as twelve different canned beer options, sodas, water, sports drinks, candy bars and chips.

“We’ve also got outdoor toys, cornhole, and Connect 4 for the kids 10 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

to play outside,” says Good. “We’re definitely trying to keep it family-friendly, so we don’t want people to think it’s only for adults. It’s just fun when people can come have a drink and watch their kids hit, and then parents will get in there sometimes and take some swings too. We want this to be a place where people can stay for a while, instead of just hitting balls and leaving.”

Bats and Brews offers visitors four baseball cages and four softball cages, each throwing at a different speed. Children must be at least six

It’s just fun when people can come have a drink and watch their kids hit, and then parents will get in there sometimes and take some swings too.

years old to enter the cages, and everyone needs to wear a helmet and sign a liability waiver. Tokens for the machines cost one dollar, and batters get ten pitches per token.

Bats and helmets are also available for rent. Currently food trucks visit the parking lot on select weekends, and Good says he plans for the trucks to become a more regular occurrence during the busy summer months. Both he and Badrock have also decided to keep Bats and Brews open year-round, something Good believes is an improvement from the facility’s past operations.

“Another reason why we bought it

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 11

is that we ourselves quit going with our sons because we would show up and it would be sunny, but it would be closed,” says Good. “People never knew when they’d be open or closed.

Now, if it’s not downpouring, we’re going to be open.”

As a former employee of The Stadium, Chris Wetherell has a long history with the batting cages, not only working there for nearly three years but also visiting with his father as a young child. Now one of the

12 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

managers, Wetherell agreed to come back on board at the request of the new owners.

“Paul and Rob heard about my previous experience working at The Stadium and wanted to know if I was interested in managing at Bats and Brews,” says Wetherell. “Since this was a place that had been special to me for most of my life, the offer was one I couldn’t refuse.”

Wetherell has seen the great highs and extreme lows of the business,

but says the feeling now present under the new ownership is something special. “I think the main difference is the vibes,” says Wetherell. “Customers are happy, employees are excited to work, and the owners are dedicated. Everything is new and refreshing.”

As for the future, Good is excited for the summer months and welcoming the tourist crowd. He and Badrock have also discussed the possibility of franchising their concept once they’ve been open for at least a year. For now, Good and his team are enjoying the experience, especially the feedback Bats and Brews has received from customers both young and old.

“I didn’t realize so many people had ties to the cages with childhood memories here, so it’s really cool when people come in and say it’s been 15 years since they’ve been here, and now they’re bringing their kids,” says Good. “Tons of people used to come here, and they’re now coming back. Everyone’s pretty excited about how we’re trying to bring life into this place again, so it’s just a really fun atmosphere all around.”

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 13

folk

Swirls of color and geometric shapes with a recognizable nod to Frank Lloyd Wright capture artist Kim S. Joy’s personal style.

14 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

By Rebecca J. Whitman

S

tained glass is nothing new to artist Kim S. Joy; she’s been creating in it since 1982. Kim found the beauty of making art in glass through a stained-glass class in New Mexico, and she followed that experience with an apprenticeship there to learn the business. By 2004, she became a full-time stained glass artist living in eastern Virginia, selling her work, and teaching classes.

In addition to teaching classes out of her home studio, Kim taught stained glass to students in community centers.

Swirls of color and geometric shapes with a recognizable nod to Frank Lloyd Wright capture Kim’s personal style. Sometimes Kim allows the glass itself to speak to her.

Like the Tiffany glass that was cus-

Doing any form of handiwork is therapeutic. It gets you out of the stress you had that day and gives you the chance to explore your own creativity. ~ KIM S. JOY tom made to create a drape within the glass itself, sometimes the glass pour is so beautiful that Kim frames it as is without any cutting. Other Kim S. Joy pieces capture your imagination–like the non-traditional mixed media of round blue and purple waves cut around a hanging fabric of woven fibers. “It’s not your grandma’s stained glass,” Kim remarks. Originality is important in all art forms including stained glass. “If you are going to just create not for sale pieces, there are plenty of pattern books, but once you start working in glass then you want to make it yours and unique instead of like everybody else’s work,” Kim said.

In 2018, Kim moved to North Carolina and opened Art Happens at 106 Tarboro Street in Wilson. Above the door to the store, there is a stained glass panel of a thistle. Kim designed the panel as a nod to her Scottish heritage, and it has served as the original logo design of her business.

Guests are welcomed by the colorful pieces throughout the studio, the

expansive workspace, and a playfully exuberant pup, Fred.

While abstract art is her favorite, Kim recognizes the need to do other things.

“What I like and what other people may like is not the same thing, so you have to do a little bit of everything,” she says. To meet that diversity, Kim carries everything from stained glass jewelry to lamps, boxes, and simple panels.

“A supply store that everyone used in Raleigh closed,” Kim said, “so many of those customers found me to buy their supplies from.”

Kim carries all the necessary basic tools, solder, and flux as well as an impressive glass collection.

Her glass collection includes vintage makers that no longer exist as well as known brands like Spectrum, Oceanside, Bullseye, and Youghiogheny. Imported glasses like Verrerie de St. Just from France are also in her collection.

“I like creating stained glass and working with people on commissioned pieces. A lot of repairs come in here, and I love that too because it’s like trying to fix a puzzle without taking the whole thing apart.” There are limitations to the types of projects that Kim can take on. Church windows, for example, are not something that she will take on restoring.

Many people interested in stained glass can get surprised by the cost involved in just having the right equipment.

“If you had to buy all new equipment, it would be over $400 in tools,” Kim says.

With classes, students have the benefit of an experienced artist helping them avoid making mistakes that can ruin their projects.

In Art Happens, students only buy the glass and sundries (copper foil, solder, etc.) used in their specific project.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 15

“We start out with a 12x16 panel with 14 different patterns to choose from..but you go home at the end of it all with a finished product,” Kim explains. “If this is the only piece they will ever make, we want to make it worthwhile.”

The stained glass panel class is a seven-week long course that meets once a week for 2.5 hours each session. Other classes include nightshades, lamps, boxes, jewelry, yard art, kaleidoscopes, and pet memorials.

“It’s just things that people have asked for,” Kim says, explaining the diverse mix of classes.

Following COVID-19, people spent a lot more time at home and began looking for something to do with their downtime. Kim believes that this led to an across-the-board interest in the arts.

“Classes are pretty full around here, not just in stained glass,” Kim said. “The Arts Council here has sold out classes as well. Doing any form of handiwork is therapeutic.

It gets you out of the stress you had that day and gives you the chance to explore your own creativity.”

After 20 years of growing in skill and mastery of her craft, Kim has a lot of wisdom to pass on to future glass artists.

“Stay true to yourself. When you think that stained glass isn’t alive or worthwhile doing, keep doing it. There were times, over my life, when the market died out, but I kept making stained glass. I can’t imagine my life not doing this. Think about your legacy and how you are going to be remembered,” Kim said.

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

252.939.3332

www.kinstonrec.com 16 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 17

making fun memories to the ping of popping lids

By Lauren Branch

T

he Duplin County NC Cooperative Extension is known for all its work in agriculture.

One popular workshop the extension puts on is the Home Food Preservation Workshop.

In this class, participants learn about basic canning procedures, and get the chance to learn handson canning foods such as jam and tomatoes.

Participants also learn about food safety risks, where to find safe recipes, and the science behind making it shelf-stable.

From beginners to experts, everyone is welcome to participate in the NC Cooperative Extension workshops.

During class, the instructor explains the process involved in water-bath canning and pressure canning. Both of these methods help with shelf stability and decrease the chances of someone getting sick from botulism.

“There is a big risk of botulism toxin that can make people really sick. So we kinda go through that and how to safely can. I think people are also really scared to can in a pressure canner, so I teach them how to do that themselves. They learn what to look for and they physically get to do all of that canning and do the hands-on canning too,” explained Sydney Knowles, NCCE 18 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Family and Consumer Science agent.

Waterbath canning is for high acid foods regardless if it’s naturally acidic or a food if you would add acid to it. The acid helps kill the bacteria and botulism because of the high heat at 212 degrees which is enough heat when combined with an acid.

Pressure canning is for low acid foods like combination foods, such as soups, which have both high and low acid items. Also, meat and veggies are foods that require pressure canning.

A lot of people think you can waterbath green beans, but that’s actually not safe at all. You have to get to

Photos by Lauren Branch

a much higher temperature that can only be achieved through pressure canning,” said Knowles.

According to Knowles, Botulism effects ensue quickly and can have long-term effects.

“It’s a pretty serious issue if people get that toxin in their body,” said Knowles. “It can be deadly.”

While canning is a fun activity, it is very important to follow safety procedures.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has an entire publication with detailed information about best practices which can be found online at https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 19

Ensuring high-quality canned foods • •

•

•

•

Begin with good-quality fresh foods suitable for canning.

Examine food carefully for freshness and wholesomeness.

Can fruits and vegetables picked from your garden or purchased from producers when the products are at their peak of quality-within 6 to 12 hours after harvest for most vegetables.

For best quality, apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums should be ripened 1 or more days between harvest and canning. If you must delay the canning of other fresh produce, keep it in a shady, cool place.

Fresh home-slaughtered red meats and poultry should be chilled and canned without delay.

20 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

•

Ice fish and seafoods after harvest, eviscerate immediately, and can them within 2 days.

Maintaining color and flavor in canned food To maintain good natural color and flavor in stored canned food, you must: • Remove oxygen from food tissues and jars, • Quickly destroy the food enzymes, • Obtain high jar vacuums and airtight jar seals.

• Follow these guidelines to ensure that your canned foods retain optimum colors and flavors during processing and storage: • Use only high-quality foods which are at the proper maturity and are free of diseases and bruises.

•

Use the hot-pack method, especially with acid foods to be processed in boiling water.

• Don’t unnecessarily expose prepared foods to air. Can them as soon as possible.

• While preparing a canner load of jars, keep peeled, halved, quartered, sliced, or diced apples, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and pears in a solution of 3 grams (3,000 milligrams) ascorbic acid to 1 gallon of cold water. This procedure is also useful in maintaining the natural color of mushrooms and potatoes, and for preventing stem-end discoloration in cherries and grapes.

You can get ascorbic acid in several forms: • Pure powdered form—seasonally available among canners’ supplies in supermarkets.

• One level teaspoon of pure powder weighs about 3 grams.

Use 1 teaspoon per gallon of

water as a treatment solution.

• Vitamin C tablets—economical and available year-round in many stores. Buy 500-milligram tablets; crush and dissolve six tablets per gallon of water as a treatment solution.

Commercially prepared mixes of ascorbic and citric acid—seasonally available among canners’ supplies in supermarkets. Sometimes citric acid powder is sold in supermarkets, but it is less effective in controlling discoloration. If you choose to use these products, follow the manufacturer’s directions.

• Fill hot foods into jars and adjust headspace as specified in recipes.

• Tighten screw bands securely.

• Process and cool jars.

• Store the jars in a relatively cool, dark place, preferably between 50° and 70°F. • Can no more food than you will use within a year.

Source: USDA Principles of home canning

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 21

entertainment

Celebrate country and family this 4th of July

I hope they come away knowing they live in a county that supports and places family values and beliefs as a high priority. ~ TERRI NORRIS

Story by Chris DeWitt

S

ummer is here as cookouts and vacations get underway. This means Independence Day is right around the corner so are the celebrations that come with it. One such celebration is happening in Kenansville, N.C., on Monday, July 4th, at the Duplin County Events Center from 4-10 p.m.

This yearly celebration will have activities for families, including a mechanical bull, bouncy houses, a rock-climbing wall, and a dedicated kids’ stage. Fireworks will be at dark.

“It is a family-centered event with no alcohol being present,” said Terry Norris Emerge Ministries executive director. “All the entertainment is Christ-centered.”

The theme for the event is The Founding, The Foundation, The Future.

According to Norris, the July 4th Planning Committee chose the Events 22 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

Center to accommodate a large crowd. He estimates approximately 6,000 to 8,000 people to attend.

“I hope they come away knowing they live in a county that supports and places family values and beliefs as a high priority,” said Norris. “[We] also recognize the worldview of a county that produces these same values and beliefs of freedom, individual liberty and justice for all.”

This year’s celebration is an extensive collaborative effort on behalf of several community organizations, including Duplin County Veterans Office and Duplin County Tourism and Administration. Norris collected a cross-section of individuals from across the county to form the event planning committee.

“It is an amazing story to be highlighted,” he added, explaining how such a diverse group came together to make the event possible.

Norris added that the event is budgeted at $27,000. He believes it could be “the largest July 4th event of its kind” in the state.

“With the faltering economy, soaring gas prices, and difficulty feeding a family, people will be able to attend an event that is as great as any July 4th event in the entire state, close in proximity and free,” said Norris.

For more information about the July 4th celebration, visit www.duplinevents.com or call 910-275-0009.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 23

Financing a new home can be stressful and confusing, but not with Home Connections!

We are a USDA dealer, and can process USDA direct loans for our customers!

Ask about other financing options as well!

We are committed to help each and every person achieve that goal to the best of our ability.

Our mission is to provide affordable housing to individuals wanting a quality home, all with a friendly smile, and are SECOND TO NONE in the service end of our industry!

Double-Single-Modular & Stick-Built Homes

Our Clayton Homes NPS score is 96.888, and our goal is to EXCEL in every aspect of our business to provide you with exceptional products and SUPERIOR customer service!

www.ourhomeconnections.com

Hours of Operattion:

Monday - Friday: 8:00 am m - 6:00 pm Saturdaay: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday: CLOSEED 24 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine

2971 E. NC 24 Hwy Beulaville, NC 28518 Ph: 910-298-3387 Fax: 910-298-3545

Independence Day celebrations

Freedom Fest

Freedom Fest is scheduled for Saturday, July 2, from 5-9:30 p.m. at Juniper Creek Outfitters, located at 211 Baysden Pond Rd, Chinquapin, N.C. Freedom Fest will feature live music with Cowboy Earl, fishing, games, kayak and boat rentals, and activities for the whole family. Fireworks will start at dark.

Freedom Festival 2022

The 38th annual Freedom Festival is set for Monday, July 4, from 3-9 p.m. at the 1244 Onslow Pines Road, Jacksonville, N.C. The festival will feature live music with The North Tower Band kicking off the entertainment at 4 p.m. and the Darius Mitchell & The Professionals band at 7 p.m.

There will be food trucks, games, a kids zone, and fireworks at 9 p.m.

City of New Bern

4th of July Celebration

City of New Bern 4th of July Celebration is set for Monday, July 4, at Lawson Creek Park and will kick off at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature live music, food trucks, inflatables, and games.

Fireworks to begin at 9:15 p.m.

Fourth of July in Downtown Swansboro

Celebrations are set for Monday, July 4, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Harry C. Pugliese Pavilion, located

at 110 W. Corbett Avenue, Swansboro, N.C. Fireworks will kick off at 9 p.m. The event will feature live music and food.

All public docks will be closed to pedestrian traffic. Additionally, Church Street dockage will be limited to vessels with reservations. Boat traffic will be limited around Spoil Island off the Swansboro Waterfront starting at 8:30 p.m. until the fireworks conclude.

Wilmington 4th of July Fireworks Celebrate Independence Day riverside by watching the fireworks display at the Riverwalk beginning at 9:05 p.m.

Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 25

features

The wind beneath your wings Experience the rush of indoor skydiving in a state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnel Story by Ena Sellers

Have you ever dreamed of flying?

Thanks to STEM technology and a team of entrepreneurial veterans, the opportunity to experience indoor skydiving will soon be a short drive away.

Patrick Maguire, Dave Soler, and George Jamison will bring iFly to Eastwood Road in Wilmington, N.C. The $10 million state-of-the-art indoor skydiving facility is one of a kind and one of three wind tunnels in the State of North Carolina. “iFly Wilmington is a spectacular facility,” said Jamison.

The trio saw the possibilities and laid the groundwork for a family-friendly, experiential opportunity typically available to a few highly trained service members.

The veteran-run team is excited to bring a unique experience that will combine aspects of recreation, tourism, community, military, and STEM education, all under one roof.

“We anticipate construction beginning in September of this year,” said Soler. “Construction of our facility 26 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

is anticipated to take between 7-8 months, so we are planning to open our doors in the Spring of 2023.”

According to Soler, iFLY engineers have spent two decades perfecting the best flying wind tunnels in the world. Additionally, iFLY is the only wind tunnel business certified by the

International Body Flight Association. Additionally, all iFLY instructors are trained and selected through IBA programs. “iFLY has the world’s highest safety standards and has flown more than 8 million customers safely worldwide since opening the first iFLY location in

1998,” said Soler. “As the inventor and global standard setter of the wind-tunnel entertainment industry, safety is always iFLY’s top priority.”

Maguire, an active-duty USMC Major stationed at Camp Lejeune, said he became familiar with wind tunnels as part of his military journey in 2013.

“I was actually one of those guys really afraid of heights and roller coasters,” said Maguire. “I was quite nervous before I ever jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, but certainly the first time I ever did, I fell in love with it and it became a passion of mine.”

The best part of iFly is that anyone can skydive in a safe and controlled environment without specialized training. The wind in the flight chamber is generated by four high-efficiency fans located at the top of the facility. The wind is then directed down the sides of the tunnel, then under the Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 27

building, and back up into the flight chamber recirculating the air, and allowing the person in the flight chamber to float on a wall-to-wall cushion of air about 5 to 6’ of the net.

“STEM is what makes flying in a wind tunnel possible,” said Jamison.

“People aren’t actually falling, they’re floating on a cushion of air that is, you know, up to 125 miles an hour.” iFly has one of the most popular Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs in the country.

According to Jamison. The iFly STEM program fits within the NC curricula, providing students with an incredible immersive opportunity.

Participants get to experience physics in motion the moment they step into an iFly tunnel powered by two very sophisticated electric fans.

“Right now, it’s the exclusive privilege of kids in large urban areas because that’s where these facilities are,” he said. “We’re really looking forward to actually offering these wonderful programs to the students of Wilmington.”

“Our intention is for this to be 28 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

a crown jewel for the city of Wilmington,” said Jamison about the iFly facility.

“It will be a center of excellence for sports,” he added, sharing that they hope to one day, in the future, send people from Wilmington to compete in the Olympics.

The veteran-run team plans to offer educational opportunities that will include under-served youths and an all-abilities program where disabled individuals can fly.

“Our vision is to provide a worldclass recreational and training facility that serves a diverse population of customers,’” said Soler. He explained iFly will serve a wide range of patrons, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts and military professionals.

“The facility we’re proposing to build is green. It makes no emissions.

It will make maximum use of solar technology. We’re actually only proposing to develop 40% of this site, so we’re going to preserve 60% of the trees and vegetation on the site,” said Soler.

In addition to being a green facili-

The facility we’re proposing to build is green. It makes no emissions. It will make maximum use of solar technology.

We’re actually only proposing to develop 40% of this site, so we’re going to preserve 60% of the trees and vegetation on the site. ~ DAVE SOLER

ty, iFly will have no impact on traffic patterns.

“I would compare it to far less traffic than you would see from any coffee shop,” said Maguire.

“It’s a clean facility that buffers from the adjacent uses, and would have minimal impact on the roadways. This project will provide numerous educational, entertainment, and economic benefits to the city of Wilmington.”

Maguire explained iFly will also benefit military families, by eliminating some of the burdens they often experience when a service member has to travel away for training. Maguire also explained that the idea of convoys coming down the road was not applicable to iFly, because it is a reservation-based system.

The veteran-team envisions the new iFly facility as a center of excellence for team building, military training, and family fun. It will be a place for “good wholesome family fun that people from the age of 3 to 103 can enjoy.”

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 29

agribusiness

Holly Grove Farms

A Look into one of the largest female-owned goat dairies Story & Photos by Lauren Branch

H

olly Grove Farms is one of the largest female-operated goat dairy farms in the US, and it is right in our backyard! Located in Wayne County, Debbie Craig runs the dairy farm in Mount Olive along with her family. She and her late husband Ron Craig started the business after both having long careers in the agricultural industry.

Debbie was raised on a beef cattle farm in Southern Missouri. Ron’s family did not originally start out in agriculture, but after winning a pig pinning contest where he had to be the first to catch a greasy pig and put it in the pin, Ron developed an interest in pigs. He was sent him home with a baby gilt. From this he decided taking care of pigs was something he really enjoyed.

He and his brother convinced his parents to rent a house in the country so he could raise his pig, and he continued raising pigs for the rest of his life.

The hog business is what bought the Craigs to North Carolina. Ron and his brother had been operating a sow together, but the business wasn’t profitable enough for both families, so Ron and Debbie moved to NC where he got a job on a hog farm through 30 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

someone they sold breeding stock to.

They originally moved to Richlands, N.C. and eventually moved to the Goldsboro area. They both worked locally until they were able to open up their own business.

The Craigs started out with 27 acres and now have around 600 acres producing hay, and raising goats, sows, and cows. They have grown the farm to 3,500 sows and 1,200 goats. Unfortunately, Ron passed away in 2009, but Debbie decided to continue building

their dream with her three children.

Her son works on the farm full time, and he will take over once she retires.

When Ron and Debbie first expanded into dairy, they had to bring in a consultant because neither one of them had experience with dairy goats.

Making cheese is no easy task, and is highly dependent on the goats having babies so that they can produce the milk, and the amount of milk the goats actually produce. To go from milk to cheese is about a three-day

process according to Debbie. After they collect the milk, they have to pasteurize it which requires them to heat the milk to 145 degrees for 30 minutes.

Then they cool it down and add rennet and culture which helps make it coagulate and turn into curds and whey.

Once that is done, they drain and hang in cheesecloth bags for 24 hours.

Holly Grove Farms is known for making Chevre cheese which has a smooth cream cheese-like consistency, and they produce 13 different flavors

including fresh, basil, southwest blend, chives, summertime Blue, and jalapeno just to name a few. Their products can be found mostly on the East Coast at restaurants, small retail stores, and inside their on-site store which is only open on Saturdays. It is packaged in ½ pound, 4-pound tubs, and 20-pound boxes.

“Just like I tell my kids, you can make any kind of cheese. It’s just the process and the cultures that you use and the process that you go through Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 31

that determines the cheese,” Debbie explained.

On their main farm, you can find several areas with goats separated based on their age and maturity. They herd Alpines, Saanens, and Toppenburg goats. The mature goats are milked in the mornings and in the afternoons.

On average, each goat produces three-quarters of a gallon of milk per day. This is enough to make one pound of cheese. The younger females graze during the day. They like to play on the hay bales, hang around the feed bins, and retire to the loafing barns in case of inclement weather. If you visit the younger goats, you might be greeted by the watchdogs who hang out inside the fence with the goats.

Breeding begins in the fall, and the babies usually arrive between January and May. According to Debbie, the family has no plans for adding more animals to the farms. Like most businesses, they have a hard time finding and keeping workers.

“I think our plates are full with what we’ve got going, and in today’s 32 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Just like I tell my kids, you can make any kind of cheese.

It’s just the process and the cultures that you use and the process that you go through that determines the cheese. ~ DEBBIE CRAIG

time, we are having issues with help and having enough help on the farm.

It’s kind of difficult, so we kinda think we’re going to stay where we’re at,” Debbie said with a laugh.

Holly Groves Farms is known to be one of the largest female-owned goat

dairies in the United States. A huge accomplishment although Debbie explained that she doesn’t feel special or like she is any better than anyone else.

“I don’t think about male, female, black, white. I think people. I feel that women can do whatever. Men can do whatever. So I don’t really put a lot of stock in it if that makes sense. That’s how I feel about it. I wish everybody thought like that, we wouldn’t have all these problems we have,” Debbie said.

Debbie does not get much free time these days, but when she does she enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her grandchildren’s extracurricular activities, and traveling.

“I escape. I travel because if I am home, I’m working. There is always something to do, so the only way I get time off is if I leave. I work like crazy to get everything lined up before I leave, and I come home and work like crazy to catch back up. For my 60th birthday, I gave myself a trip to New Zealand and Australia,” Debbie said with a grin.

On average, each goat produces three-quarters of a gallon of milk per day. This is enough to make one pound of cheese.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 33

agribusiness

Green Pine Farm

Veteran-owned farm opens doors to teach summer campers about horses Story & Photos by Rebecca J. Whitman

In the shadow of Camp Lejeune, at the end of a cul de sac in Hubert, North Carolina, is Green Pines Farm, a 15-acre horse farm.

Many of the horses on Green Pines Farm are second chance animals rescued from situations where they had been malnourished or injured. One had been a race horse that got injured on the track. Another had been tethered to the ground at a residential house; he still wears the rope burns.

Most of the horses are beautiful chestnut red quarter horses. They have gentle, kid-friendly personalities with jovial names like Koy and Flipper. Some shy away from cameras, others pose, and still others only give their toothy grins for sugar.

This summer, the farm opened to teach youth aged 6-17 how to work with horses.

In the week-long camp, participants are introduced to all aspects of horse care, from feeding, grooming, posturing, and riding to health care and stalls. Between the morning activities of getting the horses ready for the day campers participate in school-based learning activities and crafts. Following the creative break, campers learn about tack and riding in an arena on the farm. They learn how to overcome obstacles, chase cattle, and participate in a friendly competition.

“They will get a full farm experience with all the different things they can see and do here,” said Josh Fowle, Green Pines Farm owner. “It is a bit of local culture in the midst of a deeply diverse military community.”

Cows, chickens, turkeys, geese, 34 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

ducks, sheep, donkeys, cats, and dogs also live on the farm.

Fowle was born into farming. His mother jokes that he was almost born on a horse as she was riding up until the day before he was born. Fowle is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served his country for 18 years.

“I started the farm for my wife to have something to do when I was at work,” Fowle said. “I decided to keep it when she left.”

Rotating pastures as well as a pond in the woods serve all of Fowle’s animals as well as some boarding horses.

A neighboring farm with eight acres is also partnering with Fowle to provide more pasture land for rotating.

In addition to running the farm, Fowle is passionate about his community and serving it.

Following a brush fire at his farm last year, Fowle decided to serve as a member of the Hubert Volunteer Fire Department.

“I decided to volunteer as a thank you to give back in return for their service to me when I needed it,” Fowle said. “All the volunteer fire departments need more members.”

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 35

I decided to volunteer as a thank you to give back in return for their service to me when I needed it. All the volunteer fire departments need more members. ~ JOSH FOWLE Serving as a volunteer requires all members to be on call from their homes or the stations. In Hubert, volunteers who are also active Marines go on duty first before others who respond from their homes in the community.

Fowle’s interests in community con-

cerns also have a passionate voice when it comes to animal control issues. A few years ago, he became aware of an animal abuse issue on a neighboring property.

He took action to get animal control and the news involved until the animals were removed.

Running an animal farm is no cheap endeavor. Horses require blood work, vaccines, hoof work, and other veterinarian visits throughout the year.

“Horses are very sensitive,” Fowle said.

“Even a rock can kill them.”

Fowle shared that he invests in quality feed and hay from all over western Carolina and Virginia because of its higher protein content.

“I like to buy from all over, so I can support as many farmers as possible,” Fowle said.

The horses earn their keep through events like pony rides at Humphrey’s Farm, a local event’s venue with concerts, vendors, and a petting zoo.

Fowle hopes to be able to service rides at parties in the future.

Weddings, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, elegant plated meals, buffet, hors d’oeuvres, fresh flower arrangements, wedding cakes and favors, rentals

FOOD TRUCK CONCERT SERIES: LIVE MUSIC JULY 4TH at Duplin County Event Center July 4th Celebration 5pm Fireworks at sunset

Somethin’ Good Food Truck available for various functions.

JULY 22ND Hampstead at Kiwanis Park

@EZZELL’S, LLC. @SOMETHIN GOODTRUCK

AUGUST 25, SEPTEMBER 22, OCTOBER 27: Downtown Clinton Market Food Truck and VIP Reception

WARSAW, NC 910.289.0336 Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 37

what’s cooking

Blistered Summer Succotash Ingredients: 6 ears of corn, shucked, rinsed, kernels cut from cob 15-20 farm-fresh okra, rinse, cut into ¼ inch rings 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, rinsed, cut in half lengthwise 1 pint farm-fresh green beans, rinsed, ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch sticks

Recipes with

Chef Amanda Ezzell

Oven Brisket Serves 4-6 guests Ingredients Rub: ½ cup salt ½ cup black pepper ¼ cup paprika 3 tablespoons granulated garlic 3 tablespoons granulated onion 3 tablespoons Cayenne ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup white sugar 5 to 6 lbs brisket (Ours came from KH Farms in Mt Olive) Preparation Preheat the oven to 275°F. In a small bowl, stir together the rub ingredients. Spread mixture evenly across a large baking sheet.

Rinse the brisket under cool running water then pat dry with paper towels. Place the brisket, fat cap down, on the rub mixture to thoroughly coat with a thick layer. Using clean hands, press the rub mixture over all sides of the brisket. Flip the brisket over so the fat cap is face up; make sure that the entire fat cap is covered with the rub.

38 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Spiced Crema: ¼ cup Dukes mayo ¼ cup sour cream ¼ teaspoon chili powder ¼ teaspoon cumin ¼ teaspoon Salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ teaspoon paprika ¼ teaspoon cayenne ¼ teaspoon garlic Cilantro and parsley for garnish (does not go in sauce) To remove kernels from the cob: Grab a cutting board and sharp knife, stand the corn cob up on one end and hold firmly from the top, slide the knife blade between the cob and the kernels from top to bottom (always cutting away from your body). Repeat in long strips all the way around the cob.

Crema: Blend all ingredients together and set aside until ready for use.

Place all veggies together on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil and lightly season with salt and pepper.

Place in a 350-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the tomatoes are lightly golden brown and okra are tender.

Pickled Slaw Ingredients: ½ head of green cabbage, sliced into fine strips or grated ¼ head of red cabbage, sliced into fine strips or grated 1 yellow bell pepper, finely diced ½ red onion, finely diced 1 carrot, peeled, finely grated ½ bunch cilantro, finely chopped ½ bunch scallions/spring onions, finely chopped Combine all ingredients into a medium-size glass and set to the side.

Slaw Sauce: ½ cup red wine vinegar ½ cup apple cider vinegar 1/3 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon mustard seeds ½ teaspoon celery seed 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 4 tablespoons honey (we used Shaken Creek Farms) 1 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon salt Combine all ingredients into a small pot and bring to a boil on the stove top.

Remove boiling sauce and pour over the cabbage mixture. Toss to coat all ingredients, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This will keep for several days (7 at the most) and is excellent served on a Hawaiian roll with a piece of the brisket and a touch of your favorite BBQ sauce, spicy brown mustard, or mayo.

When transferring the Succotash veggies to a serving dish, drizzle with the crema (feel free to add a sprinkle of chopped parsley and/or cilantro) and enjoy!

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 39

Summer Squash Casserole Loaded Baked Potato Salad Ingredients:

5 lbs. new potatoes/baby potatoes/red skin potatoes 2 tablespoons salt 1 cup sour cream 1 cup of Dukes mayo ½ teaspoon Black pepper ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese ½ cup scallions/ spring onions/ chives, chopped 1 teaspoon dill ½ cup cooked bacon bits – approximately 5-6 strips of crispy cooked bacon Preparation:

Wash potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. You do not need to peel them. If they are small potatoes (less than a quarter size) you do not need to cut them. If they are larger than an inch in size, you will want to cut them to be bite-size.

Place the potatoes in a pot and cover the potatoes with cold water and add 2 Tablespoons salt. Bring the potatoes to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Remove the pot from the stovetop and carefully strain the water from the potatoes. Run cold water over the potatoes to stop the cooking process.

You may want to put the potatoes back into the pot and sit them in the refrigerator to cool.

Mix the dressing ingredients together and toss with the cooked, cooled potatoes.

Garnish with extra bacon, cheese, and chives. May be prepared in advance and kept for 7 days total. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 medium - large yellow squash 2 medium – large zucchini 1 white or yellow onion 2 tablespoons butter 1 4oz block of cream cheese ½ cup sharp cheddar salt and pepper to taste Topping: 1 sleeve of your favorite cracker, crushed (we use Ritz) 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese Melt butter and pour over crushed crackers and cheese.

Preparation:

Rinse squash and zucchini under cool water to remove dirt and debris. Remove the ends and slice the squash and zucchini in half lengthwise.

Lay them cut side down and slice ¼ inch thick into half-moon shapes. Cut the onion in half, remove outer layer of skin and both ends, and cut the onion into strips.

Place the cut squash, zucchini, and onion into a medium-size pot with the butter, ½ teaspoon of salt and pepper and cook on medium to low heat.

Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking. Continue to cook until the squash is tender, onions are opaque, and most of the liquid has cooked out. Immediately add the block of cream cheese and cheddar cheese and stir until the cheeses have melted.

Place crushed crackers in a bowl with shredded cheese and stir in the melted butter. Pour the cooked squash mixture into a casserole dish and cover with the cracker topping. Place into a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes or until topping is lightly browned.

This dish may be prepared in advance and reheated when needed. To reheat place in a 350-degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until edges are bubbling and top is browned.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 41

Pink Hill, NC

Your Hometown Pharmacy handling all your healthcare needs.

107 West Broadway • Pink Hill, NC 28572 Ph: 252-568-3161 • www.realopinkhill.com

42 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Story by Ena Sellers

Grab your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes as you head out to enjoy some of the area’s free summer concerts featuring your favorite local bands. We have put together a list of southeastern spots for live music.

Burgaw

Summer on the Square Concert series at the Courthouse Square in Burgaw is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with performances by Carl Newton’s Review on June 30, Cats Band on July 14 and The Cruise Brothers Band on July 28.

Duplin

The Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an End of Summer Music Fest on Saturday, Oct. 15. The concert will kick off at 11 a.m., at the Duplin County Events Center. The allday event will feature a variety of music genres and will close the night with the Band of Oz.

Emerald Isle

EmeraldFest Free Summer Concert series at the Western Ocean Regional Access facility are from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with performances by Big Sam & Co on June 30, Captain Dick and the Lost Seaman on July 14, 4EverAll on July 21, the Feltons on July 28, Pamlico Joe

& Clean Water Flow on Aug. 4, Justin Castellano on Aug. 11, and Naked Knees on Aug. 18.

Goldsboro

The Center Street Jam Summer Concert Series in downtown Goldsboro is from 6 to 9 p.m., with performances

by Main Event Band on June 30, Brooke McBride on July 14, The Embers on July 28 and Spare Change on Aug. 11.

Hampstead

Alive After Five Summer Concert Series at the Hampstead Kiwanis Park is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with performances by Blackwater Band on July 8, and The British Invaders on July 22.

Kinston

Summerfest at Pearson Park in downtown Kinston is from 7 to 10 p.m. with performances by Soul Movement on July 9, and The Main Event Band on Aug. 13.

Morehead City

Alive at Five Concert series at Jaycee Park in Downtown Morehead City start at 5 p.m., with performances by Liquid Pleasure on July 22, Night Years on Aug. 26, Band of Oz on Sept. 15, and The Embers on Oct. 13.

Swansboro

SwanFest Concert Series at The Pugliese Pavilion in Olde Towne Square in Swansboro kick off at 6:30 p.m., with performances by Monika Jaymes on June 26, Capt Dick & The Lost Seamen on July 3, 4EverAll on July 10, Big Jim Kolher on July 17, Steel Country Express on July 24, Will & Tony Show on July 31, Thomas Road Band on Aug. 7, The Dust Parade on Aug. 14, Notorious Clamslammers on Aug. 21, Heart Stop on Aug. 28, and BlackWater Band on Sept. 4.

Topsail Beach

Topsail Sounds 2022 Summer Concert Series at the Topsail Beach Town Center is from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with performances by Dos Eddies on June 28, Heart Stop on July 26, Bacon Grease on Aug. 23 and The Mango Band on Sept. 27.

Wrightsville Beach

Concerts in the Park at Wrightsville Beach Park are Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with performances by Southern Trouble on June 23, Uptown Easy on June 30, Jack Jack 180 on July 7, Overtyme Band on July 14, ReSoul Band on July 21, and Dekker Road on July 28.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 43

Play Dates Events and places to visit in Southeastern North Carolina JUNE

26

J Candeed 4107 Oleander Dr. Wilmington, N.C.

SUN

J Candeed will be performing at Panacea Brewing Company on June 26 at 11 a.m. J Candeed has strong folk & bluegrass influences and uses a unique psychedelic twist to introduce listeners to new riffs, patterns and tempos that keep them guessing.

JUNE

30 THU

Stephen Marley Greenfield Lake Amphitheater Wilmington, NC

Stephen Marley will be performing on June 30 at 7 p.m. is a Jamaican-American musician and is the son of Bob Marley. Marley is an eight-time Grammy Award winner, three times as a solo artist, twice as a producer of younger brother Damian Marley’s Halfway Tree and Welcome to Jamrock albums and a further three times as a member of his older brother Ziggy Marley’s group Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers.

JUNE

25 SAT

Kameron Marlowe Concert 195 Fairgrounds Dr, Kenansville, N.C.

Up-and-coming country artist Kameron Marlowe will be performing at the Duplin County Events Center on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. With his new single “Giving You Up” climbing the country radio charts, Marlowe continues to solidify himself as an exciting new artist in country. For more information and tour dates, visit KameronMarlowe.com.

JULY

2

Ocean City Jazz Festival Topsail Beach, N.C.

SAT Enjoy the beautiful sunrises, white sand, ocean breezes and phenomenal music in a historical community on July 2-3. The Ocean City Jazz Festival also has chef-inspired food, cold beverages, and meet new and old friends.

For more information visit http://www. oceancityjazzfest.com/ The Ocean City Jazz Festival is North Topsail Beach’s premier cultural event. The two-day Music Fest features local and nationally, recognized musicians.

44 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

JULY

3

Grease Live Theatre Thalian Hall Wilmington, N.C.

SUN Opera House Theatre Company Presents Grease July 7th-July 24th ThursSat - 7:30pm Sunday Matinees - 2pm at the Thalian Hall in Wilmington.

Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys” and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON UPCOMING EVENTS: Many festivals, concerts and other events have been canceled for the foreseeable future due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. 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.

JULY

2

JULY

2022 Season of The Lost Colony

15

Roanoke Island, N.C.

The Duplin County Public Library summer series will host a Cookie Decorating event on Friday, July 15 at 11 a.m., at the Ed Emory Auditorium located at 165 Agriculture Dr., Kenansville, N.C.

JULY

4 SAT

The Main Event Band 807 Shepard St., Morehead City, N.C.

Celebrate Independence Day with The Main Event Band they will bring a variety of great music, providing a fun night for the whole family on July 4 from 6:30- 9:30 p.m., at 807 Shepard St., Morehead City, N.C.

JULY

JULY

2

16 SAT

Blackwater Band Concert Hampstead, N.C.

SAT Head out to Hampstead Kiwanis Park for the Alive After 5 Concert Series from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Concerts are free! Food trucks will be on site.

Alcohol is not allowed and pets are not permitted for their safety. For questions, contact Pender County Parks and Recreation at 910-663-3771.

165 Agriculture Dr. Kenansville, N.C.

FRI

SAT The Lost Colony is recurring weekly Monday-Saturday until Aug. 20.

The 2022 Season of The Lost Colony offers a refreshed production of Paul Green’s original symphonic drama. Set on the sound front on Roanoke Island, enjoy this 85-yearold musical under the stars. Become immersed in the story of the discovery of a new world with newly enhanced musical and theatrical direction and dynamically stunning choreography. Witness the pageantry of Queen Elizabeth I and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America all while preserving the historical importance of America’s oldest mystery.

Cookie Decorating

JULY

12

Stained-glass Class 400 N Queen St, Kinston, N.C.

TUE Stained-glass Succulents class at the Kinston Arts Council Center from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Participants will create a 3D stained glass flower. All materials will be provided. For more details, call 252-525-2517.

Kite Festival Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Take flight where flight first began with Kitty Hawk Kites and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Enjoy a walk on the hallowed grounds where Wilbur and Orville took their historic first flight in 1903, and view large 30to 100-foot kites, including a 100-foot octopus, 80-foot panda, a 50-foot fish, and more. We invite you to come to fly kites of your own, take FREE stunt and power kite flying lessons, and bring the kiddos to our kite-making station. An admission fee to the park is required, but participation in the kite festival is FREE! The Wright Brothers National Memorial grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 45

JULY

‘Come What May’

29

Craven Community College, Orringer Auditorium.

FRI

“Come What May” is an International Film, plays are at 2:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 7:30 p.m. at the Orringer Auditorium.

JULY

30

JULY

17

SUN

The Butterfly House at Airlie Gardens 300 Airlie Road, Wilmington, N.C.

Surround yourself in serenity by visiting Airlie’s Butterfly House. The flittering butterflies, all native to North Carolina, are inside this open-air structure. Find species like Monarch, Gulf Fritillary, Common Buckeye, Black Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail and many more. Daily through Oct. 1.

JULY

23 SAT

White Lake Pub Pedal 2022 White Lake, N.C.

SAT

Grab your bike and pedal your way around the beautiful White Lake area on July 30, from 1 to 9 p.m., and help raise funds for The White Lake Youth Theatre at The Playhouse of White Lake. For information, visit www.whitelake.org

Woodturning demonstration Council for the Arts Kinston, N.C.

Woodturning demonstrations are held at the Kinston Council for the Arts on the fourth Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon. The free woodturning demonstration is on the 2nd floor of the Council for the Arts building in Kinston, N.C. Turned items will be donated to the public attending. Down East Woodturners community activities include free demonstration programs to various public events such as – Jones County Heritage Day in Trenton, the Cove City Volunteer Fire Department day, BBQ festival, and at the Tryon Palace. For information, call the Arts Center at 252527-2517. Downeast Woodturners are a chapter of the American Association of Woodturners.

46 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Fireflies don’t have to be the only thing lighting up your porch this summer!

The Lighting Gallery

1144 US Hwy. 258 N. Suite B, Kinston, NC 28504 OPEN MON. - FRI. 8AM-5 PM

252-523-7878

heligh inggallerync.net litegals@yahoo.com

AUG

4

THU

Newsies: The Broadway Musical

AUG

4

Thalian Hall Wilmington, N.C.

THU

Opera House Theatre Company Presents Newsies from Aug. 4 through Aug. 21. Thursday through Saturday - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Matinees - 2 p.m. Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story.

Lysistrata Live Theatre Thalian Hall Wilmington, N.C.

Big Dawg Productions presents Lysistrata In The Ruth & Bucky Stein Studio Theatre Aug. 4-14 Thu – Sat 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Adult Themes. No one under 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian.

AUG

5

FRI

DCPL Summer Series Float in 220 Cabin Lake Rd, Pink Hill, N.C.

The Duplin County Public Library summer series will host a Float in Finale event on Aug. 15 at 8 p.m., at Cabin Lake, located at 220 Cabin Lake Rd, Pink Hill, N.C.

AUG

12

Pass The Remote: 80’s Movies New Bern, N.C.

FRI

The New Bern Civic Theatre presents Pass The Remote: 80’s Movies. Weekends Aug. 12-21. An evening of music, laughs, time machines, extraterrestrials, and ghostbusters.

AUG

12 FRI

Footloose on the Neuse Summer 210 E Front St. New Bern, N.C.

Footloose on the Neuse Summer Concert Series is a free event on Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Union Point Park.

Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy great music at the park. Pets must be on a leash. Food trucks will be available.

Presented by New Bern Parks and Recreation. For information, call 252-639-2901.

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 47

AUG

26 FRI

Slightly Stoopid musical Pavillion Grounds, Manteo, N.C.

The story of Slightly Stoopid, at its core, is one of brotherhood. It’s the story of two musicians determined to succeed on their own terms, creating a multi-genre fusion of rock, reggae, and blues with hip-hop, funk, American folk, metal, and punk. Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. Kids 8 and under are free.

AUG

27 SAT

10

Grape Stomp Duplin Winery 505 N Sycamore St, Rose Hill, N.C.

SAT Reserve your spot for the annual Grape Stomp! This stomping good time will be Saturday, Sept. 10, 1-5 p.m., at Duplin Winery. Treat yourself to a day filled with live music, wine and grape stomping galore.

Walk-In Bathtub improv 414 Pollock St. New Bern, N.C.

The New Bern Civic Theatre presents “Walk-In Bathtub Improv, on Aug. 27.

Using your suggestions, Walk-In Bathtub will create ridiculous riffs, wacky worlds and silly situations (alliteration may vary).

Similar to the games played by the show “Whose line is it anyway?” Walk-In Bathtub promises a night you won’t be able to forget... no matter how hard you try. Seats Start at $15. Rated R due to the unpredictable nature of improvisation.

SEPT

Funny Girl: The Musical Live Theatre

SAT

Thalian Hall Wilmington, N.C.

1

SEPT

Opera House Theatre Company Presents Funny Girl: The Musical Sept. 1 - 11 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday Matinees at 2 p.m. at the Thalian Hall.

48 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

SEPT

8

THU

Summer Jazz Series at the Mansion 503 Market Street Wilmington, N.C.

Relax to the sound of live music during the Jazz at the Mansion Concert Series held on the second Thursday of the month through September. Bring your chairs, and enjoy a night of smooth tunes. Tickets can be purchased at the gate the day-of beginning at 6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be canceled. Small, personal coolers are allowed. $20 general admission $15 members and volunteers, and $10 student/active duty military.

E WA ARD DS ALIGNMENT CENTER Alignment Services for Passenger Light Truck & Heavy Duty,Brakes on ALL Vehicles, King Pins

Michael Edwards, Owner Monday-Friday - 8am-5pm 517 Warsaw Road Clinton, NC 28328 Email: Edwardsalignment@gmail.com Phone: 910-490-1292

We have been locally owned for over 40 years and family owned for the last 12 years.

We are a certified tire dealer of Nexen, Michelin, Nitto, and Firestone, and we stock tires for cars, trucks, SUV’s, vans, tractors, and all your other farm equipment. We are a friendly tire shop that is a Bridgestone Firestone dealer in Clinton, NC.

SEPT

15

THU

The Diary of Anne Frank Thalian Hall Wilmington, N.C. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Opera House Theatre Company Presents The Diary of Anne Frank Sept.

15-18 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday Matinees - 2 p.m. During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Anne Frank began to keep a diary on June 14, 1942, two days after her 13th birthday and twenty-two days before going into hiding with her parents, sister, and three other people.

SEPT

15

THU

Band of Oz 807 Shepard St., Morehead City, N.C. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Mark your calendar for Friday, Sept.

15 for a free concert in Jaycee Park at 5 p.m., and dance the night away to the tunes of the Band of Oz! Bring a lawn chair and some good company to enjoy live music by the beautiful Morehead City waterfront Jaycee Park.

WE SPECIALIZE IN FARM AND AGRICULTURAL TIRES, CONSTRUCTION TIRES, PASSENGER CAR, SUV AND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES.

Michael Edwards, Owner 910-592-4741 • 317 S.E. Blvd., Clinton NC • tireincofclinton.com Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 49

SEPT

17

SAT

2022 Eastern NC Seafood Festival at the Farm Humphrey Farm, N.C.

Join Humphrey Farm for a day of celebration. There will be seafood trucks, a Shrimp Boil, and a Clam Chowder CookOff Contest. The event will feature Farm Village shops, kids’ activities, live music, and more.

SEPT

23

Vintage Hitchcock New Bern Civic Theatre New Bern, N.C.

SAT

Spies, murder, love, and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense’s earlier films at the New Bern Civic Theatre from 7:30 - 10 p.m.

SEPT

24 SAT

Muscadine Harvest Festival Duplin Events Center.

Kenansville, NC

The Muscadine Harvest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24. Featuring 250 wines from 25 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, and a wine-making contest.

50 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine

Serving all of Duplin County, Randy Wise and his staff offer a great selection of fine jewelry including watches, necklaces, earrings, and diamonds, diamonds, diamonds!

Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 51

AUTO ININSURER THE

# NATION Per CRASH Network’s 2020 & 2021 Insurer Report Card’s Polling of Collision Repair Shops

Nick Bell Agent Kenansville

NCCNSB0521

nicholas.bell@ncfbins.com

Teddy Bostic Agent Kenansville teddy.bostic@ncfbins.com

Matt McNeill LUTCF Agency Manager

Duplin County Farm Bureau

roy.mcneill@ncfbins.com

Drake Lanier Agent Beulaville drake.lanier@ncfbins.com

Lynn Mobley Agency Manager lynn.mobley@ncfbins.com

www.ncfbins.com

ncfbins.com(910) 298-8400 (910) 296-1486

308 N. Main Street • Kenansville, NC 28349

151 Crossover Road • Beulaville, NC 28518

*North Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual Insurance Company *Farm Bureau® Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. *Southern Farm Bureau® Life Insurance Company, Jackson, MS *An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association