FALL 2022 A ‘Country Boy’s Prayer’ answered for rising star ALSO IN THIS IS SUE: • THE LEGACY OF A THEATER ICON • THE GOLF BARN • TARA CREEK • LADY SWAN TOURS • MOUNT OLIVE CRAFTSMAN • GHOST WALKS AND MORE!
2 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 3
Ena Sellers
4 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
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.
PRODUCTION&DESIGN
Fall adventures for a ‘ghostly’ good time
PUBLISHER Jim Sills EDITOR Ena esellers@apgenc.comSellers
ON THE COVER Kameron Marlowe Photo by Ena Sellers community and bring light to the massacre that changed the lives of many families and the ripple e ects it le in the community.
Welcome to another edition of Southeastern North Carolina Magazine. Summer of 2022 was a world wind of adventure and exciting outings for our team. We hope your summer was as enjoy able as ours. As we gear up for another fall season, we welcome you to join us, discover new places to visit, and meet some very talented artists.
If you are not sure 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, live-music concerts, festivals and even a pig cooking contest! We hope you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it for YOU. Country music star Kameron Marlowe (right) stands next to Ena Sellers, Duplin Times editor (left) at the Duplin Events Center prior to a one-on-one interview with the Duplin Times.
For our wildlife lovers, we have a fea ture on Lady Swan Boat Tours in Swans boro, NC. Check out the story to learn about unique opportunities to cruise the waters of Hammocks Beach State Park and take-in the beautiful sunset views while admiring wildlife in their natural habitat.
Golf lovers can check out our feature on the Golf Barn. This new venue, located in Brunswick County, will open its door this fall and bring a Toptracer Range, 18 holes of putt-putt and a 9-hole pitch and putt, all under one roof. Next in our line up is Tara Creek Farm. This beautiful venue, located in Faison, NC, has been gaining a lot of notoriety lately with its outdoor rodeos, barrel racing and beautiful southern weddings. For the fall, Tara Creek is bringing back their Hunted House, which will be running every week end in the month of October.
If you are interested in cra s, read our feature about Wesley Parker, a woodcra er whose hobby evolved into a full line of uniquely cra ed pens. The talented artist can make a pen out of almost any imagin ableThosematerial.interested in history with a twist, check out our story about Ghosts of New Bern and follow along the guides, who dressed in period costumes, take you back in time with the untold tales of our histo ried past and uncover the stories of some of New Bern’s most hunted places.
First in our line up is a tribute to theater production giant Tony Rivenbark, whose incredible career at the Thalian Hall “made Wilmington a theater town.”
Earlier this year, I was invited to the Duplin Events Center to meet with country music artist Kameron Marlowe who was in town for a concert. Meeting Kameron has been one of my favorite experiences this year. He is not only incredibly talented, but one of the most down-to-earth and genuine artists I have had the pleasure to meet in my nearly 18 years as a journalist. His pas sion for his music is palpable as he speaks about his career and how heartbreak might have been the best thing that ever hap pened to him.
WRITERS Lauren Branch Chris AnnesophiaDeWittRichardsBillRollinsRebeccaJ.Whitman
Alan awells@apgenc.comWells
Last but not least, we have a story about WilmingtonNColor Shuttle Tours. Oper ated by Cedric Harrison, this tour o ers a unique window into Wilmington’s African American history. Starting at the 1898 monument the tour seeks to educate the
ADVERTISING/SALES
Enjoy some of our favorite Instagram finds for southeastern North Carolina! Our picks for top Instagramers’ photos: Follow us @senc.magazine Do you have beautiful photos, unique artwork or artisan product we should know about? Tag us @senc.magazine or send us message on Instagram! Share YOUR favorites use hashtag #southeasternnc Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 5 Bird Island, NC @rightcoast.photo Wilmington, NC @newhanoverco Swansboro, NC @dini_photo Serenity Point in Topsail, NC @topsail_beaches Wrightsville Beach, NC @noahj_or
Wallace MoreheadCity Wilmington Carolina Beach Wrightsville Beach Jacksonville Surf City 6 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
KinstonNew
Bern Fayetteville Swansboro Kenansville Beaufort Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 7 Play Dates Find out what’s going on up and down southeastern NC 44 Tony Rivenbark A story buddingRivenbark’schroniclingrootsandcareer 8 Lady Swan18 Ghost Walk Discover New Bern’s untold stories. 24 16 Tara Creek Discover Faison’s best kept secret! Wesley Parker20 WilmingtonNColor34 Recipes with chef Amanda Ezzell What’s Cooking40 Explore the beauty of NC Coastal wildlife. 18 8 Local cra sman turns shell casings into pens. interviewExclusive26 With country star Kameron Marlowe. Learn about the Port City’s African American history. The Golf Barn12 Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
W arsaw’s Tony Riven bark, who died in Wilmington on July 25 at age 74 of smallcell lung cancer, was bitten by the acting/theater bug at an early age. He was the eighth generation of a Duplin County family, and the son of Oleta and D.J. Rivenbark, his father the owner of a car dealership in War saw.For four decades, he was executive director of Wilmington’s Thalian Hall, which his vision and fund-raising acumen saved from demolition in the 1970s.And how did Rivenbark start? Right here in Duplin County, in Warsaw, where he and sister Dana McBrayer, five years his junior, grew up. He was blossoming a good bit be fore he was 10 years old, high school classmate and close lifetime friend Allie Sheffield remembers. She said Tony was hanging a bedsheet over the clothesline in his family’s back yard on Pollock Street and entertaining neighborhood kids by playing all the parts in comedies andThatdramas.grew into regular perfor mances in pal Johnny Hollingsworth’s family’s garage on Chelly Street, where their friends became actors and“Heaudience.waspart of anything and ev erything fun and good,” said Holling sworth,” who eventually ran his OF TOWN LEGACY LIVES ON by Bill Rollins,
A SMALL
Story
folk 8 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
Contributed photos
RIVENBARK THE LEGACY
ARTIST WHOSE
Contributed Photos Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 9 father’s Warsaw Furniture Company and served several terms on the town council.“Tony and our English teacher, Mrs. Jo Cameron Jones, did a lot of performances and theatrical-type things at James Kenan High School.”
Rivenbark and classmate Sandra Pope-Rollins were officers in the school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter in their se nior year of 1965-66. “Tony came up with ideas that were novel at the time,” Sandra said, “like an Early Bird Breakfast and a White Elephant Sale to raise mon ey. That enabled our Parliamentary Procedure Team, which had won the state competition, to travel to New Orleans and compete at the national convention.“Hehadme dress up like Uncle Sam, since my nickname was Sam in high school, and he produced posters with my picture on them and my index finger pointing at people and saying, ‘Aunt Sam wants you for
As they grew, James Kenan had no drama club as such. But it had Tony.
Rivenbark’s group first became friends at Mrs. Wheless’ pre-school in Warsaw.Their circle grew to include, among others, Tony, Allie, Johnny, Kat Fountain, Johnny Best, Johnny Fon veille, Kenny Minton, Annette Wahab, Cathy Benton, Johnny Gresham, Bar ney Sheffield and Buster Merritt.
FBLA.’ Such fun!” (It resembled the Uncle Sam military recruiting post ers for United States wars in the 20th Century.)Friends said Tony had something creative going on with every group he joined.And all of that was just the begin ning.Allie Sheffield said Rivenbark had never seen a professional stage pro duction until their senior class trip to Washington, D.C., and New York City in the spring of 1966.
All the while, he continued acting.
“And that was it — he was a goner. It was pure love.” That dramatic energy began to be truly cultivated in the fall of ‘66 when he enrolled in Wilmington College, now University of North Carolina Wilmington.Heanswered an ad for auditions at the Thalian Hall downtown in the Port City. He’d never heard of the cen tury-old, poorly-kept structure from the 1800s — but it would become the center of his life. He won that initial audition, be came a regular performer at Thalian, and later worked there. He was named managing director in 1980, but already had become the driving force behind the building’s several renova tions and expansions.
10 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
“Tony went to a play in D.C. and three in New York,” she said.
A few of his roles over several decades included: Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, the title role in Peter Pan, Motl the tailor in Fiddler on the Roof and the title role in Charlie Brown.
Tony absolutely treasured being from Warsaw and Duplin County. He thought it was so incredibly counter-cool, being from the ‘sticks’ and making good. SHEFFIELD
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
~ ALLIE
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
~ ALLIE SHEFFIELD
“Now the city has a large amount of theater groups. “Tony made it a theater town.”
Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 11 Rivenbark also helped revive — and played in — the outdoor drama Liberty Cart, a story of Duplin’s early history. It had originated in 1949 at the William Rand Kenan Jr. Amphi theater in Kenansville behind Kenan Auditorium.Therevival was in the same updat ed venue in 1976 and continued into the“Tony1980s.absolutely treasured being from Warsaw and Duplin County,” said Sheffield, a defense lawyer who currently lives on the N.C. coast. “He thought it was so incredibly count er-cool, being from the ‘sticks’ and makingSheffield,good.”who said Rivenbark was always her “BFF,” also said, “He always considered his job to be running what he called ‘The Hall,’ that it was much more business than acting or direct ing. He loved all parts of it. “Thalian was nothing when he took over, but it became like the phoenix rising from the ashes in Greek my thology.Rivenbark also became very in volved with historic theaters across the“Tonycountry.had gone to the Wilmington city council and sold himself as want ing to run all of it,” Sheffield said. “He created the Thalian Hall Commission and pretty much saved Thalian as a thriving theater. He also helped with salvaging others around country.” They now have an associa tion that continues the work. “Thalian Hall is a legend [in those circles],” Sheffield said, “and Tony is a legend, especially in Wilmington. He created the Thalian Hall Commission and pretty much saved Thalian as a thriving theater. He also helped with salvaging others around country.
12 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine Golf Barn A Toptracer range, 18 holes of putt-putt and a 9-hole pitch and putt — all under one roof!
Story by Annesophia Richards
“I’m a certi ed personal trainer and sports performance nutritionist, in addi tion to being a PGA golf professional, so I have a dual interest in the styles I like to teach,” says Brad. “I’ll be o ering lessons and personal training for those interested in growing their game both on the techni cal side and on the physical side.”
The Golf Barn plans to host a variety of children’s a er school summercamps,camps, There’s no other facility in the country that I know of that has the rangeToptraceraswellas 18 holes of putt-putt and a 9-hole pitch and putt. ...We plan to have an outdoor sitting area separate from all the ying golf balls where people can sit and enjoy the views.
~ BRAD PHILLIPS
This outdoor entertainment complex in Brunswick Coun ty is getting ready to bring a variety of family-friendly gol ng activities to the Leland and Wilm ington area communities. The Burnett family’s second chance story began in 2017 with the opening of The Chicken Coop, a 10-acre recreation al farm o Highway 17 in Winnabow. Local business developer and owner Ed Burnett had a vision of creating a space where children and their families could celebrate the autumn season in the fresh air with hay rides, a corn maze, pumpkin patch and other fall-themed activities. However, the unfortunate arrival of Hurricane Florence in 2018 destroyed Burnett’s prospering farm and forced him to permanently close the business. The property sat vacant for several years until Burnett’s son Edwin and his childhood best friend Brad Phillips came up with a novel idea to utilize the space. “Brad had been working as a golf pro in New York for the past 10 years and had recently come back down to North Caroli na,” says Edwin. “He had an idea of open ing a driving range and training facility here, and I realized the old Chicken Coop location would be perfect. So we took the idea to my father, combined heads and the idea soon evolved into what is now the Golf Barn.”
In the world of golf, a mulligan is what happens when a player gets the chance to take a second shot after bad luck strikes their first go around. Come this fall, the Burnett family is set to take a mulligan with their newest adven ture, the Golf Barn.
The range bays will be rentable by the hour or half hour and hold up to four people. Each stall will also have benches and tables where guests can sit and enjoy food and drinks available at the snack bar. In addition to the range, the Golf Barn will also o er Millie’s Mini Golf, an 18-hole classic style putt-putt course. Hole highlights include hitting shots through a powered windmill, a large hippo’s mouth, a lighthouse, and even an outhouse hole. Overlooking the putt-putt and visible from Highway 17 sits “Hennifer Lopez,” a towering 8-foot chicken statue Brad says is a nod to the property’s Chicken Coop days. Other plans in the works include a 9-hole pitch and putt with evening glow golf a er “There’sdark.no other facility in the coun try that I know of that has the Toptracer range as well as 18 holes of putt-putt and a 9-hole pitch and putt,” says Brad. “We’re lucky to have enough space in terms of land, and we plan to have an outdoor sitting area separate from all the ying golf balls where people can sit and enjoy the views, because it’s a beautiful piece of property.”Another unique feature of the Golf Barn is actually the big red barn itself. Originally built for the Chicken Coop, the building remained standing a er Hurri cane Florence and continues to serve as a staple of the property. Another building slated to open will house both a snack bar on one side and a training facility on the other. As the business’s Director of Golf, Brad plans to use this area for les sons and training sessions and says it will contain a gym as well as a golf simulator.
Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 13
The Golf Barn’s main attraction will be its Toptracer Range featuring video mon itors mounted in each driving range bay. These monitors are connected to roo op cameras that track the trajectory of each shot and replicate it on the screen with an array of stats. “The technology is inclusive and can be geared towards the avid golfer, but can also be tuned down for activities that kids can do,” says Brad. “You can pick what kinds of games you want to play from easy to advanced and compete against your friends or family.”
Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 15 ~ BRAD PHILLIPS Contributed Photos
D
eep in the rural roads of Faison, NC, lies a hidden gem, Tara Creek. Lee & Amanda Graham, both Duplin County natives, have kept themselves busy building their busi ness and growing their family. Tara Creek, got its name because of Amanda’s love for “Gone with the Wind.”The couple purchased the 30 acres of land in 2007. The land, which used to be a turkey farm, remained dor mant for three years while the Graha ms were trying to decide what to do withTheit.
The Grahams began showing horses all up and down the coast and taking care of cutting horses. To keep up with the hay demand for the hors es they started producing hay which they supplied to only other local horse owners they knew, that was until 2019 when it became a fully operating business.October 2020 was a life-changing month for the couple as they held their first wedding in the barns. It was the wedding of a couple of friends who had asked if they could use their hay barn as a wedding venue.
It’s a full production with several rooms, live action, and a full storyline about a little girl who got lost in the woods. “Eric Southerland, who was a police chief in Warsaw, always steals the show with his narrating,” said the Grahams. The show started as one full week of shows, but this year it will
Grahams both grew up on a farm, Lee on a row crop farm and Amanda on a farm that raised hogs. Becoming turkey farmers was an easy decision, especially since the farm was already set up for it.
“Sure, but you’re going to have to clean out all that hay,” Amanda laughed as she reminisced. The couple cleaned up the barn, hung up lighting, and decorated it, and it turned out so beautiful. The Grahams said they have not had another tractor in the barn since. In fact, the original lighting from that event is still hanging in the barn. Since then, they added a Christmas Tree sale, now a yearly event, also a haunted house that they set up for HalloweenAccordingseason.tothe couple, the first year they held a tree sale, was off to a rough start and they ended up giving most of them away to schools. The following year, the trees sold out in twoThedays.Haunted House has done well.
FAISON’S HIDDEN GEM
Tara Creek
Inspired by their then 5-year-old daughter Scarlett’s love of horses,
16 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
Story by Lauren Branch
Photos Courtesy of Tara Creek
~ LEE GRAHAM
Magazine | 17
Photo by Lauren Branch Southeastern North Carolina run every weekend in the month of October.Around that time, a woman who had seen the arena the couple built for their daughter reached out and asked if they would be interested in using their venue for barrel racing. They have been doing shows ever since.Currently the Grahams work with the EZ Run Professional Barrel Racing Association out of Raleigh to host a monthly show, and they were also contacted that same year by the Na tional Barrel Horse Association who was looking for a new location. The NBHA always brings a huge crowd to Duplin County. They were also referred to a rodeo contractor that hosts shows, and their first show with him brought in 2,000 people the first night. The arena is now named The Atlantic Packaging Area. “I’ll tell you, the good Lord helped us manifest a lot of things very quick ly,” Lee said.
The Grahams shared that they take
the summers off when their kids, Scarlett, 13, and Worth, 5, are out of school. The couple who has been mar ried for 18 years, shared they believe family should always come first.
“I quit working for the judicial system so I could be home with my daughter more. Since then I’ve had Worth, and I know that if I have events in the summertime then I would have to quit my job... So we still try to keep our family first. They are so young. So when school starts back, we go back at it,” Amanda explained with a smile. For Lee and Amanda, community is also at the top of the list and they try to support local businesses by hiring local and using local accom modations to house show performers, as well as through partnerships with localAccordingorganizations.tothe Grahams, ev eryone they work with is like family. They talk, have dinner together, and come together to brainstorm ways to make the business better, especially the haunted house. Tara Creek hit the road running and is set for a busy season ahead. When Lee and Amanda bought their land, they had no clue it would become all that it has, but they are excited to see what the future holds.
The good Lord helped us manifest a lot of things very quickly.
18 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
~ TIM
The star of the tour is the Lady Swan, a 42-passenger United States Coast Guard-inspected vessel. Simpson explains that the boat is fully covered and equipped with a sound system and a bathroom on board. Simpson noted that they have a smaller boat, Carolina Swan, a 20-passenger USCG-inspected vessel that staff calls the “adventure boat” of their fleet because of its flat-bottom design, making it ideal for touring shallow waters many other boats can’t reach.The tours bring locals and tourists looking to dig deeper into the state’s These cruises help raise funds to support the FHBI group, a non-pro t that assists our local state park with special projects andassistance.nancial SIMPSON
The fall brings many opportunities to cruise the coastal waters and admire the beauty of NC’s wildlife.“Wecruisethe waters around Swansboro and Hammocks Beach State Park,” said Tim Simpson, who owns and operates Lady Swan Boat Tours alongside his wife, Jane, in Swansboro, NC.
“We are very lucky to have so many protected lands and waterways around us. These places really help folks see what coastal areas looked like before people began development here,” said “SwansboroSimpson.isrich in history, boasting the site of NC’s first steam ship construction along with an island that still has remnants of an earthen works Civil War fort.”
feature EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF NORTH CAROLINA’S Southeastern North Carolina Magazine | 19
Story by Chris DeWitt | Photos courtesy of Lady Swan Boat Tours
natural and historical culture. “We partner with the NC Coastal Federation to provide birding/wildlife cruises once a month. We also o er Friends of the Hammocks and Bear Is land Marsh Cruises twice weekly in the fall (September through November). These cruises help raise funds to sup port the FHBI group, a non-pro t that assists our local state park with special projects and nancial assistance.” Simpson added that their Haunted History cruises are always a favorite during the month of October. “Anoth er popular once-a-month outing is our Full Moon Cruise.” “If you have an interest in the natu ral and social history of the coastal re gion, enjoy taking photos of nature, or just want to go for a nice boat ride, I encourage you to come take a cruise,” said Simpson.
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Story photos by Rebecca Whitman
In downtown Mount Olive, Wesley Parker is known as the pharma cist who cares enough to call and personally thank each customer for their business. Through most of the year, you can nd him behind the counter of Parker Drugs serving his customers. Wes ley’s jovial personality makes him easy to talk to, and he tends to know more than the prescription orders of his customers. When not in the store or enjoying time with his family, Wesley is in the barn with his other passion: wood cra ing. Wesley has a degree from NC State in Wood Products, but his love for wood-working goes all the way back to his “Mychildhood.rstwords were tools in my granddad’s shop when I was itty-bitty,” Wesley remembers. “I’ve been around sawdust for as long as I can remember.” When the hobby grew, Handcra ed by Wesley started selling through fall cra shows in local churches. Wesley re members his rst show was Christmas in the Forest at a church in Goldsboro. One of his earliest shows was outside the back 20 | Southeastern North Carolina
and
Magazine
Local cra sman turns shell casings into pens
~ PARKER
WESLEY
Handcra ed by Wesley is know for custom writing instruments made from anything you can imagine. “If you can drill a hole through it,” Wesley says, “I can make a pen out of it.” The most popular pens are the Slim lines with simple Cross or Parker Pen re lls. More complicated and unique pens include ri e action triggers, shell casings, and antlers. A growing interest in fountain pens has Wesley making some originals in that line as well.
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
“If you do enough of the same cra shows and see a lot of the same people,” Wesley said, “people want to see some thingThenewer.”desire to diversify his line and o er something di erent led Wesley to play with all sorts of di erent materials that he could drill through including Mount Olive Pickle vats, baseball bats, corn cobs, acorns, sporting arena oors, and bourbon barrels. Then he decided to play with resin to work with materials he couldn’t drill through like shredded Southeastern North Carolina
A lot of cra ers get their start in the fall cra show circuit, and many unique makers still sell through them primarily. Wesley transitioned to just larger cra shows, but he still does the majority of his business in the fall circuit.
of the drug store setting up a laith and a table at a Mount Olive Pickle Festival.
Magazine | 21
Teak from battleship decks, Olive wood from the Holy Land, old barns and tobacco sticks with family history are my favorite.
NEW CLASSES COMING THIS FALL! •LINEWORKER •INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY •BASIC DIESEL ENGINES THEORY AND COMPONENTS Are youworkforce ready? Contact Emily Smith at ebsmith@jamessprunt.edu or (910) 275-6170 for more information James Sprunt Community College is always providing new and innovative coursesto equip students forsustainable careers in the workforce. 22 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Magazine | 23 Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
TOP 10%INTHE NATION for patient safety.
3YEARS IN AROW. money, decaying wood, and cactus skeletons. Resin also expanded his color range to a full rainbow of possibilities. “Stu with stories is my favorite thing to do,” Wesley said. “Teak from battleship decks, Olive wood from the Holy Land, old barns and tobacco sticks with family history are my favor ite.”Custom orders get very person al and story laiden. One customer brought Wesley an antler and the shell used to kill the deer to make a pen. Another customer brings an tique wagon wheel pieces from her great-grandparents and trees from her land to make family heritage pens. Wesley pens have a fan base and grow in popularity. Some people add them to their collection; others write with themWesley’sexclusively.lineof products includes game calls, bottle openers, bottle stop pers, shaving kits, key chains, crochet hooks, seam rippers, pipes, and co ee scoops, among others. Handcra ed by Wesley began 12 years ago when Wesley was living in Another local wood cra er, Dale Overman, showed Wesley how to turn bowls.“Iwent out to his shop in a tobacco barn one day, and he had a little laith. I asked him why he needed a little laith, and he told me he turned pens with it. I turned four or ve pens that day, and that’s the day I quit turning bowls,” Wesley said. To get a Wesley original, most peo ple have to nd him on the fall cra ing circuit. Locals, however, can nd Handcra ed by Wesley year-round at Parker Drugs on Center Street in Mount Olive. North Carolina
Southeastern
Ghost Walks unco r g fam s E t n N C ol a h ry
According to Hirchak, he and his wife went on to start the Haunted Pub Crawls in Wilmington in 2002 upon discovering a wealth of paranormal stories. In 2015, they were approached by people in New Bern to about con ducting ghost tours in the area, but they declined.Theylater changed their minds and purchased a ghost tours business in 2018, not long a er Hurricane Florence had made landfall. “We made the tours our own and
~ JOHN HIRCHAK
Funny enough, the hardline skeptics seem captivated the most. You don’t have to believe in ghosts to do a ghost walk.
entertainment
24 | Southeastern North Carolina Magazine
“My wife and I started the ghost walks informally in 1978 because of our personal interest in the paranormal and talking to people about their experi ences with it,” Hirchak said. “Our rst scripted tour launched in 1999. We had a lot of outreach in Wilmington from people with their stories. There wasn’t really a place for that here at the time.”
Tales of ghouls and ghosts haunt camp res and homes this time of year. But the spooky season isn’t just about getting a good scare. There is a rich history behind the hauntings of famous (or infamous) locations in Eastern North Carolina.
John Hirchak, founder and operator of the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and Ghosts of New Bern, alongside his wife, Kim, tell these stories to all who dare brave their tours.
Story by Chris DeWitt
started gathering all of the paranormal history behind New Bern landmarks,” saidTheHirchak.toursare 90 to 100 minutes. Guests visit ve locations and hear the historical context of each haunted tale, followed by the most recent happen ings in the location. “We have 27 active locations for the ghost walks in Wilmington, between 9 and 10 for our haunted pub crawl in Wilmington and 11 locations in New Bern,” said Hirchak. For Hirchak and all of the sta at the ghost walks, it is about providing an immersive and entertaining story telling experience.
Photos courtesy of Ghosts of New Bern North Carolina
“We do our research before adding a location,” Hirchak said. “Each of our guides has their own style of storytell ing and focuses on particular phe nomena at each spot. So, you will hear something di erent if you were to tour the same ve locations but with di er entThenarrators.”toursare o ered year-round. According to Hirchak, March through October are the busiest months. The ghost walks draw many tourists who are looking to explore the cities and the history behind them.
“The St. James Graveyard, the Mako Light and The Gallows are some of the most popular locations in Wilmington,” said Hirchak. “In New Bern, the Stanley House is a major draw.”The ghost walks are an experience that offers something for paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. “Funny enough, the hardline skep tics seem captivated the most,” said Hirchak. “You don’t have to believe in ghosts to do a ghost walk. You will hear the history that’s been over looked or not discussed much, wheth er it be tragic or mysterious. You will walk away with a deeper understand ing of the experiences of the people that have lived their lives in these cities throughout time.” churchyard at the BernChurchChristinNewservedas a burial ground in the 18th
Southeastern
Magazine | 25
The
byandfilledchurchyardepidemicthethechurchyard.buriedpeopleHundredscentury.ofareintheInaermathofyellowfeverthehadwithgraveswasclosed1799.
Country artist Visits Duplin County
Just a few miles from Interstate 40, where the busy roads turn into open fields in the heart of Duplin County is the Duplin Events Center, an event venue that is gaining notoriety among celebrities all over the coun try.I t was there where our team met with country music artist, Kamer on Marlowe who was in town for a concert, opening for country star Travis Tritt.
26 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Story and photos by Ena Sellers
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 27 feature Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
“Little did I know that song was I came home one night, picked my guitar and started to write some things out... Little did I know that song was going to change my life.
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
While heartbreak might have been the best thing that happened to the young musician, known for his powerful howling vocals, his love for music started singing in church when he was only 10 years old.
“I was planning on getting mar ried. I was 20 living back in Carolina, and I had this girl that I thought was going to be the one...” said Marlowe.
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 29
Marlowe studied music in college but dropped out after his first year, taking a job as an auto parts consul tant to help at home when his mom had to stop working due to an injury.
Marlowe was playing gigs at a local pub when he was discovered by a tal ent recruiter from NBC on YouTube. He went on to compete on season 15 of the Voice and while he was elimi nated during the top 24 live playoffs, he used what he learned and traveled to Nashville to pursue his dream.
Marlowe went on to record the song that would later change his life. In 2019 he independently released “Giving You Up,” less than a year later
Caption going to change my life.”
Two weeks before he was going to pop the question she told him she didn’t think it was going to work out be tween them and they broke up.
Marlowe turned to his music and began writing the song that got it all started.“Icame home one night, picked my guitar, and started to write some things out,” said Marlowe. “I was kin da venting and the first thing I wrote was I’m giving you up.”
Some of Marlowe’s favorite memo ries growing up are of riding shotgun in his grandpa’s old pickup truck while listening to country radio.
The humble and charismatic country boy from Kannapolis, NC shared the story that lit the path to a life-changing experience.
30 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine his debut song had over 15 million on-demand streams and he signed a deal with AMG. Later he signed a deal with Sony. On September 2021 “Giving You Up” was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “This song got me into the music industry and now I am so, so blessed that this is what I get to do every day,” saidTheMarlowe.25-year-old singer and song writer emerged into the country music big leagues with his powerful vocals and real-life inspired songs and since then he has been building up steam and putting out hits like “Burn ‘Em All,” “Steady Heart,” and “Girl on Fire.”When asked about his writing process the young artist shared that he takes his guitar and starts with a melody that he has in his mind and starts that way. Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 31 Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
“Is going to be about my life story from North Carolina to Nashville.”
32 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine “I don’t really have a writing pro cess, it’s kinda like the mood I am in during the day,” said Marlowe, adding that all his songs are personal. “All are real to me and are my stories.” For Marlowe writing his first hit allowed him to open up more and show his vulnerable side. He shared that a piece of advice he got when he started writing songs was to put his all into the song. “The song should always come first ... and I’ve taken that to heart,” he said explaining that in every song he writes and plays, he puts all his emotion and authenticity. When asked about what has been his favorite performance, Marlowe shared that it was in Charlotte, NC while opening for country music star Brad Paisley, which was also his first road tour. He loved playing for his fans at home and at the venue he grew up going to. “Charlotte is right down the road from my hometown, so I had the whole family come out to see the show and then we got to take the bus to go to my grandma’s cause is right down the road. It was the best day ever,” said Marlowe. “Grandma made dinner. We had ribs and barbecue, all sorts of good stuff.”
As for plans for the future, Mar lowe shared his excitement about what is coming next.
Since we last met with Marlowe,
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
“I have a new record that we finished with Dann Huff (who) is my dream producer,” said Marlowe. “So I am very excited about that. A ton of shows. This year is going to be a great year. It has already been such a great year, so I am just looking forward to what’sThenext.”focus of the new album is real-life stories with songs that touch on Marlowe’s life journey. There is “romance, nostalgia, and heartbreak.”
he has released his new debut album “We Were Cowboys.”
“I wanted a body of work that resembles my life and upbringing. These songs were shaped with the different influences I grew up lis tening to such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Jones, Brooks & Dunn, and Ray Charles. You will even hear some classic rock n’ roll and some influenc es of early 2000’s rock,” said Marlowe. “Our goal was to create timeless songs that last forever and I truly feel confi dent we nailed that goal. As nervous as I am, I am also excited. I hope y’all enjoy this record.”
I wanted a body of work that resembles my life and upbringing. These songs were shaped with the different influences I grew up listening to such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, George Jones, Brooks & Dunn, and Ray Charles.
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 33
tobringstourHeritagebuslight1898riots Wilmington N Color ~ CEDRIC
I just wanted to invest into the village that was able to raise me out of my situationimpoverishedthatgotme to where I am.
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
If you walk the streets of Wilmington, NC the likelihood of running into someone familiar with the 1898 coup d’etat is low even though it played a huge role in the port city’s history.
34 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine
A fter the abolishment of slavery, Wilmington was a thriving community with a very large free black pop ulation and a booming economy. On Nov. 10, 1898, the first recorded coup d’état led by 2,000 white su premacists took the lives of many innocent people. The number of victims is believed to be 300, however, the number is presumed to be high er as there is no accurate count, because there were so many unrecorded deaths. Many victims were believed to have drowned in the river. Some people survived by hiding in the swamps and wooded cemeteries, and thousands fled the city and never returned.
Cedric Harrison, the founder of Wilmington N Color Heritage Tour, shared that after coming across a documentary about the Story and photos by Lauren Branch Wilmington Insurrection of 1898, he felt it was his civic duty to educate others to prevent history from ever repeating.“Atthat time, I came across some of the early video footage of Wilm ington on fire... I didn’t know what I wanted to do at first, but I knew I wanted to do something that was contributing,” said Harrison. “... and to be a part of the history I was reading about. I really didn’t know what it was, but for a while, I was on a soul-searching journey, and that is feature HARRISON
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
I came across some of the early video footage of Wilmington on Fire, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do at rst, but I knew I wanted to do something that was contributing and to be a part of the history I was reading about.
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 35 ~ CEDRIC HARRISON
“Like dang... my projected out come is statistically because of decisions that others have made. You try not to think about that. You try to think that your faith is in your own hands, but when you look at where you have to start compared to where others do, it can leave a bad taste in (your) mouth. But I use that to fuel me,” Harrison said. Harrison shared he got the idea to start the WilmingtonNColor tour bus after the George Floyd events trans pired. The WilmingtonNColor tour bus opened its doors on November 2021 and it continues to generate in terest from locals and tourists alike.
A few of the locations include the Daily Record, which was burned down. The home of Robert Taylor, the first black architect in the US and ... for a while I was on a soul myisjourney,searchingandthatwhatsparkedrstinitiative.~
WilmingtonNColor was sparked from the initial idea and is the first of itsHarrisonkind. shared that he wanted to champion and create cool ways to uplift the community that built him. “I just wanted to invest in the village that was able to raise me out of my impoverished situation that got me to where I am,” said Harrison.
One of Harrison’s first projects was a coloring activity book that was created in 2016 to try to get history into elementary schools. It sold over 10,000 copies in total, which fueled his drive. The coloring book used historical characters to help children learn about prominent figures from that time. Now he has printed part two of the book, which showcases historical sites instead of people.
36 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine what sparked my first initiative.” Harrison runs a non-profit called Support the Port and he has been involved in different community projects since 2015.
CEDRIC HARRISON
On the tour, riders can expect a drive around downtown Wilmington to see historical sites, specific loca tions where things happened during the coup d’état, current and past businesses owned by black people, monuments representing the events, and other cultural aspects in town.
The Wilmington native, who iden tified himself as a product of public housing, expressed his understand ing of the struggles that the coup d’état caused his community and explained he felt angry when he first learned about it.
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 37 Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
When asked why his work and the tour bus are important, he explained that there’s a lot that can be learned from history. Harrison wants people
Michael Edwards, Owner 910-592-4741 •317 S.E. Blvd., Clinton NC •tireincofclinton.com for Passenger Light Tr uck &H ea vy Duty,Brakes on ALL Ve hicles, King Pins Michael Edwards, Owner Monday-Friday -8am-5pm 517 Warsaw Road Clinton, NC 28328 Email: Edwardsalignment@gmail.com Phone: 910-490-1292
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
a Tuskegee Institute Professor, and St. Stephen AME Church, which was dedicated to black people after the abolishment of slavery, the Fredrick Douglas Academy, what was once called Black Doctor Road because it housed one of the first black doc tors in the state who later opened the first black community hospital James Shober, Williston School which was once the only black accredited school, and The Infamous Bellamy Mansion which was designed and built by a black architect named JamesHarrisonPost. shared that they have been blessed with the support from churches, sororities, fraternities, and government municipalities where he educates their new hires every two weeks. He also partners with the University of North Carolina -Wilm ington campus where he is going to be giving tours to all the upcoming sophomores. Novant Health has also been a huge support along with Creators Print House, NC African American Heritage Commission, Third Person Project, and the Z Smith Reynolds Foundation.
38 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine ALIGNMENT CENTER E WAARDDS WE SPECIALIZE IN FARM AND AGRICULTURAL TIRES, CONSTRUCTION TIRES, PASSENGER CAR, SUVAND LIGHT TRUCK TIRES. We have been locally owned for over 40 year sand family owned for the last 12 year s. We areacer tified tire dealer of Nexen, Michelin, Nitto, and Firestone, and we stock tires for car s, tr ucks, SUV’s, vans, tractor s, and all your other far mequipment. We are afriendly tire shop that is aBridgestone Firestone dealer in Clinton, NC.
AlignmentServices
“I would never disrespect the spaces or the stories without going through the proper channels of get ting the right cosigns to do the work. I am pretty much standing on the shoulders of any elders (who) are do ing this work. They all know and a lot of them took the tour before I even had the television and before the AC; we were all sweating and praying we don’t break down, but they were still excited even from that point. I have decedents from both sides, both black and white decedents of 1898,” he Harrisonstated. shared that it was hard to fit in all the history in just one hour. He had to cut the script down from three hours to one, but he feels it is a perfect start for right now. Har rison explained that he knows there is more in store, including more phases and projects to come.
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 39 to understand the importance of our past, and use that to change the future. He is grateful for how far he has come with the support of the community and is excited about what is toTourscome.are booked for seven or more passengers by appointment only. Funds raised help support the non-profit and its mission. Serving all of Duplin County,Randy Wise and his staff offer agreat selection of fine jewelry including watches, necklaces, earrings, and diamonds, diamonds, diamonds! Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Pork Tenderloin Medallions
what’s cooking Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Place olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic into a large sauté pan or cast-iron skillet and allow oil to heat. Once oil is hot place kale into pan and toss or stir it around until it begins to wilt. Once the kale has begun to take on a darker green color and has wilted, add the mushrooms and allow the kale and mushrooms to simmer on low until the kale is tender and the mushrooms have stopped sweating. e pan will begin to dry as the mushrooms stop sweating. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze half of the lemon over the kale and mushrooms and serve.
Ingredients: 1 pork tenderloin 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon thyme leaves ½ teaspoon granulated garlic 3 tablespoons Olive oil 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 lemon Directions: Remove the pork loin from the packaging and rinse under cool running water. (We rinse all meats unless they are ground.) Use a boning knife or knife with exible blade to cut under and remove the silver skin from the tenderloin. is piece of skin has a tendency to be tough and isn’t easy to cut a er cooking. Pat the tenderloin dry with disposable napkins and liberally season meat with the spices. Heat up a sauté pan or cast iron skillet with approx imately 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sear the outside of the tenderloin all the way around. It should take 3 turns to get all sides and approximately 1.5-2 minutes per side. Once all sides are browned remove the tenderloin from the pan and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add butter and fresh squeezed half lemon to the sauté pan and use a whisk or fork to loosen up any bits of seasoning or browned pork pieces from the pan and pour over the tenderloin. Place the pork loin in a 350* oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of the loin reads 145*. Removed the pork tenderloin from the oven and allow it to rest on the countertop for 10 minutes before slicing into ½ inch medallions. Use any pan drippings over the pork medallions. Enjoy! Squash and Cheese Ingredients: 1 Spaghetti Squash Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil
Sauteed Kale Mushroomswith Ingredients: 3 cups kale 1 cup your choice freshwholemushrooms,orsliced 5 Tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste ½ teaspoon garlic ½ Lemon Directions: Submerge kale leaves into water, stir around, pull leaves out of water, drain water from the sink or bowl and return the kale and wash once again. Be sure to remove all dirt or grime from the kale leaves. If mushrooms are whole, clean the outside by wiping away any dirt with a clean cloth. Slice mushrooms into 1/8th inch thick slices. (You may leave them whole or cut them into quarters or halves – it depends on your preference.)
40 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine
Directions: Wash outside of squash and cut in half lengthwise. Removed seeds, drizzle with olive oil ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper and place esh side down on a parchment paper lined sheet pan. Use a fork to score or pierce holes into the skin of the squash. Place in a 350* oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove squash from the oven, turn the squash over so the esh is facing up and allow to cool. Once cool, use a fork to comb along the esh to separate the noodle like tendrils. Your spaghetti squash is done when your squash looks like spaghetti noodles.
Recipes with Chef Amanda Ezzell
Cheese Sauce Ingredients: 1 small butternut squash - washed, peeled and diced into 1x1 inch cubes 3 cups heavy cream 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ¼ teaspoon granulated garlic 1 pinch red pepper akes ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese ½ cup Havarti/sharp white cheddar/ gruyere cheese
Directions: Wash and peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds and cut into 1x1 inch cubes. Place in a heavy bottom pot with cream and seasonings. Allow to slow sim mer (cook on low temp) for 30 minutes or until squash is very tender. Use a potato masher to mash up the squash into the cream until it has a creamy consistency. (You may also place squash mixture into a blender or food processor. Please allow the mixture to cool to a safe temperature before placing into a blender or place a kitchen towel over the opening of the blender/processor before turning it on. Hot steam could build up and lead to a burn.) Once the mixture is smooth, stir in the cheeses and the freshly combed spaghetti squash. Enjoy!! is is a faux mac and cheese dish that is lower carb and gluten free.
Pork withMedallionsTenderloinservedSauteedKale with Mushrooms Squash and cheese sauce. Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 41 Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
42 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine Weddings,bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, elegant plated meals, buffet, hors d’oeuvres, fresh flower arrangements, wedding cakes and favors, rentals Somethin’GoodFood Truck available forvarious functions. WARSAW, NC 910.289.0336 @EZZELL’S, LLC. @SOMETHIN GOODTRUCK COME SEEUS@ THE N.C. STATEFAIR OCTOBER 13-23RD! Holidays are coming...get your orders in for cakes, pies, cookies and other goodies now!! Ezzellscatering@hotmail.com
Topping: Cool whip or 2 cups heavy whipping cream whipped with ¼ cup powder sugar added for sweetness ½ chopped toasted pecans
Preparation: Whip room temperature cream cheese with powder sugar until all lumps are gone and the mixture is creamy. Fold in one small container of thawed cool whip.
Muscadine Filling Ingredients: 2 cups muscadine grapes (any variety will do, I used Supremes) ¾ cup sugar 1 + ½ cup water
Layer this mixture on top of the cooled crust
Muscadine Supreme Ingredients: CreamCrust cheese Filling Muscadine lling
Preparation: Pop grapes and separate the hull from the pulp. You can save the pulp for other recipes, or for extra grape fla vor, cook the pulp with 1 cup of water until pulp has broken down (thinned out and seeds become easy to strain) and strain the seeds from the pulp. Add the pulp (with seeds removed) to the muscadine grape hulls, add ½ cup water and ¾ cup sugar and place on stove top to simmer for 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add water as needed to keep the hulls from scorching or sticking to the pan. After about an hour the hulls should be tender but if they need to cook longer add extra water and cook until they are tender. Once they are tender remove them from the heat and refrigerate until chilled. Layer them over the top of the cream cheese filling.
Preparation: Place topping on top of cooled musca dine lling and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Slice into bars and enjoy!
Topping Crust: 1 stick butter ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup self-rising our ¼ cup chopped pecans Mix ingredients and press into bottom of 9x 13 baking dish. Bake on 350 for 15 minutes and let cool Filling: 1 8 oz package cream cheese, so ened 1 cup powder sugar 1 small cool whip
Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 43 Magazine Grid (4 Col Version)
Serve Muscadine Supreme with chopped pecans sprinkled on top.
SEPT18 SUN Nicholas Sparks
The DREAMLAND Book Tour, on Sept. 18 from 3 to 5 p.m. NC Muscadine Festival 195 Fairgrounds Dr., Kenansville, NC 24SEPT SAT
Oktoberfest Union Point Park, New Bern, NC24SEPT SAT
Fall Family Fun Festival & Cra Show 3700 US-70, New Bern, NC
Events and places to visit in
Celebrate Oktoberfest at Union Point Park on Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. For details call New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club 252-632-2267.
Nicholas Sparks Book Tour 3005 Clarendon Boule vard, New Bern
44 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine
SEPT14
The 40th annual Havelock Chili Festival will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Walter B. Jones Park, Havelock, NC on Sept.24.
SEPT17
FRI
Play Dates
Celebrate NC Fisherman and our wonderful coastal waters at Humprey Farma, featuring Shrimp Boil, a Clam Chowder Cook-O Contest, Oyster Roast, Food Trucks and a concert with Highway Miles on Sept. 17, from 2 to 10 p.m. Enjoy beer barn, wine shop, ice cream, funnel cakes, kid activities and much more.
WED
Fall Family Fun Festival & Cra Show will take place Wed. – Fri. 5 - 9 p.m., Sat. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and will feature rides, live entertainment, wrestling, cra s, vendors, and food at the Cra ven County Jaycees Fairgrounds.
The Muscadine Festival is set for Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m at the Duplin Events Center located at 195 Fairgrounds Drive, Kenansville, NC. Enjoy the wines, live bands, arts and cra s, food vendors from around Eastern North Carolina, and a wine making contest.
Southeastern North Carolina
Eastern NC Seafood Festival at the Farm 522 W Willis Landing Rd, Hubert, NC
24SEPT SAT
Movies in the Park Union Point Park MoviesBern,NewNCin the Park presents “Mary Poppins.” Movie starts at dusk at Union Point Park. Call New Bern Parks & Recreation 252-639-2901.
The Arts Council’s International Folk Festival 301 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC
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.
25SEPT
IMPORTANT NOTE ON UPCOMING EVENTS:
Kick o the Fall season Sunday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy art ven dors, music, food trucks a pumpkin patch and more! Fall FestivalArts 1046 Cedar Point Blvd, Cedar Point, NCSUN
Celebrating its 44th year, the International Folk Festival features over 30 cultural groups who share the artistic vibrancy of their heritage. Performing arts, live music, international cuisines, cultural arts & cra s, and family-friendly fun Sept. 23-25 from noon to 7 p.m. FRI
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 45
The 35th annual NC Seafood Festival is scheduled for Sept. 30- Oct. 2. For a full schedule of bands playing, visit www.ncseafoodfestival.org. 36th annual NC Seafood Festival 412 Evans Street, Morehead City, NCFRI
30SEPT
23SEPT FRI
30SEPT
46 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine Woofstock 2022 536 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville, NC The 2022 Woofstock fundraising event will feature live bands, dinner, drinks, tons of sWag for attendees to take home, and the opportunity to help our community’s homeless animals nd their forever homes. Woofstock is set for Oct. 7, 6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. RiverScuppernongFestival 108 Water Columbia,St.,NC08OCT SAT Scuppernong River Festival will kick of with a parade at 10 a.m. Vendors, food, entertainment and street dancing a er the reworks. GhostParanormalTours 10200 US Highway 17, Wilmington, NC 07OCT FRI The Manor House and grounds are haunted by 5 generations of the Foy Family Household. Come nd out why! Reservations required. Tours on the hour at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. 07OCT FRI Terror HauntedCreekHayride Tara Creek 136 Robert Hobbs Rd Faison, NC Abigail’s Nightmares return to haunt Tara Creek! Once again transforming our quiet little farm into “Terror Creek!” Experience the fun and excitement every Friday and Saturday in October, beginning at 6 p.m. each night. 01OCT SUN
The Mikele Buck Band will be playing for the last second Saturday Concert of 2022 on Oct. 8. Bring the entire family for a night of live music and fun in Downtown Morehead City! From 6:30-8 p.m. Between 9th and 10th Streets on Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC.
Celebrate Beulaville’s Hog Wild cook-o on Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Beulaville Municipal Complex. The Hog Wild will fea ture live entertainment, a half and half draw ing, vendors a BBQ contest and a plate sale. The proceeds from the plate sales will bene t the community to help rebuild historical sites, community service projects, and scholarships. For more information call 910-262-5272.
508 E Main St, Beulaville, NC
Enjoy family fun, entertainment, exhibitors and great food at MumFest in historic down town New Bern Oct. 9-10, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. MumFest has entertainment for all ages!
Amusement rides, trucks and helicopters to climb through, a fossil dig, dog shows, BMX stunts and a free workshop, as well as family friendly street entertainers and lots of great food. There is something for everyone, from dare-devil rides to kiddie rides and carnival games.
Jaycee Park 807 Shepard St., Morehead City, NC
THU Mark your calendar for Oct. 13 for a free concert in Jaycee Park at 5 p.m. with The Embers! Bring a lawn chair and some good company to enjoy live music by the Morehead City waterfront.
MumFest 2021 Downtown New Bern
SAT End of Summer Music Fest is set for Sat urday, Oct. 15 and will kick o at 11 a.m., at the Duplin County Events Center. The all-day event will feature a variety of mu sic genres and will close the night with the Band of Oz. For more details visit the Warsaw Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
08OCT SUN Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 47
13OCT
15OCT
09OCT SAT The Embers
Hog Wild Cook O
Mikele Buck Martin Luther King Jr. City MoreheadPark City, NC
08OCT SUN Music Fest Duplin Events Center Kenansville, NC
21OCT FRI
48 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine 05NOV SAT
1000 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC
Goosebumps in the Grove Poplar Wilmington,Grove,NC
SAT
Duplin County Agribusiness Fair is a funlled annual celebration for the whole family, featuring carnival rides, suspenseful games, one of a kind food vendors, a barrel race, and much more! The fair is scheduled for Oct. 21-23.
29OCT
Two days of arts and cra vendors, trick or treating and carnival games at the Farmers Market in Poplar Grove, on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to-5 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for GooseBumps in the Grove, a day-time Halloween Gi Show & Carnival for all those young at heart and full of verve. $5 admission, ages 2+ up. The weekend event will feature 75 artisan vendors, food trucks, trick or treating for the kids, carnival games & prizes, and a little spooktacu lar fun.
Duplin Duplin Events Center
AgribusinessCountyFair
Kenansville, NC
16th Cape Fear Kite Festival
Watch as serious kite yers share their sky art at the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area for the 16th annual Cape Fear Kite Festival. This is the nal kite event of the season. Nov. 5 and Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free for spectators.
We areproud to have ser ved you for the past50years and look forwardtoser vingyou again this year!
Hams cured the old fashioned way-the wayitought to be-the wayyou remember it!
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 49 04NOV FRI The Producers New Bern Civic Theatre The Producers, a downon-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious op in history. Weekends Nov. 4-19. North Carolina Spot Festival 14221 US-17, Hampstead, NC Enjoy Spot dinners , beer or wine at live entertainment at the NC Sport Festival Nov. 5, 9 a.m.10:30 p.m. and Nov. 6, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission is $5 kids under 6 are free. Warsaw Veterans Day Parade Front Street Warsaw, NC This year, the Warsaw Vet 05NOV SAT erans Parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. The parade is the oldest consecu tive veterans parade in America. NC Poultry Jubilee Rose Hill, NC The NC Poultry Jubilee, has been a tradition for 05NOV SAT more than three decades. The festival will be held Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. 05NOV SAT 304 N. Main Str eet •Kenansville NEW Patients Welcome! Come see us! Duplin Eye Associates, OD, PAspecializes in diagnosis and managementof: glaucoma, retinal disease, cataracts, eye infections and injuries. We offercontactlenses, optical dispensary and complete eyeglass service.Outside prescriptions are welcome. Surgical consultationsand referrals are available. We accept most major credit cards, as well as CareCreditand also accept most major insurances. Callorstop by today! Comprehensive Eye and VisionCareSince 1975 402 N. Main Street Kenansville 1-910-296-1781 or 800-545-8069 Dr.John Mason Dr.Eric Yopp R. Dax Hawkins, MD Surgical Eye Care, PA
50 | Southeast North Carolina Magazine Cucalorus Film Festival Wilmington,Downtown NC 16NOV MON The 28th annual Cucalorus Film Festival will take place Nov. 16-20 and will screen more than 125 lms along with a schedule of music and performances including festival favorites like Dance-a-lorus, Visual/Sound/ Walls, and the Bus to Lumberton. Festival programs focus on dance, justice, come dy, performance, cocktails and more. For details, visitcucalorus.org/festival North HolidayCarolinaFlotilla Wrightsville Beach, NC26NOV SAT Festivities begin Nov. 26 with 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 reworks. Parade winners will be announced on Nov. 27 at the Captain’s breakfast. 252 523 7878 helightinggallerync.net litegals@yahoo.com The Lighti ng Gall ery 1144 US Hwy. 258 N. Suite B, Kinston,NC28504 Mon.-Fri. 8a m-5pm
Southeast North Carolina Magazine | 51 Financing anew home can be stressful and confusing, but not with Home Connections! We are aUSDAdealer,and can process USDA direct loans for our customers! Ask about other financing options as well! We are committed to help each and ever yperson achieve that goal to the best of our ability. Our mission is to provide affordable housing to individuals wanting aquality home, all with a friendly smile, and are SECOND TO NONE in the ser vice end of our industr y! Hours of Operation: Monday -Friday: 8:00 am -6:00pm Saturda : 9:00 am - 2:00pm Sunda : CLOSED 2971 E. NC 24 Hwy Beulaville, NC 28518 Ph: 910-298-3387 Fax: 910-298-3545 Our Clayton Homes NPS score is 96.888, and our goal is to EXCEL in ever yaspect of our business to provide you with exceptional products and SUPERIOR customer ser vice! www.ourhomeconnections.com Double-Single-Modular &Stick-Built Homes
AUTO INSURER IN THE NATI ON# ncfbins.c om Per CRASH Network’s2020 &2021 Insurer Report Card’s Polling of Collision Repair Shops NC CNSB0521 *Nor th Carolina Farm Bureau® Mutual InsuranceCompany*Farm Bureau® InsuranceofNorthCarolina, Inc. *SouthernFarmBureau® LifeInsuranceCompany, Jackson,MS*An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and BlueShield Association Shane Jacobs Agent Beulaville Shane.Jacobs@ncfbins.com Matt McNeill LUTCF Agency Manager roy.mcneill@ncfbins.com TeddyBostic Agent Kenansville teddy.bostic@ncfbins.com Lynn Mobley Agency Manager lynn.mobley@ncfbins.com Doug Pierson Agent Beulaville doug.pierson@ncfbins.com NickBell Agent Kenansville nicholas.bell@ncfbins.com om
