Buddy Pelletier Memorial Tournament Set

Buddy Pelletier Memorial Tournament Set for July

One of Bogue Banks most beloved events returns to Atlantic Beach this summer for its 20th and final event. The Buddy Pelletier Memorial Longboard Classic takes over the seashore July 24-25, luring amateurs and professionals alike for a little friendly competition in a variety of categories. Annually, competitors range in age from 8 to 55 and over.

The surfing competition isn’t just for surfers, though. Entry fees, T-shirt sales and other donations help fund college scholarships and grants to members of the East Coast surfing community.

“It’s going to be a very interesting tournament this year – we’re going old school, back to our roots,” teases Lisa Pelletier-Harman. “And we are definitely going out on a high note. The timing is great with the community coming back together and everything being safer. We’re really looking forward to a great tournament.”

For many, this mid-summer contest has become a tradition, not only for the prime chance to catch a few waves, but also to pay homage to the competition’s namesake, Buddy Pelletier. A topranked professional surfer and three-time winner of the Puerto Rican National Longboard Championship, Pelletier came home to the Crystal Coast in the early 1990s to spend his final days with friends and family before succumbing to cancer. It is through those same friends and family members, as well as new ones made along the way, that his legacy lives on through the nonprofit Buddy Pelletier Surfing Scholarship Foundation, which provides humanitarian aid and scholarships to the surfing community.

Longboards, unlike their shorter counterparts, allow competitors to ride even the smallest of waves, leaving onlookers with plenty of action to take in and giving entrants the opportunity to showcase their skill. While adult boards measure about nine feet, junior boards must be three feet longer than the youngster’s height.

“It’s been 20 years so it feels like the appropriate time to put the contest to rest,” said Jessica Holleman, director of the classic. “It’s a well-loved and respected community event just like the man himself and we would like the memory of the contest and of Buddy to bring up those feelings of joy and friendship and good sportsmanship that we feel every year on the beach.”

Surfing begins each day at 7am and generally lasts until 5pm on Saturday. A beach party with live music is planned for Saturday evening with live music by Selah Dubb. A free shuttle will be available all day Saturday. The awards ceremony takes place Sunday afternoon.

The entry form and additional information about the contest, sponsorship opportunities and the foundation can be found at www.buddypelletier.com.

Shaggin’ on the Shores

Atlantic Beach Beach Music Fest is Aug. 7

On Saturday, Aug. 7, music lovers with have a perfect reason to head to the shores of Atlantic Beach – free music. The Atlantic Beach Beach Music Festival brings classic shagging music to the sand.

From 11am to 5:30pm, the beach will fill with beach music enthusiasts to watch The Band of Oz, Jim Quick & Coastline, The Embers and the Mighty Saints of Soul perform. Grab your favorite beach chair, a towel in case you want to take a dip and dig your toes into the sand for a day full of fun and classic entertainment. The event is free to attend.

While plans are still be ironed out, we hear there are special events planned each night during the week leading up to the festival. Check the town’s website to make plans to attend.

Parking is available at the Causeway Shopping Center, Doubletree by Hilton and Carteret Community College with a free shuttle running every 30 minutes. Coolers are welcome, however, guests are advised to leave glass containers at home along with their pets. Food and beer vendors will also be available on-site. Additional shuttle instructions can be found at atlanticbeach-nc.com/ events/abbmf.

AT FORT MACON

Make a visit to Fort Macon State Park to learn a little history this summer.

The fort itself stands as a sentinel at the opening of Beaufort Inlet on the end of Bogue Banks, just a few miles from Atlantic Beach.

Construction began in 1826 and while the site has always been focused on guarding the inlet, it has been in many hands through the years. It was garrisoned in 1834, but fell into the hands of the Union Army in 1862 after a fiery battle. From 1867-1876, the fort served as a federal prison, but was again garrisoned during the Spanish-American war. It was closed in 1903 and offered as military surplus in 1923. North Carolina purchased the property, creating the state’s second state park in 1924. It was restored in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was again put into action during World War II, but since then has been available as a historical point of interest everyone can visit.

The site features over 425 acres with beaches, maritime forests, scenic dunes, fishing, swimming and a 3.4-mile walking/jogging trail. Take a step back in time and tour the fort. Learn about its history by taking one of the four free guided tours daily.

There is an array of programs given by park rangers throughout the year. These events include firing one of the 32-pound cannons every Wednesday at 4pm, two musket firings every Saturday and Sunday and a two-day Civil War Reenactment in September.