Coastal Events

THE VIEW COMING TO WILMINGTON WATERFRONT

The next chapter in the renaissance of the Wilmington Waterfront is about to be written. The old Wachovia building — built with a gray pre-cast concrete façade — will soon be history, replaced by The View on Water Street, a condominium featuring 68 residences priced from under $400,000 to over $2 million for penthouse units.

Designed by Andrew Iatridis of Raleigh-based Cline Design, the 11-story View will overlook the Cape Fear River and the historic Downtown District. Crowned by a private rooftop pool with bar, grill and lush gardens, The View will also feature a billiard/media room, a fitness center, private parking and door-to-shore shuttle service to Wrightsville Beach.

The Wachovia Building demolition begins in early May 2008 with completion scheduled for late summer. Construction of The View is expected to begin in late fall, with completion scheduled in 2010. Carolyn Grant of Raleigh heads the development partnership. For information, call 1-866-783-VIEW (8439).

Look for more coastal events in our June calendar.

BEAUFORT DESIGNER SHOWCASE SET FOR JUNE

The Beaufort Woman’s Club announces its first annual Designer Showcase House June 6-9 and June 13-15, featuring the conversion of the historic c. 1813 William James house and the c. 1836 Davis House into two condominiums at 119 and 123 Front St.

Thirteen Carteret County interior designers will showcase their residential designs. “These teams will fill the rooms and porches with beautiful furnishings and accessories,” according to Carol Sadler and Marnie Park, co-chairpersons of the Designer Showcase.

Proceeds from the event are earmarked to purchase the c. 1726 Ward-Hancock House to be donated to the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum for the Olde Beaufort Seaport at the Gallant’s Channel site.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door and may be purchased through Beaufort local merchants and Beaufort Woman’s Club members.

For information, call Marnie Park at 252-728-7571, Carol Sadler 252-728-7365 or e-mail Margaret Brock at mbrock001@ec.rr.com.

EMERALD ISLE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY

Vista Graphics has published Celebrating 50 Years of Emerald Isle: 1957-2007, a pictorial history of Emerald Isle highlighting local landmarks, indigenous recipes, community tales and a pinch of political history. To place an order, call 252-393-6906 or e-mail jwalston@vgnet.com. Emerald Isle Town Hall also has a small supply of books being offered for sale — cost is $20.

SAVING NORTH CAROLINA’S WATERFRONTS

According to the Jacksonville Star News, North Carolinians are losing access to public waters at alarming rates as fishing piers and public boat ramps are demolished to make way for large homes with property boat slips. The North Carolina General Assembly has set aside $20 million to help preserve water access, but growing real estate prices could mean the government will have to offer much more funding to protect public water accesses.

The newspaper recommends a property tax deferral. Property owners will be charged for current land use rather the potential value if converted into residential real estate. Although this change will not prevent coastal businesses from selling to the highest bidders, it will enable businesses to remain open without having to deal with escalating property taxes.

TRANSPORTATION OF OVERSIZED COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL BOATS

The North Carolina Highway Patrol has had an increase of out-of-state and in-state boat owners being pulled and fined for hauling oversized loads; in this case, fishing boats and trailers. According to the NC Marine TradeWinds, due to North Carolina’s fishing tournaments, the number of travelers with boats has increased, causing more fines to be issued. Many coastal residents are concerned with losing out-of-state fishers due to tight enforcement of the restrictions. Another issue: The loss of waterfront options has forced boaters to haul their crafts around the state for fishing, recreation and related events.

COASTAL CALENDAR

By Lindsey Briggs

Fabulous Fantail Film Festival: Throughout May on Friday evenings, offers “Many Moods of Love” films on the deck of the ship. Tickets are $1; popcorn and sodas offered for sale. Wilmington. Call 910-251-5797.

Cape Fear Blues Jam: Throughout May, June and July on Tuesday evenings. Novice, accomplished and professional musicians share the stage to present an evening full of enjoyable blues. Wilmington. Visit online at www.capefearblues.org.

10th Annual NC Seafood Festival Scholarship Golfing Extravaganza: May 1. Participate in this fun-filled day at Morehead City Country Club. Reservations are required. Morehead City. Call 252-726-6273 or visit www.ncseafoodfestival.org.

NC Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island: May 1-31. Workshops in the Creef Boathouse focus on maritime skills, boatbuilding and sailing. Roanoke Island. Call 252-475-1750 or visit www.obxmaritime.org.

Family Comedy: May 1-3. The season finale, Over the River and Through the Woods, is a comedy about a young man brought up according to the three F’s: family, faith and food. Admission $10. Elizabeth City. Call 252-338-3382.

NC Strawberry Festival: May 1-4. Festival includes a parade, dances, live entertainment, bands and strawberry shortcake. Chadbourn. Call 910-640-2818 or visit www.ncfestivals.com.

Battleship Alive: May 2. Watch and interact with World War II living history interpreters as they bring the NC ship to life by enacting daily duties and drills. Wilmington. Call 910-251-5797.

9th Annual Touch of Class Charity Auction: May 3. Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce hosts this auction at the Courtyard Marriott in Carolina Beach. Auctioned items include furniture, vacation packages, art and more with proceeds going to The American Heart Association. Carolina Beach. Call 910-458-8434.

Colonial Day: May 3. Learn how people lived, worked and played in colonial days with weapons demonstrations, blacksmith, weaving and music. Currie. Call 910-283-5591 or visit www.nps.gov/mocr.

Wooden Boat Show: May 3. Classic wooden boats on the Beaufort waterfront, with events scheduled at the NC Maritime Museum and the Museum Watercraft Center on the downtown waterfront. Beaufort. Call 252-728-7317.

5th Annual Paddle for the Border: May 3. Paddle the Historic Dismal Swamp Canal from Chesapeake, VA, to South Mills, NC. South Mills. Call 877-771-8333 or visit www.dismalswamp.com.

6th Annual OBX Surf Kayak Competition: May 3. Watch the best sea kayakers compete at Kill Devil Hills. Kitty Hawk Kites will also be on hand to demo the newest kayaks for 2008. Kitty Hawk. Call 877-359-8447 or visit www.kittyhawk.com.

Agricultural Day: May 3. See what life was like on an Albemarle farm with traditional demonstrations. Learn about the different crops and animals that were raised on the farm and see what life was like for farm families when they were not working in the fields. Elizabeth City. Call 252-335-1453 or visit www.museumofthealbemarle.com.

2nd Annual Hog Fest: May 3-4. Backyard Barbecue Cook-Off, Arts & Crafts Show and Sale, Sanctioned Lawn Mower Races and kids pedal races. Edenton. Visit www.chowanfair.com.

22nd Annual Parade of Homes: May 3-4. The event, sponsored by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association, features more than 100 new homes built by some of the most talented local builders. Wilmington. Call 910-799-2611 or visit www.wcfhba.com/parade/index.htm.

11th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show: May 5-27. Art from community artists including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and jewelry. Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Roanoke Island. Call 252-475-1500 or visit www.roanokeisland.com.

“Music on the Town” Concert Series: May 9. 4th Annual event in Mayfaire, free concert every Friday evening, 6-9 p.m. Wrightsville Beach. Visit www.mayfairetown.com.

20th Annual Beaufort Music Festival: May 9-10. A family-oriented weekend event with free music and activities for all family members. Concerts will be performed on the Beaufort waterfront, Beaufort Historic Site and in the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Beaufort. Visit www.beaufortmusicfestival.com/map.htm.

3rd Annual Celebrate Hampstead Festival: May 10. Arts and crafts, food, entertainment and more. Hampstead. Call 910-270-9642 or visit www.hampsteadchamber.com.

4th Annual Wrightsville Beach Challenge: May 10. Six-mile kayak race beginning in the Masonboro Inlet and running to the Crystal Pier and back. Wrightsville Beach. Call 910-509-2989.

25th Annual Yuengling Nags Head Woods 5K Footrace: May 10. Registration has already begun for this race on dirt trails through one of the best remaining examples of mid-Atlantic maritime forest and deciduous hardwoods. Nags Head Woods. Call 252-441-2431 or online at www.outerbanksrunningclub.org.

Creswell May Daze: May 10. A family-friendly event, with a May Pole Dance, parade and street dance. Also offered are crafts, food, music, candle-making and more. Creswell. Call 252-797-4852.

Far Out Shoot Out: May 10-17. Geared toward the small Gulf Stream boater, this tournament provides the opportunity to work with other captains. Includes Yellow-fin Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin fishing. Ocean Isle Beach. Call 910-575-3474 or visit www.oifc.com.

Mother’s Day Luncheon Cruise: May 11. A narrated sightseeing cruise offers views of the harbor, as well as a Riverboat Deli Buffet. Pre-paid tickets, starting at $26 for adults and $12 for children, are required. Cape Fear River. Call 910-343-1611.

14th Annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open: May 14-17. Blue Marlin tournament offering four levels of competition and nightly socials. Hatteras. Call 1-800-676-4939 or visit www.jestersportfishing.com.

Beach Jive After Five in Emerald Isle: May 15. Enjoy live music and a tranquil ocean breeze from 5:30-7 p.m. Bring chairs, blankets and even dinner. Beach access features volleyball courts, restrooms and picnic tables. Emerald Isle. Call 252-354-6350.

Music in the Streets: May 16. The 6th annual evening of live music on the waterfront, including a street festival, musicians, performances and fun for the entire family. Washington. Call 252-948-9415 or visit www.visitwashingtonnc.com.

Cape Fear Disabled Sportsman Fishing Tournament: May 16. A free day of fishing, friends, food and fun for anyone with a disability. Kure Beach. Visit www.kurebeachfishingpier.com

Pig-Out on the Green: May 16. Enjoy barbecue and music on the courthouse lawn. Hertford. Call 252-426-1425.

Homes & Garden Tour: May 16-17. Tour the homes and learn the history of downtown Morehead City. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the event. Morehead City. Call 252-808-0440 or visit www.downtownmoreheadcity.com.

Crystal Coast Quilters Guild Quilt Show: May 16-17. Held at the Crystal Coast Civic Center where approximately 200 quilts will be on display. $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Morehead City. Call 252-247-2316.

Family Boating and In-Water Boat Show: May 16-18. Exhibits, programs and power boats, in the water and on-shore. Morehead City. Call 910-808-0440.

36th Annual Hang Gliding Spectacular: May 16–19. Come see talented sport hang gliders from around the world compete on the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. There will be activities for the whole family such as climbing wall, face painting, kite- making and more. Nags Head. Call 1-888-359-8447 or visit www.kittyhawk.com.

6th Annual Coastal Gardening Festival: May 17. The Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden hosts vendors, speakers, educational booths and plant sales. Kill Devil Hills. Call 252-473-4290.

21st Annual Engelhard Seafood Festival: May 17. All-you-can-eat seafood, “cooked anyway you want it,” as well as children’s activities, rides, music, crafts and more. Engelhard. Call 252-796-3008.

Pender County SpringFest: May 17. Pender County’s Original Community Festival, featuring only Pender County vendors. Entertainment, arts & crafts, concessions, and much more. Burgaw. Call 910-259-2112.

Traditional Spring Garden Party: May 17. Join ladies and gentlemen, dressed in their spring finery, for this annual event that captures the charm of the South. Guests enjoy a delectable menu. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Proceeds benefit the historic Newbold-White House. Hartford. Call 252-426-7567.

Albemarle Potato Festival: May 17. Celebrating North Carolina’s potato crop with live music, venders, children’s activities, food and drinks. Elizabeth City. Call 252-338-4104.

7th Annual Longboard Classic: May 17-18. Surfing will convene at Shell Island Resort and compete in many different divisions. The competition is concluded with an evening banquet. Wrightsville Beach. Visit www.wblasurf.com.

Carolina Piano Trio: May 18. Chamber Music Wilmington’s captivating resident ensemble performs the music of John Corigliano. Wilmington. Visit www.chambermusicwilmington.org.

African American Historic Downtown Walking Tour: May 18. Ninety-minute walking tour of New Bern’s historic district explores more than 300 years of African American history. Reservations required. New Bern. Call 252-514-4935.

Greek Festival: May 18-19. The Greek community shares its culture with food, music and dancing. Wilmington. Call 910-392-4444.

The Piano Men: May 23. Thalian Hall presents Jim Witter saluting two popular songwriters of this century, Billy Joel and Elton John. Tickets range from $20-$28. Wilmington. Call 910-343-3664.

Annual Aurora Fossil Festival: May 23- 25. History comes to life with fossil digs, exhibits and a classic parade. An event for the whole family. Washington. Call 252- 322-4238.

A Toast to the Coast Wine Festival: May 24. The 1st Annual event will include 16 wineries, savory local cuisine, silent auction and live musical entertainment featuring Sea Pans and Cosmic Groove Lizards. Wilmington. Visit www.toasttothecoast.com.

Orange Street Arts Festival: May 24- 25. Artists will exhibit everything from watercolor to pottery to jewelry for sale. The festival will have continuous performers, as well as food and drink available. Admission is free. Wilmington. Call 910-251-1788 or visit www.thalian.org.

Beach Music Festival: May 25. An annual festival celebrating beach music and the coming summer season. Music featuring Band of Oz, The Craig Woolard Band, The Coastline Band, and Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. Roanoke Island. Call 252-475-1500 or visit www.outerbanksbeachmusicfestival.com.

43rd Annual Memorial Day Observance: May 26. Remember those who gave their lives in service with a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute and military band. Free to the public. Wilmington. Call 910-251-5797 or visit online at www.battleshipnc.com.

The Lost Colony Preview Night: May 29. Witness this final dress rehearsal before the opening night of the production at Waterside Theatre. Tickets sold at a special price for this pre-season opening event. Morehead City. Call 252-473-3414 or visit www.thelostcolony.org.

3rd Annual Blue-Water Tuna Roundup: May 29-31. Registration begins May 29 with fishing May 30-31. Manteo. Visit www.pcbgt.com.

17th Annual Fishing Rodeo: May 29-31. Featuring Wahoo, Dolphin and Tuna fishing. Bald Head Island. Call 910-457-7393 or visit www.baldheadisland.com.

Quilters by the Sea Quilt Show: May 29-June 1. Hosted by Quilters by the Sea Guild of Wilmington; will be held at The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Admission is free to the public. Wilmington. Visit online at  www.quiltersbytheseaguild.com.

Surf-Sun-Sand Volleyball & Bocce Ball Tournament: May 31. Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation will be hosting the annual event. Co-ed teams of six or four people must register ahead. Wrightsville Beach. Call 910-256-7925 or visit www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/recreation.htm.

Neuse River Days: May 31. Canoe and kayak distance and relay races and the Great Twin Rivers Raft race will take place at the Union Point Park. Art, crafts and food will be offered for sale by local vendors. New Bern. Call 252-637-7972.