Lake Waccamaw’s fifteen minute April Town Hall meeting was short and sweet on Tuesday evening, but with the budget on track and business squared away, the session was a buzz about the second annual Gator Fest and other events going on in the area. Gator Fest will run April 26-27, while the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina will host Light the Lake on April 13 and the Classy Cars and Country Cooking Car Show on May 11.
Gator Fest Schedule
With the date drawing closer, Lake Waccamaw town staff are finalizing plans for the second annual celebration. Gator Fest will kick off on Friday, April 26, at 6 p.m. with live music on the stage at Elizabeth Brinkley Park. On April 27, the official Gator Day, the fun will begin with a 1-mile family run and a 5k run at 8 a.m., and the festival market will open at 10 a.m. with craft vendors, jewelry makers, bakers, and other artisans selling their masterpieces and culinary delights. This year’s market will also feature the Antiques Alley, offering a blast from the past and a chance to find yester year’s hidden treasures.
With so much going on for adults, the kids need their turn too. Gator Fest will have entertainment by Flimsy the Clown, face painting, a foam party, inflatables, balloon art, dancing, singing, games and prizes. The day will also feature local talent and food trucks and will end with a headlining concert with the Pink Slips Band. As per the celebration’s namesake, there will be live alligator management demonstrations with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. There is fun to be had for the whole family.
According to Chad Smith, Lake Waccamaw’s code enforcement officer, Gator Fest will run rain or shine.
“Hey, if they did it at Woodstock, we can too,” joked Smith.
Vendors spots, sponsorships, and volunteers are still needed for the event. If you would like to participate, please visit www.lakewaccamawnc.gov for details.
Light the Lake
The 10th annual Light the Lake event is bigger than ever this year to celebrate the prevention of child abuse, the 25th anniversary of foster care, and the 20th anniversary of adoption services at Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina. Saturday’s celebration will be from 1-5 p.m. on April 13 at the BGHNC farm. The event is free to the public.
Two Natives Smokehouse (barbecue), Pure Taste, Tied Up with Jesus (desserts), Kona Ice, bouncy houses, Mike’s Garage Band from Southport, Bikers Against Child Abuse, Touch a Truck, cornhole, and more will be available for everyone to enjoy. The Lake Walk will begin at 5 p.m.
Classy Cars and Country Cooking Car Show
Save the date for the first Classy Cars and Country Cooking Car Show at the BGHNC farm. There will be classic cars, food trucks, and a rodeo from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 11. All proceeds go to fund programs of care for the children on the campus. Those interested in being a food truck vendor can call Johnna Harrelson at 910.646.3083. For car entries, please call Lee Luzader at 910.499.2258. Admission to the event is free to the public.
Details about both of the BGHNC events can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
