- Gates open Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. for the 41st annual Columbus County Agricultural Fair. Saturday marks the return of the fair queen pageant at 6 p.m., as well as the demolition derby. The slamming banging action has been called one of the best demo derbies in the region for several years. The Powder Puff shootout will take place after the main event.
- Sunday is carload day at the fair. Buses and vans aren’t allowed, but however many folks you can fit in your regular vehicle will get in for one price of $60. And that includes a rideband for everybody.
- Local Helene relief donations are on hold as distribution centers out west are getting backed up, according to Rev. Dave Heller. He also noted the local outpouring has been tremendous. The donation center will likely reopen next week, he said, as supplies get cleared out and the recovery continues. Cash donations are still welcome. Heller reminded us what we know all too well: recovery from a storm like this is a marathon, not a sprint, so there will be time for everyone to help out. Keep praying for those dealing with so much in the wake of Helene.
- Western Prong Baptist Church and the Dock Missionary Baptist Association are planning trips to the areas hit by Hurricane Helene. Workers will be needed for cleanouts and other tasks we all know too well. See their Facebook pages for more information.
- News we’re getting from out west is that there is a need for chainsaw crews and woodsplitters. Since many folks out there use wood for heating, they have plenty of wood, but no way to get it to stove size. You can sign up to help cut firewood on the NCDPS.gov website or through local contacts on the ground.
- St. Paul AME Zion Church on Moneyhole Road in Freeman has a food pantry every Thursday at noon. Everyone is welcome.
- Our hero this week is also a good Samaritan and a buddy of mine. Laura Elizabeth Norton has been called the Official Hallsboro Hostess, our one-woman Chamber of Commerce, and even the Mayor of Hallsboro. Most of you know Miss Laura from Sam’s Pit Stop. She is always the first to collect for those in need, to help folks out who need directions or a willing ear, and she’s quick with a hug. She’s been trying to organize a Hallsboro community Day and Parade just to bring the community together. Laura started the community Christmas celebration in Hallsboro last year, and with Stephanie Boone and some others is organizing the trunk or treat fall festival at Bogue Park. Every community needs a Laura Elizabeth.
- An historic marker honoring the Waccamaw Siouan tribe will be officially dedicated tomorrow at the tribal grounds on Old Lake Road. The ceremony is set for 10 a.m. The marker is the latest to be erected memorializing North Carolina’s native nations. Remember next weekend is the annual pow wow with food, dance competitions, music and much more.
- Western Prong Baptist Church will have homecoming dinner on the grounds Sunday after the 10:30 a.m. service. Worship is held every Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30 at Western Prong. The church is located at Peacock Road and U.S. 701, between Whiteville and Clarkton.
- Transformation Church and Milk B4 Meat ministries will host services Sunday at Whiteville’s Nolan Park, starting with the worship service at 10 a.m. There will be music, food and games after the service. Transformation is also holding a sidewalk service Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Alleyway in downtown Whiteville. Everyone is welcome.
- Columbus County is recruiting beaver trappers to help control the population of the pesky critters. A basic beaver trapping class will be held October 26 at the Soil and Water Conservation office at the county complex. The bounty for beavers this year is $80 per animal. Call 910.642.2196, extension three to preregisters for the free class.
- Antioch Baptist Church will host revival services Sunday through Wednesday. Sunday’s service begins at 6 p.m. All other services start at 7 p.m. Antioch is located at 1463 Antioch Church Rd., Whiteville.
- Lake Waccamaw will be the only North Carolina location hosting World Singing Day next Saturday, and more voices are welcome The impromptu chorus will receive lyric sheets to “We Are The World” and “Until The Whole World Sings” just before the concert. World Singing Day will take place in 24 nations this year, with 42 events in America.
Participants should be at the Depot Museum at Lake Waccamaw at 11 a.m. For more information go to ColCoSings on Facebook.
- Downtown Whiteville will once again host its adult costume party at Vineland Station on oct. 25 at 7 p.m. Cost is $20 for adults 21 and over. There will be prizes awarded for the best individual and couples costumes.
- Hallsboro will host a community trunk or treat and fall festival October 26 from 5-8 p.m. at Bogue Park. There will be free hot dogs, candy, games and more. Call Laura Norton at 910.207.2484 to participate.
- Chadbourn Baptist Church will host Trunk or Treat October 27 from 5 until 7 p.m. There will be games, barrel train rides, facepainting, a photo booth, hayride and much more.
We always have room for your church announcements, civic club news, special events, birthdays, pageant winners, celebrations, Good Samaritans, little kids with big fish and anything else that makes you smile. There is never a charge for sharing your news at Columbus County News Dot com. Email jeffersonweaver@columbuscountynews.com, call 910.914.6056, or just drop by our office at 1015 South Madison street, Whiteville. We love visitors.
