Columbus County was a flurry of activity last weekend, but hang on to your hat because the area is keeping the momentum going into this week. The Yam Festival, the Waccamaw Siouan Heritage celebration at the museum, and the BGHNC Classy Car Show are all happening on Saturday, and many Halloween bashes, haunted trails, and fall festivals will be on tap throughout the next couple of weeks.
The CCN Trick or Treat Guide has been updated, and it’s not too late to get your church or organization’s fall festival, safe night, or trunk or treat sent in for publication. Shoot an email to crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com and we will get your event out there for absolutely free.
Take a look at all the candy haunts scheduled so far at https://columbuscountynews.com/2025/09/ccn-trick-or-treat-guide-2025/.
Cooler days are rolling in, and Johnny’s Drive-In in Fair Bluff wants to make sure that everyone stays warm. The restaurant is currently collecting winter coats for the needy during their opening hours, Tuesday-Saturday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the eatery. They can be found at 899 Main Street in Fair Bluff.
Speaking of donations, Hallsboro United Methodist Church is holding an ongoing clothes drive to support students at Hallsboro Artesia Elementary School through its Connect Church Ministry. The goal is to ensure that every child has access to clean, well-maintained clothing for all seasons.
Donations of gently used clothing for children in kindergarten through 6th grade are appreciated, and new underwear is especially requested. The church has also provided the school with washers and dryers so clothes can be kept clean for youngsters in need.
Clothing pickups or drop-off times can be arranged. To connect, please email umchallsboro@gmail.com or visit hallsboroumc.org.
The Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum has moved their Halloween Potluck Dinner to Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. There will be a costume contest and social time from 6:30-7 p.m., and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. The depot can be found at 205 Flemington Drive.
The Downtown Whiteville crew will have their annual adults only costume party on Oct. 24 from 7-11 p.m. at Vineland Station. Join them for a night of frights and delights with a costume contest, food, drink and music. The cost is $10 per person. The venue’s address is 701 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
The Town of Chadbourn will host a trunk or treat event at Town Hall on Oct. 24 from 4-6 p.m. Any local business is welcome to attend and promote themselves. Bring business cards, candy, and any other goods that might interest a crowd.
Those interested are asked to contact Town Manager Jason Robinson at 910.654.4148 or Kendall Bullock (IT) at kbullock@townofchadbourn.com.
Tabor City’s big event, the fifty-third annual North Carolina Yam Festival, will take place this Saturday, Oct. 25, beginning at 8 a.m. There is so much on tap for Yam Day including a car show, lots of vendors, food trucks, the Kids Zone, and a parade at 10 a.m.
The Stallion Classic will take place at South Columbus High School, and a sweet potato giveaway will begin immediately after the parade at the Tabor City Public Library. Live entertainment will go on throughout the day until 5:30 p.m. at the Hickman Road Stage and the Todd House Entertainment Stage. Go out and have a Yamming good time in Tabor City this weekend.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will host the Waccamaw Siouan Heritage Celebration on Oct. 25 from 1-6 p.m. Learn about contemporary and traditional dance styles with demonstrations, along with hands-on activities and seminars that celebrate who they are today.
The NCMNS can be found at 415 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
Columbus County Parks and Recreation is having Veterans Day Coloring Contest to celebrate and honor veterans through creativity. Age divisions are 3-5 years old, 6-9 years old, and 10-12 years old.
Those who wish to participate can pick up a coloring sheet at the Parks and Rec office or download it via their website at https://sites.google.com/view/columbus-county-parks-and-rec/home. The deadline to turn in entries is Oct. 25 by 4 p.m. For more info, call 910.640.6624.
The Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina will host ‘Classy Cars and Country Cooking’ on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the BGHNC Farm. There will be a car show, food trucks, and lots of fun. Admission is free.
Car registration will be from 9-11 a.m., and judging will be at 11 a.m. with awards following. For car entries or vendor info and fees, contact Johnna Harrelson at 910.646.3083. All proceeds from the event will go to the BGHNC.
The Town of Lake Waccamaw will have their annual Safe Night on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 6-8 p.m. at Elizabeth Brinkley Park. Get your costumes ready to have a great time.
Anyone who would like to set up a booth or trunk or treat spot is asked to contact Chief Corey Finch at the LWPD or Chief Ron Sasser at the LWFD. The park is located at 90 Bald Cypress Circle in Lake Waccamaw.
The Columbus County Farmers Market will have their very first ‘Haunted Market’ on Oct. 25 from 5-9 p.m. Bring the whole family for a spooktacular evening filled with trunk or treating, haunted ATV rides, delicious food, local vendors, a car show, and lots of fun for everyone. There is no entry fee for this event. The market can be found at 132 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville.
Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church will have their food pantry open on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9-11 a.m. The clothing closet hours will be 8-10 a.m. Both ministries are located at 4047 NC 242 Highway South in Elizabethtown. These events are open to the public.
The Whiteville Police Department and Walgreens will be partnering together for the DEA National Prescription Takeback Day on Oct. 25. You can drop off any old or used medications between the hours of 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Walgreens Pharmacy located at 803 North J.K. Powell Boulevard in Whiteville.
Honey Hill Missionary Baptist Church will have Homecoming on Sunday, Oct. 26. Worship service will begin at 10 a.m., and a meal will immediately follow. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Don’t forget to catch up on some of the things happening in and around the church. You may want to get involved in new programs, upcoming events, and other activities heading into the holiday season. If interested, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brianna Simmons via email at bsimmons2014@icloud.com or by phone at
910.448.1125. The church can be found at 6140 Honey Hill Road in Hallsboro.
The Community Art Journey will be having ‘Autumn Harvest’ acrylic painting on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2-4 p.m. The cost is $25 for the canvas and materials. The facility can be found at Suite 122 F Hillcrest Plaza in Lake Waccamaw.
October 31 may be Halloween, but it’s also the last day to sponsor at a wreath for ‘National Wreaths Across America Day’ with the Veterans Memorial Park of America. All wreaths purchased will be placed on the graves of veterans at the park, the Columbus Memorial Park, New Hope Baptist Church, Chadbourn Memorial Cemetery, and Wright Cemetery on Dec. 13.
Visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/NC0653P to help honor these local heroes.
Fair Bluff will have their November First Saturday Market on Saturday, Nov. 1, starting at 8 a.m. Along with the usual vendors and yard sellers, West Columbus High School and the Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce will be on site selling spot plates for $10 each.
The plates will include two fish, sweet potato fries, slaw, and bread. All proceeds will go towards the WCHS FFA and the Chamber. There will also be a Veterans event at the market. All activities will take place at Riverside Drive in Fair Bluff.
The Sheep Dog Foundation and the McMullen House of Heroes will be hosting their first annual Heroes Feast on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, from 12-2 p.m. This meal is for on duty law enforcement, firefighters, correctional officers, dispatchers, emergency services personnel, and support personnel to honor your sacrifice of being on call during the holiday.
The event will be held at 426 South Lee Street in Whiteville. Donations and volunteers are greatly appreciated, and those interested in doing so can email info@sheepdogfdn.com .
Speaking of the Sheep Dog Foundation, the organization’s Hard Charger Clubhouse got a generous donation last week. Sheep Dog planned to have a fundraiser to finish renovations and add signage to the facility, but the quote they received was only good for a short amount time.
With the deadline drawing to an end and their funds running out, they did the only thing they could do. They stepped out in faith, and their prayers were answered by Commander WH Morris of the Tabor City VFW. Randy and Angela Norris of the Veterans Memorial Park of America made one phone call, and Morris showed up to the Sheep Dog Foundation door and donated the full cost of the sign plus additional funds to support the Hard Charger program.
Remember to check out our Good News tab throughout the week. We love to hear about all the great things happening around you. Email your submissions to thegoodnews@columbuscountynews.com or crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com; call us at 910.914.6056 or just drop by our office at 1015 South Madison St., Whiteville. We love visitors. If the blinds are open, we’re open for business.
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