The N.C. Gator Fest in Lake Waccamaw is set for April 25 at Elizabeth Brinkley Park, and it’s going to be bigger than ever this year. The fourth annual event promises to far surpass all the others with a huge array of vendors, food trucks, and entertainment. It’s no wonder that the town has to dedicate an entire day to their favorite mascot, the alligator.
First Send Racing will kick off the event at 8 a.m. with the Gator 5K Walk/Run and one-mile Gator Dash on Columbia Avenue, and the festival marketplace, kids’ activities, food vendors, and educational booths will open at 10 a.m.
Over 50 vendors will be available for all your unique shopping needs. Homemade dog biscuits, original art, hand sewn items, woodworks, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, hats, soaps, candles, pottery, 3D creations, and plants are among the many things artisans will have for sale.
The Town of Lake Waccamaw will also have raffle tickets available for purchase for a fabulous prize.
Kids are the name of the game, and the games and so much more will be absolutely free at the fest. The Kids’ Zone will feature Flimsy the Clown, carnival games, prizes, horse rides, gator train rides, a petting zoo, and face painting. The Flamingo Foam Party will also take place throughout the day.
Live music will take center stage until dark at the park. The lineup for the fourth annual event is first class and will include bands like the Patricia Charlton Duo, Chris Nash, Jeffery Simmons, Later Gator, and The Ford Project. Grab some refreshments from the food trucks, pull up your favorite lawn chair or spread out a blanket, and enjoy all the musical stylings of each group.
Just when you think Gator Fest couldn’t get any better, local businesses and community youth organizations decided they also wanted to do their part to make the event a success. Council Tool Company will be celebrating their 140-year anniversary with an interactive axe throwing event. The activity will feature Council’s own “Flying Fox” axe.
The Dixie Youth girls will host a dunking booth with some well-known local folks taking the hot seat, and specialty t-shirts in a variety of styles and sizes will be up for grabs designed by the East Columbus High School Art Department.
A lot of hard work has gone into planning this year’s event, and volunteers are still needed to pull it all together. If you, your organization, church, or civic group would like to help out at the festival, please contact Ginger Dortmund Littrell or the Gator Festival Facebook page via messenger. Elizabeth Brinkley Park can be found at 90 Bald Cypress Circle off of Sam Potts Highway.
