Cooler temperatures will bring more than just fall leaves to Whiteville in coming months. The city’s calendar is full of events leading up to the holiday season. This weekend Cycle NC will be coming to town to kick off one of many shindigs planned, and area businesses are giving people something to talk about.
Cycle NC comes to Whiteville
Over 1,000 cyclists with the Cycle NC Mountain to Coast Ride will be coming to Columbus County on Friday, Oct. 7.
The event is not a race, but a recreational trek across the state using scenic back roads. The ride is designed to promote physical fitness, good health and provide a tour of the scenic beauty of North Carolina.
Several bands will be playing at different locations throughout Whiteville, and some streets will close to allow easy walking and ensure the cyclists can enjoy the festivities.
Madison Street from Pecan to Columbus will be blocked off from 5-9 p.m. Friday. Live entertainment and performances will be hosted by local businesses. Honey Don’t will play at Vann Underwood Chrysler Dodge, Jubilee will perform at the Columbus County Arts Council on Pecan, and Last Man Standing will be hanging out with local artisan vendors on East Commerce Street in the Penn’s Grill parking lot.
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences will have a wing-eating competition sponsored by Zaxby’s beginning at 4 p.m. Staff will offer tours of the facility, and the movie “E.T.” will be shown at 7 p.m.
Kevin Conner Memorial Run
The fourth annual Kevin Connor Memorial Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 15. The trooper (B-551) lost his life during a traffic stop on Oct. 17, 2018. The first run was held on Oct. 19, 2019, and over 900 runners participated. It was the largest organized race ever in Columbus County.
The community will come together once again this year for the 5k and 1-mile run in memory of his life and his dedication to protecting the county that he loved.
Activities for the event will begin on Friday afternoon, Oct. 14, with the pickup of pre-race packets for runners. Family members will also be allowed to get forms for those participants who have signed up but are unable to make it to get the packets themselves.
Packet pickup will be at Advanced Orthopedics, 701 Jefferson Street, from 4-6 p.m.
Runners are to meet in downtown Whiteville on the day of the run at 422 South Madison Street beginning at 7:30 a.m. The packets will be picked up from 7:30-8:20 a.m., the 5k will begin at 8:30 a.m., and the 1-mile starts at 8:35 a.m.
Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the race. For more information, visit https://kevinconnermemorial.org/?fbclid=IwAR2U5cl1wEORho4VmioOezxbl4loarH8iOcYnznMFwKjurh-LUIkh6KivEk.
NC Pecan Festival returns
The N.C. Pecan Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Nov. 5. Last year, the weather kept the celebration from happening, but this year things are back on track.
Pre-festival events are planned starting on Thursday, Nov. 3. The queen’s reception will take place at the Columbus County Arts Council at 7 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 4, the crowned ladies will have their luncheon at the Vineland Station Depot at 11:30 a.m. The Tour Homes will be from 1-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m., and the second annual First Responders’ Burger Brawl will be cooking up good eats at 5:30 p.m. at Vineland.
On Saturday, the Pecan Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade through downtown Whiteville. The queen, parade marshal, belles, and cadets will take the main stage at 11:30 a.m., followed by the musical stylings of The Pink Slips Band at 12 p.m.
The Columbus County Arts Council will host the Beer and Wine Garden from 12-7 p.m. with live entertainment by Paleo Sun later in the afternoon.
Be sure to check out the car show, Kid’s Block, the First Responders Block, arts, crafts, and food vendors, and so much more. Go to the festival website at Community festival with Craft Vendors | N.C. Pecan Harvest Festival | Whiteville for more information.
Veterans honored Nov. 12
Veterans will be honored in Columbus County on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m., with the first Veterans Celebration Parade. Area businesses are asked to decorate storefronts to show their patriotic pride.
This is an inaugural event in Whiteville, and participation the parade is limited to those who served in one of the seven branches of the military, supporting color guard, high school JROTC, and school band.
To find out more about this event, visit 1st Annual Veterans’ Celebration Parade.
Shuck N’ Shag
The Columbus County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism will be having their 2022 Shuck N’ Shag on Thursday, Nov. 17. Attendees can slurp oysters and dance the night away starting at 5 p.m. at Vineland Station.
Tickets are available at the Chamber office, and the price includes all you can eat oysters, chili, Brunswick stew, dancing, and fellowship. To reserve your seat, call 910.642.3171. Vineland Station is located at 701 South Madison Street.
Shop Downtown on Nov. 26
While the Thanksgiving turkey is still settling, get out and about with the Shop Our Stores Downtown Whiteville event. Shop locally for a chance to win money and prizes for the holiday season, and bring the little ones to meet Santa and Ms. Claus at the Chamber office from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Several other beloved Christmas characters will be at different locations throughout the day. The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe and the Museum of Natural Sciences in Whiteville will be celebrating Indian Heritage Month.
Shop that day, and hang around that evening for the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. There will be music, food, hot cocoa, free horse carriage rides, and so much more.
For a list of characters and all the events happening that day, visit the Shop Our Store Downtown Whiteville Facebook page.
