As the weather heats up, so do events in Columbus County. This week offers a host of things to see and do. With a memorial wall, BBQ on the Bluff, Gator Fest, and church singings and revivals, there’s enough to keep your feet moving and tapping during spring break.
The Wall That Heals will be coming to Columbus. The wall is a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It will be on display at the Veterans Memorial Park in Whiteville from April 24-27. The park can be found at 6354 James B. White Highway South.
Food, music, and gators, oh my! The Lake Waccamaw Gator Festival will be happening this Saturday, April 26, from early morning to late in the evening. The Gator Fest run will start at 8 a.m., the vendor market will open at 10 a.m., and food, music, and entertainment will be available throughout the day beginning at 10:30 a.m. All the events will take place at Elizabeth Brinkley Park located at 90 Bald Cypress Circle in Lake Waccamaw.
Barbecue on the Bluff is also on April 26, and organizers have added a new event to the Fair Bluff favorite this year. The Oink-a-Walk along the Riverwalk will see which little piggy makes it to the finish line. Vendors, a car show, a concert, and some good ole BBQ will also round out the day. The fun begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Drive.
The Men and Women United for Youth and Families scholarship committee will be sponsoring the ‘Bringing the Choir Back to Church’ event this Saturday, April 26, at 6 p.m. at the Greater Bolton COGIC. The show will feature several youngsters throughout the Bolton area. The church is located at 150 Black Smith Road.
A little one visiting her grandparents in Lake Waccamaw decided that the beach beside Dale’s Seafood needed some cleanup last week. Deborah DeBoard’s 6-year-old granddaughter visited the area last year and remembered combing the sand for broken glass. She took up the task again during her recent visit, hoping to make the shore a bit safer for others.
Columbus County Parks and Recreation has now opened registration for their annual summer youth camps. The activities will include sports, arts, nature, future first responder education, and so much more. Registration is online through May 30, and information about the camps is posted to the Parks and Rec Facebook page. If you have any questions, please contact the facility at 910.640.6624.
Speaking of Parks and Rec, Director Karl Bracey celebrated his retirement from the facility last week. Bracey was praised for his years of leadership and commitment with CCPR and for being an inspiration to others. He is also currently serving his community as a town commissioner in Lake Waccamaw. Congratulations Mr. Bracey.
New Hope Baptist Church will host their youth revival on April 25-27. The three-night event will feature Reverend Trevor Jacobs on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Reverend Cordovian McMilllan on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Reverend Austin Burch will lead services on Sunday morning at 11 a.m. The church’s address is 7857 Old Lake Road in Bolton.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is proud to introduce their newest four-legged team member – K9 Vampiro-AKA Piro. Thanks to the partnership with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, CCSO were able to welcome K9 Piro at no cost to Columbus County taxpayers. In fact, this is the second K9 brought in under Col Co Sheriff Bill Rogers’ leadership within a year at no cost to the county. K9 Piro is trained and certified in the detection of Marijuana, K2, Cocaine, and Heroin. He will be serving alongside Lieutenant Inman, an experienced K9 handler who not only was a member of our K9 unit in the past but also oversees all CCSO K9 training and certification.
The St. James Waccamaw Siouan Festival will be hosting a chicken plate sale on Thursday, May 1, beginning at 12 p.m. Plates will be $10 each and will include fried chicken, green beans, chicken bog, a roll, and dessert. Pick up will be at St. James Fire Department in Lake Waccamaw. All proceeds will benefit the establishment of a community center at St. James Park.
If you were in the Chadbourn area last week, you probably saw an amazing representation put on by the Chadbourn Pentecostal Holiness Church and the Living Word Church. The scene was from the Passion of Christ in honor of Easter.
Freedom Original Freewill Baptist Church will be having spring revival services from April 27 – May 2. Sunday night service will begin at 5 p.m., and Monday-Friday night services will begin at 7 p.m. Special singing will take place at each service. FOFBC can be found at 1280 Swamp Fox Highway East in Tabor City. For more information, contact Preacher Eugene Gaskins at 910.880.9168.
The Columbus County Beekeepers will be having a field day on May 3 beginning at 8 a.m. at the NC Cooperative Extension office in Whiteville. This event is perfect for those seeking certification and who are current NCSBA members, or for locals who just want to gain a little extra beekeeping experience. Be sure to bring your personal protective equipment as the field day will include working with live open hives. The extension can be at 45 Government Complex Road in Whiteville.
Remember to check out our Good News tab throughout the week. We love to hear about all the great things happening around you. If you would like to share your church announcements, fundraisers, happy stories, birthdays, anniversaries, or even little ones doing helpful things in your community, send them our way. We will get it out there for you, and the best part is, it’s free.
Email 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.
