Spring is off to a busy start in Columbus, and if you think last weekend was a flurry of activity, wait until you see what’s in store this week. There’s a festival, a farmer’s market, and even a fundraiser or two. Get out in the community and spend some time in the sun. There’s plenty to see and do as we head into May.
The National Day of Prayer will take place this Thursday, May 1, beginning at 12 p.m. Several places in Columbus County will be observing this event, so feel free to join to them at the following locations: the old Whiteville courthouse steps, the Chadbourn/Klondyke Fire Department Gazebo, the Sheriff’s Office Annex in Riegelwood, and the Tabor City Welcome Center platform. The observance will last about twenty minutes.
The St. James Waccamaw Siouan Festival will be hosting a chicken plate sale of tomorrow, 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.
The Lake Waccamaw Gator Festival was a big success this year. Artist Julie Johnson was the inspiration for the artwork on the festival t-shirts. Johnson’s original canvas was raffled off to a lucky winner, and folks were able to check out some of her pieces at her Gator Grotto during the event.
Freedom Original Freewill Baptist Church will continue their spring revival through May 2. Monday-Friday night services will begin at 7 p.m. Special singing will take place at each gathering. 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 92nd annual Strawberry Festival will kick off on Saturday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. The parade will come through downtown Chadbourn at 11 a.m., and Southeastern Community College will be this year’s parade marshal. Vendors, entertainment, a variety show, food trucks, and fun for the kids will be set up at the Strawberry Event Field beside the Food Lion grocery store. CCN and CCTV will be broadcasting live from our Facebook page. If you miss the live broadcast, you can watch it anytime later on the Columbus County TV YouTube channel.
Before you head off to the Strawberry Festival, but sure to stop in at the Columbus County Farmer’s Market grand opening on May 3 at 8 a.m. There will be food, music, games, and the Carolina Country Cruisers classic car show. Vendors, bakers, artisans, and crafters will be set up for your shopping needs. The market is located at 132 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville.
The Columbus County Arts Council and the Community Art Journey will be hosting a big opportunity for residents. The Columbus County Barn Quilt Painting Workshop will be on May 3 and June 14. Funding for the free event has been provided by a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council and awarded to the Community Art Journey to cover all costs. Spots are limited for both dates, and those interested can call 910.625.8066 for more information or to reserve a seat.
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 for those who are a current NCSBA member or for those 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.
Last week, K9 officers got to do a little training on the Edgewood Elementary Campus. K9 Cooper put his nose to work with narcotics detection and article searching, while K9 Rex swept the area with explosives detection. Each focused training session helps to strengthen the skills of each of these dogs, making them effective in their fields.
The East Columbus High School Band will host a meet and greet for rising seventh graders interested in joining the organization. Students interested will get to meet the instructor, try out instruments, and see what band is all about. The gathering will take place on May 8 from 5-7 p.m. in Room 131 at ECHS.
The Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum will have Lunch on the Lawn on May 15 at 11:30 a.m. on the museum’s grounds. Tickets are now available and can be purchased at the depot for $25 each. A quilt exhibition and raffle will be held the day of the event. The facility can be found at 201 Flemington Drive.
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.
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