Happy New Year to all of our readers from the Columbus County News family. We wish you a healthy and blessed 2026.
The presents are opened, the cookies have been eaten, and Santa has come and gone. As the New Year approaches, everyone is eager to see what’s in store for Columbus County in 2026, and CCN has got you covered for all the events available in this week’s edition of The Good News.
Some organizations are already planning spring gatherings and celebrations, so if your church, civic group, or association has markets, plays, fundraisers, or events that you want published in The Good News, send your submissions to crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com or ccn.cfaircloth@gmail.com. We will be sure to get them out there for absolutely free.
The Town of Tabor City will have their first inaugural Yam Drop on Dec. 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Garrell Depot to ring in the new year. The ice-skating rink will also be open for everyone to enjoy. This event is family friendly, and everyone is invited. The depot is located at 105 Railroad Street.
Cedar Grove Baptist Church will be having a New Year’s Eve service at 7:30 p.m. The Royal Descendants will have a singing, finger foods will be available, and they will close with a devotion and prayer. Please bring finger food if you are able.
Cedar Grove Baptist’s address is 2372 Cedar Grove Church Road in Cerro Gordo.
Pireway Original Free Will Baptist Church will welcome in the New Year starting at 8:30 p.m. this evening. The night will include Bible study, singing and worship, finger foods, and fellowship.
Bring in the New Year with prayer with POFBC at 16213 Swamp Fox Highway East in Tabor City.
Diamond Branch Missionary Baptist Church will have Watch Night service tonight beginning at 9 p.m. with breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. Praise and worship will begin at 10:15 p.m. The church can be found at 1909 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
Engage Life Church is not watching the clock tonight, but they are contending with revival at 10 p.m. Come in your pajamas and get ready for some pancakes and praise as they worship into the New Year.
Engage Life Church is located at 386 Thompson Town Road in Whiteville.
Start the New Year out with a hike with Lake Waccamaw State Park’s First Day Hike. Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and good company at 1 p.m. with a mile and a half trek around the natural lake. The park is located at 1866 State Park Drive.
Gator Fest is right around the corner, and vendor applications are now available for those who would like to participate in the 2026 event. The forms can be picked up at Town Hall located at 205 Flemington Street in Lake Waccamaw.
Speaking of Lake Waccamaw, the Board of Commissioners needs help from the locals to bring life to the new Town Hall lobby and meeting chambers. Artists can donate or lend artwork inspired by the Lake, community, and natural surroundings to make the building more welcoming and inviting.
To learn more about the project, please reach out to Meredith Parker at mparker@lakewaccamaw.gov.
Southeastern Community College has launched a program called NC Reconnect. They are going above and beyond enrollment and walking alongside adult learners every step of the way. The program helps navigate financial aid and advising, and tackles real life challenges like transportation, childcare, and internet access.
You can read all about SCC’s growing support system by visiting bit.ly/4qe7ZZJ .
The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina will be having a pop-up market on Monday, Jan. 5, from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at Cerro Gordo Baptist Church. There are no income, residency, or I.D. requirements to receive assistance. CGBC is located at 257 Church Street in Cerro Gordo.
The Veterans Memorial Park of America Turkey Shoot will continue every Friday and Saturday night through Jan. 6. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening, and the price is $5 per round.
The Veterans Memorial Park of America can be found at 6354 James B. White Highway South in Whiteville.
Lebanon Masonic Lodge #207 will be partnering with the America Red Cross on Friday, Jan. 9, for a community blood drive. The event will be held at the Columbus County Shrine Club multipurpose room from 1-5 p.m. Those who give will receive a free long-sleeved Red Cross t-shirt.
For an appointment, please visit www.RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code ‘LebanonLodge207’ or call 1.800.733.2767. The Shrine Club is located at 737 Sam Potts Highway in Whiteville.
Registration for the Gator Fest 5K is now being accepted with discounted fees through Jan. 9. The cost for the 5K is $26. Race day is Saturday, April 25, with t-shirt and packet pick up from 6:45-7:45 a.m., line up at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 8 a.m. The one-mile Fun Run will begin promptly at 8:05 a.m.
All registration is required online. Those interested in participating can do so by visiting https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/LakeWaccamaw/GatorFestivalK
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for its spring 2026 Citizens Academy program. The free program offers demonstrations, facility tours, presentations and direct interaction with deputies, detectives, detention staff, and specialized units.
Participants will meet every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. beginning on Feb. 16 for 10-12 weeks. You must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass a background check.
Interest parties can visit the academy page at https://columbussheriff.com/citizens-academy/ or send an email to pcarrano@columbussheriff.com. Enrollment ends on Feb. 8.
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
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