Leland Magazine is published once a month by Live Oak Media.
The opinions of contributing writers are not necessarily the opinions of the staff.
Annual Subscription: $45
email jeff@liveoakmediainc.com 910-471-7741
It’s Our Birthday!
With this month’s issue, we enter the ninth year of Leland Magazine! We are so thankful for the support of the community that makes this publication possible. It really is the best job in the world sharing information about all the places, people and events that make this an awesome place to live, and fall is the best time to do that. October is a month full of great things to do. We have the Band, Brews and BBQ event in Belville’s River Walk Park and at the end of the month there are all sorts of Halloween activities all over the county. If you’re inclined to head down south, you can enjoy the NC Oyster Festival or the very first Brunswick County Fair and Expo. They’ve really pulled out all the stops for the Fair. It will have rides, games, food, music, and all the animals and agricultural displays county fairs are known for. And you can celebrate the opening of NC 133 by checking out Port Brunswick Day or the Great Pumpkin Blow-Out at Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson State Historic Site. I write in that story that those are two of my favorite events of the year at Brunswick Town, but then I realized I’ll be writing the same thing again next month about the Christmas events they host. Just goes to show that as fun as this month is, there’s more to come! — Jeffrey
Leland Hardware Leland Hardware
Museum of Beer and Art
Newly Opened Brewery Has Unique Vibes
STORY BY JAN MORGAN-SWEGLE, PHOTOS BY TONY SWEGLE
In the world of preparing food, the word “infusion” basically means to take one ingredient and transfer the flavor of that ingredient to another to create a new, more complex end product. That’s exactly what you will find at MoBA — The Museum of Beer and Art, located at 9600 Ploof Road SE, #7. MoBA is a blend of an art gallery and a high-class brewery that makes it stand apart from the typical local brewery concept we have come to expect.
Owners and partners Carl Cross, Jason Fosdick, and Matt Ray want MoBA to be what the customers want it to be, but they also want you to expect the unexpected. In order to achieve this whispy and undefined concept, they have put their faith in their young and creative managers and head brewer.
Lindsey Walters, Taproom Manager, explained that she and Byron McSweeney, Sales and Distribution Manager, spend a lot of time fleshing out new ideas for the brewery. “What you see here is very intentional,” she said. “It may have an easy feel, but everything from the bar lighting to the seating to the artwork is part of a plan. We are a brewery, but we want
to set ourselves apart from other breweries. Some customers just want to come in and sample our beers and watch sports on TV, and they can do that. Others may want to come in and look at the artwork or watch the Paintline Art Channels we have on a few of our TVs while they enjoy some wine. We have tables and intimate couch seating areas if they want to just relax. We kept the space as open as we could which allowed us to have different seating options for different types of customers. We are child- and pet-friendly, but there is enough space here for them to happily and safely co-exist.”
Cross. Lindsey continued, “The art concept was Carl’s idea and a lot of what is displayed is his work. We don’t have a formal process in place yet for accepting new pieces, but if an artist is interested in exhibiting their work, they can just email me at taproom@mobabeer.com, and I would be happy to look at their portfolio. One of the things we really want to do once we are established is to have art shows here.”
From behind the bar, Bryon McSweeney looks up at the Pteranodon model hanging from the ceiling, mouth open, like he is ready to strike. Byron said, “It’s got a 28-foot wingspan. It’s from Southport and it’s another unusual aspect of the brewery. How many Pteranodon dis-
plays have you seen in other breweries,” he asked jokingly.
Right now, Byron is heavily involved in the creative processes at the brewery, but he also is the distributor of their beers to local bars and restaurants. “I take samples to bars and restaurants in the area to show them what we are doing,” he said.
“We have some very different blends and tastes here. Our best seller is a blonde ale called ‘Perspective’, and our number two is an IPA called, ‘Remember When,’ but we have something for everyone. We have 20 total taps, 13 of which are beers and seven of those are ours. We also have two wine taps, four cocktail taps, and one THC tap. We rotate the beers every few weeks so you can try so many different kinds of styles. We also have red and white wine, cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, guest beers and even drinks for the kids. We just want people to come in, feel comfortable, hang out and not feel rushed. Lindsey and I have brought in DJs on weekends for entertainment. Again, going with the ‘something for everyone’ idea, a DJ can play
The displayed artwork is a mixture of the talent of local artists and owner, Carl
Biz Feature
all kinds of different music, not just one genre. We have food trucks as often as possible, with a variety of different kinds of foods.”
“One thing we are really excited about is our dog adoption event on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 1 to 4 pm,” Lindsey said. “We’re working with Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue. You can come down and see all kinds of dogs that are ready to be adopted or fostered and put in an application that day. We continue workshopping larger event ideas and will post them to our social channels and website as they are planned.”
At the heart of all of these events will be Isaac Ley, MoBA’s Head Brewer. Personally, when I think of a head brewer or a senior ale craftsman, I think of an older man who has spent years tucked away behind large brew kettles and fermentation tanks, checking thermometers and watching yeast converter gauges. That is not Isaac Ley! He is a young man who smiles like he is happy with life and looking forward to new adventures.
This curly haired, bearded brew master is originally from New Hampshire and moved to Greenville, South Carolina in 2020. We discussed his career, which includes working at four breweries before MoBA. “Beer is art, and the art is developing the recipe,” he said. “There are a huge number of variables, you can’t be afraid to work with unique ingredients.”
Isaac continued, “I also enjoy teaching others about the process. This is a
great opportunity to learn not only how to blend the ingredients but different techniques you can use to make the end product better. Our ingredients are regionally sourced, and they are of good quality. We are going to produce beer specifically for distribution, and that’s exciting.” Just like Lindsey and Byron, Isaac has a passion for craft beer and a real vision for what can make MoBA the most successful brewery in the area.
Years ago, I remember that my husband told me that when he was a young boy, his father and grandfather took him to the neighborhood bar — or “beer joint,” as they were called then. It is one of his fondest memories of being with his father. I shared this with the MOBA team and Byron agreed. He said, “Back in the day, every neighborhood had their own bar, they catered to the locals and people just came to hang out. The neighborhood bars have morphed into breweries now, but the idea is the same, give people a place to relax, hang out with friends and enjoy a good product, that’s our mission.”
MoBA is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 10 pm; on Saturdays from noon to 10 pm; and Sundays from noon to 8 pm.
Stop in and enjoy the artwork and beverages — oh, and make sure you check out the bathrooms — more works of art!
• LOF 59.95
• Coolant Flush 15% off
• Battery replacement $20.00 off
• Road Force Tire Balance with rotation $89.95
• Spark Plug replacement 15% off parts and labor
• Timing belt replacement 10% off parts and labor
ALIGNMENT SPECIAL $109.95
Get the most life out of your tires with a 4-wheel alignment special. We adjust your tire pressure, inspect suspension, tire life and
The most complete urological services in the region. Over 50 plus years, four generations of making you a part of our family. Based in Wilmington and Southport.
B l adder Cance r
Blood in Urin e
En l a r g ed P r ostat e
E r e c t i le D ysfun c tio n
Fert i lit y
Fr equent Urinat i o n
H yd r ocel e
K idn ey C a nce r
K idn ey Ston e s
L ow Te stoste r on e
P eni l e I mp l ant s
P ey r on i e’s D i s e a s e
P r ost a te Arte r y Embol i zat i o n
P r ost a te C a nce r
P r ost a t i ti s
P S A Sc r een i n g
Te sticul a r Cance r
Ur i na r y Tr a c t Infe c t i o n Ur i na r y I ncontinenc e
i tlin Ridder
Community Johnathan Blue
Brunswick County 4-H Youth Development
STORY BY PATRICIA LANGER
Cooperative Extensions, established by the Federal government more than 100 years ago, serve as the community outreach arm of our nation’s land-grant universities. Cooperative Extensions work to improve lives, particularly in rural areas, by working with farmers, families, youth, and communities. Extensions provide research-based knowledge on things like food safety, horticultural practices, conservation, water safety, soil testing, and other quality of life areas.
In North Carolina, the Cooperative Extension is managed by NC State and NC Agricultural and Technical State University, with a focus on small farms, agriculture and natural resources; community and rural development; Family Health & Wellness; and 4-H Youth Development.
Johnathan Blue was recently hired by NC A&T as the new Area Specialized 4-H Youth Development Agent, serving Brunswick County and the surrounding region. His role is to expand the reach and impact of 4-H in our area, with a specific focus on STEM programs. I recently met with Johnathan to find out what brought him to the Cooperative Extension and what he hopes to accomplish.
You earned your BA in mathematics from UNC-Charlotte in 2016 and a Masters in Conflict Management & Resolution from UNC-Wilmington in 2024. Those seem like two very different fields to me. What led you down that path?
I was a high school math teacher in Charlotte after I graduated from college. I taught up until Covid. By then, my wife and I had relocated to Leland (where Johnathan grew up) and I was teaching at North Brunswick High School.
Once Covid hit, we re-evaluated our lives. I chose an entrepreneurial path for a while. When our daughter Shiloh was born, I decided to be a full-time stayat-home Dad for a while – something I tell every young man I know they should do, if they have the opportunity. It’s the most amazing thing! We have two beautiful girls now who are 1 and 4. (At this
point, Johnathan pulls up a picture on his cell phone. His daughters are adorable!) I went back to work in 2022, taking a job in human resources at UNCW. That’s where I learned about the Master’s program in Conflict Management. The degree focuses on communal conflict, personal conflict, generational conflict, and organizational conflict. I have had a lot of exposure to all of those things in my life, so it seemed like a perfect fit. For whatever reason, I am the type of person who is “found by fires.” I don’t look for them, but I am good at putting them out. My master’s degree led me to this job working for NC A&T at the Cooperative Extension. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I did take some time to be home with our second daughter, Jireh, before I started.
I am embarrassed to admit that I am not aware of what Cooperative Extensions do. Can you enlighten me?
You’re not alone. There are a lot of people in this area who aren’t aware of them. I think it’s because so many people relocate here from different parts of the country that may not have active Extensions. Cooperative Extensions are the best kept secret in the United States! Every county has them. The intent of Extensions is to bring the knowledge and research of our universities to the people in the communities. Part of my job is to help raise awareness, specifically for the 4-H program. Do you know that 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development program?
I did not know that. I was a Girl Scout growing up, so my exposure to 4-H was limited. The county where I grew up in northeastern CT had a huge agricultural fair every summer, where the 4-H kids showed pigs, cows and sheep, or they entered contests for homegrown vegetables and flowers. What else do 4-H clubs do?
That and so much more! The NC 4-H program focusses on STEAAM: science, technology, engineering, art, agriculture and math. Because we are in a coastal region, there are not a lot of agricultural fairs here, so we focus more on the science and technology parts here.
The 4-H platform is “Beyond Ready,” meaning we want to give kids the knowhow, the moral fiber, the aptitude and attitude to advance themselves in the world. That’s what the 4 “H”s are all about: head/heart/hands/health What are some of the STEM programs you’re working on for kids in our area?
We are getting ready to kick off Game of Drones, which is a state-wide competition for middle school and high school kids. The challenge involves using critical thinking skills to decipher missions and then write code to manipulate both land and aerial drones to complete those missions. Teams will be picked by mid-Octo-
ber and the competition will be held at NC A&T in the spring. We also have the Lego CYFAR Competition coming up in October. It’s another state-wide competition with CYFAR, which stands for children, youth and families at risk.
Then there’s the Reality of Ag program, which is a collaborative effort to introduce middle and high schoolers to what modern agriculture looks like, using fun, hands-on activities. We want them to know there’s more to it than farm work and livestock. There are so many other aspects to agriculture – there’s a lot of science and technology. We want to enhance appreciation for all these different areas and raise awareness of different job avenues in agriculture. I am hoping that Brunswick County gets chosen as a test site for this program. Oh! And this spring we’ll be testing the Embryology program with 2nd graders.
Okay – I’m once again embarrassed by my lack of knowledge. What is embryology?
Baby chickens! We’re hoping to work with the Brunswick County schools as part of a STEAAM opportunity program based on baby chickens.
That’s a lot of exciting stuff you’re working on! What are some of your personal goals in your new role with 4-H?
My primary goal is to be my authentic self every day. To give everything I have to this job and not worry whether parts of me will be well-received. I’m a nerd by birth! And that’s okay. Choosing to call myself a nerd is an attempt to reclaim a
Community
portion of my identity that I tried to hide throughout my adolescence because it was frowned upon. Then I learned of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences and realized that we’re all “nerds” in some form, fashion or subject area.
I am also an educator at heart, so I love the role of mentor/teacher/leader. I get to teach kids all these cool things and help them learn about career paths they might not be aware of. Kids can only be what they see, so give them a chance to see something cool.
I understand you are known for your enthusiasm and creativity. How do you bring those qualities to this job?
I love what I do, so it’s easy. I love that I get to play with robots and fly drones as part of my job! Most people are willing to give more of an effort if they feel like you are excited to be there. So, I try to bring my enthusiasm to everything I do. I get pumped up by the kids I mentor and the people I work with.
I walk in on 10 and leave on 20 every day!
As for creativity, I am collaborating all the time with people I work with. We have a great 4-H agent and a 4-H pro-
gram assistant here at the Extension who both work for NC State. I see what programs they are working on and try to find
ways to integrate my ideas with them.
What’s something you want people to know about you?
I come from a family of coastal North Carolinians, going back five generations. We are primarily a fishing family. Since coming to the Cooperative Extension, my coworkers are getting me to try a bunch of new things that are definitely outside my comfort zone, like camping, hunting, and chickens!
Who should people contact if their kids want to join a 4-H club or if they want to volunteer?
To register a child or to volunteer with Brunswick County 4-H, please send an email to myself (jhblue@ncat. edu), Jamie Lester (jamie_lester@ncsu. edu) or Carolyn Habib (cmhabib@ncsu. edu). You can also follow the Brunswick County 4-H Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/ share/1NgkCVHy45/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Community Green Swamp Tours
Explore A Uniquely Diverse Ecosystem
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
This fall you have the opportunity to join The Adventure Kayak Company for a series of birding and nature walks exploring the Green Swamp Preserve located off Hwy 211 in Supply.
The Green Swamp is famous for its carnivorous plants, orchids, wildflowers and birding opportunities. Within the Preserve are some of the country’s finest examples of Longleaf Pine savannas.
These walks are open to all levels of nature enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars, camera, notepad, pen and join the fun!
Guided Birding and Nature Walk tour fee is $40 per person. Pre registration is required.
Guided Green Swamp Nature and Birding Walks:
Sat., Oct. 11, 8:30 am
Tues., Oct. 21, 8:30 am
Thurs., Oct. 31, 8:30 am
Thurs., Nov. 6, 8:30 am
Tues., Nov. 18, 8:30 am
(additional dates will be added by request)
Call The Adventure Kayak Company for more kayak tour information and for reservations at 910-454-0607.
Made possible with the precision of Mako SmartRoboticsTM
Hip and knee pain shouldn’t hold you back from living life to the fullest. At Dosher Memorial Hospital, we’re proud to offer Mako SmartRobotics™ for joint replacement surgery. Mako has been shown to help patients experience less pain, a quicker recovery, and improved mobility. It’s one more way Dosher is making extraordinary care available right here at home.
Community National Night Out
Evening Of Fun With First Responders
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY TOWN OF LELAND
Join the Leland Police Department for an evening of community building at National Night Out on Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5 to 8 pm. at Northwest District Park, 1937 Andrew Jackson Highway.
This free, family-friendly event will feature local businesses, giveaways, yard games, and a live DJ. Attendees can explore police cars and fire trucks while visiting tables hosted by law enforcement agencies and community partners.
Outreach tables will include Leland Fire/Rescue, the Brunswick Coun-
ty Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Emergency Medical Services, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Red Cross, and other local partners.
“We look forward to National Night Out every year as a way to connect with our neighbors outside of emergencies,” said Police Chief Jeremy Humphries. “These partnerships are key to keeping
safe, welcoming, and united.” National Night Out is a nationwide event that brings neighbors and law enforcement together to build safer, stronger communities based on trust and respect. Each year, millions of
neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide.
Leland
Community Local History Events
Fall Fun At Brusnwick Town/Fort Anderson
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
Two of our favorite events of the year are coming up soon at the Brunswick Town-Fort Anderson State Historic Site. First, you’ll have a chance to visit the colonial-era town of Port Brunswick and see how the folks who helped found our nation lived. Then you get to use Civil war-era technology to blow up your Halloween pumpkin. Yes, you get to blow it up. And yes, it is every bit as fun as it sounds.
Enjoy the day at Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site on Saturday, Oct. 18 for the return of Port Brunswick Day! Beginning at 10 am, living historians will be interpreting various colonial trades and aspects of colonial life including candle making, blacksmithing, woodworking and more. Kids will have an opportunity to experience colonial toys and games.This event is free and all ages are
welcome.
And when that jack-o-lantern on your front porch outlived his usefulness, come out on November 1 beginning at 11 am dispose of it in a unique and rather explosive way by implementing the same technology used to detonate Civil War era torpedoes! There is a $10 fee per pumpkin and BYOP (bring your own pumpkin).
It is free to watch, but YOU get to press the button to detonate if you bring your own! Pumpkins with minimal carving offer the best explosions, but all types are welcome. Tickets can be purchased
online in advance beginning Oct. 4 at https://historicsites.nc.gov/news/events/ great-pumpkin-blowout.
Keeping Fit
Fitness Isn’t Free
Your Quality of Life Is Worth Every Penny
BY VICTOR FERNANDES
y health and fitness services don’t come cheap.
Do you know why?
Because our health and well-being don’t come cheap either. It’s the most priceless commodity in our lives — yes, ahead of our families, our careers, and everything else we value in our lives.
It’s considered priceless, because it needs to be treated as priceless. Yet, “I can’t afford it” is the most popular excuse I get above all others from people who aren’t ready to do the work to take control of their health and well-being.
That excuse is rooted in fear, not financial records. Here’s how I know... I used that excuse for many years. In reality, money was tight for our family 15 years ago, the time when I finally began the health and fitness journey I remain on to this day. We lived on a budget, paycheck to paycheck really, and we had just welcomed the newest member of our family, Zach, into the world.
Then a coach sat across a table from me at a fitness center in Erie, Pennsylvania, and challenged me to change my way of thinking, to finally realize that if I didn’t affect change in my life,
life would make those decisions for me.
“Can you afford not to?” she asked me. Suddenly, I chose not to look at my health and well-being strictly by dollars and cents. Suddenly, I realized the alternative — continuing to see my health declining at the same time Zach was growing up.
see the formative milestone moments in his life — his first steps, first day of school, high school graduation, college, career, marriage, family.
So, I found a way to make it work financially after years of doing anything but finding a way to change. I hired a coach. Whether I could truly afford it didn’t matter, because I needed a coach, and I needed to improve.
Not simply for me, but for the people who matter most in my life.
Then I lost 75 pounds over the next 14 months, and that wasn’t the most pronounced change in my life.
I left a career in sports journalism after 26 years. I moved our family to the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, and now the Cape Fear region. I moved into the health and wellness industry and now operate my own business. I shudder to think where I would be right now if I hadn’t spent the money to hire my first coach.
Overweight and unhealthy, for sure. Riddled with health problems, probably.
Dead, possibly.
It’s truly difficult to think that way when at such a wonderful time in life. But I weighed 250 pounds at the time, and given the choices I made, 300 pounds, 350, or more, wasn’t out of the realm of possibility.
At that rate, I wasn’t guaranteed to be around long enough to
for us.
“I can’t afford it” is an excuse, because when people want to achieve something bad enough, they find a way. So next time the thought, “I can’t afford it,” crosses your mind...ask yourself — “Can I afford not to?” — and then do the math.
Determine how much money you will spend hiring a coach to help you achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself that represent taking control of your health and well-being, and how much in your life, personally and professionally, you will risk losing if you choose to live and die by that excuse. Then make it happen, because investing in ourselves always pays off.
And of course, if you need help laying out the best plan of action for you to achieve your goals, I’m here to help because…
At Fernandes Fit, Fitness Is Our Business.
Contact me at 814-504-7774 or by email at info@fernandesfit.com to get started.
You can also get more information on my website at fernandesfit.com.
I’ve worked with great people of all backgrounds and budgets since joining the health and wellness industry in February 2019. A fair share of them didn’t and don’t have a lot of disposable income but have invested in themselves because they refuse to treat their health and well-being as disposable.
To this day, they know the reward — quality of life — far outweighs the financial risk. For me, that means doing at 60 what I’m doing now in my 50s without feeling like I’ve been hit by a bus. To you, it may mean something else.
Either way, it requires consistently hard work that excuses can’t handle
Victor Fernandes is owner of Fernandez Fit, helpjng clients achieve personal and professional success through health and fitness
Community Brunswick County Fair Animals, Games, Rides, Food and Music
STORY BY LOUISE SHEFFIELD-BACCARNY
Brunswick County is getting its own county fair, complete with all of the traditional food, games, rides, and animal exhibits a fair brings to town. Stump Hill Farms, a locals’ favorite spot for seasonal fun, began a fifth year on Sept. 20 and will be open 10 am to 6 pm on Saturdays through Oct. 25. Offering hayrides, gem mining, swings and slides, a jumping pillow and a pumpkin patch, this family farm is no stranger to a fun time! Adding to the fall lineup, the farm family is hosting the First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo Oct. 15-19 on their property at 2030 Ash Little River Road.
A drive along our local streets, wait in line at the nearest post office, or numerous attempts to renew your driver’s license at the DMV will confirm the rapid growth and development in Brunswick County. People from the West, North and everywhere in between are moving East to the southernmost areas of North Carolina in record numbers, making Brunswick one of the fastest growing counties in the United States.
Despite the many changes to our county, the reminiscence of the rich history of local laborers and the culture of our community was what brought about the formation of the Brunswick County Fair Board and members’ collective hope of showcasing our great area in a commemorative way. Even with such a booming population and increase in newcomers, the county remains deeply rooted in farming and agriculture. Dialogue among the board members and nearby families who traveled hours away for 4H events in recent years, had the board reaching out to surrounding counties about how to begin a fair in our area. Interest in youth organizations such as 4H, FFA, Scouts and Trail Life, homesteading, gardening, crafting, hobby farming and environmental conservancy have also spiked in recent years, and the Fair board members are thrilled to have this venue offer not only rides and concessions but offer agricultural,
educational and individual exhibits.
Extended kindness and fair insight from Robeson County, the Cape Fear Fair & Expo Board that remains active, and the Mountain State Fair in particular, encouraged the Brunswick Fair Board to put their heads together and get to work creating this spectacular, nonprofit event.
Months of extensive research, discussion and planning have led to a five-day schedule, jam packed with something for everyone.
The fair will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and will remain open from 4-11 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday the fair will be open from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. General admission is $7 per person paying with cash, $8 paying with a card, and parking is free.
Live music will begin nightly at 7 pm featuring Parker Lanier of Winnabow on Oct. 15, Phillip Page of Granite Falls on Oct. 16, Joe Coople & The Wild East Band of Wilmington on Oct. 17 and Hunter Varnum & Ethan Clewis of Varnamtown on Oct. 18.
Performances by Bob Bohm’s Family Entertainment and the Victoria Circus High Wire Pirate Show will also be included with general admission along with tunes by DJ Kelz Robbins of Leland.
teach county commissioners how to show cows, will also take place on Friday from 3-5 pm.
Brunswick County Fair is excited to offer a “Sensory-Friendly” event on Friday from 10:30 am to 1 pm. This time will provide a calmer, less stressful, fair experience. Admission during the “Sensory-Friendly” time is free for the child and their caregiver and a discounted price of $5 per person will be extended to the rest of their party. Local high school students from The Academy of Coastal Carolina will be in attendance to “buddy up” with participants and ensure an enjoyable time for all.
try, rabbits and ducks will be open for public viewing. The home exhibit will include field crops, horticultural crops, culinary, clothing, needlework, arts and crafts, and youth and vocational entries. Dreamland Amusements, serving the East Coast from Maine to Florida, will have approximately 25 rides ranging from kiddie and family favorites to spectacular new thrillers. Classic carnival games, prizes and concessions will be available alongside local vendors. Unlimited wristbands are $25, and tickets for amusements can be purchased at the Dreamland ticket booth.
Agricultural contests include a chicken show on Thursday at 6 pm, a goat show on Friday at 6:30 pm and a Dairy Heifer show on Saturday at 11 am. The county’s first ever Dairy Derby, where local 4H youth will
The Brunswick County Agricultural Fair would like to recognize and kindly thank the official fair sponsors, HEIL Heating & Cooling Dealership of Brunswick County and Capital Chevrolet of Shallotte. They would also like to thank the many stage sponsors, exhibit sponsors, ribbon sponsors, fair supporters, tv, radio and billboard advertising sponsors, fair friends and the Carolina Border Shields Retired Police for parking assistance.
So, jump in the car, crack the windows and follow the smell of funnel cakes and corn dogs as you wind down the back roads of Brunswick to the county’s first ever Agricultural Fair & Expo. October 15-19 will be an exciting time to relive childhood memories and make new ones with family and friends, and you may even experience a little “deja-moo”!
Please visit www.brunswickfair.com for the daily schedule, fair forms including rules and regulations, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities and contact information. Updates and information are also available on Brunswick Fair social media.
Community Haunted Trail Opens
Grissettown Fire Department Fundraiser
STORY BY LISA STITES, PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
It’s off the main highway, down a country road, but just follow the screaming and you’ll get there. Now in it’s 17th year, the Haunted Trail in Grissettown promises to carry on its tradition of safely scaring the general public while raising funds to support operations of the Grissettown-Longwood Fire and Rescue Department.
The Haunted Trail is at the station, 758 Longwood Rd NW, near Ocean Isle Beach and open every Friday and Saturday in October as well as Halloween Night from 7-11 pm. It’s a huge fundraiser for the department, of course, and has become one of the must-do activities in an already crowded fall schedule of events in Brunswick County.
The Grissettown-Longwood Department doesn’t cover any municipal areas, but serves approximately 30 square miles in the county, including U.S. 17. Chief Tal Grissett said that last year’s numbers showed that the department had the fifth lowest budget in the county but the third highest number of calls; it’s also the only nonprofit department in the county with an ISO rating of 2, the second-highest rating possible. There are eight firefighters on the roster, and three juniors. The Chief said he staggers their shifts so they have round-the-clock coverage. Grissett shares his family name with the Department and the unincorporated community, with family in the area back to the 1830s or so. One of his ancestors is buried in the old church cemetery that is now in the Ocean Ridge community. The Department started operations in 1985, and Grissett has worked with the Department since 2001.
The Department used to do turkey shoot fundraisers, Grissett said, but looked for something new as costs increased and other departments started having safety issues with similar events.
So in 2009, they started with their first-ever haunted trail. That first year, they put it on for a month and saw about 400 people, Grissett said, “Back then, it was just silly little props and stuff that we just put together.”
Now it’s a much more sophisticated event and work on the Haunted Trail is not all fun and games. Members of the department build everything in-house, so while they’re working on fundraising for the department, they’re also working on learning and refining construction and other skills.
“We buy all the components, the actuators, the cylinders, the boxes that you can program to run everything,” the Chief said. He said his sister does a good job teaching the programming. Preparations for opening the Trail start in the summer, but there is usually a lot of activity the last two weeks before opening, Grissett said. They’ll also make changes during October when the Trail is operating, if they see something that needs tweaking or need to change out some lights.
Different features on the Trail also provide training opportunities, the Chief explained. They can use the building as a nightclub, for example, and play out different scenarios that firefighters may face. Set as a nightclub, with the distractions of music and lights, means a firefighter can get hurt if not using the correct safety measures if there were an active shooter, he explained. “Then they become victims. We’ve had a whole class laid down in there,” he said. They can also use the staircases for firefighters to practice moving people, he said. “We try to keep it interesting,” he said.
The Trail is about four times as long now as it was in 2009, and sees quite a few more thrill-seekers, with last year’s operation bringing in approximately $90,000 with 5,400 visitors.
About 50-60 volunteers work on any given night, with people working in the attraction itself, in concessions and selling tickets, and monitoring activity on the trail and in the parking
lot. The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office also helps with security. Grissett said he usually gets stuck working the parking lot, where he can kind of keep an eye on things, and that may have something to do with why he says the concession stand is his favorite part of the trail. The department sells all the typical festival-type food, including funnel cake, fried Oreos, nachos and cheese fries.
The Trail takes 25 to 30 minutes to go through, Grissett said. “It just depends on how fast you want to run.”
And run they do. Lining up for the beginning of the Trail gives a great view of the end of the trail, which is sometimes a shipping container with Friday the 13th’s Jason and his chainsaw. It doesn’t matter how long people wait in line and how many times they hear that chainsaw and the screaming that follows. When they get to that last scene, they become the screamers and come running out of the container, to the delight of the next groups waiting in line.
“It gets people excited. They hear the chainsaw and they think about what else could be going on in there. It adds to the curiosity and the excitement, and the nerves,” Grissett said. Some of the volunteers will work at a section of the Trail but not walk through the length of it, just not able to do it.
Grissett’s daughter Madison is in 9th grade at West Brunswick High School, and she works in the room that leans, where people step in and seem to fall down and roll around a lot. But her favorite attraction is the insane asylum. “There’s a lot of screaming in there,” she said.
“We’ve had people run into trees,” Grissett said. “You’d be surprised at how silly they sometimes act. Sometimes we get punched.”
Besides getting new and repeat customers from Brunswick County, Grissett said the Trail
has a bit of a following from other states as well.
“We’ve had people travel a long way,” he said. “We had a guy who came from Ohio so he could propose to his fiancé. We had an area picked out. We were going to have some characters picked out and hold him. She didn’t understand that and she kept going, so we had to go and get her and bring her back.”
Some nights, a portion of proceeds is used to benefit area schools. This year, Union Elementary’s night is Oct. 10, Jesse Mae Monroe Elementary is Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 is for Waccamaw Elementary.
“We have a good time with it. I hope it continues,” Grissett said.
October Fishing Report
Autumn Is The Best Time Of Year To Be Fishing
BY CAPTAIN STEELE PARK
October is one of the very best months to fish our local waters— from the back creeks and inshore rivers to the blue waters of the Gulf Stream. If you’re new to the area, or haven’t yet experienced fishing here in the fall, now is the perfect time. Whether you launch your own boat or book a local charter during this slower season, don’t miss out—October offers some of the finest fishing of the year.
Adding to the excitement, Southport will again host the U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament October 2–4, 2025. This legendary event draws anglers from across the region, all competing for big fish and even bigger prizes. The energy on the water—and around town—makes it one of the most thrilling weekends of the year to fish our coast.
Inshore
This month brings excellent action for speckled trout and red drum. Trout are best targeted in the main feeder creeks along the Cape Fear River and Intracoastal Waterway. Look for current rips and oyster rock structures, as these hold fish consistently. A popping cork rigged with live or artificial shrimp is highly effective, especially when worked with the tide. The docks along the Southport waterfront are also productive, where rocks beneath the pilings create ideal ambush points for feed-
ing trout.
For red drum, focus on creek mouths during moving tides. At high tide, watch for fish tailing in the grass flats—casting a jig with a paddle tail ahead of them is a proven tactic. As the fall mullet run tapers off midmonth, artificials will become the go-to bait for convenience and success.
Nearshore
Along the beaches, expect to find Spanish mackerel and bluefish feeding aggressively on migrating finger mullet. Trolling clarkspoons in 10–15 feet of water is a reliable method. Large schools of menhaden (pogies) are also moving down the coast, drawing in big bull red drum and king mackerel. Slow-trolling pogies near the beach, especially along tide lines, will produce king mackerel strikes. Productive
Captain Steele Park, a US Navy Veteran, has been fishing the oceans, rivers, and lakes of southeastern NC since he was 7 years old and knows these waters like the back of his hand. He calls Southport home and captains the Catherine Anne Sportfishing & Excursions fleet. For more information please call at 910-620-9919
spots include Yaupon Reef and just offshore of local piers.
For bull reds, rig a live pogie on a heavy Carolina rig and fish the bait schools near the bottom. Yaupon Reef and the Hot Hole are prime locations. Be sure to use stout tackle to reduce fight times and increase survival rates for these breeding fish.
Offshore
While many anglers concentrate on kings along the beach, October offers outstanding offshore opportunities as well. Areas such as Lighthouse Rocks, the Old Sea Buoy, Shark Hole, and Horseshoe are holding fish. In the 7–20 mile range, frozen cigar minnows often outperform live bait for king mackerel. Black sea bass are also pushing into shallower ledges and rock piles, with keeper-sized fish common in the 15–20 mile range near Shark Hole and Christina’s Ledge. For those venturing to 80–100 feet, expect steady action with triggerfish and vermilion snapper.
Gulf Stream
October is prime time for wahoo, blackfin tuna, and sailfish. From September through November, Gulf Stream fishing
off our coast is world-class. Troll ballyhoo on islanders or skirted rigs with wire leaders for wahoo—40–60 lb. fish are common, and 100-pounders are landed each season. Blackfin tuna are showing strong; cedar plugs or tuna feathers fished on fluorocarbon leaders are highly effective. Sailfish enthusiasts should focus on the color change where blue-green water shifts to deep blue. Dredges, squid chains, and small ballyhoo on circle hooks will draw strikes—though be ready for inevitable cutoffs from toothy predators.
October is, without question, one of the most exciting months to fish our coast. The variety and quality of opportunities are unmatched, whether you’re targeting trout in the creeks, bull reds nearshore, or wahoo offshore. Don’t miss your chance—get out there and experience it for yourself.
Tight lines, Captain Steele
Community Hooray For Oysters
Don’t Miss The 2025 NC Oyster Festival
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JEFFREY STITES
Some love them and some can’t imagine eating them, but there’s no denying that oysters are a part of Brunswick County culture. The NC Oyster Festival celebrates those slimy, tasty mollusks with a weekend of oyster-related contests, music, food (other than oysters, too) and craft vendors. This year’s festival starts with a Community Night Kick-Off on Friday, Oct. 17 and continues through the weekend.
Community Night Kick-Off
This is free, family-friendly event to kick of the festival. Gates open at 4:30 pm, so head out early and find a spot to enjoy the evenings festivities, including a flag raising ceremony with honor guard, ribbon cutting and unveiling of the official Festival t-shirt and print featuring artwork by Keith White. The evening wraps up with a free concert by The Extraordinaires.
Parking
A FREE shuttle service will be provided from two designated lots near the Festival. The shuttles will run non-stop during festival hours. Please keep in mind that during the hours of 11 am – 2 pm, there is high traffic volume onto the island. Please allow extra time as you may have to a longer wait time to get onto a shuttle. Look for the volunteer parking crew to direct you in designated lots. Please note that parking in non-designated lots may cause your vehicle to be towed.
Lot Locations & Bus Route: Free parking at Lowes Foods (7278 Beach Dr.) and Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Dr. ). The Ocean Isle Pier (1 W 1st St.) offers parking for a fee.
Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA accessible transportation will be located in the Lowes Food Lot. The NC Oyster Festival is navigable for wheelchairs.
Contests
Oyster Shucking, Professional and Amateur Contests
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 pm in the Contest Tent
Free to enter
Show off your shucking skills and your need for speed with the oyster shucking contest. Guidelines for professional shuckers will be followed. Prizes will be awarded to winners!
Oyster Eating Contest
Saturday, Oct. 18 at 1:30 pm in the Contest Tent
Cost: $5 per bucket
Compete with other oyster lovers to speed eat as many oysters as you can and earn the title of “Oyster Eating Champion.” If you love oysters or have been accused of swallowing your food whole, this contest is for you!
Oyster Stew Cook-Off
Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 pm in the Contest Tent
Cost: $5 per ticket
Taste all the contest entries and help pick the Best Stew of The Year!
Musical Entertainment
Saturday, Oct. 18
9 am-12 pm: Blackwater Band
3-6 pm: The Main event Band
Sunday, Oct. 19
2-5 pm: Jim Quick & Coastline Band
Community Grow Your Own Salad
Sign Up
For This New Educational Program
STORY CONTRIBUTED
Gardeners and salad lovers are invited to participate in a handson workshop that teaches how to plant a container filled with cool-season greens designed to last into spring. The Grow Your Own Salad Bowl Workshop will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, with two sessions offered: 10 am to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 pm at 25 Referendum Drive in Bolivia. A rain date is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 17, at the same times.
Each participant will create a container garden with a choice of lettuce varieties, specialty greens, herbs and edible flowers. Included in the $40 fee are a 14-inch bowl, plants, planting medium and a care guide for the season.
The workshop begins with a short overview of container gardening before participants design and plant their own takehome salad bowls. Organizers recommend
bringing gloves, an apron or smock, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a hat and sunscreen.
Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Participants may select either the morning or afternoon session when registering online at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/grow-your-own-saladbowl-tickets-1711967092659.
Proceeds from the event benefit Cooperative Extension’s educational programming, Habitat for Humanity projects, school gardens and the Brunswick County Botanical Education Garden, which is open for self-guided tours.
About North Carolina Extension Master
GardenerSM Volunteers
Master Gardener volunteers support the mission of North Carolina Cooperative Extension by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable gardening practices that grow healthy people, gardens, landscapes, and communities. Their vision is a healthier world through environmental stewardship.
The Extension Master GardenerSM Volunteer Association of Brunswick County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports volunteer education, fosters camaraderie, and provides skilled volunteers for Cooperative Extension projects. Key events include plant sales and public workshops. Proceeds support educational programs and the Brunswick County Botanical Gardens, where visitors are invited to explore on a self-guided tour.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Kelly Vendetti at 303547-6275 or email communications@bcmastergardenerva.org
History Healing The Nation
Brunswick Civil War Roundtable
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
During his Second Inaugural Address on March 4, 1865, with a speech of only 701 words that was considered one of his greatest and most remembered, a re-elected President Abraham Lincoln wanted to unify a broken nation. With the end of the brutal four-year Civil War within sight, many on both sides felt anger and frustration toward their fellow Americans. Lincoln attempted to rise above the divisiveness and start the process of healing. Within that speech, the powerful phrase, “with malice toward none, with charity for all.” summarized the essence of Lincoln’s goal to heal.
Returning by popular demand for the Tuesday, Oct. 7 meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table is retired Navy Capt. Edward W. Gantt. He believes Lincoln offered a hopeful national environment in that speech. However, Gantt turns Lincoln’s memorable phrase into a question because in his mind, it just wasn’t to be. According to him, much of that sentiment died after Lincoln’s assassination six weeks later.
At the beginning of 1865, African Americans had a sense of optimism, and probably justifiably so. They watched their fathers and sons return to areas in the southern states wearing the blue uniforms of Union soldiers. They had heard the stories of Union victories in the eastern theater. Even the 13th Amendment had been passed by Congress, promising that their emancipation would have a sense of permanence under the law. Something changed, however, and it changed dramatically. What happened to quell that sense of optimism, and how did it happen?
How did African Ameri-
cans go from sitting in the U.S. Congress to, in a few short years, having to step off the sidewalk if a white person approached? Gantt will convey some of the writings of the late 19th century and early 20th century to develop some understanding of this period of American history that still affects us today in so many ways. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gantt graduated from Howard University and the National Defense University. He served 30 years in the military, first as a door gunner on a
Huey helicopter in Vietnam with the Army, then joining the Navy after completing his degree, eventually rising to Navy Captain. He served as a Naval Flight Officer in F-14 TOMCAT squadrons, both in the U.S. and aboard aircraft carriers.
After retiring from the military, he became a public high school teacher in Prince George’s County, MD, and Washington, D.C. Passionate about telling underrepresented stories, he joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, an African American Civil War reenactment group, and
also served with the 23rd USCT in Maryland. He is active with The African American in the Civil War Era Round Table, and serves as Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW).
This meeting will be held at Hatch Auditorium on Caswell Beach. Registration begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 7 pm. The visitor fee remains at $10, and may be applied toward the $25 annual membership dues, which can include a spouse. Everyone is invited. Incidentally, about one-third of our audiences are female!
For more information about the meeting or the Round Table, please contact president John Butler at Brunswickcwrt@gmail.com, or call him directly at 404-229-9425. Or, visit Brunswickcivilwarroundtable. com for background and current information, news, and updates, or the group’s Facebook page.
Rosie O’Neal Greenhow
Confederate Spy Visits The Ladies’ Forum
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
Willing to tell all, and say it like it is, Rose O’Neal Greenhow, a prominent Washington socialite, emerged as one of the Confederacy’s most valuable spies during the Civil War. First-person interpreter Emily Lapisardi, appearing in her period dress, will portray Rose at the Monday, Oct. 20 meeting of the Civil War Ladies’ Forum.
As a socialite during the period before the war, she moved in important political circles and cultivated friendships with presidents, generals, senators, and high-ranking military officers. Once the war began, her life was marked by daring espionage, influential social connections, and unwavering dedication to the Southern cause.
Her most celebrated achievement came in July, 1861, when she smuggled coded messages to the Confederacy detailing Union Army movements, and was credited with contributing significantly to the Confederate victory at the First Battle of Bull Run. But there is more, like being jailed in Washington,
D.C. for espionage; being deported back to the Confederacy and resuming spying; traveling on diplomatic missions in Europe; and being a prolific author. Upon returning to this country, she drowned off the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, weighed down by $2,000 worth of gold she had earned, which was sewn into her underthings. Best of all….she was honored with a Confederate military funeral. Rose was no ordinary lady!
Ms. Lapisardi will bring Rose vividly and realistically to life with her interpretive style, almost as if Rose was at the meeting. She has portrayed Rose at a range of venues including the International Spy Museum, Manassas National Battlefield Park, the Lomas Center in Gettysburg, PA, and the Petersburg National Battlefield Park. She is also the editor of “Rose Greenhow’s My Imprisonment: An Annotated Edition,” which debuted as the highest ranking new release in Amazon.com’s U.S. Civil War Women’s History category in the spring of 2021.
the personal dressmaker and confidante to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Ms. Keckley’s life was quite remarkable yet rarely discussed in the annals of Civil War history.
The Civil War Ladies’ Forum (sponsored by the Brunswick Civil War Round Table) will be held in Murrow Hall at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., in Southport, across from the U.S. Post Office. The program will take place from 6 to 8 pm. Refresh-
The evening’s program will also include a special appearance by Musette Steck, a Southport historian and past President and longtime member of the Southport Historical Society; she still participates in two of the programs she helped establish— Living Voices of the Past and Tuesday Talks. Musette will talk about Elizabeth Keckley, an African American enslaved woman who became a renowned seamstress and
ments will be served. There is a modest $5 fee for guests. It is a free event to all women members of the Round Table. Sorry guys, gals only! For more information, or to make a reservation, please contact us at Brunswickcwrt@ gmail.com.
History
A Vast and Fiendish Plot
October Cape Fear Civil War Round Table
STORY AND PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED
OnThursday, Oct. 9, Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table welcomes back Clint Johnson to talk about his book “A Vast and Fiendish Plot.” Clint has spoken to our round table twice before, most recently in 2010 when he talked about Jefferson Davis’ trial and imprisonment after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. All are welcome to the event at St. John’s Episcopal Church in midtown Wilmington, beginning at 6:30 pm.
Clint Johnson is a non-fiction writer and historian living in Ashe County in western North Carolina with his wife and pets. He is a native of Fish Branch, which, according to Clint, is “an unmapped community in the Florida backwoods surrounded by cypress bay heads, orange groves and populated by gators. It looks like Florida used to be before Walt Disney World changed it.” He is a journalism graduate of the University of Florida and has written for scores of newspapers, magazines and trade publications. One of his fa-
vorite projects was helping Clarence “Big House” Gaines of Winston-Salem State University, one of the nation’s best basketball coaches, write his autobiography.
Since 1996 Clint has written more than a dozen non-fiction books including “Tin Cans and Greyhounds,” “A Vast and Fiendish Plot: The Confederate Attack on New York City,” “Pursuit: The Chase, Capture, Persecution and Surprising Release of Jefferson Davis,” “The Politically Incorrect Guide To The South,” “Civil War Blunders,” “Touring The Carolinas’ Civil War Sites,” and “Touring Virginia’s and West Virginia’s Civil War Sites.”
lan. Mounting battlefield casualties, dissatisfaction with policies such as the military draft and the gigantic costs of the war, threatened Union resolve.
The Democrat platform was built firmly on a policy of peace with the south. A negotiated peace could only be reached by abandoning the reunification of the north and south, thus giving the Confederacy victory in their effort to establish an independent country.
Despondent over the huge casualties, Lincoln and many political observers felt that he would lose the election.
cabinet did sign the envelope. According to Navy Secretary Gideon Welles, they were only told that they would be informed of the contents at some future date and would be present when the seal of the envelope was broken.
One hundred miles to the south, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, defiant and combative, nevertheless knew that the Confederacy could not hold out forever. Against this backdrop, he approved and put into motion a series of clandestine initiatives that, it was hoped, would further undermine the resolve of the north and help defeat Lincoln at the polls.
In late summer 1864, the prospects of the Confederate States of America were exceedingly bleak.
Union forces virtually encircled Atlanta, the key city that knit together the Confederate states on both sides of the Appalachians. The Confederate states west of the Mississippi River were cut off by Union control of the great river and, in the east, General U.S. Grant continued to tighten his stranglehold on Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, besieged in Richmond and Petersburg.
The government of the United States, however, still faced one potentially decisive vulnerability: the presidential election of 1864 between Abraham Lincoln’s Republican-led union coalition and the Democrat Party challenge of former General George B. McClel-
In mid-August 1864, Lincoln knew that his chances depended on military success. Atlanta had not yet fallen and a strong Confederate force under Jubal Early was still at large in the Shenandoah Valley threatening Washington. On August 23, Lincoln wrote: “This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so co-operate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he can not possibly save it afterwards.” The cryptic message seems to suggest that, if he lost, Lincoln intended to marshal every effort to achieve military victory between the election in November 1864 and the inauguration of a new president in March 1865.
He put these words in a “Blind Memorandum” and requested that the members of his cabinet sign the envelope containing the memo without reading it. All seven members of the
William C. Davis, one of the leading biographers of Jefferson Davis, wrote: “Tantalizing reports came to Davis regularly that a secret society, the Knights of the Golden Circle, thrived all across the North, its members organized, armed and anxious to revolt against Lincoln.” Some said this secret society numbered almost 500,000 men! Certainly, anti-Lincoln newspapers, the Democrat Party opposition and the anti-war (and pro-slavery) activity of the “Copperheads” were constants throughout the war, even if the idea of a huge secret army were preposterous. Jefferson Davis, accordingly, felt it was worth the effort to establish a Confederate Secret Service, fund it with $5 million and send operatives into Canada and the north to sew discord and disenchantment with the Lincoln government. Interestingly enough, one of the key operatives was a longtime enemy of Jefferson Davis, Jacob Thompson, a political opponent from Mississippi, Davis’ home state.
The stage was set for the “Vast and Fiendish Plot,” a terrorist plot to set fires in New York City and burn the city down. By the time the plot began to
History
unfold, Atlanta had fallen, Sherman was marching through Georgia and Lincoln had already won reelection. Nonetheless, the plot went forward. November 25, 2025 marks the 161st anniversary of what could have been the worst terrorist attack in world history — the complete destruction of New York City. Tens of thousands of the city’s 814,000 residents would have died, either burned to death or drowned trying to escape the fire. While the disaster did not happen, it easily could have. The city had antiquated fire engines. More than 20 targets were planned; enough that just 20 fires would have quickly drained the city’s reservoir. Most remarkably, the Confederates did not target the city’s most vulnerable target — a target that would have started thousands of fires simultaneously.
What happened? Clint Johnson says, “The six Confederate officers who tried to burn down Manhattan on Friday night, November 25, 1864, were terrible terrorists. They were not
terrible in the sense that they were religious fanatics intent on killing 814,000 people. They were terrible in the sense that they were warm-hearted men who wished no one harm. They were terrible in the sense that they had no idea how to burn down the nation’s largest city. They were not terrorists, just lousy spies and saboteurs.”
Come to the meeting of Wilmington’s Cape Fear Civil War Round Table to hear the rest of this fascinating and little-known chapter of Civil War History. The meeting will take place on Thursday evening, Oct. 9, beginning at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held in Elebash Hall at the rear of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1219 Forest Hills Drive in Wilmington. The church parking lot and entrance to the meeting room is easily accessed via Park Avenue off of Independence Boulevard. Bring a friend! For more information about membership in the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table, go to http://www.cfcwrt.org and pick “Join/Rejoin.” See you there!
CALENDAR
Our Calendar is full of information from all of Brunswick County. We publish three magazines — Leland Magazine, Shallotte and South Brunswick Islands Magazine, and Southport Magazine. We love collecting details about all the of the fun events from all across our county and we think that everyone in the county, no matter which magazine they read, should be able to see all of the opportunities our community offers. We hope you’ll find something unexpected in this month’s Calendar and we really encourage you to hop in the car and go to something you’ve never experienced before.
October
OCT 1
Operation Medicine Cabinet - Dosher Memorial Hospital
Drop off expired and unused medication at this drive-through collection event at the hospital’s front entrance, 924 N. Howe St., Southport. Drop off medicines from 9 am to 1 pm.
OCT 2-4
U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
The tournament starts Thursday with check-in; fishing is Friday and Saturday, and the awards ceremony starts at 8 pm on Saturday. Not fishing? You can still check out the tournament — there will be food trucks on site throughout and music Saturday night. Visit https://www. usopenkmt.com/schedule for schedule details. The tournament events take place at Dutchman Creek Park, 4750 Fish Factory Road.
OCT 3
30th Anniversary - Communities In Schools
Celebrate 30 years with CIS! Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert, music and dancing with The Beehive Blonds DJ group, and a fun photo bus experience. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available throughout the evening. The event will also feature a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and an inspiring look at the impact of Communities In Schools programs on local students. This event will help raise funds to continue CIS dropout prevention programming in nine local schools,
serving over 600 Brunswick County students each school year. The celebration is 6-1 pm at the Southport Community Building, 223 East Bay St. Visit https:// secure.lglforms.com/form.../s/UAgcBMcrqya2CKAZnbgeeQ for more information and for tickets.
OCT 3
Leland a Hand in Leland
This community-side day of service brings together individuals and organizations to make a positive impact in the community. Projects will be completed from 8:30 am to noon at various locations; visit https://www.townofleland. com/lendahand to register for a project.
OCT 4-31
Grissettown Haunted Trail
Open every Friday and Saturday in October and Halloween Night from 711 pm. This professional-level scary trail takes about a half hour to complete. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit the Grissettown Fire Department. See our story in this issue for more!
OCT 4
Sunset on Sunset Festival
Enjoy a day of music, art, food and family-friendly fun at this end of season celebration at Sunset Beach Park, 200 Sunset Blvd N. The festival is 10 am to 4 pm and will include children’s activities and shuttle buses for transportation.
OCT 4
Leland a Hand in Leland
This community-side day of service brings together individuals and organi-
zations to make a positive impact in the community. Projects will be completed from 8:30 am to noon at various locations; visit https://www.townofleland. com/lendahand to register for a project.
OCT 4
Captain Charlie’s Fishing Tournament — Southport
Kids have their own fishing tournament in Southport, at the City Pier, 178 E. Bay St. The tournament is 8:30 am to noon.
OCT 7
National Night Out - Leland
Get to know Leland’s law enforcement officers a little better, while enjoying treats from food trucks and browsing among vendors. The event is 5-8 pm at Northwest District Park, 1938 Andrew Jackson Highway (U.S. 74/76).
OCT 7
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Retired Navy Capt. Edward W. Gantt will lead this session on President Abraham Lincoln and his attempt to rise above the divisiveness and start the process of healing. The program is at Hatch Auditorium, at Fort Caswell in Caswell Beach. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the program starts at 7 pm.
OCT 9
Artist Reception — LCAC
View the works of artist Lourdes Rosas Rasdall at this gallery reception, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
OCT
11
Back Door Kitchen Tour--Historic Downtown Wilmington
From 10 am to 4 pm, Residents of Old Wilmington is presenting their annual Back Door Kitchen Tour, which raises money that ROW uses to fund grants for local nonprofit organizations doing much-needed work to improve the quality of life in Wilmington.
During the Back Door Kitchen Tour, homeowners graciously open what’s called the heart of the home--the kitch-
en--as well as the first floor, to share the history, beauty, architecture, and southern charm that Wilmington is known for. This year’s tour will showcase eight stunning homes in the Historic District.
Tickets for the Back Door Kitchen Tour are $40 per person and can be purchased in advance at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2025-back-door-kitchen-tourtickets-1373784429209), where you can also get more information about the tour and view the homes being featured.
OCT 11
Touch a Truck — Shallotte
Kids will be able to see, touch, explore, and even honk on garbage trucks, police cars, military vehicles, fire trucks and more. This free-family friendly event happens at the Riverwalk (158 Wall Street), from 10 am to 1 pm.
OCT 11
Intercultural Festival
— at LCAC
The Brunswick Arts Council hosts this annual festival, committed to celebrating cultural diversity in all its aspects, while honoring the cultural history of Brunswick County itself. This fun, cross cultural education event brings and presents a vast culturally enriching and entertaining experience for people of all ages. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures that live side by side within our county. The festival is packed with numerous performing artists, children’s activities, cultural displays, ethnic food vendors and many more. In addition to displaying Brunswick County’s heritage, this year the International Village has new, exciting countries, displaying cultural information from the African Continent, South America, Asia, and Europe. Many countries and cultures will be represented. We will have the very popular activities for all ages “Passport to Culture” mostly geared to introduce kids about cultures from different countries. The festival is 11 am to 4 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Mag-
CALENDAR
nolia Village Way, Leland.
OCT 14
Haunted Fishing Derby - Oak Island
Find your favorite costume and head out for some spooky fishing at the Oak Island Pier, 705 E. Oak Island Drive. Fishermen need to bring their own poles and bait, and the fishing is from 5:30-7 pm. The program is free, but registration is required.
OCT 15-19
First Annual Brunswick County Agricultural Fair & Expo
Head out to Stump Hill Farms, at 2030 Ash Little River Road, for five days of rides, games, food and all sorts of agricultural fun.
The fair will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 15 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and will remain open from 4-11 pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. On Saturday the fair will be open from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday 11 am to 6 pm. General admission is $7 per person paying with cash, $8 paying with a card, and parking is free.
OCT 18
Port Brunswick Day
Brunswick Town - Fort Anderson State Historic Site
Beginning at 10 am, living historians will be interpreting various colonial trades and aspects of colonial life including candle making, blacksmithing, woodworking and more. Kids will have an opportunity to experience colonial toys and games.This event is free and all ages are welcome.
OCT 18
Band, Brews & BBQ
The North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual event, which includes award-winning BBQ, local craft beers, music and a beautiful view at the Brunswick Riverwalk Park. The event includes a BBQ Cook-Off in which both professionals and amateurs compete – and which attendees get to enjoy. The festival is 11 am to 4 pm at
the Park, 580 River Rd SE, Belville.
OCT 18
Living Voices of the Past — in Southport
The Southport Historical Society hosts this event, 2-4 pm at the Old Smithville Burying Grounds, 401 E. Moore St. The former Southport residents will come to life, thanks to Society volunteers who will portray them and share their stories. A $5 donation is suggested.
OCT 18
Rain Garden Workshop - Oak Island
Members of the Oak Island Beautification Club will lead a program on the benefits of rain gardens; participants will get hands-on experience by helping install a rain garden at the Arboretum Park, at the southeast corner of E. Oak Island Drive and Middleton Avenue. The program is 9-11 am at the park.
OCT 18
Fall Festival and Haunted Trail — Boiling Spring Lakes
This spooky festival is 5-8 at the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road. There is a costume contest, haunted trail, hot dogs and hamburgers for sale, candy, and even a fortune teller!
OCT 18-19
NC Oyster Festival
Saturday, 9 am - 6 pm, Sunday, 10 am - 5 pm at 11 E. 2nd Streety, Ocean Isle Beach. Free parking at Lowes Foods (7278 Beach Dr.) and Odell Williamson Municipal Airport (6080 Beach Dr. ). A free shuttle runs to the festival from both lots. The Ocean Isle Pier (1 W 1st St.) offers parking for a fee. Admission is $5/adult, children under 12 are free. Enjoy vendors, music, and OYSTERS at this annual must-do event.
OCT 20
Brunswick Civil War Round Table - Ladies Forum
Rose O’Neal Greenhow was a prominent Washington socialite who emerged as one of the Confederacy’s most valuable spies during the Civil War.
First-person interpreter Emily Lapisardi, appearing in her period dress, will portray Rose at this meeting of the Civil War Ladies’ Forum. The meeting is at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St., in Southport, across from the U.S. Post Office. The program will take place from 6 to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. There is a $5 fee for guests, but free for all women members of the Round Table.
OCT 21
Leland We Don’t Know
Explore Leland’s past, present, and future during this program. Get to know the area with this talk highlighting history and discussing some of the Town’s exciting plans for the future. The program is 9-10:30 am at LCAC, 1212 Magnolia Village Way, and registration is required.
OCT 24
Belville Riverwalk Trunk or Treat Monster Mash
Enjoy spooky tunes played by DJ Beetlejuice while Trunk or Treating. This family-friendly safe alternative to doorto-door trick or treating has something for every member of the family, including a costume contest, candy, food
trucks and fall treats. The festival is 5-7 pm at Riverwalk Park, 580 River Rd SE, Belville.
OCT 24
Blood Drive — in Southport Dosher Memorial Hospital is hosting a blood Drive at the Jaycee Building, 309 N. Fodale Ave. The blood drive is 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and donors are encouraged to sign up online at www. redcrossblodd.org.
OCT
24
Taste of the Vine
Hors d’Oeuvres paired with tasty wines, silent auction items and wine sales make for a fun evening with the Rotary Club of Shallotte. Tickets are $75; call Vince at 920-352-6562 or email vince.bacchi@gmail.com. The event is 5:30-7:30 pm at the Lockwood Folly Country Club, 19 Clubhouse Drive SW, Supply.
OCT 24
Spook or Treat — Southport
Take the kids to this safe trick-or-treat celebration just for them. Southport hosts this event at 209 N. Atlantic Ave., from 5-6:30 pm.
Head out to the NC Oyster Festival, October 18 and 19 in Ocean Isle Beach’s Town Center Park
OCT 25
Medication Disposal Event — Novant
Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center will hold a drive thru event with contactless drop off at 240 Hospital Drive, Bolivia from 10 am to 2 pm. All medications, syringes, e-cigarette and vaping devices with batteries removed are accepted; anyone can safely dispose of medications throughout the year at any of the medical center’s local permanent drop boxes at any time. A list of locations is available at fda.gov/drugs
OCT 25
Howl-o-Ween Bowser Bash — Southport
The pets take stage today with their costumes, with awards for the best dressed. The bash is 10 am to noon, and the $5 fee will benefit local animals in need. The event is on the Fort Johnston Garrison lawn, 203 E. Bay St.
OCT 25
Spooktacular — Oak Island
Take the whole family to Oak Island’s annual Halloween event at the Middleton Park fields, SE 46th Street and Dolphin Drive. The vendors market starts at 4 pm; live music and children’s activities, including a costume contest, games, and trick-or-treating, start at 6 pm, and the festival wraps up at 8 pm.
OCT 25
Fall Festival — Leland
Children can safely trick-or-treat among decorated booths at Northwest District Park, 1937 Andrew Jackson Hwy, from 4-7 pm. The event also includes games and interactive activities.
OCT 25
Classic Car and Truck Show — Southport
Check out cars and drugs from many decades at this classic car show, 8:30 am to 3 pm in downtown Southport (bottom of Howe Street/Bay Street). There will be music from the Back Porch Rockers and DJ Dave, and there will also be a 50/50. The Cape Fear Cruisers use proceeds from the show to support local charities.
OCT 28
Spooktacular — Shallotte
Celebrate Halloween at this family event, starting at 6 am at Riverwalk Park, 158 Wall St.
OCT 29
Trunk-or-Treat Trail — Sunset Beach
Enjoy spooky fun at Sunset Beach’s Halloween celebration, 5-6:30 pm at Sunset Beach Park, 206 Sunset Blvd. North.
OCT 30
Brunswick County Fall Festival
Enjoy free hot dogs and candy at this family-friendly fall celebration! There will also be games, a costume contest, hay rides, and a haunted trail. The festival is 6-9 pm at the Government Complex in Bolivia.
OCT
31
Trunk-or-Treat — Ocean Isle Beach
Ocean Isle Beach wraps up the Halloween celebrations with its annual
trunk-or-treat, 5-6:30 pm at Town Center Park, 11 E. Second St.
OCT 31
Trunk-or-Treat — Southport Fire Department
Kids can collect treats at this event hosted by the Southport Fire Department, 1011 N. Howe St. The festivities are 6-8 pm.
OCT 31
Trunk-or-Treat
Kids can wear their costumes and collect treats, 5:30-7 pm at the Community Center, 1 Leeds Road. A $2 donation is requested.
NOV 1
Great Pumpkin Blowout
Brunwick Town-Fort Anderson State Historic Site
Beginning at 11 am, dispose of your Halloween pumpkin in a unique and rather explosive way by implementing the same technology used to detonate Civil War era torpedoes! There is a $10 fee per pumpkin and BYOP (bring your own pumpkin). It is free to watch, but YOU get to press the button to detonate if you bring your own! Pumpkins with minimal carving offer the best explosions, but all types are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online in advance beginning Oct. 4 at https:// historicsites.nc.gov/news/events/ great-pumpkin-blowout.
NOV 1
Tree Giveaway — Leland
Trees are available for free on a first come, first-served basis, 9 am to noon at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
NOV 1
Open House at LCAC
Learn more about the programs and classes offered at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, and meet some of the instructors. The open house is 10 am to 1 pm at the Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Use Civil war era technomogy to blow up your pumpkin at Brunswick Town on Nov. 1 beginning at 11 am. It really is every bit as fun as it sounds!
CALENDAR
NOV 1
National Weather Service Station Tour
Tour the National Weather Service’s station in Wilmington, and learn more about the equipment and the people behind our weather forecasting. Tours are 9:30-11 am and 11:30 am to 1 pm; register through the Town of Leland.
NOV 1
Southport Wooden Boat Show
Come see the wooden boats on land and in the water in Historic Downtown Southport along with a variety of craft vendors. 10 am - 4 pm along W. Moore Street and the Old Yacht Basin.
NOV 1
Jack’s Boat Pull
Come cheer your favorite team as they attempt to be the fastest to pull a boat and truclk across the finish line. All proceeeds go to the JAck Helbig Foundation’s drowning prevention programs. Beginning at 12 pm at the Morningstar Marina, 606 W. West Street, Southport
NOV 6
Gallery Reception — Art League of Leland
Artists are exploring the color green for this reception, 6-8 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
NOV 7
Holiday Boutique — St. James
The Artisans Association hosts this market, just in time for some holiday shopping, featuring art, glass, crafts, baskets, fabric arts, jewelry, woodworking and more. The market is 10 am to 4 pm at the Homer E. Wright Event Center (St. James) at 4136 Southport-Supply Rd SE.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Oak Island Live & Local
Middleton Park Fields, Dolphin Drive and SE 46th Street (6:30-8:30 pm)
Oct 4 — the Live and Local fall series kicks off with food and craft vendors starting at 4 pm, and music from The Back Porch Rockers starting at 6 pm.
Oct 11 — The Doorsmen
Oct 18 — Chocolate Chip & Co.
Oct 25 — The Cruise Brothers (also the Spooktacular festival)
Movies on the Lawn - Southport
Garrison Lawn, starting at 7:20 pm/ dusk
203 E. Bay Street
Oct 10 — “Beetlejuice”
Odell WIlliamson Auditorium at Brunswick Community College
150 College Road NE, Bolivia
Oct 11 — Don Jovi (Bon Jovi tribute band)
Oct 24 — Taylor’s Thread (James Taylor tribute band)
Oct 26 — The U.S. Army Field Band
Nov 1 — ABBA-Mania
Nov 15 — Sail On (Beach Boys tribute band)
Visit https://bccowa.com/ for tickets.
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
701 N. Third St., Wilmington
Oct 2 — Anjelah Johnson-Reyes
Oct 9 — The North Carolina Symphony presents All Beethoven
Oct 11 — The Voice of Whitney
Oct 14 — Ami Bruni
Oct 16 — Here Come the Mummies, an eight-piece funk band of 5,000-yeaold Egyptian mummies
Oct 17 — Dusty Slay
Oct 21 — Twilight in Concert
Oct 25-26 — City Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland and the Picture of Dorian Gray
Nov 1 — Dvorak & Colberg from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Nov 8 — Il Divo
Nov 12 — The Life & Music of George Michael
Visit https://wilsoncentertickets.com for more information.
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St., Wilmington
Sept 26 - Oct 5 — The Thalian Association Community Theater presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oct 1 — Mohamed Abozekry
Oct 2-5 — Red: A Bioplay about Artist Mark Rothko
Oct 9 — Horror Circus
Oct 11 — Gunhild Carling
Oct 16-26 — Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, from Big Dawg Productions
Oct 17-19 — The Thalian Association Community Theatre presents “Home”
Oct 20 — Haunted Illusions
Oct 23 — Chanticleer
Oct 28 — Ailey II
Oct 31 — Carmen Carpenter
Nov 2 — Jamie deRoy & Friends
Check https://www.thalianhall.org/ calendar for more information.
Greenfield lake Amphitheater
1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington
Oct 2 — JJ Grey and Mofro
Oct 3 — Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
Oct 5 — The 502s - Easy Street Tour
Oct 10 — Blackberry Smoke
Oct 11 — American Aquarium
Oct 12 — Phantogram
Oct 16 — Big Gigantic
Oct 17 — Gov’t Mule
Oct 18 — Old School Hip Hop Vs R&B Juelz Santana Performing Live
Oct 24 — Paul Cauthen
Nov 6 — The Revivalists
Nov 12 — The Elovaters
Nov 15 — Kicking Cancer County Style Benefit Concert featuring Cody Webb
Visit greenfieldlakeamphitear.com for more information.
Live Oak Bank Pavilion
10 Cowan St., Wilmington
Oct 3 — Gavin Adcock
Oct 12 — Lukas Nelson - The American Romance Tour with Stephen Wilson Jr.
Oct 22 — Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guest Little Feat
Oct 29 — John Legend
OPEN AIR MARKETS
Belville Riverwalk Farmers Market
Cheer on your favorite team at Jack’s Boat Pull, Nov 1 at noon at Southport’s Morningstar Marina
Riverwalk Park, 580 River Road, Belville
Shop for produce, ice cream, and fresh seafood, seasonings and all things related to seafood, with the beautiful backdrop of the Brunswick River. Hours are Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; and Sundays 11 am to 3 pm, except ice cream is available every day.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.!
ONGOING EVENTS
Friends of the Library Southport & Oak Island
The Libraries are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am - 6 pm; and Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm. The Once More used bookstore, at Southport Realty (727 N. Howe St.), with new-to-you books, is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturdays 10 am to noon. Donations accepted Tuesdays and Saturdays 10 am - noon.Visit https://folsoi.org/blog/ for information on summer youth programs.
Barbee Library, 8200 E. Oak Island Drive: Call 910-278-4283 for details on children’s story time and other programs. The Lifelong Learners Group meets at 10 am on Thursdays. Other programs offered at the library include chair yoga, one-on-one tech support on Wednesdays from 1-3 pm, and more.
Harper Library, 109 W. Moore St., Southport: Call 910-457-6237 to register for programs. The Southport Historical Society leads a session with Henry Livingston, who will discuss “The Southport Family Tree” for the Second Tuesday Talk, Oct. 14 at 10 am. One-on-one tech support is offered on Thursdays, 1-3 pm.
NC Maritime Museums - Southport
204 E. Moore St.
Hours are 10 am to 4 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays. Sensory Saturdays (low light and quiet time in the museum) are the first Saturday of the month, 10 am to noon. Visit www.ncmaritimemuseum.com to register for special programs.
Historic Bike Tours in Southport
Tour historic Southport on bike with the Adventure Kayak Company, Inc. Tours can be for parties of four or more. Call 910-454-0607 or visit www.theadventurecompany.net.
Oak Island Recreation Department
Join the Striders Club at various locations and dates/times to get out and about with a group or try your hand at art with the Paintbrush Academy. There are book clubs, kayak tours in the Davis Canal, surf fishing lessons, and much more. Visit https://parksrec.egov. basgov.com/oakislandnc for details on programs.
Franklin Square Art Gallery
The Gallery is open 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday and can be found at 130 E. West St., next to Franklin Square Park. Works in the 2025 Maritime Art Show will be on display Oct. 27 through Nov. 15..
First Friday Gallery Walk — Southport
The First Friday Gallery Walk is 5-7 pm in Southport at participating galleries, such as Lantana’s, The Rickey Evans Gallery, the Franklin Square Art Gallery, Artisans on Howe and the Intracoastal Realty Downtown Southport Office. Stroll along and browse in the shops to see what local artists have to offer.
Bingo at the Elks Lodge — Oak Island
Bingo games are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Lodge, 106 E. Dolphin Drive, Oak Island. Games are open to the public; no one under 16 and no outside food or drinks allowed. Doors open to the public at 5:45 pm
with games starting at 6:30 pm. Snacks and drinks available for purchase (cash or checks only). Progressive Jackpot and winner take all coverall.
Battleship North Carolina — near Leland
Tour the USS NORTH CAROLINA and participate in group programs and special programming throughout the year. Battleship 101 is Oct. 11, when visitors can explore spaces that are normally closed. Visit https://battleshipnc.com/. The battleship site is at 1 Battleship Road NE, Wilmington (west side of the Cape Fear River).
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 St. Philips Rd. SE, Winnabow
There is plenty to do and see, with a museum, historic ruins, great information on the site’s history, and some of the most beautiful riverfront property in the County. Hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
.Museum of Coastal Carolina
21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach
The Museum is open Mondays through Fridays, 10 am to 4 pm (until 7 pm Tuesday and Thursday) and Sundays from noon until 4 pm. Sandbar lectures are every Tuesday at 6 pm. Snakes Alive is on Thursdays at 6 pm. The touch tank is open Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, 11 am to noon..
Ingram Planetarium
7625 High Market St., Sunset Beach
The Planetarium is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm; dome shows start on the hour from 11 am to 3 pm. Laser shows are on Thursdays through Saturdays at 6 pm and 7 pm. Visit https://museumplanetarium. org/ingram-planetarium/ to see the show schedule.
Leland Library
487 Village Road NE
Baby storytime is at 10 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and Pre-K and older storytime is at 11 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
4th Friday Art Market
Shop among 30-plus vendors, eat, dance and enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors at this monthly market next to Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar (1175 Turlington Avenue, in Brunswick Forest). The market is open from 4-8 pm.
Town of Leland/Parks & Recreation
Check out https://www.townofleland. com/parks-recreation-and-cultural-resources for more information on classes and programs, including starting an art journal, pottery, gardening, writing creative nonfiction, acting, dance and more.
Wilmington River Tours
212 S. Water St., Wilmington Tour the beautiful Cape Fear River and learn more about the area’s history and ecology. Sunset cruises include acoustic music Thursdays through Sundays! Tours are offered daily, to the north along historic downtown Wilmington, the USS North Carolina Battleship and Eagles Island on the even hours, and to the south under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and past the shipyard on the odd hours; visit https://wilmingtonwatertours.net/ for schedules and to purchase tickets.
Art League of Leland (ALL) at the Leland Cultural Arts Center
The group welcomes artists of all kinds and meets monthly (except in summer months) 4-6 pm at the Leland Cultural Arts Center, 1212 Magnolia Village Way.
Don’t see your event or location listed? Try as we might, we don’t catch everything, so to be sure to be included send your events to lisa@southportmag.com before the 20th of each month! Thank you!
