Staff report
Elizabethtown, North Carolina – Elizabethtown is set to kick off the holiday shopping season with a special Open House event this Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. Local shops are rolling out the red carpet for visitors, offering a unique blend of seasonal cheer, exclusive deals, and plenty of holiday spirit. For added convenience, complimentary golf carts will be shuttling shoppers between stores, making it easy to explore all that downtown Elizabethtown has to offer.
This year’s Holiday Open House brings together a diverse group of beloved local businesses, each ready to welcome shoppers with open doors and holiday specials. According to local entrepreneur, Kelly Barefoot, participating stores include:
• Presley Grace Boutique
• People’s Emporium Inc
• Amy’s
• Yia Yia’s Gifts & More
• Barefoot Boujee Boutique
• Ray’s, Inc. Furniture and Jewelry
• Sassy Chick Boutique
• Sweeter Than Hunny
• Barefoot Brew
• The Parlor
• Smellie Bloomers
• Whimsical Florist and Gifts
• Fisher’s Apparel – the anchor store of the event
From unique gifts to seasonal décor, shoppers will find everything they need to prepare for the holidays. Many shops will also offer free food and drinks, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Adding to the celebration, Townsend Link will perform live music, bringing tunes to inspire the holiday spirit.
For those looking to extend their shopping journey, a quick trip south to Clarkton is worth the visit. Traxx Chic Vintiques will be hosting its own holiday festivities, featuring Santa Claus and a cooking demonstration by Big Moe’s BBQ Sauce, where Boston butts will be sizzling.
This Holiday Open House promises a memorable afternoon for Elizabethtown and Clarkton, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment in a way only a small town can. Bring the family, enjoy live music, taste delicious treats, and get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local businesses.
A staff report
The 17th annual Beast Fest in Bladenboro brought thousands together this past Friday and Saturday, offering a weekend full of live entertainment, family activities, and local showcases. With a robust lineup of performers and a host of local sponsors, the event once again proved to be a highlight for Bladenboro residents and visitors alike.
Packed Entertainment Lineup
Throughout Saturday, attendees enjoyed a full schedule of performances and activities. The day kicked off with an opening ceremony honoring United States Military Veterans, following various performances, including dance routines by Nora Blake Chadwick and Summer Hinson’s Dance Company, music by the 82nd Airborne All-American Country Band, and demonstrations from Carolina Karate.
Children and families enjoyed unique activities, including a Hula Hoop Contest and a Halloween Costume Contest, adding an interactive, family-friendly aspect to the day. Local talent, including cheerleaders from West Bladen High School, musicians like Rodney Lowe and Kennedy Johnson, and dance groups, filled the day with a diverse array of performances. The night concluded with upbeat entertainment by Ricky D from S Party Entertainment, ensuring that the energy remained high until the end.
Friday and Saturday Night Headliners
Friday night featured a special performance by The Pink Slips Band, presented by Walane Gas Company and Eddie White, State Farm Agent. The group brought energy and classic tunes to kick off the weekend festivities. Saturday night was highlighted by The Tonez, sponsored by Sykes Paving. Known for their lively stage presence and eclectic musical style, The Tonez delivered an unforgettable experience that had attendees dancing and celebrating late into the night.
Main Event Sponsors and Community Support
The Beast Fest was made possible by the generous support of its main event sponsors, including Sykes Paving, Walane Gas Company, Four County Electric Membership Corporation, New Light Church, and State Farm agent Eddie White. Key local entities like Duke Energy, Cape Fear Valley Health, Smith & Sons Heating & Cooling, and Smithfield Grain also contributed to make this event a reality. Their support underscored a commitment to community spirit and local development, essential values of the Beast Fest.
Platinum, Silver, and Bronze Sponsors
A diverse array of local businesses supported the festival as platinum, silver, and bronze sponsors. Platinum sponsors included businesses like Peanut Processors, Bird Song Peanut, and Hester Tire, along with local service providers like Bladen Animal Hospital and Down East Pest Control. Silver sponsors, including Black’s Tire, Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery, and Thompson’s Small Engine Repairs, further highlighted the commitment of local enterprises to the community. Bronze sponsors such as Bladen Community College, Sweet Tea Boutique, and Chandler’s Back Street Barber & Beauty Shop also played a vital role in bringing the Beast Fest to life.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Sponsors and the Community
The success of the 17th annual Beast Fest was a testament to the dedicated sponsors, volunteers, performers, and attendees who made the event possible. With the support of local businesses and the enthusiastic participation of the Bladenboro community, this year’s festival delivered a weekend filled with joy, unity, and lasting memories. As the Beast Fest continues to grow, the tradition promises to remain a cherished celebration of community spirit for years to come.
Visit www.boosttheboro.org for more Best Fest details and other Bladenboro event details.