“I know you didn’t put my child on top of a firetruck.”
Our son was about 2 years old in December 2009, and my husband had taken him to Southport’s Christmas parade. Back then, it was called the “firetruck parade” because that’s really what it was: a line of firetrucks with kids loaded onto the tops, riding through downtown so children could see the Christmas lights. Marc and Levi thought it was great fun, but I saw it as an accident waiting to happen.
Since then, our son has ridden atop the firetruck several times. I think it’s a rite of passage for little Southport children and maybe grownups, too. Our son was 5 years old when I first rode on the firetruck. While I was terrified to be that far off the ground — fire trucks are tall, y’all — the experience was magical. Seeing the lights twinkling in the trees and reflecting off the Cape Fear River while waving to your friends and neighbors as the trucks cruise slowly through the business district — it’s small-town life at its best.
It almost sounds like a scene in one of those Hallmark Christmas movies, except it’s real life. I tell my friends from other areas of the state about it, and they are always in awe. I don’t think there’s anything else like it anywhere in the world. It’s our special thing.
One thing I have learned over the years is that I am a small-town-girl at heart. I think that’s why I get sucked into Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas each year. Though Southport is actually a city (no, really, it is), it captures that small-town spirit better than any place I have ever been.
Here are just a few of the other things I love about living in Southport.
Southport folks know how to party.
When it comes to celebrating an occasion — and I mean any occasion — you can’t beat Southport. Since there’s not a whole lot going on (most of the time, anyway), you need reasons to gather and make a fuss. Major holidays are great excuses to throw parties, only we call them “festivals.” Some great examples are the N.C. 4th of July Festival and Winterfest, which celebrates the holiday season. During these part- uhh…I mean festivals…there will be plenty of food, crafts, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.
Southport parades are the best.
Going back to those Hallmark Christmas movies, I’ve noticed they almost always have a parade in some small town. The protagonists (who are falling madly in love, of course) attend the small-town parade where they run into the local shopkeeper, their neighbor, and the friendly bank teller. They all watch floats packed with folks they know cruising through the streets of town, and as gentle snowflakes start to fall from the sky, everyone realizes the true meaning of Christmas.
Southport parades are a lot like that — minus the snow and maybe the matchmaking (unless you’re a single young adult, in which case, someone will probably try to set you up, so be prepared). I’ve already talked about my favorite parade, but the N.C. 4th of July Festival Parade and the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade are a lot of fun, too. There are even flotillas (those are boat parades, y’all) to mark the holidays.
Southport folks have their own language.
If you’ve ever been to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you may have heard a “high-tider” speak. Some Southport old-timers have that same brogue. My husband’s father, who was born in Southport, would often ask you to turn the lights “owt” when you went to bed or to see “abowt” something when you went somewhere.
Southport folks may tell you they are going “out the road” for something. If they ask you to go with them, you may want to ask specifically where it is they are going. Over the years, I’ve found that “out the road” could be anywhere from the Walmart in town to somewhere in Columbus County. So, plan accordingly.
Finally, if you ask someone in Southport for directions, many old timers will give you directions based on what was there 20, 30, or 40 years ago. I cannot count the times I have received directions based on where “Harrelson’s Grocery used to be,” or where the old pogey factory was. Eventually, you learn these things, but until you do, just ask for clarification.
Southport is where good memories are made.
Now that you know some of the things that make my adopted hometown so special, it’s time to visit and start making your own list. Over the next month, there will be several opportunities for fun thanks to Southport’s Winterfest. Come and check out some of the great events. If I’m not on top of a firetruck, I’m either "out the road" or at my favorite parade-watching spot: you know, where the old BB&T building used to be.
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor for the StarNews. You can reach her at rspencer@gannett.com.
