Lucky Leprechaun 5K Run

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day Spirit on March 10th, 2012! Wear Green and show your Leprechaun Spirit! The course is flat, fast and beautiful as it parallels the ocean along the east side of the island.

The Winds is offering all race participants a 25% discount on all accommodations for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We are also throwing a Post-Race Party for participants staying at The Winds. Ask for details when you reserve your room. Please go to http://its-go-time.com/lucky-leprechaun-run-march-10 to register for the race.

In Brunswick County there were at least four key forts: Fort Anderson (originally named Fort St. Philips) at Brunswick Town, Fort Johnston in Smithville (now Southport), Fort Caswell at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and Fort Campbell on present-day Long Beach.

In nearby New Hanover County, Fort Fisher guarded the other entrance to the Cape Fear River, keeping Wilmington as the very last Confederate port open until the bitter end, falling on January 15th, 1865, after a tremendous bombardment by Union Naval troops and attack by more than 20,000 Union army troops.

Below are a number of area events associated with the Civil War in our area:

January 11, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Ed Bearrs, considered a “National Treasure” by most noted historians. Topic: “President Lincoln and Gen. George B. McClellan: A Troubled Partnership.” Refreshments
The Brunswick Center @ Southport 1513 N. Howe Street, Southport Behind Wingate by Wyndham Hotel
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: $10.00 per person
$10 admission fee for guests and that fee can be applied toward a $25 annual membership fee

January 21 – 22, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
147th Anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Fort Fisher
10am-4pm Saturday & 11am-4pm Sunday. This two-day event will highlight the war’s largest amphibious assault with a Navy and Marine living history program that includes small arms and artillery demonstrations, a period torpedo exhibit, as well as special presentations focusing on the Union and Confederate sailors and marines who fought at Fort Fisher in January 1865.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd., South Kure Beach, NC
910/458-5538
Admission/Fees: Free

February 7, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Will Greene, Executive Director, Pamplin Park. Topic: “April 2nd Breakout at Petersburg and the Surrender at Appomattox”. Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

March 6, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Marvin Nicholson, former school administrator and Civil War re-enactor. Topic: “The African-American Experience in the Civil War Era.” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

March 8, 2012 – 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Coastal Consumer Showcase
“Highlighting the Best in Local Products and Services.” Area businesses will be on display for area residents and visitors to explore what our business community has to offer.
St. James Community Center 4140-A Southport-Supply Road, St. James
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
910/457-6964

April 3, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: William C. “Jack” Davis, prolific writer on the Civil War and director of Virginia Tech’s Civil War Institute. Topic: “War Confederate Defeat Inevitable?” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., well known local UNCW history professor and BCWRT Lifetime Charter Member. Topic: “Lt. Cmdr. William B. Cushing: Incomparable Federal Naval Office”. He was instrumental in the capture of Fort Fisher. Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

June 5, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Dr. Max R. Williams, BCWRT director and Lifetime Charter Member. Topic: “When Cotton Wasn’t King: Southern Dreams and British Realities.” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free.

August 11, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blue & Gray Navies
Carolina Living History Guild members will set up displays that highlight the history of the USS North Carolina and the CSS North Carolina during the American Civil War. Displays will include steam engineering, ironclad ship construction, navigation, small arms of the US and CS navies, and the “arts of the sailor.” Visitors will be able to view reproductions of period small arms and working models of steam engines, as well as many other items. Guild members will discuss with visitors the vast differences between the 1824 ship-of-the-line and the newly constructed Confederate ironclad gunboat, and how these differences highlighted the change in naval and military technology in the 1860s.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

The Grape & Ale 8521 E. Oak Island Drive Oak Island, NC 28465
Contact: Candace Hobbs
910/933-4384
Admission/Fees: $5.00 per person
Event of The Grape & Ale

January 11, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Ed Bearrs, considered a “National Treasure” by most noted historians. Topic: “President Lincoln and Gen. George B. McClellan: A Troubled Partnership.” Refreshments
The Brunswick Center @ Southport 1513 N. Howe Street, Southport Behind Wingate by Wyndham Hotel
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: $10.00 per person
$10 admission fee for guests and that fee can be applied toward a $25 annual membership fee

January 14, 2012
Hidden Battleship
For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join us for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of un-restored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers’ country and boatswain locker), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office, torpedo area), Engine room #1, the refrigerator compartments, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the snakes!
Battleship North Carolina Highway 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $45 per person. Reservations only.
The tour is limited to ages 12 and older and limited to 40 participants per time slot. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Choose between a morning (8:30 – 12:30) or afternoon (1:30 – 5:30) tour. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, January 12th.

January 21 – 22, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
147th Anniversary of the 2nd Battle of Fort Fisher
10am-4pm Saturday & 11am-4pm Sunday. This two-day event will highlight the war’s largest amphibious assault with a Navy and Marine living history program that includes small arms and artillery demonstrations, a period torpedo exhibit, as well as special presentations focusing on the Union and Confederate sailors and marines who fought at Fort Fisher in January 1865.
Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd., South Kure Beach, NC
910/458-5538
Admission/Fees: Free

February 7, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Will Greene, Executive Director, Pamplin Park. Topic: “April 2nd Breakout at Petersburg and the Surrender at Appomattox”. Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

February 10 – 11, 2012 – 7:30 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Barefoot in the Park. Director: Paul Bertelsen.
Playhouse 211 4320 Southport-Supply Road, Suite 1, St. James, NC 28461
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

February 12, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Barefoot in the Park. Director: Paul Bertelsen.
Playhouse 211 4320 Southport-Supply Road, Suite 1, St. James, NC 28461
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged

February 17 – 18, 2012 – 7:30 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Barefoot in the Park. Director: Paul Bertelsen.
Playhouse 211 4320 Southport-Supply Road, Suite 1, St. James, NC 28461
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

February 18, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Firepower Program
Learn about and explore the Battleship’s 16-inch and 5-inch guns from the gun houses to the ammunition loading compartments; the 40mm and 20mm guns, and the weapons that they replaced (1.10 and 50 caliber guns). The finest guns are of little use without the means to direct their fire accurately at the target. Presenters will discuss the various types of fire control equipment (directors/optical range finders, radar, computers) and how main and secondary battery plotting rooms and the combat information center operated. Participants will enjoy a lively, engaging, in-depth program with presentations, hands-on experience, and serious exploration for adult learners.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $95 per person. Reservations Required
The program is for adults only (ages 16 and up) and limited to 40 participants. It is not appropriate for those who may have difficulty climbing narrow ladders. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Registration and payment are due by Thursday, February 16, 2012. Program includes a box lunch.

February 19, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Barefoot in the Park. Director: Paul Bertelsen.
Playhouse 211 4320 Southport-Supply Road, Suite 1, St. James, NC 28461
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged

February 19, 2012 – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Southern Cape Fear Coast Bridal Showcase
Representatives from catering firms, reception venues, entertainment consultants, florists, photographers, jewelers, and more will be on hand to assist in preparation for your perfect wedding in the Southern Cape Fear Coast. Sponsored by 3 Cheers Party Rentals.
Southport Community Building 223 E. Bay Street Southport, NC
Contact: Southport – Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4841 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964
Admission/Fees: $5. per person. Brides are Free.
Event of Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce and in cooperation with the City of Southport Department of Tourism. Sponsored by 3 Cheers Party Rentals

February 26, 2012 – 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
PEO Annual Antique Appraisal Fair
Experienced appraisers will give opinions on the value of your antiques. Limit 3 hand-carried items including gemstones, textiles & quilts. Limited # of appraisals.
Southport Community Center Bay Street, Southport
Contact: Pat Hopper
910/221-9488
Sponsored by the Southport Chapter of P.E.O. “Funds For Education Projects”

March 6, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Marvin Nicholson, former school administrator and Civil War re-enactor. Topic: “The African-American Experience in the Civil War Era.” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

March 8, 2012 – 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Coastal Consumer Showcase
“Highlighting the Best in Local Products and Services.” Area businesses will be on display for area residents and visitors to explore what our business community has to offer.
St. James Community Center 4140-A Southport-Supply Road, St. James
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
910/457-6964

March 17, 2012 – 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Battleship NC Power Plant Program
Calling all Navy engineering enthusiasts! Join us for an in-depth program on the Battleship’s power plant. Learn in detail about the ship’s eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers, four sets of General Electric turbines and reduction gears, steam and diesel powered service turbo generators, along with electrical distribution, water distillation, and steering mechanisms. Our program features classroom presentations and behind-the-scenes tour of engineering spaces. Discover what it took to propel a 36,000 ton heavily armored battlewagon bristling with massive firepower and 2,300 fighting men across the Pacific.
USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Hwy. 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $50 per person. Registration Required.
The program is for adults only (ages 16 and up) and is limited to 40 participants. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Registration and payment are due by Thursday, March 15, 2012.

March 30, 2012 – 8:00 PM
Sea Notes Choral Society Spring Concert
Hatch Auditorium @ NC Baptist Assembly @ Fort Caswell -100 Caswell Beach Road
Admission/Fees: Free – Donations Accepted

March 31, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Sea Notes Choral Society Spring Concert
Hatch Auditorium, NC Baptist Assembly @ Fort Caswell, 100 Caswell Beach Road
Admission/Fees: Free- Donations Accepted & Appreciated

April 1, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Sea Notes Choral Society Spring Concert
Hatch Auditorium, NC Baptist Assembly @ Fort Caswell, 100 Caswell Beach Road
Admission/Fees: Free- Donations Accepted & Appreciated

April 3, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: William C. “Jack” Davis, prolific writer on the Civil War and director of Virginia Tech’s Civil War Institute. Topic: “War Confederate Defeat Inevitable?” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

April 6 – 8, 2012
Bald Head Island Easter Celebrations
Live entertainment, family picnic, egg hunt, etc.
Bald Head Island
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged

April 6, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Battleship Easter Egg Hunt Carnival
Hippity Hoppity down the Battleship trail for a fun Spring event with continuous games and egg hunts along with a bounce house, petting zoo and pony rides for guests to enjoy. Make sure to bring your camera and take pictures with Buddy the Battleship Bunny. Egg hunts will run throughout the event so that kids are guaranteed a chance to find eggs and will be able to “hunt” as many times as they like. There will be excitement everywhere you turn so come to have fun and enjoy the festivities. We’ve talked with the Easter Bunny and he told us that he has even more surprises this year. Stay tuned as the eggs and festivities hop out of the basket. Battleship admission not included.
Battleship North Carolina Battleship Park Highway 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $5 per person. Children 2 & under Free.

April 11 – 15, 2012
North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington, NC
910/794-4650

April 13 – 14, 2012 – 7:30 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

April 15, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

April 20 – 21, 2012 – 7:30 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

April 21, 2012 – 8:30 AM
Oak Island Lighthouse 5K , 10K & Half Marathon
Picturesque routes through tree lined streets, along the beachfront and past the Oak Island Lighthouse ending at the NC Baptist Assembly in Fort Caswell.
Please check the run website for additional details. www.lighthouse10k.com
Contact: Southport – Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
(910) 457-6964 or 800-457-6964
Early Registration: $20 per person, $10 military/law enforcement on entries postmarked by March 17th. Late Registration: $25 per person, $10 military/law enforcement after March 18th. T-shirt or tank included with the first 500 run/walk entries. Half Marathon information not available yet.

April 22, 2012 – 3:00 PM
Brunswick Little Theater Presents
Nunsense 2: The Second Coming. Director: Thom Clemmons.
Brunswick Community College Odell Williamson Auditorium, Hwy. 17, Supply
Contact: Thom Clemmons
910/368-6261
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

May 1, 2012 – 6:30 PM

Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle, Jr., well known local UNCW history professor and BCWRT Lifetime Charter Member. Topic: “Lt. Cmdr. William B. Cushing: Incomparable Federal Naval Office”. He was instrumental in the capture of Fort Fisher. Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free

May 5, 2012 – 8:30 AM
Southport-Oak Island Area Golf Classic
Shotgun Start. 4-person Captain’s Choice. Numerous door prizes, cash & prizes. The entry fee includes cart, green fee, special gift, breakfast biscuit, coffee, hospitality cart and lunch. R.A. Jeffreys Distributing of Wilmington, proud distributors of Budweiser, Bud Light, Natural Light and Michelob Ultra, will provide beverages. Registration @ 7:30a.m.
Oak Island Golf Club 928 Caswell Beach Road, Caswell Beach, NC
Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce 4433 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964
Proceeds benefit Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce. First Saturday in May.

May 16 – 19, 2012
Battleship Association Annual Crew Reunion
The USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Association is an organization of the Battleship’s crew and their families. The Association hosts an annual reunion in Wilmington with the next one scheduled for May 16 – 19, 2012. The crew and families very much look forward to their annual return to the Battleship to share stories, visit old friends and make new ones. The love they have for their ship makes a powerful bond. Darrell Adams publishes their newsletter, the TARHEEL, several times a year. Mr. Adams also runs the Association “chat line”, which helps everyone stay in touch. The crew has been a tremendous asset to the Battleship through the years. They have given thousands of artifacts, recorded oral histories, donated funds, helped found the Friends of the Battleship, volunteered countless hours, and served on the USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Commission. The Battleship staff is proud to preserve their ship and share their story. The Battleship would love to help crew members and their families reconnect with their Ship. If you are interested in joining the USS NC Battleship Association or finding out about the annual crew reunion, please contact Museum Services Director Kim Sincox.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

May 19, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Alive!
The Battleship has sponsored “Living History” weekends, called “Battleship Alive,” since 1997. “Living History” brings historical events, places and persons “alive” for the public by demonstrating various aspects of the past and allowing interaction with the interpreters. The LHC gives insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor’s ratings (jobs) and demonstrates of some of the activities that occurred aboard the ship. The WAVES/Home Front unit portrays the lives of women in the Navy and of the men and women on the home front during the war. Included with Battleship admission.
Battleship NC Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

May 25 – 28, 2012
Bald Head Island Memorial Day Weekend
Come and enjoy a week end of fun, music and great food on Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island, NC
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fees Charged

May 28, 2012 – 5:45 PM
47th Annual Memorial Day Observance
Remember those who gave their lives in service by honoring veterans at the Battleship’s traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, a military band, Taps, and a memorial wreath cast onto the waters.
Battleship North Carolina Highway 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: Free

May 30 – June 3, 2012
Bald Head Island Annual Fishing Rodeo
Come and watch the boats com in with their catch of the day. Fishing Tournament for wahoo, dolphin and tuna, as well as a catch-and-release billfish category.
Bald Head Island Marina
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
P.O. Box 3069 Bald Head Island, NC 28461
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Call for Fees

June 2, 2012 – 7:30 AM
Bridge to Bridge Triathlon
Triathlon Race, 750 meter swim, 18 mile bike, and a 4 mile run.
Oak Island & Surrounding Area
Contact: Tony Panigutti
150 W. 9th Ave. #1308 Denver, Co 80204
303/882-8304
Admission/Fees: $60.00 + depending on when registered.
Sponsored by & Organized by Without Limits Productions.

June 5, 2012 – 6:30 PM
Brunswick Civil War Round Table
Speaker: Dr. Max R. Williams, BCWRT director and Lifetime Charter Member. Topic: “When Cotton Wasn’t King: Southern Dreams and British Realities.” Refreshments.
Trinity United Methodist Church 209 E.Nash Street, Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Wally Rueckel
910/253-7382
Admission/Fees: Free.

June 9, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Battleship 101
Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: Free with Battleship admission.

June 30, 2012 – 10:00 AM
N.C. 4th of July Festival Beach Day
Youth Activities and Contests from 10am-2pm. Sk8 Competition in the afternoon. Shag Contest organized by the Society of Brunswick Shaggers. Beach Music Band from 7pm-9pm.
Middleton Park Extension (46th Street, SE and Beachfront Cabana Area.
Contact: Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department
910/278-5518
Admission/Fees: Free
Organized and Sponsored by Oak Island Parks & Recreation Department. Beach Concert & Shag Contest Sponsored by N.C. 4th of July Festival.

June 30, 2012 – 8:00 AM
NC 4th of July Festival Freedom Run
5k run, walk & 1 mile fun run/walk. Entry fees are $20 before 6/8 and $25 after for one mile or 5k. $10 per event for Active Military & Law Enforcement.
Waterfront Park, Southport
Contact: NC 4th of July Festival
910/457-5578
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged.

July 2 – 4, 2012
N.C. 4th of July Festival
Arts, crafts, parade, 5K run, food, entertainment, children’s games, naturalization ceremony and more. See “Events & Activities” page for more information and link to the preliminary schedule. Check out the festival’s new website www.nc4thofjuly.com
Downtown Southport.
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
910-457-5578
Admission/Fees: Most events are free.
June 30th -Beach Day & Freedom Run. July 2,4 & 4 events will be in downtown Southport.

July 4, 2012 – 9:05 PM
16th Annual Battleship Blast
Noted as Coastal Living’s 10 Spots to Celebrate the Fourth and recent recipient of Southeast Tourism Society’s award of Top 20 things to due in July, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, U.S. Cellular, and the City of Wilmington present the 2012 16th Annual Battleship Blast Fireworks show sponsored by Food Lion, Star News Media, WECT TV-6 and 102.7 WGNI on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. At 9:05pm the Battleship fireworks spectacular will begin. You don’t want to miss this year as the fireworks display will take on new forms that have never been seen in Wilmington before. Primary viewing for the fireworks will be from downtown Wilmington. The entire Battleship complex on Eagles Island will be closed at 6:00pm and all vehicles will be required to leave by 6:30pm. Therefore, come early and visit the equally impressive Battleship NORTH CAROLINA before the activities in the evening.
USS NORTH CAROLINA Battleship Hwy. 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

July 4, 2012
Bald Head Island 4th of July Celebration
Annual Bald Head Island Cart Parade.
Bald Head Island, NC
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT

July 14, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Battleship 101
Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Free with Battleship admission.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington NC
910/251-5797

July 27 – 28, 2012
Cape Fear Flounder Classic
Flounder Fishing Tournament. Boats only. Cash Prizes.
Southport Marina 606 W. West Street Southport, NC 28461
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964
Admission/Fees: Fees Charged
Event of Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce

August 11, 2012 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Battleship 101
Ship volunteers stationed throughout the ship engage visitors in specific subjects and areas including: gunnery, radar, sickbay, galley, engineering, and daily shipboard life. Free with Battleship admission. Only on August 11th, Civil War re-enactors will be interpreting the Blue & Gray Navies.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

August 11, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Blue & Gray Navies
Carolina Living History Guild members will set up displays that highlight the history of the USS North Carolina and the CSS North Carolina during the American Civil War. Displays will include steam engineering, ironclad ship construction, navigation, small arms of the US and CS navies, and the “arts of the sailor.” Visitors will be able to view reproductions of period small arms and working models of steam engines, as well as many other items. Guild members will discuss with visitors the vast differences between the 1824 ship-of-the-line and the newly constructed Confederate ironclad gunboat, and how these differences highlighted the change in naval and military technology in the 1860s.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Highways 17/74/76/421 Intersections Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

August 31 – September 2, 2012
Labor Day Music Extravaganza Weekend
Come and enjoy a week end of fun, food and entertainment. For ticket information contact the BHI Rental Relations Department.
Bald Head Island, NC
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fees Vary.

September 29, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Alive
The Battleship has sponsored “Living History” weekends, called “Battleship Alive,” since 1997. “Living History” brings historical events, places and persons “alive” for the public by demonstrating various aspects of the past and allowing interaction with the interpreters. The LHC gives insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor’s ratings (jobs) and demonstrates of some of the activities that occurred aboard the ship. The WAVES/Home Front unit portrays the lives of women in the Navy and of the men and women on the home front during the war. Included with Battleship admission.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797

October 1 – 31, 2012
October Wine and Food month on Bald Head Island
Series of events throughout the month, including wine dinners, tastings, Octoberfest and seminars. For more information contact BHI Rental Relations Department.
Bald Head Island
Contact: Bald Head Island Limited Rental Relations
1-800-432-RENT
Admission/Fees: Fees Charged

October 4 – 6, 2012 – 10:00 AM
Annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament
Over $100,000 in prizes. Guaranteed Prize structure. Entertainment, Food, Fishing Tournament. Fee Charged to enter. Spectators Free. Food,Beverages & Entertainment Saturday. Public welcome.
Southport Marina
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, Southport, NC 28461
800-457-6964
www.usopenkmt.com

October 13, 2012
Hidden Battleship
For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join us for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of un-restored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers’ country and boatswain locker), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office, torpedo area), Engine room #1, the refrigerator compartments, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the snakes!
Battleship NC Intersection of Hwys. 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $45.00 Per Person. Pre-Registration Required.
The tour is limited to ages 12 and older and limited to 40 participants per time slot. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Choose between a morning (8:30 – 12:30) or afternoon (1:30 – 5:30) tour. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, October 11th.

October 30, 2012 – 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash
Trick or Treat aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Batty Battleship, brother Buggy and their friends have come back to the Battleship for a spooktacular trick or treating time. A lot of fun and no scares it is the best location for the family to share. But don’t be frightened and don’t you fret we promise we’ll provide a zoo with animals to pet. With candy and sweets there’s plenty of treats you’ll be asking yourself what more should I eat. Come have fun on the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA for the 4th annual Batty Battleship’s Halloween Bash. Carnival festivities with popcorn, tattoos, caricature drawings and bounce house included trick-or-treaters of all ages will be begging not to leave.
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Intersection of Highways 17/74/76/421 Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $5 per person. Children 2 & under Free.

November 3, 2012
Dixon Chapel Oyster Roast
Nothin’ better on a cool day than hot roasted oysters, hot cornbread, pickles and a cold pepsi. Bring yourself on over to Dixon Chapel United Methodist Church at 190 Varnamtown Rd. near Holden Beach from noon to 5pm, Saturday, November 5th. Oyster Roast: Adult $20 Child $8. Fish Plates: Adults $10 Child $5. Also Hotdogs, Softdrinks, Homemade Baked Goods & Crafts. BRING YOUR OWN KNIFE and any special sauces you like. No coolers permitted. For additional information call: 910-842-6425, 910-842-6492, 910-842-9840 & Pastor Bill Negron, 910-547-1879.
Varnamtown
Contact: Carson Varnam
910/842-6425
Admission/Fees: Fee Charged

November 3, 2012 – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Holly Days Arts & Crafts Fair.
Southport Gym Atlantic Ave., Southport
Contact: Barbara Vice
700 W. 9th Street Southport, NC 28461
910/457-4365
Admission/Fees: Free
Sponsored by: Southport Baptist Church Bellamy Group

November 13, 2012
Election Day
Please remember to vote!

December 1, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Battleship Alive!
The Battleship has sponsored “Living History” weekends, called “Battleship Alive,” since 1997. “Living History” brings historical events, places and persons “alive” for the public by demonstrating various aspects of the past and allowing interaction with the interpreters. The LHC gives insight into the daily life and routine of the crew aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA by explaining the duties specific to the sailor’s ratings (jobs) and demonstrates of some of the activities that occurred aboard the ship. The WAVES/Home Front unit portrays the lives of women in the Navy and of the men and women on the home front during the war. Included with Battleship admission.
Battleship North Carolina Highway 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910-251-5797

December 1, 2012 – 2:00 PM
Christmas By The Sea Parade
Oak Island – On Oak Island Drive from Oak Island Town Hall on 46th Street to McGlamery Street. For a parade application call The Chamber.
Contact: Southport-Oak Island Area Chamber of Commerce
4433 Long Beach Road, SE, Southport, NC 28461
910/457-6964

… Read Gentleman Pirate Stede Bonnet’s touching pleas for clemency, before he was hanged … Test your knowledge for pertinent trivia, from our own jeopardy board. Great fun for “children” of all ages … See artifacts from the important colonial port of Brunswick …

Touch the chevrons of an old pine tree “boxed” for naval stores … Our Civil War Blockade exhibits include a 200 lb. pile torpedo retrieved from the historic waters of the Cape Fear River …

Enjoy the extensive collection of delicate ship models, including those built by the late Col. Herbert Franck …

The “River Pilots, Rescues and Aids to Navigation” section offers a variety of nautical instruments, including a 48″ Coast Guard nun buoy … Bounce and rock on the 5′ model of a turn-of-the-century “Joggle Board” …

… The shipwreck “City of Houston” display will bring back memories of great-grandmother’s home of 1878. See our rescued treasures from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, near the Frying Pan Shoals. Newly retrieed additions are a continuing delight …

… Commercial and sport fishermen posing with their “catch of the day” display angrand variety of fresh seafood from the waters of the Lower Cape Fear …

A local net expert has made a 9′ model of a shrimp-boat net for our museum, complete with “doors.” If he’s in the museum while you are visiting, he’ll be glad to show you how to knit a net …

North Carolina shells are here, as well as white and black coral. Shark teeth, a loggerhead turtle skull and an overhead 8′ whale jaw bone await your discovery, all a beautiful addition to our Lower Cape Fear maritime story …

The research librar/classroom provides an abundance of material for study and program presentations …

… Learn about hurricanes and listen to the weather forecast on marine radio; when storms are present in the Atlantic, we will be tracking them on a hurricane chart… The 12 Storyboards will guide you through our maritime history, from the earliest settlers to modern sailors… Visit our gift shop for a variety of small toys, souvenirs, and post cards, and rest on an antique bench used in the old Brunswick County Courthouse. The expansive Research Library can provide hours of study and entertainment… Videos of pelicans, pirates and shipwrecks are on view, anaother pleasant way to learn about the “Lower Cape Fear” …

The lights are 169 feet above the water. The structure is 148 feet tall, but it stands on a slight hill.

There is no spiral staircase as are found in most older lighthouses, but instead there is a series of ships ladders with a total of 131 steps to the lantern gallery level.

The base is set upon 24 concrete-filled steel pilings 10 3/4 inches in diameter and 67 feet deep. The pilings are capped by a 30 foot wide by 3 foot deep octagonal concrete base upon which the tower structure was built.

The main tower is 128 feet tall, built of monolithic reinforced concrete. It was poured continuously into a movable form that was raised by jacks at the rate of one foot per hour.

To accomplish this task a concrete mixing plant was set up on the site to allow for the continuous 24 hour a day operation for days.

The tower has a uniform inside diameter of 16 feet 4 3/4 inches. The wall is 8 inches thick, and the three stripe color pattern is permanently cast into the concrete.

To establish a color for each section the first forty feet is the natural gray of Portland cement. The next fifty feet was poured with white Portland cement and white quartz aggregate for the white color. The top fifty two feet is gray Portland cement with black coloring.

The smaller diameter concrete section at the top was formed with stationary metal forms after the top floor was poured. Windows in the tower were constructed of stainless steel but sashes have been replace with vinyl.

The 11 foot tall aluminum lantern housing was installed by Marine Corps helicopters. Total height of the structure above the foundation slab is 153 feet.

The characteristic flashing pattern for the light is four one-second flashes every 10 seconds.

The lighting apparatus in the Oak Island Lighthouse is made up of 8 aero beacon lighting fixtures, 4 on top and 4 on the bottom.

When first activated in 1958, the lower bank used carbon-arc mercury lamps in 36-inch reflectors. These reflectors with their housings were adapted from aircraft spotlights used in World War II.

When these lamps were in use the Oak Island light was the second brightest in the world. When the upper bank of lights, comprising of 24 inch theatrical lights and 1,000 watt Quartz lamps became the primary beacon and the bottom were decommissioned, it lost that distinction!

Today the brightest light along this part of the Atlantic coast is the Sullivan’s Island Light near Charleston, South Carolina which was erected in 1962.

Free tours are given on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM till 2 PM starting on the Wednesday before Memorial Day until the Wednesday After Labor Day. Tours are to the 2nd level ONLY.

· Weekly seasonal tours are only to the 2nd level of the tower, NOT to the observation balcony at the top!

· Children MUST be 7 years or older to enter the lighthouse due to government safety regulations.

· No more than 15 visitors will be allowed inside the tower at any time.

· Visitors are requested not to wear flip-flops, high heels, open-toed or hard leather heels/soles. Sneakers are the preferred shoes.

· Climbers are required to have both hands free for climbing due to the steepness of our steps. No exceptions will be made!

· Weather permitting (visitors are not allowed in the lighthouse if there is lightning in the area)

· There are no Restroom facilities on site

· All tours are free of charge

She survived every major pacific naval offensive of World War II and earned 15 battle stars. The USS North Carolina Battleship was brought to the Cape Fear River in 1961 by the citizens of NC as a memorial to all the men and women who served in WWII.

The self-guided tour includes an orientation film, crew’s quarters, galley, sick bay, engine room, pilot house, guns, Kingfisher float plan and more. The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is open every day of the year, including all holidays, as the ship is a memorial.

Summer Hours: Open Every Day! (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) are 8 am – 8 pm. EXCEPT Independence Day when the ship closes at 6:00 pm to prepare for fireworks. Winter Hours (After Labor Day weekend through Thursday prior to Memorial Day weekend) 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, EXCEPT Christmas Day when the ship opens at noon. Admission is charged. 910-251-5797,

I recently took an afternoon off and revisited this incredible place – I hadn’t been there in years and forgot what I was missing.

First of all the location alone is amazing – wooden walkways wind amongst ruins of the pre-Revolutionary town which lie side by side with the remains of a Civil War era Confederate fortification originally called Fort St. Philip’s (later renamed Fort Anderson).

All of this is located along a virtually undeveloped area along the Cape Fear River offering some of the most beautiful views of the river seen through ancient live Oak trees dripping with Spanish moss. A great place to spend the day and have a picnic on the grounds.

I don’t know if there is anywhere where more history is packed into such a small area!
The town of Brunswick was settled by merchants coming from Barbados by way of Goose Creek SC in 1726 by Maurice Moore (who’s descendants later built Orton Plantation next to the town).

The port became a bustling shipping area for exporting tar, pitch, and turpentine. These products, derived from the resin of the longleaf pine, were known collectively as naval stores. This “sticky gold” was essential for building and maintaining the great wooden sailing ships of the Royal Navy and the merchant fleet that sailed the oceans between Europe, its American colonies, and the islands of the Caribbean.

In 1748 the town was attacked by Spanish invaders who were eventually driven off by 80 brave men many of which were African slaves.

In 1765 (eight years before the Boston Tea Party!) the residents challenged the Crown’s authority to distribute hated tax stamps halting the collection of the tax along the Cape Fear.

Brunswick was the seat of two Royal Governors until Brunswick’s decline which resulted from several factors, including the growth of Wilmington and the relocation of the royal governor to New Bern in 1770.

Few people remained in Brunswick in the spring of 1776 when British redcoats were put ashore from the Royal Navy ship Cruizer. Some reports indicate that much of the town was burned during this raid. By the end of the Revolutionary War families and merchants had moved to other locations, and the ruins and land became part of Orton Plantation in 1842. After being was razed by British troops in 1776 Brunswick was never rebuilt.

Painting Courtesy of Miller Pope from his book: "Tales of the Silver Coast".

Then, during the Civil War, Ft. Anderson was constructed atop the old village site. Colonial foundations dot the present-day tour trail, which crosses the earthworks of the Confederate fort. This serene riverside setting, colonial and Civil War history, and colorful exhibits will be long remembered by visitors.

In 1861 the Confederate States of America decided to build a large fort at the site as part of the river defense of Wilmington. The Cape Fear was an essential route for supplies moving by rail from Wilmington to Petersburg and Richmond for General Lee’s army.

The Confederate army used manual labor to construct the large sand fortification originally called Fort St. Philip’s. There were two batteries, each with five cannons overlooking the shipping channel and providing protection to blockade runners.

In February 1865, following the fall of Fort Fisher at the mouth of the river, Union forces repositioned to attack Fort Anderson. Federals attacked from the land and river. After three days of fighting, the Confederates evacuated the fort at night. Union gunboats started firing at first light, unaware Federal soldiers were breaching the walls of the fort. The infantry frantically waved sheets and blankets to stop the deadly fire from their own forces. There was a one-day fight north of the site at Town Creek before the Federals occupied Wilmington on George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1865.

The Site Today

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, archaeologists uncovered foundations from Brunswick’s earliest days.

The most visible structure is the hulk of St. Philip’s Anglican Church with its surviving walls dating back to 1754.

Another interesting foundation is Russellborough, an old sea captain’s house that was used by royal governors Tryon and Dobbs.

The visitor center houses several displays that cover the time periods of both the old town and the fort.

In the lobby is a colorful mural created by Claude Howell and Catherine Hendricksen depicting a scene from a Spanish attack on the town in 1748.

Also the original large color painting of the Confederate soldiers shown above by Miller Pope (founder/owner of The Winds Resort Beach Club!). This painting is from his book Tales of the Silver Coast – A Secret History of NC’s Brunswick County.

All of Miller Pope’s books are available at his website http://MillerPope.com

A cannon on display was recovered from the river in 1986 and is believed to be from the Spanish ship Fortuna, which blew up in the river as the townspeople regained control of the port.

The remains of homes, businesses, and other buildings bear witness to the story of Brunswick. Along with artifacts from the Civil War and the imposing mounds of Fort Anderson, this site offers a unique look at two fascinating periods of American history.

“For there are deeds that should not pass away,
And names that must not wither.”
- plaque in St. Philip’s Church

Brunswick Town? 8884 St. Philip’s Rd. SE?, Winnabow, NC 28479? Phone: (910) 371-6613? Email: brunswick@ncdcr.gov
Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Closed Sunday.