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Every Season is Eventful When Traveling to Elizabeth City, N.C.

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(Elizabeth City, NC, 2008) –Whether it’s the excitement of a summer sailboat regatta or the laid-back charm of a holiday parade, Elizabeth City has an event for all seasons. To make the most of a visit to northeastern North Carolina this year, plan your trip around any of these 2008 festivals and special events:

W I N T E R

Jan. 16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
Elizabeth City State University (www.ecsu.edu) is the site of the Martin Luther King Jr. March at 9:30 a.m. and a featured Planetarium presentation (www.ecsuplanetarium.org), from 4-6 p.m. Admission for both events is free, however reservations for the planetarium feature are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.

Feb. 2
Valentine Faire
Create an old-fashioned valentine for your sweetheart when The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) hosts a Valentine Faire from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Historic valentines from the museum’s collection will be displayed. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

Feb. 5
Spencer’s “Theatre of Illusion”
More than magic, “Theatre of Illusion” combines theatrical flair with cutting-edge illusions, special effects, music and stage magic. Nationally known magicians Kevin and Cindy Spender put on a spellbinding show! Reserved seating: $14, $17, $20; show starts at 7:30 p.m. Call College of The Albemarle (www.albemarle.cc.nc.us) at 1-800-335-9050.

Feb. 7
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Program
Dave Alberg, superintendent of the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary, discusses the Marine Sanctuary program’s history and involvement along the Outer Banks and the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” The lecture takes place at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

Feb. 9
The Museum of the Albemarle’s Living History Day
From 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) hosts a special day featuring costumed interpreters, demonstrations and home-front reenactments from the Civil War era. Author Alex Christopher Meekins will present a lecture and book signing related to his new book, Elizabeth City North Carolina and the Civil War: A History of Battle and Occupation. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

Feb. 13 – 14
Valentines Day Planetarium Presentation
St. Valentine takes center stage for this featured presentation at the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org), from 4-6 p.m. Admission is free, however reservations are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.

Feb. 27
African American History Month in Elizabeth City
To commemorate African American history month, Elizabeth City will present two special programs, including a theatrical presentation of the landmark “Brown vs. Board of Education” U.S. Supreme Court decision that declared separate educational facilities were inherently unequal.

Martin Luther King Planetarium Presentation
Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, 4 – 6 p.m.
Admission is free (reservations required). Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.
“Brown vs. Board of Education”
College of The Albemarle Community Auditorium, 9:30 a.m.
Admission: $5. Call 1-800-335-9050.

March 6
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Underwater Archaeology in Northeastern North Carolina
Richard Lawrence, deputy state archaeologist for the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology, will speak about underwater archaeology in northeastern North Carolina. The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) hosts at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

March 6 – 31
11th Annual Middle Eastern Show
A variety of Middle Eastern, Oriental and Persian rugs will be displayed and for sale at Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com). Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays (open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays) and 1 – 5 p.m. Sundays during this special show. Admission is free. Call (252) 338-6455.

March 7
US Air Force Heritage Air Celtic Ensemble
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Air Celtic Ensemble will take the stage when College of The Albemarle Community Auditorium (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) presents this special free performance at 6 p.m. Call 1-800-335-9050.

March 19
National Women’s History Month Planetarium Presentation
Learn about American women leaders during this feature presentation at the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org), from 4 – 6 p.m. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.

SPRING

April 3
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series: Alexander Hamilton
LTJG Bull Coty, Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, discusses Statesman Alexander Hamilton and the history of the U.S. Cutter Service, lifesaving and lighthouse services and today’s U.S. Coast Guard. The 7 p.m. lecture is at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com). Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

April 26
15th Annual Tarwheel Century Bicycle Race
More than 250 cyclists will convene in Elizabeth City for this 100-mile bicycle ride through the scenic countryside of Pasquotank and neighboring counties. For race information call the Cycle Gallery at (252) 338-1559 or download a race from at www.rivercitycyclingclub.com

May 1
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Currituck County Architecture
Currituck County architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries is the subject of a museum talk by Architectural Historian Meg Greene Malvasi at 7 p.m. at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com). Admission is free. Call (252) 335-1453.

May 4 – 28
Pasquotank Arts Council Annual Photography Competition
Images of the region’s photographers are the focus of Arts of the Albemarle’s (www.artsofthealbemarle.com) juried photography competition and show. Photographers may submit two entries for a $10 fee. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays (open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is free. Call (252) 338-6455.

May 17
The North Carolina Potato Festival Weekend
Did you know that the areas surrounding the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are among the major potato-producing counties in North Carolina? That’s a great reason for a party! The North Carolina Potato Festival is fun for the whole family, featuring a street dance, potato-peeling contest, live entertainment, concessions and the famous Little Miss Tater Tot Pageant. For information call Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. (www.ncpotatofestival.com) at (252) 338-4104.

Spring Sprint 5K Fun Run
Waterfront Park, 8 a.m. packet pickup
Race entry fee: $20 on or before May 14; $25 after May 14
Call for race information at (252) 267-4573
Blessing of the Fleet
Waterfront Park, 10 a.m.
Albemarle Potato Festival
Downtown Elizabeth City, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is free.

May 31 – June 1
Elizabeth City 300 National Truck and Tractor Pull
Imagine pulling a 6,200-pound tractor or a 7,000-pound stock car! Contestants do just that – and more – at this annual truck and tractor pull that draws hundreds of spectators to Morgan’s Corner. For information, visit www.mcttp.com

June 3
Albemarle Historical Roundtable Speaker’s Series:
Jefferson Davis Bicentennial Celebration
Elizabeth City State University Professor and author Donald Collins will talk about Jefferson Davis, on the 200th anniversary of his birth. A 6 p.m. reception will precede the 7 p.m. lecture at The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com). Admission is free. Call (252) 335.1453.

June 6 – 8
3rd Annual Carolina Cup Powerboat Regatta
Powerboats racers take to the water for this rip-roaring race on the Elizabeth River. Races will be held from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., along with entertainment, food and fun. Admission for spectators is free. For info, call the Elizabeth City Area CVB at 1-888-936-7387.

June 13
The Independent: Freedom of the Press Symposium
The Museum of the Albemarle will present a symposium and exhibit to commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Independent, a former Elizabeth City newspaper, and its legendary editor, W. O. Saunders. In addition to biting editorials and outspoken views, Saunders was famous for helping lay the groundwork for many North Carolina landmarks, including the Wright Brothers Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and The Lost Colony outdoor drama. Contact The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) for information at (252) 335-1453.

SUMMER

June 21
7th Annual Juneteenth Celebration
Elizabeth City joins communities throughout the nation by presenting this event that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. Enjoy cultural activities, entertainment and ethnic foods at Waterfront Park. The River City Community Development Corporation is the sponsor. To find out more about call (252) 331-2925 or visit (www.rivercitycdc.org)

June 28 – 29
Harbor Arts Festival
The Elizabeth City Waterfront is the backdrop for this annual celebration of fine arts and crafts. A Saturday night street party will feature specialties from more than 20 area restaurants and the music of The Rhondels. The Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com) is the sponsor. For information call (252) 338-6455.

Taste of Elizabeth City Street Party, June 28
Downtown Elizabeth City and Museum of the Albemarle green, 6 – 11 p.m.
Admission: $25 per person (food, drinks, entertainment)
Harbor Arts Festival, June 28 – 29
Downtown Elizabeth City and Museum of the Albemarle green
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission is free.

July 4
Harbor Nights Goes “Fourth”
Elizabeth City sparkles with music, children’s activities and a gigantic July Fourth fireworks display. From 6 – 9 p.m. Admission is free. Call the Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitor Bureau (www.DiscoverElizabethCity.com) at 1-888-936-7387.

Aug. 24 – 25
8th Annual River City Bull Bash
Saddle up cowboy! This annual rodeo at Morgan’s Corner starts at 6 p.m. Admission: $15 adults, $10 children. Call Carey McNeill at (252) 339.2246.

Sept. 7– Oct. 3
22nd Annual Pasquotank Arts Council Art Competition
Arts of the Albemarle (www.artsofthealbemarle.com) presents this juried art competition and exhibition each year to showcase the region’s many fine arts and crafts artists. Artists may submit two entries for a $20 fee. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays (open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays). Admission is free. Call (252) 338-6455.

FALL

Sept. 20
“A Day on the River, featuring the 19th Annual Moth Boat Regatta”
In addition to celebrating the classic Moth Boat, created in Elizabeth City in 1929, the Moth Boat Regatta brings together other classes of small boats such as Sunfish, Hamptons, Buccaneers, Flying Scotts, Cats and Sharks – all visible from the Elizabeth City downtown waterfront. Races begin at 11 a.m. “A Day on the River” continues throughout the afternoon with family and children’s activities on the green in front of the museum. The Museum of the Albemarle (www.museumofthealbemarle.com) sponsors; call (252) 335-1453.

October
Albemarle Autumn Fest Weekend, Oct. 24-25
The early fall is a great time to explore Elizabeth City, thanks in part to these two highly-anticipated events:

Elizabeth City Historic Ghost Walk, Oct. 24 – 25
Ghosts of the Albemarle area’s real-life characters haunt a host of historic homes when the Elizabeth City Historic Neighborhood Association (www.historicghostwalk.org) presents this combination history lesson, historic homes tour and lively theatre. 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Admission: $12. Call 1-888-936-7387.
Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair, Oct. 24 – 26
Bringing together craftsmen from throughout the Albemarle region, this fair features authentic reproductions of early crafts for sale. Takes place at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $3.50, $2.50 seniors and students under 18. Call (252) 335-4680 or visit www.albemarlecraftsmanfair.com

October
Halloween Planetarium Presentation
See how the nighttime sky appears in October, or enjoy Halloween-themed laser light and star shows. Call the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org) for dates and a schedule. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call for a schedule at (252) 335-3759.

November
Thanksgiving Planetarium Presentation
This special Thanksgiving-themed show is fun for all ages. Call the Elizabeth City State University Planetarium (www.ecsuplanetarium.org) for dates and a schedule. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Call (252) 335-3759.

November, December
Holidays on the Pasquotank
Celebrate an old-fashioned holiday in Elizabeth City. From shopping in the city’s many boutiques, specialty shops, galleries and shopping destinations to a downtown holiday parade, there’s something for everyone.

Arrival of Santa, Nov. 17
Southgate Mall, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Admission is free. Call (252) 338-2848.
Holiday Celebration, Nov. 28
Downtown Elizabeth City, 6 p.m.
Admission is free. Call (252) 338-4104.
Holidays on the Pasquotank Christmas Parade, Dec. 6
Downtown Elizabeth City, 10 a.m.
Admission is free for spectators and $20 for participants.
Sponsored by the Jaycees. Call (252) 331-0330.

Photo Credit: Main image in header, photo appears courtesy of ECSU/University Relations & Marketing.