Wilmington NC Real Estate

Entertainment & Fireworks from the River to the Sea
Wilmington, NC and North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast celebrates the Fourth of July with patriotic events from the river to the sea. This year, in addition to traditional Independence Day festivities, a “Star-Spangled Weekend” of events July 3-6 will celebrate the rededication of the newly renovated and restored Hannah Block Historic USO Building. One of only a handful of World War II USO structures remaining in the U.S., the building’s renovations include a museum lobby that interprets Wilmington’s WWII Home Front Heritage. Special U.S.O. events include a rededication ceremony whereby Wilmington will be proclaimed as “America’s World War II City.” Other events include an open house, a WWII exhibit, USO-style big band dance, book-signings, tours, and a dazzling “Star-Spangled Girls” revue.

Other patriotic events include Pleasure Island’s Fireworks display on Thursday, July 3^rd. On Friday, July 4^th, Wilmington stages the July 4^th Riverfront Celebration & Battleship Blast. Beginning at 5pm, visitors will enjoy live patriotic music along the Wilmington Riverwalk, followed by a choreographed fireworks display over the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. Other weekend events include dinner/fireworks cruises, outdoor concerts, theatrical productions, a riverfront farmer’s market and art fair, a rugby tournament, and much more. Here’s a sampling of weekend happenings. For a complete Event Calendar, visit http://www.gocapefearcoast.com/ and click on the Events button at the top of the home page.

JULY 3-6:  STAR-SPANGLED WEEKEND. WWII-theme events will celebrate the rededication of the renovated and restored Hannah Block Historic USO Building. Weekend festivities begin on July 3rd with an official rededication ceremony (5pm). On July 4th, a USO big band dance takes place from 6-9pm, followed by the traditional July 4th Battleship Blast (9:05pm). On July 6, an Open House (1pm-5pm) will feature a WWII militaria exhibit, a book signing, and tours of the newly renovated building. At 3pm (July 6), a spectacular “Star Spangled Girls” Revue will showcase the talents of five professional actresses in the roles of WWII women in uniform (admission charge for revue). Presented by the City of Wilmington, Thalian Association, Community Arts Center Accord, and WWII Wilmington Home Front Heritage Coalition. Hannah Block Historic USO Building, 120 S. 2nd Street, Wilmington. For details: 910-793-6393.

JULY 3:   PLEASURE ISLAND FIREWORKS DISPLAY. At dusk, fireworks light the sky over the Carolina Beach Boardwalk. Make a weekend of your visit to Pleasure Island. See the rare Venus Flytrap at Carolina Beach State Park; venture out on a kayak tour; observe marine life at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher; explore Civil War history at Fort Fisher State Historic Site; or take a cruise. For details: 910-458-8434; http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/. 

JULY 4:  JULY 4^th RIVERFRONT CELEBRATION & BATTLESHIP BLAST. A patriotic riverfront celebration features food and live music by the 440th North Carolina Army National Guard Band featuring the Minute Men concert band and the Jazz Patriots (5pm-9pm). At 9:05pm, the 12th Annual BATTLESHIP BLAST, among the largest fireworks display in the Carolinas, will illuminate the night sky over the Battleship and the Cape Fear River. Eagles Island will close to the public at 6:00pm. View the fireworks from Downtown. For details about entertainment and Downtown parking, call 910-341-4602. For details about Battleship Blast fireworks, call 910-251-5797; http://www.battleshipnc.com/.

JULY 4: FOURTH OF JULY CRUISE ABOARD THE HENRIETTA III RIVERBOAT hosts a 4th of July cruise on Friday from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Enjoy a buffet dinner and a great view of the Battleship Blast fireworks over the Cape Fear River. Admission charge. Pre-paid reservations required. Boarding begins at 6:00pm; departs at 6:30pm from the riverfront dock located at Water and Dock streets. 800-676-0162 or 910-343-1611; www.cfrboats.com.

JULY 4: FOURTH OF JULY WINNER PARTY BOAT CRUISE departs Friday evening at 6:30pm from Carolina Beach Marina with a Southern buffet and a grand view of Southport’s fireworks. Admission charge. Pre-paid reservations required. 910-458-5356; www.winnerboats.com.  

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Wilmington, NC: Have you ever wondered where oft-quoted lines like “Let the world slip, we shall ne’er be younger…” and “…neither rhyme nor reason” originated? Look no further than William Shakespeare’s plays “Taming of the Shrew” and “The Comedy of Errors,” both of which are slated for Shakespeare on the Green’s 2008 summer season. During May and June, the Shakespeare on the Green festival will celebrate 16 years of free Shakespearean theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina. To add to the excitement this season, audiences and cast members will experience the festival’s beloved venue in a new way. The recently renovated Greenfield Lake Amphitheater will host live outdoor Shakespearean drama during the month of June

Wilmington’s annual free-to-the-public Shakespeare on the Green festival will present “Taming of the Shrew,” a romantic comedy directed by Ed Wagenseller. Performances are staged each weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) at 8:00 p.m. beginning Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 29 (weather-permitting).  Additional performances on Thursday, June 26^th will benefit Actor Appreciation Night. Performance dates for “Taming of the Shrew” are June 6-9; 13-15; 20-22; and 26-29.

Back by popular demand, the Shakespeare Youth Company will perform “The Comedy of Errors” directed by Cherri McKay.  This outreach program, now in its fourth season, is designed for young actors who want to experience performing the works of the world’s greatest playwright. These young actors are continuing the tradition of North Carolina’s oldest and largest free outdoor Shakespeare Festival. The free Shakespeare Youth Company performances will be staged on Mon., Tues., Wed., and Thursday evenings June 9-12 and 16-19 beginning at 8:00 p.m. at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. 

“We are so excited to share the newly renovated amphitheater with our audiences,” states Cherri McKay, managing producer/artistic director of Shakespeare on the Green. “Audiences will enjoy improved seating, a new concession stand, more public restrooms, and a new covered stage that will enhance their viewing pleasure. Many thanks to the City of Wilmington for recognizing the much-needed improvements.”

Shakespeare on the Green is among Wilmington’s most anticipated summer traditions. Visitors and residents enjoy free productions of the Bard’s works in a family atmosphere at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Located in the heart of Wilmington on the lake’s edge, the stage is surrounded by stately moss-draped cypress trees and well-manicured gardens of Greenfield Park. With 900 seats, the amphitheater is the only one of its kind in Southeastern North Carolina and is among Wilmington’s largest entertainment venues. Concessions are available for sale during performances. All performances are free to the public and donations are always welcome and appreciated.

Arrive early and bring a picnic or enjoy a snack from the concession stand. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is located at 1941 Amphitheater Drive, Wilmington. To get there, follow 3rd Street to Tennessee Avenue to Lakeshore Drive. For festival and performance details, please call 910-762-6393; visit http://www.myspace.com/shakespeareonthegreen ; or contact festival organizers via email at shakespeareonthegreen03@yahoo.com.

For a free Visitors Guide for Wilmington & NC’s Cape Fear Coast, please call 1-866-266-9690, or visit http://www.gocapefearcoast.com/ for a complete Calendar of Events.

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I think this was the first time I have ever came back from a holiday weekend where I felt so satisfied.  I didn’t feel like I wish I could have done more or felt like I did too much and needed another day just to relax.

On Friday night, my daughter and I camped out on our patio.  We made smore’s looked at magazines, and told ghost stories.  It was such a beautiful night.  It was something she will always remember . . . as will I.

On Saturday, we went to a friends house for a birthday party in Hampstead.  It was great seeing poeple, eating and having great conversations with friends. 

On Sunday night, we went to Carolina Beach and saw the Bee Movie. It’s a free movie at the Lake put on by the parks and recreation.  You can bring chairs, blankets, food, and drink.  They also had a vendor selling movie fare.

On Monday, we went on a friends boat and anchored on a tiny island out in intracoastal.  We spent most of the day, eating and sunbathing.  My children had such a wonderful time.  We nestled ourselves in a tide pool that the sun warmed up and played in the sand or just sat and talked. 

I can’t express what a lovely extended weekend we had.  I can’t imagine anything better that we could have done and thank God every day for living here in Wilmington.