Elizabeth II, replica of vessels sailing to the New World in 1585, docked at Columbia Waterfront for Scuppernong River Festival, October 10, 1998. Photo: Frances Voliva
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Scuppernong River Festival
Every second Saturday in October, the small
town of Columbia (population: 900) in Tyrrell County comes
alive as thousands of people return to their roots. Located in
the wetlands of northeastern North Carolina, the county has a
history of dependence upon the Scuppernong River for
transportation and food. Fishing and crabbing are important
sources of income to this day, and the river also offers
recreation opportunities such as boating, kayaking, skiing,
and swimming. To celebrate this important resource, to invite
tourism to the county, and to welcome back family members
living in other parts of the country, a festival was begun in
1992. Featured activities are canoe races, fishing contests, a
parade, clowns, musical entertainment, a 5K run, wall
climbing, children's games, pony rides, and tours of the
Elizabeth II. Food booths offer regional seafood
delicacies in addition to the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, and
pork barbecue. Some festivals offer products developed
especially to induce pride in the local heritage, including a
book of county history and folklore titled
Bridging
Generations, a videotaped documentary on the farming,
fishing, and forestry industries of the county, and a cookbook
of heirloom recipes.
Originally submitted by: Walter B. Jones, Representative (3rd District).
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