By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
THE CELEBRATION:
Oriental, North Carolina—founded on March 4, 1899—is celebrating its 125th birthday on the weekend of March 1-3. Residents and visitors are invited to the three-day merriment, to enjoy the uniqueness of a town known for having more boats than people!
“As the Mayor, I love to welcome people to the Sailing Capital of North Carolina,” says Sally Belangia. “Oriental is known for its commercial fishing, sports fishing, and active retirement community. Even though we have 928 people today, we never get bored. We have a festival or an event happening every month in the town. We are a town full of wonderful people who come from all over the world with great skills and talents. We also have many non-profits, churches, and great local businesses.”
The festivities will begin Friday morning, March 1st, at the Town Hall at 9:00 am with refreshments and a reading of the proclamation by the Mayor. Following Mayor Belangia, many of the town residents will be sharing fascinating stories about Oriental from over five decades from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The stories will include tales about growing up in the area, living on the water, fishing, swimming, sailing, and remembering a time of sawmills, trains, and railroads. There will be historian talks later in the afternoon at the New Village Brewery. In the evening, the original play, “Breakfast at Brantleys,” written by Bill Gould, will be performed at 7:30 pm at The Oriental Theatre, performed by the Dragon’s Den Theatrical Troupe.
On Saturday, March 2nd, the local Farmer’s Market will be at Lou Mac Park, with vendors selling crafts and food. The parade starts at 11:00 am, followed by live music at the waterfront. The day will be filled with entertainment by local musicians, kids’ activities, a sailboat parade on the Neuse River, and more. Saturday night will build up to an evening of dancing in the streets to live music!
On Sunday, March 3rd, Oriental United Methodist Church will have bluegrass gospel music; the Oriental History Museum will have storytelling at 2:00; and the Oriental Theatre will have a second performance at 3:00 of “Breakfast at Brantleys.” The weekend activities will wrap up with a sing-a-long at the First Baptist Church at 6:00 pm.
All times and locations for events are available at thepamliconews.com and towndock.net.
ORIENTAL EVENTS:
Residents from all over the world have settled in Oriental, drawn by the beauty and the many activities on the water, but also because of the festivals, music and art scene.
Throughout the year, this small town finds many reasons to celebrate and have fun, attracting thousands of visitors from North Carolina and beyond.
Oriental’s festivals currently include: The Polar Plunge in January, The Chinese New Year Celebration in February, The Chowder Cookoff and the Dragon Burn in March, The Boat Show, Bow to Stern, and Plein Air in April, The Croaker Fest held over the 4th of July weekend, The Oriental Cup Regatta in September, The Front Porch Music Fest and The Car Show in October, The Spirit of Christmas events in December, The New Year’s Eve Dragon Run, and the local farmers market each Saturday.
Of course, putting on events and festivals takes time, planning and collaboration – so Oriental has many volunteers and local businesses that work together to make it happen.
While in town for an event, visitors are encouraged to visit local establishments to dine, shop, explore and enjoy the scenery on the Neuse River.
“We would love for you to come and visit us,” says Mayor Sally Belangia. “We hope you enjoy the 125th birthday celebration of Oriental as much as we do!”