Spread the love

Elizabethtown, a charming North Carolina town steeped in history, is all set to mark its 250th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration this Saturday, November 11, from 9 AM to 8 PM at the Cape Fear Farmers Market. This eagerly anticipated event, initially delayed due to a tropical storm, promises to be a memorable and diverse celebration of Elizabethtown’s past and future.

One of the notable additions to the schedule is a Veterans’ Day Ceremony, integrated into the opening ceremony, accompanied by the stirring melodies of the East Bladen Marching Band. The Melvins’ All You Can Eat Hamburger Contest, a delectable addition, is sure to excite taste buds in the afternoon.

The 250th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration will feature a rich tapestry of musical performances spanning the last century. The Decatur Street Beat, known for its vibrant Dixieland music, will kick off the musical festivities from 11 AM to 2 PM. Bladen County’s own Brent Underwood will take the stage at 3:30 PM, followed by the popular beach music and classic rock band Rivermist, who will keep the rhythm alive from 5 PM to 8 PM.

The celebration thrives on crowd participation, offering an array of old-fashioned contests, including corn shucking, hollering, whistling, and a mouthwatering boiled peanut eating contest sponsored by Peanut Patch and the Elizabethtown Rotary.

For those interested in the agricultural history of the area, the Bladen County office of NC Extension will provide an informative perspective on farming and the region’s agricultural legacy. Local industries will also be showcased through engaging displays and booths throughout the event.

Immerse yourself in Elizabethtown’s rich history with guided tours. The “Walking Tour of Downtown Elizabethtown” is a journey through the heart of the town, offering insights into its heritage. Tours are scheduled every half hour and can be arranged at the Farmers Market. Additionally, the “Tour of Churches” will take participants to various churches within the town, shedding light on the history of each building and congregation. Tickets for the church tour can be obtained at the Farmers Market.

For more details about this exciting event, reach out to Elizabethtown’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Terri Dennison, at 910-862-4368 or tdennison@elizabethtownnc.org.

Event Schedule:

– 9 AM: Vendors Open
– 10 AM: Veterans’ Day Service & Opening Ceremony with East Bladen Marching Band (Stage)
– 10 AM: Walking Tour of Downtown Elizabethtown – Sign up for a timeslot at the booth.
– 10 AM – 2 PM: Tour of Churches – Pick up tickets and maps at the Farmers Market.
– 11 AM – 2 PM: Decatur Street Beat Band (Stage Area)
– 12 PM: Corn Shucking Contest (Contest Area)
– 1 PM: Whistling Contest (Front of Stage)
– 2 PM: Boiled Peanut Eating Contest (Contest Area) – Sponsored by Peanut Patch and the Elizabethtown Rotary Club
– 2:30 PM: Melvins’ All You Can Eat Hamburger Contest (Battle of the Local High Schools competition and Individual Competition)
– 3 PM: Hollering Contest – Kids & Adult divisions (Front of Stage)
– 3:30 PM: Brent Underwood Band (Stage)
– 5 PM – 8 PM: Rivermist (Stage)