A Staff Report
Elizabethtown, NC – On Saturday, November 11, 2023, despite the gloomy weather, the town of Elizabethtown celebrated its 250th anniversary with a homecoming celebration that warmed the hearts of residents and visitors alike. The festivities, held at the Cape Fear Farmers Market, marked a significant milestone in the town’s history and provided a poignant tribute to Veterans on Veterans Day.
The day began at 10 AM with an opening ceremony that brought the community together. The East Bladen High School Marching Band took center stage, paying a moving tribute to Veterans with their musical performance. Their heartfelt performance resonated with the crowd, underscoring the town’s deep appreciation for its military heroes.
East Bladen High School proudly shared their involvement in the celebration on social media, highlighting their band’s role in the event. Additionally, some of the school’s student-athletes embraced the hometown spirit by participating in the 1st Annual Melvin’s Hamburger Eating Contest, bringing laughter and enthusiasm to the day’s events.
The celebration continued with a full roster of activities throughout the day:
- Walking Tour of Downtown (10 AM – 2 PM): Visitors had the opportunity to explore the town’s historic downtown area, soaking in the rich history and charming architecture.
- Decatur Street Beat Band (11 AM – 2 PM): Music filled the air as the Decatur Street Beat Band entertained the crowd with their lively tunes.
- Corn Shucking Contest (12 PM): A touch of nostalgia swept through the event as participants engaged in a friendly competition, demonstrating their corn shucking skills.
- Whistling Contest (1 PM): The sweet melodies of whistling contestants added a unique and entertaining element to the celebration.
- Boiled Peanut Eating Contest (2 PM): Food enthusiasts embraced the challenge of consuming boiled peanuts in a race against time.
- Hamburger Eating Contest (2:30 PM): The burger-eating contest continued the culinary fun, showcasing contestants’ appetites and determination with Melvin’s Hamburgers sponsoring the event.
- Hollering Contest (3 PM): As the day drew to a close, the hollering contest injected humor and spirited competition into the event.
The day’s celebrations were brought to a vibrant close with performances by The Brent Underwood Band and Rivermist. Attendees had the opportunity to enjoy the sounds of the local music scene while experiencing a true taste of Elizabethtown’s culture. The crowd was treated to a sneak peek of Underwood’s new song, “County Line,” featuring Paige King Johnson, now available on Spotify.
The Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce, who supported the event, used the occasion to emphasize that there is much more in store for both tourists and residents in Bladen County as the holiday season approaches. The town’s 250th celebration served as a reminder of the community’s warmth, resilience, and commitment to preserving its rich heritage while embracing the future.
Despite the inclement weather, Elizabethtown’s 250th celebration demonstrated its residents’ indomitable spirit and dedication to honoring their town’s history and the nation’s veterans. Kudos to the Town of Elizabethtown and the 250th Committee for hosting a well-organized event. As the holiday season approaches, the town is poised to welcome visitors with open arms, inviting them to experience the heartwarming traditions and hospitality that make Elizabethtown a special place to visit and call home.
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