BATH — The Town of Bath is looking to celebrate a milestone in its long history Memorial Day weekend, a celebration that will merge with an annual event hosted in the town to highlight the its history, arts and culture.

Bath’s First Port Celebration, commemorating the 300th anniversary of Port Bath, will be held May 28. The town is noted for being the first incorporated town in North Carolina in 1705, a milestone it celebrated in 2005 with events throughout the year, including the North Carolina General Assembly hosting a session there. The anniversary it will celebrate this year, however, marks it being named the first port of entry in the state, according to Elizabeth Midyette, assistant site manager at Bath Historic Site.

Midyette said in 1715, N.C. Governor Charles Eden petitioned the lords proprietors of Carolina for the town of Bath to be an official port of entry, which led to a proclamation on Aug. 1, 1716. Through the proclamation, ships and vessels could import goods, including sugar, tea and cloth, and export naval stores such as pitch, tar, turpentine and others, through Port Bath. North Carolina was England’s largest supplier of naval stores during the colonial period.

According to Bubs Carson, town administrator for Bath, it was decided that the event should coincide with Bath Fest, an annual event that is usually hosted the second week of May. With the merger of the two events, a full day of activities is being planned, according to Carson.

Phoebe Wahab, a member of Bath Fest’s planning committee, said the merger is in the best interest of the community.

“Since we rely on civic groups and other local organizations, it will be in our best interest to merge with (First Port Celebration),” Wahab said. “Asking the town to support two events in a two-week period is a daunting task.”

Carson said town officials and countless volunteers have stepped up to help plan the celebration, as Bath Mayor Jimmy Latham is chairing the planning committee.

So far, the event is set to have some historical reenactments, including living history interpreters, centered around the Palmer Marsh House, as well as live entertainment and fireworks. Bath Fest, themed “Where Art Meets History,” will also feature a lineup of events, including a craft fair, food provided by local organizations and more. Most events associated with the festival will also be centered around the Palmer Marsh House, with some at Harding Landing, also known as the town docks, according to Wahab.

“I think (the event) is just one more case where the citizens can celebrate the history of Bath and be proud of the part Bath has played in the history of North Carolina,” Carson said. “I think people enjoy that, and they enjoy the history, and they’re proud of that history. There are a lot of things being planned. We are still working to get everything together. It’s going to be a fun day. I do think it is important that it’s a town celebration.”

For more information about Bath Fest, visit bathfest.com or facebook.com/bathfest.