BATH — Saturday, North Carolina’s oldest town will be the site of two events in one day, for an all day celebration of art and history.

Bath Fest, an annual street fair combining the arts and living history, and the First Port Celebration, observing the 300^th anniversary of the town’s designation as North Carolina’s First Port, will take place consecutively, starting at 10 a.m. and ending with a street dance and fireworks at 9 p.m.

The joint event is not simply a celebration of 300 of years of Bath history — the idea of a First Port Celebration came from Greater Bath Foundation board members brainstorming about a fundraiser, one aiming to beautify Bath in perpetuity.

Six weeks ago, the North Carolina Department of Transportation planted live oaks and crepe myrtles along the state right of way through town. It was a process that started many months ago, when GBF Vice President Wayne Woolard petitioned the state. In exchange for the trees and their installation, the Town of Bath must maintain the trees and keep the area mowed, which would cost the town money.

“The whole thing is to be able to give a substantial amount of money to the town of Bath for perpetual care for this project we got the state to do,” Woolard said.

Woolard credits Jason Pair with the idea of tying the fundraiser to the 300^th anniversary of Bath being name North Carolina’s first port.

“We were just talking, saying ‘We’ve got to come up with a way to raise money,’” Woolard said. “Bath being the first commercial port — well, let’s celebrate Bath being the first commercial port.”

The event grew quickly. Woolard said Bath Fest and the First Port Celebration were combined to bring in more people, vendors and events. Blackbeard historian Kevin Duffus signed on to participate with a reenactment of Blackbeard and his crew setting sail from Port Bath, rowing out to the skipjack Ada Mae and saluted with cannon fire from the Meka II, a brigantine out of Beaufort.

The combined festival needed the combined efforts of Historic Bath State Historic Site, the Town of Bath, the Greater Bath Foundation, Historic Bath Commission, Historic Bath Foundation and the Bath Fest committee, according to Elizabeth Midyette, historic interpreter at Bath Historic Site.

Starting at 10 a.m., 40 arts, crafts and food vendors will line the 100 block of South Main Street, while musical performances by Bath Elementary School choirs, living history exhibits, children’s colonial times events, a student art show, 4-H chicken a d rabbit show and more will be taking place at the Palmer-Marsh House and the State Historic Site Visitors Center. Bath Fest events wrap up at 3 p.m., and the fundraiser behind the celebration, an outdoor, catered reception at Woolard’s Bath Creek home, will take place from 4:30­ – 6:30 p.m. One of the highlights of the event will be an actor portraying Governor Charles Eden, governor of North Carolina in 1716, presenting a copy of the First Port Decree to current North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response on ticket sales because Governor McCrory is coming and we can tell that by what people are telling us when they buy tickets,” Woolard said. “The town’s really excited about it.”

Woolard pointed out that the event was not a fundraiser for McCrory: all proceeds will be donated to the town for tree and right-of-way maintenance.

“It is exciting to celebrate 300 years as the first official port for North Carolina with this kind of event which combines Bath Fest — where art meets history — and a First Port Celebration, ending with fireworks,” Midyette said.

Meanwhile, visitors to Bath on Saturday will be greeted with the motivation behind the big event: the new trees lining Carteret Street.

“They’re small trees, but they’re beautiful. It’s really made a big difference already,” Woolard said.

 

Bath Fest and First Port Celebration schedule 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

South Main Street (100 block):

Arts and crafts vendors

Food vendors

Musical performances

Student art show

18^th Century Customs House at Swindell’s Store

 

Palmer-Marsh House

Living history interpreters

Colonial times children’s activities

Colonial times trades exhibit

 

Bath State Historic Site Visitor Center

4-H chicken and rabbit show

Beaufort County Traditional Music Association performances

 

Harding Landing

Trips aboard the Ada Mae skipjack, $10 per person

(first come, first served; 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon)

Silver Chalice, a tender boat for the Elizabeth II will be docked there

 

2 p.m.

Bonner’s Point

Reenactment of the historic moment when Blackbeard and crew set sail from Port Bath, with cannon-salute from the Meka II, a brigantine out of Beaufort.

 

4:30 p.m.

First Port Reception

A ticketed reception and fundraiser for the Greater Bath Foundation, with special guest Governor Pat McCrory. To purchase tickets, email Jason.greaterbathfoundaiton@gmail.com.

 

6:30 p.m.

Bonner’s Point

Jim Quick and the Coastline Band concert

Free concert. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and snack to enjoy the sights and sounds of beach music at its best. No alcohol allowed.

 

8 p.m.

Skydive Little Washington jumpers will land near Bonner’s Point

 

9 p.m.

Fireworks show at Bonner’s Point