SWAN QUARTER — Hyde County is gearing up for a big weekend in Swan Quarter, as four events combine for the inaugural Fall Festival.

First up on Saturday is the 11^th Annual Swan Quarter Community Yard Sales, moved up a week from its usual October date.

“Shoppers will find furniture, appliances, jewelry, kitchen items, collectibles and clothing for all age groups and sizes. Discriminating shoppers might find automobiles, hunting and fishing gear, tools and lawn-care items in addition to the usual yard-sale wares,” organizer Margie Brooks said in a press release.

The Community Yard Sales began more than 10 years ago with a small group of families who coordinated their yard sales on the same day, according to Brooks. She said the event grew into what it is today because residents realized there were more product options — and profits — with a greater number of participants involved.

“Organizers quickly realized that by working together they could attract shoppers from a greater distance,” Brooks said. “The sale has grown as more local families cleaned out their attics and more dedicated ‘yard-salers’ attended, knowing their chances of finding a great buy was increased by the number of close-proximity sales.”

After perusing the yard sales, visitors can move over to the monthly Hyde County Farmers Market to pick up fresh produce, seafood and baked goods, or undergo health checkups performed by the staff of Engelhard Medical Center and Hyde County Health Department.

The Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department also coordinated its fundraising meal to correspond with the Fall Festival, and fried shrimp plates will be available into the evening.

Rounding out the celebratory Saturday is MATTIE Arts Center’s fourth anniversary, and while there is no specific event to commemorate the occasion, the center is hosting a juried arts and crafts show, according to Executive Director Judy McLawhorn.

“We’ve got about 18 booths taken for this, and artists ranging from fine arts to outdoor metal sculpturing,” she said, adding that painter Tom Phillips will also be there selling his work.

There will also be live entertainment for guests, including The Believer’s Trio, Chris Gibbs, Randy Clayton, The Les & Don Band and open jam sessions.

McLawhorn said it means a lot to be reaching the four-year mark, and she’s glad to be a part of the growing center.

“We weren’t sure if we could even pull off an arts center in Hyde County, but it has evolved quite nicely,” she said. “As you know, Hyde County is pretty isolated. A lot of them forsake their God-given talents to just survive in this Tier 1 county.”

“We teach here, giving local artists an opportunity to emerge as instructors and their particular crafts,” McLawhorn added.

For more information about Saturday’s events, visit the “Fall Festival in Hyde” event page on Facebook.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7 a.m. until – 11^th annual Community Yard Sales

Main Street, Quarter Road and other side streets

 

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Hyde County Farmers Market

                               Health checkups

Corner of N.C. Highway 45 and Main Street

 

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. – PiYo live class

Government Center, 30 Oyster Creek St.

 

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Juried Arts and Crafts Show/live music

Old Hyde County Courthouse

 

11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Swan Quarter VFD fundraiser

25 Oyster Creek St.