From the Pamlico County Chamber of Commerce

The Annual Goose Creek Island Homecoming Play will be Thursday through Saturday nights at the Goose Creek Island Community Center, Oct. 17 through Oct. 19.

This year’s production is “Time After Time” and will reflect on the island’s past, present and fast forward to the future. Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The play began in 1974 to celebrate the centennial anniversary of Goose Creek Island’s annexation to Pamlico County.

Goose Creek Island, situated in the northeast corner of Pamlico County, at the mouth of Pamlico River, historically was part of Beaufort County since colonial times. In 1872, when Pamlico County was formed it did not include the Goose Creek Island boundaries and thus it remained in Beaufort County. Two years later in 1874, the citizens of Goose Creek Island voted to become part of Pamlico County.

In 1972, Pamlico County commemorated the county formation with a celebration. This county event inspired residents of Goose Creek Island to plan their own centennial celebration in 1974 that included an historical pageant of the island history and an island-wide Sunday homecoming worship service. The event proved so successful that it has continued each year since, except for a couple of hurricane related cancellations.

Spring forward to 2019, the island homecoming event continues. Although the island numbers have dwindled due to the impacts of hurricanes, the spirit of “homecoming weekend” continues. Former residents, descendants, and new-found friends still make their way to Goose Creek Island for a weekend of fellowship and reflection of our historical contributions.

As the community continues to keep the tradition alive, it still holds true to the original mission of those who first created the event. The homecoming play has always been a hit with comedy, dance, music and skits. It even includes a satirical edge that has poked fun at everything from politicians, local issues and to the “come here” folks who have found our little slice of heaven.

To conclude the homecoming weekend event, the Sunday morning Homecoming Worship Service is on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 am. The service is an island-wide worship service with all island churches participating. At the conclusion of the service, a covered dish lunch is served. Attendees are encouraged to bring a covered dish for everyone to enjoy.

This event takes many people to put it on including the play cast, concession and ticket workers, parking attendants, and cleanup crew. Many weeks go in to preparing for the event. Proceeds from the event go to the upkeep and maintenance of the Goose Creek Island Community Center and the activities they have there.

Goose Creek Island is separated from mainland Pamlico County by the Intracoastal Waterway, with entry via the Gene Potter Memorial high-rise bridge on N.C. Highway 304. The island is about 15 miles from Bayboro.

Traveling east on N.C. Highway 55, take a left at the Pamlico County Courthouse in Bayboro and follow to N.C. Highway 304/307 to 51 Hobucken School Rd, Hobucken.