By By EDWIN MODLIN II
edwin@wdnweb.com
Staff Writer
Friday night marks the end of the 2010 version of Music in the Streets and Beaufort County Idol, but also brings Smoke on the Water as well as many other events that are sure to strike an interest in anyone.
Paula Stephenson, Washington Visitors Center attendant, said the weekend will be full of events and adventures, as Music in the Streets (MITS) provides music and fun-filled activities for everyone. Smoke on the Water begins with the Pig Parade Friday and goes until Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve had a lot of calls and several people have been stopping by to find out more about Music in the Streets and Smoke on the Water,” Stephenson said. “It’s always a fun activity to do, but since this is the last one of the season, it should be very exciting.”
The final MITS for the season will bring an assortment of activities, from classic cars to musical performers, a climbing wall courtesy of Washington’s Army National Guard, hot dogs and soft drinks, shaved ice and more.
Stephenson added that Friday’s free Movie in the Park will be “We Are Marshall” which starts at 8 p.m. The movie is significant because East Carolina University hosts the Marshall Thundering Herd Saturday for the Pirates’ homecoming weekend.
“People can come out and put blankets and chairs down and watch the movie,” she said. “It’s open to the public and is always a fun thing to do.”
“We always have a great turnout for these events,” said Lynn Lewis, tourism director. “And this year, especially with the ECU-Marshall game going on, we expect that we should have around 4,000 spectators and tourists at the event.”
If old-fashioned North Carolina bluegrass music is your cup of tea, then head to the Turnage Theater to see The Red Clay Ramblers perform Friday night from 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 to $35. If you’re up for more live music, catch local favorites The Shakedown at Notes Cafe starting at 10 p.m. Friday.
Local artisans’ works will be on display at the Beaufort County Fine Arts Show at the Civic Center Friday and Saturday.
The Belle of Washington sets sail with its final dinner cruise Saturday night with boarding beginning at 6 p.m.
As Smoke on the Water continues into Saturday, several events will be happening all day. Everything from a chili cookoff, a dunk booth, more classic and exotic cars on display, childrens storytelling and lots of stuff for kids and families.
“The dunking booth looks to be the most fun,” Lewis said, “as it will be with local dignitaries, such as the mayor of Washington, a few teachers, (Washington Daily News contributing editor) Mike Voss and others for anyone who wants to dunk them.”
Anyone looking to burn calories can enter the 5K run that will be held early Saturday morning beginning with registration from 6 to 8 a.m. at the Estuarium.
More than 20 contestants will compete in the finals for the next Beaufort County Idol beginning at 3 p.m. on the main stage.
For those interested in a moonlit-night on the Pamlico, Inner Banks Outfitters is hosting another Full Moon Paddle at 6 p.m. Saturday.
With winter around the corner, this might be your last chance to enjoy the outdoor festivities for a while.
Fact Box:
Friday, Oct. 22
6 p.m.: Music in the Streets
6:30 p.m.: Pig Parade
8 p.m.: Pig Cooking Showmanship Competition Judging
8 p.m.: Movie in the Park, “We Are Marshall”
8 p.m.: Red Clay Ramblers, Turnage Theater
10 p.m.: The Shakedown, Notes Cafe
Saturday, Oct. 23
8 a.m.: 5K Run/On-Site Registration, 6 a.m. – 8 a.m., N.C. Estuarium
9 a.m.: Beaufort County Arts Council Fine Arts Show, Civic Center
10 a.m.: Dunk Booth
11 a.m.: BBQ Pig Cooking/Chili Contest Awards Announced
12:15 p.m.: Live music with Carolina Still
1-3 p.m.: Children’s Storytelling, Civic Center caboose
3-4 p.m.: Beaufort County Idol/Finals Competition, main stage
6 p.m.: Full Moon Kayak Paddle, Inner Banks Outfitters