On May 28, organizers of Bath Fest and The First Port Celebration invite families and friends to enjoy a day of music, art and entertainment in the small-town charm of historic Bath.

For years, the Bath Fest Children’s Art Show has been a major part of the event as it showcases the year-long accomplishments of the students of Bath Elementary School art teacher Ruth Miller. Well-attended by proud students, parents, as well as extended family and friends, awards are presented at the elementary, middle and junior-high levels. A 2015 submission to the student art show by eighth-grader Joshua Jackson has been selected for use in the Bath Fest First Port Celebration 2016 poster and T-shirt.

The drawing of a navigational compass rose on a map of the Pamlico River portrays the maritime history of Bath as the First Port as ships, both large and small, made their way in and out of Port Bath. The crisp lines of the compass rose instantly draw your attention and then you realize the destination is port of call Bath Towne, the First Port in North Carolina.

The musical talents of Bath Elementary School will also be showcased as the Junior High Band opens Bath Fest at 10 a.m. with a medley of patriotic music. The band will be followed by the Bath Elementary School chorus and Bath Elementary students presenting “At the Bandstand.”

Art meets history at Bath Fest, but more than the talents of local students will be on display. Arts and craft vendors will also be selling their original art from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 100 block of South Main Street in Bath. Set up along the shady street, vendors will display their original creations among the backdrop of Bath Creek and historic homes. Vendors who would like to be part of Bath Fest are encouraged to go to our web site for more information. The combination of student art and the art and crafts of vendors, blended with the living history portrayal of Port Bath in 1716, creates an event the whole family can enjoy.

As Bath Fest ends, the First Port Celebration begins. The grand finale to the day’s events will be a free concert by Jim Quick and The Coastline Band at 6:30 p.m. The family friendly, alcohol free event will be held at Bonner’s Point. For more information, please visit our web site at www.bathfest.com.