Southport Magazine

Arts, Crafts, Plants and Family Fun
Story by LISA STITES
Spring right into the season with a fun-filled day at the Southport Spring Festival on Easter weekend. Activities scheduled on Friday, March 30 and Saturday, March 31 will keep families entertained all weekend. Events are planned from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Southport Spring festival — March 30 and 31
The festival, sponsored by Downtown Southport Inc. and the Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis, brings more than 160 vendors who offer arts, crafts and homemade goods to Southport’s picturesque Franklin Square Park (105 E. Moore St.). There will be food, live entertainment and children’s activities such as the trackless train and the ramps and pathways display.
In keeping with the festival’s theme, the annual plant sale, which includes azaleas and herbs, will help you get your garden growing.

On Friday, live entertainment is scheduled as follows:
— 10 a.m. – Le Group du Jour – Dixieland
— 11:15 a.m. – Upstairs Gand – American Song Book
— 12:30 p.m. – Local Boys – Rock ’n Roll
— 1:45 p.m. – Back Porch Rockers – Rock ’n Roll
— 3 p.m. – Rose Colored Glasses – American Roots 4:15 Prowl Band – Variety
On Saturday, runners and walkers take off in the Kiwanis 5k Run/Walk at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $25 until March 31, and $30 the day of the race. Participants will get a race t-shirt and awards will be given to winners in various age groups. The course meanders through historic Southport and wanders along the Cape Fear River. Race packet pickup will be Friday night from 4-7 p.m. at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 204 E. Moore St., or from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. the morning of the race at Waterfront Park.
At the park, the day gets started at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony. At 10:15 a.m., the Brunswick Big Band takes the stage. The remaining schedule is as follows:
— 11:45 a.m. – Three to Get Ready – Bach to Brubeck
— 12:45 p.m. Bike Raffle winner announced – Southport Police Benefit
— 1:15 p.m. Mike’s Garage Band – Oldies / Rhythm ’n Blues
— 3 p.m. Inspirations Dance Group – Contemporary, Jazz and Tap performances