THIS WEEK:
EMERALD ISLE
Join Emerald Isle Parks Recreation, 7500 Emerald Drive, for a scavenger hunt. Search for hidden treasures along the multi-use path, with prizes for the winners. Event takes place at 10 a.m. Dec. 29. For more information, call 252-354-6350 or visit emeraldisle-nc.org/eiprd.
SWANSBORO
Join a park ranger on a boat ride over to Jones Island, the newest addition to Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, at 10 a.m. Dec. 29. Participants will explore the island and surrounding waters and discuss the different animals and ecosystems. Dress appropriately for the weather. Space is limited, so registration is required by calling the park office at 910-326-4881.
MOREHEAD CITY
See the ports of Morehead City behind the scenes during the Morehead City Port Tours, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 29. An ID is required for homeland security. RSVP in advance to charlene_pennuell@ncports.com or call 252-808-4221. When registering, provide the names of guests, driver license numbers and states. All guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to tour.
ATLANTIC BEACH
The Town of Atlantic Beach will host a bonfire with live reggae music from Selah Dubb from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 29 as part of Crystal Coast Countdown. Bonfire will take place at the main public beach access, known as “The Circle,” 111 E Atlantic Beach Blvd. For more information, visit crystalcoastcountdown.com.
MOREHEAD CITY
The Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a Christmas Break Holiday Camp for children ages K-8 on Dec. 29, 30, 31, and Jan. 2. Camp hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with a cost of $15 per day. Campers will need to come with lunch each day. Camp staff will supervise and lead fun recreational activities in the classroom, gymnasium, playground and game room. For more information, visit moreheadcity.nc.gov/home-parks-recreation or call 252-726-5083.
NEWPORT
Kids are invited to hang out with Carteret County Parks and Recreation at Holiday Hangout Camp, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 29-31 and Jan. 2 at Fort Benjamin Park, 100 McQueen Ave. Children will play games, go on outdoor adventures, complete art projects and more. Cost is $10 per child per day or $60 per child for all six days of camp. Children may participate in an individual day or the entire camp, and can arrive as early as 7:30 a.m., but must be picked up promptly by 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 252-808-3301 or visit ccpr.recdesk.com.
PINE KNOLL SHORES
Children grades 2-6 are invited to spend their break at the aquarium, 1 Roosevelt Blvd., for N.C. Aquarium Holiday Camps, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 29-31. Participants will enjoy outdoor explorations during hikes on the nature trail, aquarium tours, attend behind the scenes animal encounters and feedings, talk with the aquarium staff about animal care and other fun and educational activities.
Camps are geared towards one age group per day. Dec. 29 is for grades 1-2, Dec. 30 for grades 3-4, and Dec. 31 for grades 5-6. Advance registration and payment of the $40 fee is required, and can be done at the aquarium, online at ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores, or by calling 252-247-0663.
PINE KNOLL SHORES
Environmental awareness and art are blended at the Scrap Exchange held at the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium, 1 Roosevelt Blvd., from 12-4 p.m. Dec. 30. Children will make a masterpiece from paper, plastic, packaging, containers, corks, candles, beads and fabric bits that would otherwise go to a landfill. This activity is open to all ages, and admission is free. For visiting the rest of the aquarium, regular admission fees apply. For more information, visit ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-0663.
PINE KNOLL SHORES
Enjoy free beach hayrides from the town of Pine Knoll Shores from 2-5 p.m. Dec. 30. Tours depart from the public beach access near the Clamdigger Inn, 511 Salter Path Road. For more information, call 252-247-4353.
MOREHEAD CITY
The History Place, 1008 Arendell St., will be hosting “areas of distraction” to keep children of all ages busy from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, including pirate hat making, fishing for artifacts and other activities. Discounts will be given to those who purchase Crystal Coast Countdown buttons, which are available through the tourism bureau. Admission is a donation to the Carteret County Historical Society. For more information, call 252-247-7533 or visit thehistoryplace.org.
BEAUFORT
Prepare for the countdown to the new year at the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front St. Visit the museum to design a New Year’s hat and glasses to ring in the new year in style. Activities take place from 12-5 p.m. Dec. 31. For more information, visit crystalcoastcountdown.com or call 252-728-7317.
BEAUFORT
Marshmallows and Resolutions will be held from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 31 on the Beaufort waterfront, at the parking lot at Front and Queens Streets. The whole family is invited to roast marshmallows at this free event. For more information, call 252-728-2141.
At 7 p.m., Beaufort’s pirate, Captain Shack, will drop off the plank at an early New Year’s drop for young ones. This free event takes place at Dockhouse Restaurant, 500 Front St.
ATLANTIC BEACH
Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, will ring in the New Year with a bang with the help of three 32-pounder cannons during a special night firing demonstration. The canons will be fired at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 to coincide with midnight in Greenwich, England, where all other time zones are set. Because the cannons shoot across the park road, the park gate will be closed for safety at 6:55 p.m. and no one will be allowed in or out until the program concludes at 7:30 p.m. Come early, dress for the weather, and feel free to bring a small camp or beach chair. For more information, call 252-726-3775.
MOREHEAD CITY
Party at the Park will take place from 9-12 p.m. Dec. 31 at Katherine Davis Park, located at Arendell and 6th Streets. Live music will play throughout the evening, with an outdoor artificial ice rink located nearby, the Crab Pot Drop at midnight and fireworks. For more information, visit crystalcoastcountdown.com.
EMERALD ISLE
Ring in the New Year with a fireworks display at midnight at the Bogue Inlet Pier, 100 Bogue Inlet Drive. For more information, visit crystalcoastcountdown.com.
ATLANTIC BEACH
The 2015 Penguin Plunge will get participants splashing into the chilly waters of the Atlantic at 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Donations to participate go to the Carteret County Humane Society. Minimum donation is $10 for adults and $5 for children. A donation of $20 includes a t-shirt, and a donation of $35 includes a sweatshirt. A limited number of Penguin Plunge towels are available for $30.
Registration takes place at 10 a.m. on the boardwalk in front of Crab’s Claw Restaurant, 201 West Atlantic Blvd. Participants are also encouraged or pre-register online at penguin-plunge.org. For more information, call 252-808-7485.
JACKSONVILLE
From now until Jan. 24, Onslow County Parks and Recreation in accepting registration for teams to join their 2015 Adult Church Basketball League. Cost is $375 per team and $10 per player. All players must be at least 16 years old by Jan. 1, 2015. Team members do not have to be church members. Mixed men and women’s teams are welcome. Games will be played at the Southwest Middle School gym. Payments should be made at the Onslow Pines Park Admin Office, 1244 Onslow Pines Road. For more information, call 910-347-5332 or visit onslowcountync.gov/parks.
JACKSONVILLE
The VFW Post 9960 Cedar Point is holding their annual New Year’s Eve Bash from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at 246 VFW Road. Entertainment includes a performance by The Carolina Band, a champagne toast, hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, a basket of cheer raffle and more. Tickets are a $25 donation per person, and can be bought in advance or at the door. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 252-393-8053.
SWANSBORO
Celebrate the new year with a First Day Hike at Hammocks Beach State Park, 1572 Hammocks Beach Road, at 9 a.m. Jan. 1. Hikers will take a boat ride to Bear Island where they will learn about the various aspects of a barrier island including it’s habitats and wildlife. Dress appropriately for the boat ride and weather, and bring binoculars if you have them. Seating is limited, so contact the park office to reserve a seat at 910-326-4881.
ATLANTIC BEACH
Start the new year with some fresh air at the First Day Hike at Fort Macon State Park, 2303 East Fort Macon Road, at 9 a.m. Jan. 1. The park will be offering two hikes: an easy stroll around the nature trail and inlet beach and a three mile strenuous loop hike through the dunes from the visitor center to the bathhouse and then back to the visitor center. For more information, call 252-726-3775.
SWANSBORO
Start the New Year with a chilly dip at the Polar Paddle and Plunge 11 a.m. Jan. 1. For $20, kayaks will be provided to paddle to one of the local islands where the group will take the plunge into the icy waters of the intercoastal waterway. Afterwards, the group will paddle back to shore for soup or chili and drinks. Proceeds go to benefit the White Oak New Riverkeeper Alliance. Meet up is at Second Wind Eco Tours Yoga, 208 W Main St. For more information, visit secondwindecotours.com or call 910-325-3600.
BEAUFORT
Free Wine/Beer tastings at The Boathouse at Front Street Village, 2400 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, are offered every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Call for details, 252-838-1524. www.frontstreetvillage.com.
PLAN AHEAD:
Special Olympics Onslow County’s biggest fundraiser, the Polar Plunge, is coming up on Jan. 10 at 11 a.m. Entertainment will feature DJ Finesse, a sand castle contest for the kids, a costume contest for the plungers and a door prize giveaway for those that raise $100 or more. To sign up in advance, or to help raise money online, visit sonconslow.org. For more information, call 910-265-1756.
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