HAMLET — October signals it’s time for the annual Seaboard Festival.
On the last Saturday of the month, Main Street comes alive with craft and food vendors, children’s activities and live music, with thousands of visitors expected to attend.
There is a 5k foot race prior to the start of the festival which hopes to have a record 250 entrants by race day. Money raised from the race goes toward scholarships.
Booth spaces have been sold out since September, although Diane Mabe, vice president of the festival board, says she is still getting calls and emails from vendors looking for spots.
The “kid’s zone” this year has been expanded and will feature inflatable bounce houses, a jousting arena and bull, a rock-climbing wall, bungee jump, game trailer, pony rides and a bird-feeding station. A balloon artist will be on site from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to make animals and other unique shapes free of charge.
If large machinery is one of your interests, there will be three special CSX heritage trains on display honoring the military , first responders and law enforcement. The U.S. Army truck with robot, flight and shooting simulator will be on hand and the N.C. Forest Service is bringing a biplane and a helicopter.
There will also be a car show behind the Visitor’s Center.
Two stages will be set up featuring a variety of local talent throughout the day, including bands and dancers.
Recently reformed local band Dixie Ambush will kick things off at the Main Street stage, playing from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Following will be Long Gone Bluegrass Band from noon-2:30 p.m. and Hamlet native Jonathan Robinson from 2:30 to 5.
The Depot Park Stage will feature performances by the Laurinburg Cloggers, Sandhills Shaggers, the Cameronian Quartet, Bold Moves Dance Company, Dance Sensations, Physical Awareness and Gymnastics and the Trip Rogers Band.
The traditional Conductor’s Call will be from 2-2:30, with sign-ups at 1:30.
The craft artisans that the festival is well known for will be on the lawn around the library to demonstrate skills such as blacksmithing. All the food vendor favorites will be available from the start of the festival to the finish.
The festival starts at the post office with opening ceremonies at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
“We have worked tirelessly to make this year’s festival the one you absolutely don’t want to miss and can’t wait to have everyone join us on the 26th,” Mabe said.
