The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport. For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation's independence in a big way. The celebration has grown from colonial times when ships lay anchor in her harbor shot their cannons to today's festival where 40,000 to 50,000 people come each year to bathe in the richness of spirit commemorating Old Glory. Incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation's birthday with a little fun thrown in.

For a full schedule of events visit www.nc4thofjuly.com or pick up a free copy of the State Port Pilot’s 4th of July Festival Guide at one of our Oak Island or Southport offices. 

• Over 100 handmade arts and crafts on display
• The delightful aroma of fair food permeates the air
• The Cape Fear river serves as a backdrop for Main Stage Entertainment - best beach, top 40's and country bands each evening.
• The most patriotic parade representing main street USA and televised on WECT TV6 "Where News Comes First"
• A Naturalization Ceremony that will move you to tears
• Veterans Recognition - ceremony honoring the sacrifices of our armed service personnel who have served and paid for our freedom
• Flag Retirement Ceremony - a ceremony that allows residents and visitors an opportunity to properly dispose of their USA flags
• Beach Day - highlighting the activities popular at Southport's neighboring beach community Oak Island - volleyball and shag contests to mention a few
• Freedom Run & Walk - runners and walkers enjoy an organized event encouraging a healthy America
• Children's Entertainment & Games - Remember the good old games including sack races and watermelon eating contests? We do.
• Fireworks - What 4th of July festival would be complete without fireworks?

We’re thrilled to receive the People’s Choice Award for the third year in a row.  What a great sense of affirmation, especially now, as we celebrate 30 years of turning visitors into locals!  Thanks to those who voted and to everyone who has allowed us to assist them in buying or selling a home in Brunswick County.

Kay Jolliff was once again voted best Real Estate agent and Deann Watts, broker in charge of our Holden Beach sales office, is pictured below accepting the award for Best Real Estate firm from Joanne Thompson of Brunswick  Marketplace News.  The award ceremony was hosted by Dosher Hospital.

Pictured above are Kay Jolliff, Sharon Paul, Tom Paul, Tom Griffin, Teresa Bohrer, Lisa White, Susan Gillooly, Deann Watts, and Elvira Gilbert. 

Our weather has been glorious these past two days… but what to do once the sun goes down?  Find your way down to Franklin Square Park on North Howe Street in Southport to hear Brunswick Little Theatre perform Songs From the Great American Songbook, featuring works of composers Harold Arlen, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and more.  Two more performances are scheduled - Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29 at 8pm – admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.  Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music under the stars.  Visit the Brunswick Little Theatre blog at www.brunswicklittletheatre.blogspot.com/ for more information on the current season.

On Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-4pm in Franklin Square Park at the intersection of Howe and West Streets in Southport you can visit with more than 100 crafters and browse their homemade treasures, sample southern fare and treats from 10 food vendors, enjoy live entertainment and be inspired by Spring!  The Kiwanis Club is selling numerous colors of beautiful Encore Azaleas, camellias and a wide variety of early flowers, herbs, and plants.  See you there!