It’s not the North Pole—quite the opposite, read literally—but the seaside city of Southport serves as ground zero for the holidays once again this year, as the community plays host to a slew of activities that make up its annual Winterfest event.
“Southport Winterfest 2013” will see various activities the second week of December, having kicked off Friday with the first of a seven-night musical revue at the historic Amuzu Theater.
“Christmas at the Amuzu 2013” will feature a variety of music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the theater, located at 111 N. Howe St. in downtown Southport. The revue continues all week with performances Saturday, Dec. 7, from 7:30-9:30; Sunday, Dec. 8, from 3-5 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 12-14, 7:30-9:30; and Sunday, Dec. 15, 3-5.
Southport natives know it’s not Christmas without a ride on the Southport Fire Department trucks. “Santa’s Fire Engine Ride” takes kids and their families for rides around town Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. Trucks depart from the Southport fire station, and gifts and refreshments await their return, as well as a chance to talk to Santa Claus.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, The State Port Pilot sponsors the annual cookie contest, with activities for children scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Southport Community Building, 223 E. Bay St. “Supper with Santa” follows from 6 to 8 p.m., with children ages 3-12 invited to dine with Santa while their parents are invited to shop and dine in Southport. $5 per child and space is limited; sign-up available at 523-6124 and cityofsouthport.com.
A children’s tree lighting takes place on the Garrison lawn at Fort Johnston on Friday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a showing of “The Flight Before Christmas” on the lawn from 6 to 8.
And on Saturday, Dec. 14, Winterfest wraps up with a number of activities throughout the day. A winter craft festival fills the Garrison lawn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a book sale sponsored by the Friends of the Library is held from 10 to 1 at Southport Realty, 727 N. Howe St.
A Santa’s arts and crafts workshop for kids is held from 10:30 to noon at the parks and recreation building beside the City Gym, 209 Atlantic Ave. The South Brunswick High School choir and theater troupes will perform a Christmas tribute on the Garrison lawn from 1 to 4, and the Old City Jail at Nash and Rhett streets will be open for tours from 2 to 7.
The Christmas Tour of Homes takes place from 2 to 7 as well, with trolley service available and tours sponsored by the Southport Historical Society. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 the day of the tour and available at the Southport Visitors’ Center at the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum, 457-7927. And the Southport Flotilla starts at 7 p.m., with viewing areas available along the Southport waterfront.
More information is available on the City of Southport’s website or by calling the Southport Visitors’ Center at 457-7927.
