Update: The Town Council for Carolina Beach heard from Allen McDavid with AKA Entertainment Tuesday evening during the town council meeting. The council did not immediately approve the request, and asked McDavid to work with town staff to get the details worked out, before they make a decision.
CAROLINA BEACH — The Port City Rib Fest is entering its fifth year and, after spending the past four years in downtown Wilmington, the festival could be moving to the beach.
Port City Rib Fest is produced by AKA Entertainment and Media, a company from Greensboro N.C. that has produced over 40 large festivals in the state.
The Carolina Beach Town Council will hear a presentation from Allen McDavid, a representative for AKA Entertainment and Media Tuesday night to consider the request to relocate. If approved, the festival would take place on Nov. 10-12 in Carolina Beach, near the boardwalk.
“Because construction will soon begin on North Waterfront Park in downtown Wilmington, it is no longer an option. The event has been on the water all four years of its existence, and that is a big reason that its producer wants to bring it to Carolina Beach. That, and the Carolina Beach Boardwalk’s reputation as an excellent backdrop for events,” according to the town’s meeting agenda.
According to AKA Entertainment, Port City Rib Fest averages around 9,000 attendees each year, spread out over the three-day period, and it attracts “professional BBQ teams from throughout the country,” who sell their Barbecue at the festival. The event also attracts musical acts and a marketplace.
AKA Entertainment has reached an agreement with Carolina Beach Land Holdings to lease the property on Carolina Beach that hosts the amusement rides in the summer.
The company did not respond to requests for comment.
Michael Praats can be reached via email at Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com.
