February 2024 Events and Resources in Pamlico County

The Flamingo Lounge is a locally-famous space that opens occasionally for events in Vandemere. Photo by Andrea Bruce

Take a look through our calendar of events sourced from every corner of Pamlico County…enough to keep you busy for sure. Also, at the bottom of this long page is an important group of resources and volunteer opportunities. If you have something to include or see a needed correction, please email: [email protected]

You make Down in the County happen.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 First Day of Black History Month

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Pamlico County Public Library Book/Tech Mobile Visits Oriental at the Piggly Wiggly, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, Arapahoe Town Hall, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Rabies Clinic sponsored by Pamlico County Animal Control. Only $10 per pet, cash only. Hobucken Marina, 14866 NC Hway 304, Hobucken. 3-4 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3

1st Annual Zool Ireland Youth Duck Hunt and pig picking at the I & M Oyster Company. All youth must be accompanied by an adult that has a NC hunting license and duck stamp. Morning and afternoon hunts available. Skeet shooting, games and food. Bring gun, shells and other items. Must register. Contact: Alan Hall, 252-945-5365, Pam Ireland, 252-474-4919, Jordan Hopkins, 252-474-4919. All Day.

The Sudan Mourners Oyster Roast, $40 all-you-can-eat. Held at the Pamlico County Shrine Club. Tickets call 252-229-6008, 2 p.m.

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. Saturday’s ride is about ten miles, at a conversational pace. Those who wish to can continue on a longer route at a faster pace in a single paceline format Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

The Old Theater in Oriental presents Walk-in Bathtub improv Comedy. Tickets are $20 for general admission. Old Theater members, military and students are $15. Wine and soft drinks available by donation. Available at Nautical Wheelers in Oriental and New Bern, and online at this link. 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, with pace and distance decided by the riders, usually between 15-17 mph for 25-30 miles in a single paceline format. Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon. You’ll find them in Lou Mac Park in Oriental on Sunday afternoons in summer, weather permitting. In inclement weather, they gather at the Oriental United Methodist Fellowship Hall (and possibly for the winter). All are invited – come on by and learn to drum. (They have some spare drums for you to try.) Have questions before you go? Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5

The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 4 – 5:30 pm at The Oriental United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The Chorale performs in concert at least four times a year, including Spirit of Christmas weekend and opening the Croaker Festival.

Pamlico County School Board meeting, behind PCHS, 6 p.m.

Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room in the Courthouse Annex. If there is a large crowd it will be in the courtroom on the second floor of the Pamlico County Courthouse, Bayboro. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6

Oriental Town Commissioners meeting. Open to the public. First Tuesday of the month. Town Hall, 8 a.m.

Blooddrive with the SkillsUSA Chapter of Pamlico County Middle School. PCMS, 12 - 5 p.m.

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. For more information contact Chris Mele at 252-626-6928. St. Peter is at 1149 White Farm Road in Oriental, 7-8:30 p.m.

A Caregiver’s Support Group meets the 1st Tuesday of the month, in the coffee room at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oriental. All caregivers invited. Contact Ann Clement, [email protected], 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

The Old Theater in Oriental is offering free technology workshops for anyone Interested in working on the Tech Crew. On this date, light Board Operation. Scott Johnson is the instructor. For more information, call 252-249-0477 or email Scott at t[email protected], 6 p.m.

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8

PCHS Alumni and Friends Skills USA Interest Meeting and Chili Dinner at the PCMS STEM lab, 6-7 p.m.

Meet the Author, Joan Aubele, local author of The Dance. Pamlico County Public Library, PCHS, 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Valentine’s Day Bingo  at the Pamlico Community College, Delamar Center. $20 for 2 cards, per person. Pamlico County School Band Boosters hosts bingo in the Delemar Center at Pamlico Community College. 100% of proceeds will go directly to the Pamlico County School Band, 5:30 - 8 p.m.

The town of Oriental celebrates the Chinese/Lunar New Year with a Dragon Run on Saturday. Throughout the day local restaurants and the Piggly Wiggly will have Asian food specials. For more info contact Larry Summers 252-675-0467. Hodges St., Oriental, 2 p.m.

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. Saturday’s ride is about ten miles, at a conversational pace. Those who wish to can continue on a longer route at a faster pace in a single paceline format Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

The Old Theater in Oriental presents Hank Barbee & The Dust Parade, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, with pace and distance decided by the riders, usually between 15-17 mph for 25-30 miles in a single paceline format. Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon. You’ll find them in Lou Mac Park in Oriental on Sunday afternoons in summer, weather permitting. In inclement weather, they gather at the Oriental United Methodist Fellowship Hall (and possibly for the winter). All are invited – come on by and learn to drum. (They have some spare drums for you to try.) Have questions before you go? Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.

The Old Theater in Oriental presents Hank Barbee & The Dust Parade, 3 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 4 – 5:30 pm at The Oriental United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The Chorale performs in concert at least four times a year, including Spirit of Christmas weekend and opening the Croaker Festival.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13

The One-Off Book Club in the backroom of M&M’s Restaurant in Oriental. Nelda Coats and Nancy Piner invite you to join them in the continuing discussion of Life Worth Living: a Guide to What Matters Most, a new book by the faculty of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. If you have any questions, contact Nelda Coats 252-639-1616 or Nancy Piner 252-670-2615, or just show up at M&M’s Restaurant, on the corner of Water and New Streets, 4 p.m.

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. For more information contact Chris Mele at 252-626-6928. St. Peter is at 1149 White Farm Road in Oriental, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Valentine’s Day

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

Mystery Book Club at the Pamlico County Public Library, Each month they discuss a novel chosen from the winners of the Edgar Award.  The Edgar Awards are named after Edgar Allen Poe.  They were established in 1954 and are the premier awards for mystery writing each year, 5 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15

Fire & Grace & Ash performs at The Old Theater in Oriental. Sponsored by the Pamlico Musical Society. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online here or at Nautical Wheelers at 411 Broad St. Tickets for sold-out shows may become available at the door last minute. Check at the box office at 7:15. For more information, call 252-617-2125, 7:30 p.m.

Block Builders for Kids at the Pamlico County Public Library (at PCHS), 3:30 p.m.

Open jam session at Pamlico Community College, open to all. Bring your instrument – or voice – or maybe only a chair to just come to listen to the harmonies. It all happens in PCC’s Delamar Center Auditorium. PCC is on Hwy 306 between Grantsboro and Arapahoe. For more info, contact Denise McDermott 252-249-1851 ext 3113 [email protected]. 6 p.m.

The Pamlico County Democratic Party meets ‘virtually’ on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 5:30p. For more information on attending, email [email protected]

Fire & Grace & Ash performs at The Old Theater in Oriental, Feb. 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Teen Gaming Time at the Pamlico County Public Library (ages 13-19) Come to the library to play on our Nintendo Switch or Wii. We have a variety of games for you and your friends to choose from. You can bring your own device and games. We also have a wide selection of board games available, 3:30 p.m.

The Pamlico Progressives are a concerned group of citizens who seek to bring about change by focusing on issues that affect our community and by holding elected officials accountable. They seek to let our collective voices be heard to influence positive change. They meet monthly on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 4:00 at the Pamlico County Heritage Museum at 10642 NC-55, Grantsboro, NC. All are welcome to join them. For more information, call Diane Lemieux at 802-318-1083, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. Saturday’s ride is about ten miles, at a conversational pace. Those who wish to can continue on a longer route at a faster pace in a single paceline format Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, with pace and distance decided by the riders, usually between 15-17 mph for 25-30 miles in a single paceline format. Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon. You’ll find them in Lou Mac Park in Oriental on Sunday afternoons in summer, weather permitting. In inclement weather, they gather at the Oriental United Methodist Fellowship Hall (and possibly for the winter). All are invited – come on by and learn to drum. (They have some spare drums for you to try.) Have questions before you go? Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Presidents' Day

NAACP monthly meeting, Pamlico County Senior Services Center at 800 Main St, Alliance. All interested persons are invited and welcome to attend. For more info, contact chapter President Doug Pearsall at [email protected] or Hattie Harrell, 1st Vice President [email protected], 6 p.m.

Pamlico County Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room in the Courthouse Annex. If there is a large crowd it will be in the courtroom on the second floor of the Pamlico County Courthouse, Bayboro. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 4 – 5:30 pm at The Oriental United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The Chorale performs in concert at least four times a year, including Spirit of Christmas weekend and opening the Croaker Festival.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. For more information contact Chris Mele at 252-626-6928. St. Peter is at 1149 White Farm Road in Oriental, 7-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Anime-Manga Appreciation for Kids at the Pamlico County Public Library (ages 8-13) Feel free to bring something to share with the group like trading cards, your favorite series, your favorite drawing, etc. We will play an Anime-Manga game, try food that is often showcased in Anime-Manga, and more. When the program is over you can browse our extensive Anime-Manga collection and take some books home! This month we will make our own trading cards! For even more fun, bring your own card collection for show and tell, 5 p.m.

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Teen Craft Corner at the Pamlico County Public Library. This event is intended for teens and young adults. This month we will make slime, 3:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24

Oriental Farmers Market, by the harbor, 8-11 a.m.

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00 a.m. Saturday’s ride is about ten miles, at a conversational pace. Those who wish to can continue on a longer route at a faster pace in a single paceline format Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Pamlico Community College Foundation’s Annual Great Oyster Revival and Chili Cookoff. All the salty oysters and homemade chili you can eat for $30 (chili only tickets $15). Featuring live music by Hoff ‘n’ Finch, door prizes, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds from the event directly support PCC students, funding scholarships. Register your chili in advance by contacting Heather Arevalo at [email protected] or 252-249-1851 ext. 3084. Tickets available at Nautical Wheelers Oriental & New Bern, PCC’s Bookstore, or Bayboro Pharmacy. 3-5 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25

Cycling from Oriental. In the fall, the start time switches to 10:00am. The Sunday ride is fast, with pace and distance decided by the riders, usually between 15-17 mph for 25-30 miles in a single paceline format. Just show up with bike and helmet and you’re off! Questions? Contact Keith Gapen at [email protected]

Oriental’s Drummin’ Dragons get together every Sunday afternoon. You’ll find them in Lou Mac Park in Oriental on Sunday afternoons in summer, weather permitting. In inclement weather, they gather at the Oriental United Methodist Fellowship Hall (and possibly for the winter). All are invited – come on by and learn to drum. (They have some spare drums for you to try.) Have questions before you go? Contact Doug Carmichael at [email protected], 3-4:30 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26

The Pamlico Chorale meets every Monday, 4 – 5:30 pm at The Oriental United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The Chorale performs in concert at least four times a year, including Spirit of Christmas weekend and opening the Croaker Festival.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27

Oriental’s Mayor and Board of Commissioners have scheduled a Special Meeting with a two item agenda, 8 a.m.

Active Shooter Safety for Small Businesses, an in-person workshop at the Bayboro office of the Small Business Center. Register here. 6-8 p.m.

Pamlico Community Band rehearses every Tuesday at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. For more information contact Chris Mele at 252-626-6928. St. Peter is at 1149 White Farm Road in Oriental, 7-8:30 p.m.

The Pamlico County Republican Party meets on the 4th Tuesday of every month in the Pamlico County Courthouse Annex Room in Bayboro. All are welcome to attend. For more information visit PamlicoGOP.com or call Chairman Dave Wickersham @ 252-269-4101, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY , FEBRUARY 28

Teen Anime Club at the Pamlico County Public Library (PCHS), 3:30 p.m.

Trendy Reads Book Club at the Pamlico County Public Library (PCHS), 5 p.m.

Open Mic Night at the Silos in Oriental. The music begins at 7 p.m.

J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) will perform at The Old Theater in Oriental, Feb. 29, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29

Active Shooter Safety for Small Businesses, an in-person workshop at the Bayboro office of the Small Business Center. Register here. 6-8 p.m.

J2B2 (John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band) will perform at The Old Theater in Oriental. Sponsored by the Pamlico Musical Society. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online here or at Nautical Wheelers at 411 Broad St. Tickets for sold-out shows may become available at the door last minute. Check at the box office at 7:15. For more information, call 252-617-2125, 7:30 p.m.

RESOURCES

Alcoholics Anonymous meets throughout the week at several locations in the area: At Oriental Free Will Baptist Church at 600 Ragan Road in Oriental, Tuesdays at 8p, and again Friday nights at 8p. (2nd brick building on the left).

At Alliance United Methodist Church at 687 Main Street in Bayboro, Thursday at 7:30 pm. (a great meeting for new members).

At St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 402 Freemason Street in Oriental, Sunday at 7 p.m.

“If you want to drink, that’s your business… If you want to stop drinking, that’s ours.” Alcoholics Anonymous New Bern Hotline:(252) 633-3716

Al-Anon – for those worried about someone with a drinking problem – meets Tuesday at 7 p.m. at 403 Mildred Street in Oriental. It is open to all.

Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA) – At Oriental Free Will Baptist Church at 600 Ragan Road in Oriental (2nd brick building on left). Open Meeting Tuesdays from 6:30-6:70 p.m. Women’s Group Saturday 6:30p.

Narcotics Anonymous – A group atmosphere which provides help from peers, and offers an on-going support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. Never Alone – meets Wednesday at 7 pm. at Alliance United Methodist Church, 687 Main Street in Bayboro.

The Pamlico Survivors of Suicide Support Group (SOS) is a free support group for people who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide. Whether it happened recently or decades ago, all are welcome to attend these sessions which are led by experienced counselors. Contact Branson Dunn at 304-839-4131 [email protected] or Katherine Hudson at 252-745-4510 for information about the date, time and location of the next group meeting.

*People living with Parkinson’s Disease in and around Pamlico County now have a support group. Pamlico Parkinson’s Network provides a place to talk, as well as learn what those with PD can do – and what’s being done – to deal with the still-incurable condition. PPN meetings are open not only to people with Parkinson’s but also to those who care for – and about them. For more info, contact Dave at [email protected], Kim at 670-8987

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

*The Neuse Neighbors Network (NNN) needs you. NNN is a not-for-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to helping local seniors age in place. NNN volunteers choose the type and timing of the tasks they can help with. There are no fixed commitments and you can meet new people. For more information on volunteering or becoming a member, call 252-665-8807 or email [email protected]

*Vennie Himbry is looking for land or a building to be donated to her non-profit called the Bayboro Development Center to help people who have been incarcerated in the county get back on their feet. Contact Vennie at [email protected]

*Child Advocates Needed: The NC Guardian ad Litem Program for Judicial District 3B (Carteret, Craven and Pamlico Counties) is recruiting volunteer Guardian ad Litem Child Advocates. We provide training and support for this important role as the "voice of the child" in court. When a petition has been filed alleging that a child has been abused or neglected, the Guardian ad Litem Child Advocate is appointed by the Judge to do an independent investigation of the child's circumstances, get to know the child and their wishes, and provide information in court about what is truly in that child's best interest. To learn more about how you can make a difference in the life of a child, go to www.volunteerforgal.org or call us at 252-639-3232.

*Pamlico County Senior Services needs more volunteers to help build handicap access ramps at the homes of some of Pamlico’s older residents. Senior Services provides the materials while volunteers led by Tim Balfour construct one ramp every month. Contact Tim at 745-3247 to offer a hand for the next project.

*Pamlico County Fishes And Loaves is collecting canned goods and has a drop-off point inside First Citizens Bank in Oriental. Fishes and Loaves is a cooperative effort of a number of churches and organizations in Pamlico County working to provide food to the hungry.

*Horses of Pamlico is looking for volunteers to visit the horses or help with farm repairs. They would like to have regular volunteers who can commit to at least one day a week. No experience with horses necessary. Must sign a waver. Text Sharon Vandiford for more information, 252-474-7838

Donate and become a vital part of growing a visual and written history of the county.

Down in the County has its own Instagram page! Check us out @downinthecounty or on Facebook here. You can see my work on Instagram at @andreabruce.

Join the conversation

or to participate.