• Down in the County
  • Posts
  • February 2025 Events, Resources and Volunteer Opportunities in Pamlico County, NC

February 2025 Events, Resources and Volunteer Opportunities in Pamlico County, NC

Snow found the field of Pamlico County this January. (Photo by Eleazar Yisrael)

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 list 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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

The town of Oriental will celebrate the Chinese/Lunar New Year with a Dragon Run.The Chinese Dragon and team are bringing on the new year – 2025 is the “Year of the Snake.” (We’ve been in the Year of the Dragon.) For more info contact Larry Summers 252-675-0467. The Dragon makes its run on Hodges Street by the harbor at 2:00p.

Soup-er Bowl Cook-off at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) Possible Karaoke to follow. 4:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Hoff ‘n’ Finch perform at the Old Theater in Oriental. It’s a benefit concert for Pamlico County Fishes and Loaves Outreach (PCFLO). The special two-hour show includes original new songs and old favorites, performed on a concert grand piano and one-of-a-kind instruments. Just $10 per person (cash only). PCFLO’s Food of the Month for February is canned tuna, if you’d like to offer extra help, bring a few cans for the collection box. 3 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room at 7p, in the Courthouse Annex, unless there is a larger crowd. Then meetings are held in the second floor courtroom. The Courthouse is at 202 Main Street, Bayboro, NC 28515. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here, 3 p.m.

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 4

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5

PCHS Blood Drive 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

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.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

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

Pamlico County Library Book Sale,  the Friends hold monthly book sales at the white trailer (annex) located behind the current library. Open from 10:00am to 2:00pm on the second Saturday of each month. Take as many books as you wish and donate what you can...no set prices. We look forward to seeing you! 10-2 p.m.

Hope Clinic has a new location. Join Hope for a Grand Opening and Open House. Hope Clinic is taking new patients. This new facility will allow Hope to expand patient care hours to 2-3 days per week. Details on how to become a new patient at www.hopeclinic.net. They have increased income eligibility, helping more of those who work and don’t quality for Medicaid or who can’t afford subsidized health plans. 13808 Highway 55, Bayboro. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ribbon cutting at 10:15 a.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

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 10

NAACP monthly meeting, Senior Service Building in Alliance, 6 p.m.

Youth Group at the Oriental United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall, 5 p.m.

The One-Off Book Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month, at the Perry Griffin Foundation House. Nelda Coats and Nancy Piner invite you to join them. The topic is emailed to participants each month in advance, but it’s not necessary to prepare in order to attend. New attendees are most welcome. If you have any questions, contact Nelda Coats 252-639-1616 or Nancy Piner 252-670-2615, or just show up at the Perry Griffin Foundation House, 300 High Street, Oriental. 4 p.m.

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here, 3 p.m.

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 11

Oriental Town Commissioners meeting, Town Hall. Second Tuesday of every month. Open to the public, 6 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 12

The Pamlico County Library hosts a mystery book club the second Wednesday of each month. Each month a novel selected from the winners of the annual Edgar Awards will be discussed. For more info please contact the library at 252-745-3515. Pamlico County Library is located at 603 Main Street in Bayboro, 5 p.m.

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

Feb. 13 and Feb. 24

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

The Gathering, at The Bean in Oriental. You’re invited to check out The Gathering – a new group sponsored by Oriental United Methodist Church to make space for community and conversation in a non-traditional setting. There’s no hard sell – just a place to gather and talk. Call 252-249-0213 or email [email protected]. 6 p.m.

Jazz vocalist Karla Harris performs on Valentine’s Day with the Karla Harris Quartet for “Love in the Key of Swing”“at the Old Theater in Oriental, Friday, February 14

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day Cookies for Teens & Kids – Registration Required. Ideal for ages 5+. Come decorate a delicious Valentine’s Day treat in the library! Please register in advance for this program as supplies are limited. Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/r/274mYp0tmV 4 p.m.

Presented by the Pamlico Musical Society, jazz vocalist Karla Harris performs on Valentine’s Day with the Karla Harris Quartet for “Love in the Key of Swing”“at the Old Theater in Oriental. Tickets $30, available at Nautical Wheelers in Oriental & New Bern, and online at pamlicomusic.org.  7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

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

Karaoke at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) 7 p.m.

Pamlico Support Group of Autism Society of NC - Monthly Meeting. The Pamlico Support Group of Autism Society of NC and the Pamlico County Library are working together to provide monthly support meetings to those with autism and their family members. In February, we will meet to discuss ways that the library and group can provide support and awareness. 11am – 12:30pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

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 17 Presidents’ Day

Board of Commissioners meeting, The meeting is in the Patsy Sadler Room at 7p, in the Courthouse Annex, unless there is a larger crowd. Then meetings are held in the second floor courtroom. The Courthouse is at 202 Main Street, Bayboro, NC 28515. 7 p.m. (bi-monthly)

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here, 3 p.m.

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 18

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 19

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20

The third and fifth Thursdays of the month mean Open Jam Session at Pamlico Community College. It’s open to all. Bring your instrument – or voice – or maybe only a chair to just come to listen. It all happens in PCC’s Delamar Center Auditorium. PCC is on Hwy 306 between Grantsboro and Arapahoe. All levels of unplugged playing welcome. For more info, contact Denise McDermott 252-249-1851 ext 3113 [email protected], 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Saturday, Feb. 22

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22

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

Karaoke at Squidders Bait and Tackle in Vandemere. (Read about Squidders here) 7 p.m.

Pamlico Arts Council hosts a storytelling event, Saturday February 22, 6p at Grove & Vine.Speakers include: Shelia Cantine, Pamlico County native & historian, Bill Fentress, Pamlico County native & author, Lisa Jones – Founder and Curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Washington, NC. Two food trucks for the event: Roadside Dogs & Funnels of Love, plus also a cash bar. Admission is free. Grove & Vine is at 45 White Farm Rd, just outside Oriental off Hwy 55. Doors open at 5:30, Storytelling from 6:00 – 8:00p.

Healing Touch Animal Reiki Workshop – Registration Required. An exploration of animal reiki with Michele Rodriguez. Michele is the owner of Healing Touch Animal Reiki and has many years of experience helping pet owners learn techniques that encourage healing and promote the wellness of both the mind and body. During this program, Michele will demonstrate ways to promote healing through reiki, accompanied by her furry canine client, Sofie. Please do not bring your pet to the program; instead, we encourage you to bring something to take notes and come prepared with any questions you may have. Registration for this program is required. Please register by visiting this link: https://forms.office.com/r/Ce7xxcp3yt 11 a.m.

Pamlico Community College Foundation's 13th Annual Great Oyster Revival & Chili Cookoff, at the Grantsboro campus. All-you-can-eat salty oysters as well as samples of homemade chili prepared by some of the area's best cooks. (Chili-only tickets are also available.) Tickets are $30 each; $15 for chili-only. Proceeds benefit deserving PCC students. Local musicians Hoff’n’Finch will provide the entertainment. The event will take place rain or shine. For more information, including details on how to enter the Chili Cookoff, please visit https://pamlicocc.edu/about-pcc/pcc-foundation/ or call 252-249-1851, ext. 3084. 3 to 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23

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 24

Pamlico County Board of Education Meeting, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (monthly)

The Gathering, at The Bean in Oriental. You’re invited to check out The Gathering – a new group sponsored by Oriental United Methodist Church to make space for community and conversation in a non-traditional setting. There’s no hard sell – just a place to gather and talk. Call 252-249-0213 or email [email protected]. 6 p.m.

Open Sailing with Bow To Stern every Monday in Oriental. Bow to Stern invites you to come sailing on their fleet of Cape Dory Typhoons. Not sure how to sail? They’ll pair you with an experienced sailor. Afterwards, hang out with everyone at the fire pit and watch the sun set over the creeks. Let them know you’re coming by registering here. $25 per sailor for the evening. Call 252-249-2424 or email for more information [email protected]. Bow To Stern is at 290 Blackwell Point Loop Rd – for directions click here, 3 p.m.

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 25

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 26

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

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

RESOURCES

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

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 as needed. All are welcome to join them. For more information, follow them on Facebook or call Diane Lemieux at 802-318-1083

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.

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]

*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

Down in the County has its own Instagram page! Check us out @downinthecounty To see my work, check out my Instagram page @andreabruce 

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

Reply

or to participate.