The Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry starts its fall schedule on the Autumnal Equinox (a.k.a. the first day of autumn, a.k.a. Tuesday, September 23rd.) Just a coincidence? Or are we observing one of the four major pagan holidays? Nope; Tuesday's the day the ferry crew shifts change. Take time out from adding pumpkin spice to everything so you can memorize the new ferry schedule. Find it here.
Go Dolphins! There's a home middle school volleyball match Wednesday at 3:30pm when the Ocracoke girls will take on the Hatteras Hurricanes. Fear the Pod!
Music and stories! Deepwater Theater shows are free for locals this week. Do you live on the island? Come out to see the last Ocrafolk Opry (Wednesday) or Molasses Creek concert (Thursday) of the season! Shows start at 8pm. Off-islanders are also welcome, at the regular admission price of $15 for adults. Call Fiddler Dave at 252-921-0260 for info and reservations.
Expose Yourself to Art! All are welcome to see "Head On" new works by Roy Revels at his art opening at Down Creek Gallery, Wednesday, 5-8pm. Refreshments catered by Chris Johnson for Zillies, with musical entertainment with DJ and turntable artist the DJ Ninja. Roy's is both two- and three-dimensioanl and will remain on display at the gallery after the show.
The OVFD firefighters are having a BBQ sandwich lunch sale on Thursday, Sept. 25th starting at noon. Get a BBQ sandwich and a bag of chips for $5! Drinks will be available. Come and get ya some! Support your local firefighters!
Ocracoke School PTA meeting is Thursday at 7pm in the school commons. They are gearing up for the Halloween Carnival in October. They need volunteers to help work the event -- if you're interested in helping out, please come to the meeting on Thursday or contact PTA president Ivey Belch at 921-0021.
On Friday, NPS volunteer Crystal Canterbury will open the Lighthouse for viewing from 10am- 12noon. Here’s your chance to go in (but not up!) Ocracoke’s iconic beacon.
Dance classes start this week with the Ocracoke School of the Performing Arts, directed by Desiree Ricker. Kids' dance classes are held at Angie's Gym Tuesday-Thursday. There's an adult class, too, and acting for kids will start next week. Email ocracokeschoolofperformingarts@gmail.com for more information.
Community Litter Sweep on September 27th. Please meet at the school at 10:00am to sign up for an area. Come early for coffee and yummy muffins provided by the Ocracoke Coffee Shop! Show up, get your area assignments and garbage bags, and help keep Ocracoke beautiful! For inspiration, read here about the event's organizer, Dolores Gilbert, and the Ocracoke Trash Troop.
Boy Scout Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, from 11:30am-2pm. Come out to Jason's Restaurant to support Troop 290. Get spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread, and a drink all for $8; meat sauce is $10.
During the month of September, Ocracoke Preservation Society is holding a very creative Facebook fundraiser. (If you’re not on Facebook, fear not! Just go to the OPS website.) Donations are accepted in increments of $5. There are bonus drawings each week, and there’ll be a big drawing at the end of the month. If your name is drawn, your prize will be influenced by how much you’ve donated!
Arts and crafts! Artist and crafter booth applications are now being accepted for the annual Down East fall Arts and Crafts Show on October 25th in Swan Quarter, NC. More info here.
Silent Auction items are needed for the Ocracoke United Methodist Women's annual Fall Bazaar (November 8th). They're collecting donations now for the Silent Auction. The Fall Bazaar is the OUMW's biggest fundraiser and helps provide: mission kits, potlucks for the church and community, and upkeep of the parsonage and Rec Hall. Call or text Stella O'Neal at 252-928-8726 to donate an auction item.
New to you… Village Thrift is a wonderful resource for the community, giving us a place to unload our stuff for someone else to enjoy, and a chance to find great bargains. Not to mention that all its proceeds benefit Ocracoke Youth Center. Located behind Ocracoke Coffee Company, the thrift store's fall hours will be Tuesday - Saturday, 11-5.
Looking ahead….
Ocracoke Alive will sponsor two free music events in October!
Wednesday, October 1, 8 PM at Deepwater Theater: John Santa NC Humanities Council Roads Scholar
Presented by the NC Humanities in conjunction with Dare County Arts Council and Ocracoke Alive
"The Culture of Bluegrass Music in North Carolina: My life as an Accidental Bluegrass Musician"
Saturday, October 4 ~ Sonic Escape, 1 PM Workshop, 8 PM Concert at Deepwater Theater.
Presented by the Beaufort County Arts Council w/ Ocracoke Alive
Sonic Escape is a flute-violin-cello trio of Juilliard graduates that uses every part of the performer - fingers, mind, voice & story - to reshape the live music experience. The virtuoso members have traveled the world in roles as diverse as soloing at Carnegie Hall, fiddle-dancing in Riverdance, jamming with Beale Street blues bands and playing rock clubs across NYC. Whether Sonic Escape is performing one of their ground-breaking original works, a folk arrangement or a classical masterpiece, they share with audiences as though it's the last note they'll ever play for the best friend they'll ever make! http://www.sonicescapemusic.com/
Don't forget to check the Ocracoke Current calendar and "like" our Facebook page for more updates!