From chili cook-offs to artsy goats, check out these nine upcoming Onslow-area events
The holidays might be over, but that doesn't mean the fun has to stop, and in the coming weeks, the Onslow County-area is bringing residents everything from chili cook-offs to motorcycle rides.
Check out these nine events and area happenings coming up in the next couple weeks.
Polar Bear Motorcycle Ride
The Onslow County Sheriff's Office is hosting its second Polar Bear Motorcycle Ride for the Special Olympics of North Carolina this Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.
According to the Facebook event details, the ride will start and end at New River Harley-Davidson and all proceeds will go to the Special Olympics of North Carolina.
Registration is at 10 a.m. and the cost is $20 per rider and $10 per passenger. Lunch will be provided.
For more information, call the Onslow County Sheriff's Office at 910-455-3113 or visit them on Facebook.
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TNR Trapping Seminar
With kitten season in full swing, Sneads Ferry nonprofit Paws 4 Purpose will hold a TNR Trapping Seminar at the Onslow County Public Library this Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m.
TNR stands for trap, neuter, return and is an important step in managing the number of stray and feral cats in the area.
The event is free to attend and will include live demos, information and resources. There will also be an opportunity to ask a veterinarian questions about the TNR process and spaying/neutering.
According to Paws 4 Purpose's Facebook page, the first 20 people who attend will receive one feral fix voucher. For more information, visit Paws 4 Purpose on Facebook or at their website.
Snow Dayz at Jacksonville Commons
Snow Dayz at Jacksonville Commons will occur on Friday, Jan. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
According to the city of Jacksonville, the event will include sledding, lawn games, hot cocoa and more.
For more information, visit the city of Jacksonville on Facebook or give them a call at 910-938-5200.
New River Harley-Davidson's 16th Annual Chili Cook-Off
On Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., New River Harley-Davidson will hold its 16th annual chili cook-off.
The event is open to the public and entry is $5. If you're interested in becoming a vendor, fees are $45 and participation fees are $50.
According to the event's Facebook details, chili teams will arrive at 7:30 a.m. with cooking beginning at 8 a.m., sampling from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and awards at 3 p.m.
All proceeds will go to benefit Semper Fi and America's Fund. The event's rain date is Feb. 4.
For more information, call 910-346-9997 or send an email to info@nrhd.com.
20th Annual Carolina Chocolate Festival
The 20th Annual Carolina Chocolate Festival will take place at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City from Feb. 4 at 9 a.m. to Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.
There will be plenty of chocolate vendors to check out, a cocoa 5k run/walk, a professional/amateur bake-off and a chocolate eating contest.
Festival tickets can be purchased online or at the door and are $9 for adults, $2 for kids aged 5-12 and free for children under five. Active-duty military will be given free admission on Sunday with military ID.
More information can be found at the Carolina Chocolate Festival website, Facebook page, or you can call 252-499-0132.
The Artsy Goat Grand Opening
The Artsy Goat, a creative studio and custom gift shop, is holding their grand opening celebration this Saturday, Jan. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
According to The Artsy Goat's Facebook page, there will be free ceramic painting for kids, door prizes, refreshments and lots of sales. There will be 10% off everything in the store and if you sign up for a class, you receive an additional 10%.
For more information, visit The Artsy Goat online, on Facebook or call 910-741-0540.
Salty Hawg Chili Bowl 2023
The Salty Hawg, located at 115 Sugar Lane in Sneads Ferry, will host its first annual chili cook-off on Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.
According to the event's Facebook details, entry is $25 for the first 15 contestants. There will be cash prizes, a people's choice award, door prizes, a dart tournament and chili bowls available after judging.
For more information, visit The Salty Hawg on Facebook or call 910-741-0664.
Swansboro Parks and Recreation 10-year celebration
Swansboro Parks and Recreation will hold its 10-year celebration on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Swansboro Recreation Center and Municipal Park.
According to the event's Facebook details, there will be a variety of activities for all ages. Swansboro Parks and Rec's program instructors from Pound! Fitness, Be Inspired Inc., Tennis Bloc, Mandala Yoga, Hammocks Beach State Park, Swansboro Soccer Association, Trillium-One Community and more will be on site to demonstrate and share information about their respective programs offered through the department and in the Swansboro area.
Kaiyo Hibachi and Two Crazy Donuts food trucks will also be on site and there will be a variety of kids games available in the fields at the park.
The Facebook event also welcomes you to come tour the recreation center, try out the gym/weight room and enjoy all the festivities.
For more information, visit the Town of Swansboro on Facebook or give them a call at 910-326-4428.
Ali Temple Anniversary Weekend
Jacksonville's Ali Temple No. 257 will hold its anniversary weekend from Jan. 27 at 3 p.m. to Jan. 29 at 3 a.m.
Ali Temple No. 257 was constituted in Jan. 2018, according to their Facebook page, and they welcome all to come celebrate their fifth year of existence with them.
The host hotel is the Hampton Inn & Suites in Jacksonville and $60 will cover the cost of the entire weekend.
On Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., a meet and greet will take place at the Hampton Inn with casual attire for the general public and walking suits/organization attire for members.
On Friday night, "The Great Western Roundup" party will begin at the American Legion Building at 9 p.m. with doors opening at 8.
Hospitality at the Hampton Inn will then take place on Saturday from noon to four p.m. with causal dress for the general public and temple, court or organization attire for members.
Then, on Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., the semi-formal non-regaled gala will occur at the American Legion Building. Dinner will be served at 8 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased from any noble of Ali Temple No. 257. For more information, contact John Withers at 910-381-0051 or Jeff Barrett at 910-330-2000.
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@jdnews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: From chili cook-offs to artsy goats, check out these nine upcoming Onslow-area events
