Here's what to know and what's new about the 68th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival
The oldest festival in the Crystal Coast will soon be underway for the 68th time.
The Swansboro Mullet Festival began in 1954, and the event centers around the small, bony fish that appears as having a purplish-blue tint when found in eastern North Carolina waters, according to the Swansboro Festivals website.
"Swansboro natives remember days long ago when mullets were hauled to shore in nets hooked to tractors along the beach," the website adds. "In 1954, mullet fed the workers building the White Oak River Bridge that later became a vital link between Onslow and Carteret counties. Upon its completion, the conception of the Mullet Festival began. It was a way to celebrate the arrival of the modern era in bridge form. The event started as a potluck-type event with the town coming together and contributing to the celebration."
Here's what to know about the 68th Annual Swansboro Mullet Festival.
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When and where?
The festival will take place in downtown Swansboro on Saturday, Oct. 8 and Sunday, Oct. 9.
Different events and activities will take place in different locations along downtown Swansboro, everywhere from Casper's Marina to the Pug Pavilion and the water outside of Boro Restaurant and Bar.
The Hampton Inn and Suites is the official hotel for Swansboro Festivals and those who don't want to drive all the way home with bellies full of mullet can book a stay.
Live music - who will be performing at the Mullet Festival?
One of the biggest features of the Mullet Festival is the huge lineup of live music.
Music will take place at two stages of entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday: the Pug Pavilion on the corner of Front and Church Street and Mattock's Waterfront Pavilion next to the Boro Restaurant and Bar.
On Saturday, the Pug Pavilion will welcome Mystic Vibrations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Castaways from 2-5 p.m. and the Entertainers from 6:30-10 p.m. On Sunday, the stage will see Cat 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Liquid Pleasure from 2-5 p.m.
On Saturday, the Mattock's Waterfront Pavilion will welcome The Webb Brothers from 9-11 a.m., Davis Lott & Friends from noon-2 p.m., Polar Bear Blues Band from 3-6 p.m. and RV Road Show from 7-10 p.m. Sunday, the stage will see Bob Laverty Band from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and East Coast Jam Band from 2-5 p.m.
What else is there to do at the festival, what's new?
The Mullet Festival will also feature a parade on Saturday at 9 a.m., street vendors, a children's area, a fish fry, food and craft vendors and more. A Blessing of the Fleet will take place on Friday night, prior to the festival at 5:30 p.m.
New this year, according to Festival Coordinator Debra Pylypiw, will be fireworks on Saturday at 7 p.m., along with a military static display.
Parking can be found at Ward Farm and a free shuttle will be available. For more information on the Swansboro Mullet Festival, visit Swansboro Festivals' website, Facebook page or call 910-326-2600.
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: What should Swansboro expect for the 68th Annual Mullet Festival?
