Home Care In Hampstead, NC

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — After nearly two decades, work continues on the US 17 Hampstead Bypass in Pender County.

The project is being split into two segments. One segment will connect US Highway 17 to NC Highway 210. The other will extend Highway 210 north of Hampstead.

For the Highway 210 extension segment, utility relocations water and sewer, drainage piping and culverts, bridge construction, and fill material is being placed. Additionally, detours at Hoover Road and NC 210 have been put in place to begin construction of those overpasses.

Construction began on the bypass in 2022, but discussions surrounding the project date back to August 2006.

Brad George sits on the Pender County Board of Commissioners, representing North Hampstead, Topsail Beach, and Surf City. He says the project’s completion is a long time coming.

“Hampstead is a through-town. There’s people coming from Jacksonville going to Wilmington to work. There’s people coming from Wilmington going to Jacksonville to work. There’s people from Hampstead going both directions to work. They all meet in Hampstead on a four lane road that wasn’t built for all that traffic,” George said. “Unfortunately, the bypass was proposed 20, 25 years ago and at that time the local businesses thought it would hurt them so it was put off and now we’re 20 years too late. Hopefully with the bypass it will take some of the commuter traffic that’s coming from Jacksonville going to Wilmington out of the main streets of Hampstead.”

George says the congestion on US 17 through Hampstead is causing extended commute times, safety concerns, and business impacts.

One of those businesses is Hampstead Ace Hardware. David Keenan manages the hardware store that sits along the side of Highway 17.

“We’ll see hours of stop and go traffic almost daily and we’ll talk about it where it just…when that happens, it just absolutely kills the business here,” Keenan said. “On top of that, we’ll see people, again, almost every day that tell us when they’re heading north they don’t want to turn into our parking lot because they don’t want to try to cross traffic two times.”

According to a spokesperson with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the segment of the project that will extend Highway 210 north of Hampstead will be complete in 2026. The entire project is set to be completed in 2030.

The total cost of the project is $429 million.

PENDER COUNTY — After years of angst about overcrowding in Pender County schools, property to build a new facility has been purchased and signed off on by commissioners.

READ MORE: Pender identifies land for school bond projects, RO plant for $13.9M

At their Monday meeting, the Pender County commissioners approved $6 million from its fund balance to secure a 145-acre parcel on N.C. Highway 210 in Hampstead. The property will be the future site of a K-8 school to alleviate the overcrowding in the Pender County Schools district.

In January, the district reported 90% capacity for its buildings with a total of 10,988 students — an 8.5% increase from 2021. The new campus, with a combined capacity to hold 2,000 students, would include an elementary school, for kindergarten through fifth grade, and a middle school, for sixth-through-eighth-grade.

County asset manager Andy Devane told Port City Daily in April there is sufficient room on the property for a possible high school addition in the future.

The county entered into contract for the land in February, according to the purchase agreement, and engaged Summit Engineer and ECS Southeast to handle the due diligence, now complete. The Pender County Board of Education has also confirmed the site is satisfactory.

County commissioner chair Jackie Newton pointed out at the meeting the county removed a 25-acre parcel from the purchase, originally identified for an additional entrance to the campus.

“It turned out to be much more went than we anticipated,” county finance director Meg Blue responded. “Landscape architects indicated they could reorient the site to not need that [portion].”

Blue also explained the commissioners can approve a resolution that will reimburse the county’s fund balance with bond proceeds if they choose to.

The Hampstead property was purchased from 12 combined owners of the land. According to the purchase contract, the sellers are responsible for costs associated with preparing the deed, excise tax, and conveyance fees prior to closing.

Groundbreaking on the k-8 school was initially scheduled to begin 2023 but the search to find suitable land pushed the timeline.

Pender County Schools announced at the June 13 board of education meeting, its partnering with Bordeaux-Mosely as the design-build team on the project. The process is anticipated to take about 12 months.

Construction is set to begin immediately following, in July 2024 and take roughly 24 months.

Tips or comments? Email [email protected].

Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.

PENDER COUNTY — Community theater is a big part of the arts and culture scene in Wilmington, with more than 50 shows produced throughout the year. Soon, a growing municipality on its outskirts may have its own theater group to entertain audiences as well.

READ MORE: ‘Business side of theater’: Big Dawg secures first rights, royalties to 2 Off-Broadway shows

Untitled Theatre Productions is the brainchild of Emily Graham, an actress who has performed in upward of three dozen or so local productions in the last decade. In the next year, she hopes her love for the stage will be present in her hometown of Hampstead.

Graham is hosting a community meeting Wednesday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m., at Hampstead Annex Building, to garner feedback and assess volunteer interest to make it happen.

“There’s just nothing like that out here,” Graham said. “I’m looking forward to getting everybody in the room, talk about my vision for Untitled and what it means to me, which is: We’re gonna build a community theater group together — that’s why there’s no title. It’s open; whatever we make it to be, it will be.”

The actress — last seen as the mother in Thalian Association’s “A Christmas Story” — heads the Rookie program for TACT, which draws in new youth to theater productions. Spurring a love for the stage has also been passed on to her own children — all five — who have an interest in theater.

“But all of us doing it is very difficult — the drive to Wilmington,” she said, with added traffic, different schedules and costs rising for everyday needs. “So that was the impetus to start a theater company in Hampstead closer to where we live.”

Graham — who received her bachelor’s of arts in theater from the University of Iowa — was talking with a friend, Jaime Alberti, at a cheer banquet last year, musing over the idea. Their children are in theater together and realized the need is there.

“Jaime immediately was like: ‘How can I help?’” Graham recalled.

Alberti connected Graham to Zach White at Pender County Parks and Recreation about the use of Hampstead Annex’s auditorium, which can seat 240 people, to stage the shows. Pender County representatives will be at Wednesday’s meeting as well.

“At this time no plans, details, or agreements have been made,” White wrote in an email to Port City Daily last week.

Graham is hopeful the use of the Annex will be Untitled’s homebase, marking one large hurdle off the long list of needs. She has rehearsal spaces secured through area churches and dance studios.

Graham also is beginning to fundraise for Untitled, with a goal to get $25,000 upfront to launch the first show. A chunk will go toward securing rights and covering sound and lighting. Set design, makeup, hair, costumes, choreography, orchestra, and all the creative team will need to be procured. Graham will be directing the shows.

“I’m being paid zero,” Graham added. “This first go ‘round, it’s going to be all volunteer-based, except for possibly the musicians, lighting and sound — that might be something that we have to pay for. This is not a money-making venture; it’s really to create, put it out there and pour it back into Untitled, so that we can keep it going.”

Graham doesn’t have a musical title in mind quite yet to launch the first show. She envisions ticket costs to be around $15, with shows running two weekends. Money from sales will be put back into the company to continue bringing more productions.

“The performers I’m not worried about — people are going to come out of the woodwork. They always do,” she added.

Alberti said the amount of talent in Hampstead and surrounding Pender County is vast. She has two children, Topsail High schoolers Lillian and Natalie, active in the arts. Natalie has been in Thalian Association and Opera House productions, and attended the North Carolina School of the Arts Summer Drama College Conservatory Prep Program last summer. She also is set to appear in the pilot of local filmmaker Jonas Pate’s (“Outer Banks”) new show, revolving around teenagers starting a band, The Runarounds, and going on tour.

CATCH UP: The Runarounds make local debut, 9 months after shooting pilot episode with ‘OBX’ creator

Natalie has been helping Graham spread the word on the initiative, creating an Instagram to get out the news about the meeting.

“There are limited opportunities out here for both children and adults to participate in theatrical arts in Pender County,” Alberti wrote in an email to PCD.

The closest theater company outside of Wilmington’s many is in Onslow County. Sneads Ferry Community Theater — where Graham first performed locally when she moved to the area — suspended shows in January 2022.

“Many of the area’s schools are no longer able to offer chorus or similar vocal courses due to lack of funding, space, or perhaps perceived value for this type of art-based program,” Alberti added. “Just like the recent community-based choirs that have emerged for our youth because of it, we need to do all we can to support the music, visual and theater arts programs in our schools and community while we can.”

Alberti said Pender County officials have been “extremely supportive” about expanding its offerings. It already hosts movie nights, games, tournaments, concerts and other community events.

“Zach [White] also encouraged us to seek guidance and support from the leaders of the Pender County Arts Council, including the mayor of Burgaw, Ms. Olivia Dawson,” Alberti said.

Eventually, Untitled will evolve into offering classes, workshops, and camps. Alberti would also like to see shows eventually scaled at the almost 800-seat historic Penderlea Auditorium in Willard, roughly 10 miles north of Burgaw.

“But we’re gonna start small,” Graham said. “It’s really grassroots at this point and so I want to see who is out there, who would be willing to help.”

The meeting will include a presentation about Untitled, with the goal to start with two productions a year: one adult and one children’s musical. Graham will answer questions from the audience and assess volunteer interest.

“It’s an avenue for those who want to explore or excel in any or all elements of theater, from singing, dancing, acting, art, music, set design, lighting, costuming, or even directing,” Alberti said. “Theatre brings people together. It inspires. It tells stories. It unites people from various backgrounds and experiences to create something magical and beautiful.”

Tips or comments? Email [email protected].

Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.

HAMPSTEAD, N.C. (WECT) - At the age of 13, Elle Graham of Hampstead already has an impressive acting resume, which includes roles in popular shows like Stranger Things and The Walking Dead.

Elle is riding a wave of increased notoriety as one of the stars of the hit Disney Channel shows Secrets of Sulphur Springs, which is currently in its third season. She also has a major role in a new movie that opens nationwide this weekend, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, adapted for the big screen from the classic 1970 novel by Judy Blume.

In the movie, Elle plays Nancy Wheeler, who becomes Margaret’s first friend after the Simon family moves to the New Jersey suburbs. She says she fell in love with the role as soon as she read the script, even though she’s not like the character she plays.

“Me and the other kids on set, we had such a strong connection when we first met each other and then doing these silly scenes,” Elle said. “Some of the mean scenes, it just came out, it was just kind of like a silly and fun, comfortable situation to be in.”

Along with those young actresses, Abby Ryder Fortson (Margaret) Amari Alexis Price (Janie) and Katherine Mallen Kupferer (Gretchen), Elle also had the opportunity to learn from award-winning veteran performers Rachel McAdams (who plays Margaret’s mother Barbara) and Kathy Bates (who plays Margaret’s grandmother Sylvia) on this project.

“Well, I didn’t actually get to meet Kathy Bates, but seeing her on screen, her humor in the show and the way that she plays the grandma so well, it’s absolutely amazing,” Elle said about the Academy Award-winning actress. “You can just tell the family bond that her, Rachel and Abby have. As for Rachel McAdams, she is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I think every actor should get a chance to meet somebody so grounded as she is. She’s truly just a beautiful artist!”

Elle said she has tried to gain more knowledge from every movie and television role she’s done, and this project allowed her to stretch her acting abilities in a new way.

“This one specifically showed me how important it is to have a good relationship with the cast around you and have such a strong connection like all of us did all the crew,” she said. “And how feeling comfortable on the set can make you produce some really good work. Also, I had never done improv before. So, this was a new thing for me. I didn’t really know how to just come up with lines on the spot.”

Elle’s appearance on Secrets of Sulphur Springs has increased her popularity in the entertainment industry, as evidenced by the number of interviews she’s done about the show with her fellow actors. The finale of season three is expected to air in May, and while Disney has not made an announcement on whether there will be a fourth season, Elle says playing the role of Savannah in the family mystery has been a great learning experience and a lot of fun.

“Sulphur Springs was my first time really working with a group of kids,” she remembers. “And when we first had the first table read for the pilot, I absolutely fell in love with the script. I wanted to read them like books! After we finished the first season and we heard what people were saying about it, we hoped and we prayed that we would get a second season because we just love working with each other and working with all the directors!”

As far as future acting projects, Elle did not share any specifics, saying she is hoping for more auditions and more acting opportunities. For now, it’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret on the big screen and Secrets of Sulphur Springs on the small one for this successful young actress who, along with her parents, two brothers and two sisters, calls southeastern North Carolina home. I hope you enjoy the conversation with her as much as I did.

Please follow the “1on1 with Jon Evans” podcast on whatever app you use to listen to your favorite shows, and you will immediately receive the new episodes when they are released. Tell a friend or post about it on your social media page to let people know what you think of the interviews.

The “1on1 with Jon Evans” podcast is a free download on many of your favorite podcast streaming apps including:

PENDER COUNTY — According to Italian Bistro owner Jason James, the timing is right for a second eatery to pop up after more than a decade serving diners in the Porters Neck area.

READ MORE: ‘A man of character’: Family, friends mourn loss of local restaurateur James Smith

On Tuesday, James took over the lease for the former JT’s Brick Oven Pizza (201 Alston Blvd.), near Harris Teeter and Lowe’s in Pender County. His co-owners, including chef Jason Raynor and Chris Harris, will help operate the new location.

“Chris will be the one mainly running the store up there,” James said.

Raynor has been with James for two decades. The pair worked together when James opened his first downtown Wilmington restaurant, The Pizza Bistro — which eventually evolved into Italian Bistro — located in the Cotton Exchange from 1999 through the early aughts. The two moved their families to Lake Norman in 2005 to open Sauced Italian Bistro but ended up selling the operation to move back to the coast and start up Italian Bistro in a different location in 2011.

“He is one of the hardest working guys out there,” James said, praising the chef. “I know that everything is in good hands when he’s in the building — or even not in the building; he’s always just taking care of stuff.”

Expanding the brand has been on their radar for a while, particularly in the Hampstead and Leland areas. James, who lives in Leland, said they were approached a few times during the Covid-19 pandemic about locations opening.

“We could barely get enough staff in our own restaurant,” he said, “nevermind trying to take on another one.”

Yet, he had also been approached numerous times throughout the years. It wasn’t until recently a friend reached out about the Surf City Crossing restaurant. That it’s a turnkey operation appealed to the restaurateurs most.

“It seemed like a good opportunity,” he said. “So the changes we’re going to make are fairly minimal — it will be an easy transition hopefully.”

The second Italian Bistro, located only 20 minutes from its flagship, is smaller, able to serve 15 to 20 diners indoors. James has plans to add on an outdoor patio as well to expand the footprint.

The 1,200-square-foot eatery will remain open through the transformation. James expects to hire around 20 employees to run the operation; the Porters Neck location employs more than 40 people.

“We’re going to be out there today,” he said Tuesday, “changing the recipes and getting all of our products in the building. We’re just trying to teach the [JT’s] staff of eight how we do everything — get all the recipes and our menu implemented.”

Only a few updates are needed to the space itself — a coat of paint and some new decorations.

“There is some cosmetic work for the interior, but we need to come up with a plan,” he said. “We may have to close a few days to paint.”

James expects the grand opening to take place in September after new signs are installed.

In the meantime, it will serve a truncated menu to get it up and running — just a few pies, strombolis and calzones. The full Italian Bistro menu consists of numerous pasta dishes, sandwiches, daily specials, salads and appetizers. Within a year, it will offer everything Italian Bistro in Porters Neck does, seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

As for another eatery farther south near his home in Brunswick County, James said he’s not ruling it out, but it has to be the right place.

“The main thing we keep running into so far out that way is it’s all brand new construction,” he said, meaning the cost to build from the ground up can be more expensive. “We’ve done our due diligence on a couple places out there, but the time isn’t right yet.”

Tips or comments? Email [email protected].

Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.

Discover Coastal Window Fashions: Your Go-To for Custom Window Treatment Near Me

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home or office, window treatment play a crucial role. Coastal Window Fashions is your trusted partner in transforming your space with exquisite custom window treatment and custom window treatments near me. Whether you are searching for blinds, shades, drapes, or handmade Roman shade valances, Coastal Window Fashions is the destination that combines style, quality, and customization. Let's explore the world of window treatments and discover how Coastal Window Fashions can elevate your living or working space.

Blinds: Coastal Window Fashions offers a wide array of blinds that cater to diverse preferences and styles. From classic wood plantation shutters to modern roller shades, their collection is designed to complement any decor. If you're on the lookout for blinds near me, Coastal Window Fashions ensures that you have access to a variety of options that not only provide privacy but also add a touch of sophistication to your windows.

Shades: Transform your space with the elegance of shades near me from Coastal Window Fashions. Whether you prefer the simplicity of roller shades, the timeless appeal of Roman shades, or the softness of sheer drapery, their range is designed to suit every taste. Searching for custom shades near me? Look no further – Coastal Window Fashions specializes in crafting shades that perfectly align with your style and preferences.

Drapes: For those who appreciate the luxurious touch of drapery, Coastal Window Fashions offers a stunning selection. From sheer drapery that allows natural light to filter through to custom-made drapes that add a touch of opulence, their collection is diverse and tailored to meet your needs.

Handmade Roman Shade Valance: Add a unique and personalized touch to your windows with Coastal Window Fashions' handmade Roman shade valances. These exquisite valances are crafted with precision and care, ensuring a one-of-a-kind addition to your space. If you're in search of handcrafted window treatments near you, Coastal Window Fashions is the answer.

Custom Solar Shades: Incorporate energy efficiency into your space with custom solar shades from Coastal Window Fashions. These shades not only provide protection from harsh sunlight but also contribute to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with Coastal Window Fashions' custom solar shades.

Coastal Window Fashions

16406 US Hwy 17 Unit 8 Hampstead, NC 28443910-388-6995www.coastalwindowfashionsnc.com

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6:55 p.m. EST to include a statement from the 2nd Marine Logistics Group commanding general.

HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — Three men who were found dead over the weekend at a North Carolina gas station have been identified as Marine lance corporals stationed at nearby Camp Lejeune, the Marine Corps said Tuesday.

Deputies from the Pender County Sheriff’s Office found the three men unresponsive Sunday morning in a privately owned car at a Speedway gas station in Hampstead, 29 miles (47 kilometers) southwest of the base, the department said in a statement. Medical authorities pronounced all three dead the same day, and their cause of death has not been released.

Sgt. Chester Ward of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office said the department had received a missing person report for one of the three Marines, but he declined to share details. No drugs were found in the vehicle, he said.

“We do not suspect anything as far as foul play in that matter,” Ward told The Associated Press, noting that the sheriff’s office is waiting on autopsy results because the cause of death “might be something that we don’t see.”

The U.S. Marine Corps identified the men as Tanner J. Kaltenberg, 19, of Madison, Wisconsin; Merax C. Dockery, 23, of Pottawatomie, Oklahoma; and Ivan R. Garcia, 23, of Naples, Florida. The men were motor vehicle operators with the Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2 and 2nd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Lejeune, said First Lt. Raymond Fullbright, of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

“My deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lance Cpl. Kaltenberg, Lance Cpl. Dockery and Lance Cpl. Garcia,” said Brig. Gen. Michael McWilliams, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “Our focus is providing the necessary resources and support to those impacted by their tragic loss as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”

Their cause of death could be determined as soon as Wednesday, Ward said.

Hannah Schoenbaum is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

In 2022, the Food and Agriculture Organization estimated there were over 800 million hungry people in the world.

In eastern Pender County, Share the Table Inc., a food pantry and ministry, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility on Sept. 13. The nonprofit helps to feed people in need in Pender and Onslow counties.

“We are excited to see how this new facility grows to support the neighbors we serve in new ways and brings together the community – Neighbors Feeding Neighbors," said Dawn Ellis, executive director of Share the Table.

It's one of more than 10 organizations throughout the Wilmington area utilizing space to help the hungry.

What is Share the Table?

Share the Table was founded in 2010 as a free community meal to provide supplemental food to residents in Pender and Onslow counties.

The new facility will be located at U.S. 17 and Perkins Road in Hampstead and will have an enlarged food pantry for storage and food distribution, increased freezer and cooler space for more frozen proteins, fresh produce and dairy items, a dining area, enlarged kitchen, and an innovative Learning Center.

The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island and Surf City Rotary Club have recently received a $10,000 grant from the Kiwanis Children’s Fund to establish the Greater Topsail Area Community Garden in Hampstead. Through community volunteer leadership, the garden project’s goal is to grow and harvest fresh produce for Share the Table.

What programs will be offered?

Client-Choice Food Pantry.Neighbors can shop for grocery items once a week. This food pantry includes fresh produce: Fruits and vegetables, canned goods, non-perishables, cereal, dairy, meat, and bakery items. Also, household items, pet food, linens, books, children's toys, diapers and baby wipes are provided.

Meals Until No Child Hungers. Share the Table partnered with community individuals and churches to help serve Topsail area elementary and middle school students in need. Food will be packed in backpacks and sent home every Friday. The program also includes a food closet at Topsail High School.

A free community takeout meal is offered on Sunday nights to anyone who is hungry or lonely.

With the new building and increased storage space, Share the Table will be expanding its food choices and focusing on healthy and nutritional options, and also will be offering educational programs on health and nutrition, and budgeting.

What are the guidelines?

Share the Table offers a client-choice shopping pantry environment where a person in need can choose the food items they know their families will use. There are no eligibility requirements for any of the organization’s programs.

Until Share the Table's new building opens, it is still located at 12395 N.C. 50 in Hampstead. Hours of operation are 4:30-6 p.m. Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; and 10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday.

More:Rooftop oasis: How a county building went 'green' while offering employees a welcome break

Food pantries in the Wilmington area

If you are in need of food and do not live in Pender County, here is a list of some food pantries in the Wilmington area that can assist:

For many years, Keith Ramsey enjoyed watching people savor plates with fried fish, hushpuppies, and coleslaw during the North Carolina Spot Festival along U.S. 17 in Hampstead.

Although the dates are set for a weekend in November, the location for the celebration is unknown right now because of plans for a shopping center where the festival takes place, which is less than a mile south of the U.S. 17/N.C. 210 intersection.

"We're trying to find a new home," said Ramsey, festival chairman. "We got a couple of options, but we don't have anything definitive at this point."

Tanner Postal Commercial Real Estate LLC, a South Florida firm, submitted an application to Pender County officials for the area on the western side of the highway. According to county documents, plans include various retail stores and eating places.

The business is associated with Impeccable Development, a commercial real estate development in the Carolinas. The business was started by Robert Tanner, Amit Seghal, Dr. Jeffrey Postal and Carlos Boozer, a former Duke basketball and NBA star.

Some of the tenants associated with the company include Sheetz, Auto Zone, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Parker's Kitchen, Popeyes and Starbucks. Although reports surfaced that one of the spots would be a Target, Tanner said he could not confirm anything at this time.

"They will be announced at a later date," Tanner told the StarNews.

A site plan presented to the county does not list Target.

As of late May, there is no indication of a Target on the company's website. However, Popeyes and Freddy's are listed.

A spokesman for Target said the company has no new stores to share.

"At Target, we continuously explore possible locations for new stores," a Target spokesperson stated to StarNews. "We consider a number of factors when evaluating new store opportunities, such as population density, site accessibility and how we can fill a need in the community. We work closely with local leaders to identify locations where we can best serve a neighborhood and offer a convenient and inspiring shopping experience."

Florida developer eyes Hampstead:Developer promises new stores, restaurants for Hampstead's next major shopping center

Dealing with the unavoidable

The property is owned by Hampstead Partners, LLC, a Wilmington-based business. Ramsey said organizers had a land use agreement for the festival.

"It's been for sale for years and we knew eventually the day would come that it would sell," he said.

The first festival was held in 1963. It was successful with the help of sponsors providing spot, a popular fish in the area. When it began decades ago, the nonprofit event benefited the fire department and education. In 2022, they donated $20,000 back to schools in eastern Pender County.

Organizers made a website with festival and vendor information with plans to have the festival on Saturday, Nov. 4 and Sunday, Nov. 5. Last year, more than 100 vendors signed up. Along with fish plates, some of the other highlights include live music, a pageant and various other entertainment.

Ramsey said an official location for this year is still up in the air, but he's staying optimistic about the challenge of being in Hampstead, which is seeing growth because of its proximity to Wilmington and the beaches of Topsail Island.

"The problem with us being a Hampstead festival is that everything is selling so fast and being developed so fast in that area," he said. "We were fortunate to have that piece of property that we had for so many years. But people aren't sitting on large vacant tracts of land and saying 'Here, you can use my land.'"

Ramsey has been involved with the festival for about a decade.

"Trust me, it's hard work," he said. "The biggest thing for me is actually giving back to the community."

Looking back:Spot festival to celebrate big anniversary

More news from the Topsail region:As Serenity Point decision looms, group makes final pitch against family compound

Searching for new land

Organizers are now searching for another plot of land in Hampstead or eastern Pender County, which has a strong seafood and fishing heritage. Out of the 42 acres Impeccable Development wants to use, Ramsey said only 7 is probably used for festival activities. Everything else is dedicated to parking.

"If somebody got some land that they'll let us use and call home, it would be greatly appreciated," he said.

But Ramsey will miss the U.S 17 land that organizers and goers called home for a long time.

"It's a major artery through the county," he said about the advantage of being close to U.S. 17. "It's bumper to bumper out there. By the time we get started setting up on Wednesday, people are seeing it, and by Friday afternoon we got inflatables and pretty much everything is ready to go for the next morning. I'm sure it catches people's eyes, and they say, 'Let's go check that out this weekend."

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest Pender County news by signing up for the StarNews newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Reporter Chase Jordan can be reached at [email protected]