2016 Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival - Deadline for Artists is Approaching!

Are you an area artist with a passion for the Pleasure Island community? Could you use an extra $200? If so, we want to see your skills! The 2016 Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival is looking for artists to design this year's event poster, but the deadline to submit is quickly approaching!

The winner of this year's poster contest will be awarded $200, plus the following:

• $1.00 commission for all posters sold at the festival.
• VIP treatment at this year's festival.
• Recognition for 23rd Annual Seafood, Blue & Jazz Poster Graphic
• Complimentary booth and opportunity to sign posters at the festival in the Arts & Wine Garden

Join us at the 2016 Boogie in the Park Concert Series

On the first and third Sundays, from May through October, the Ocean Front Park at 105 Atlantic Avenue in Kure Beach hosts a free summer concert series from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, featuring some of the area's most talented entertainers in rock, pop, jazz, and crossover country.

Bring the family, bring your guests, or just come by yourself with your chair or blanket and park it by the sea. The 2016 concert lineup features performers to suit every musical taste, and those in between. For more details visit us at www.pleasureislandnc.org. Here is what's in store for the next few weeks...

Moving to Carolina Beach or Kure Beach? Here's what you need to know

Want to experience that laid-back beach attitude on a permanent basis?  Our community has grown by nearly 30% since the millennium. There is a reason for that. Visitors come to our beautiful beachfront towns for a summer getaway, and then get bitten by that magical beach bug.

Who wouldn't want to watch sunsets and sunrises over the beautiful coastal waters of Eastern North Carolina every day? Or take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic anytime you want? Or stroll the boardwalk at Carolina Beach every weekend? Or visit the amazing restaurants, art galleries, and cultural amenities the Pleasure Island communities have to offer?  Carolina Beach and Kure Beach are not only great places to visit and vacation, but they are wonderful places to live, work, or retire.

Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue Beach Sweep

Come join your fellow community members and beach lovers with the Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue Beach Sweep!

You're invited to assist Carolina Beach Ocean Rescue in conducting a sweep of the main beach strand. Come work hand in hand with Carolina Beach Lifeguards to help clean and preserve our beautiful beach so everyone - including future generations - can continue to enjoy it.

WHAT: CB Ocean Rescue Beach Sweep

WHEN: Saturday, July 23, 2016; 8:30 to 11 am

WHERE: Meet at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Stage at 8:30 am

Contact Cpt. Soward at (910) 458-2985 with any questions.

Community Blood Drive

The Masonic Lodge #753 will be holding a Community Blood Drive to benefit the American Red Cross on Monday, July 18 from 2:00 - 6:30 pm at 415 Harper Avenue in Carolina Beach.

According to the American Red Cross, there is an emergency need for blood, and community blood drives like this one help build the organization's blood reserves and save lives. You can learn more about donating blood, find out if you are an eligible donor, and schedule a donation time online by visiting http://www.redcrossblood.org/ and entering sponsor code: Lodge 753 in the search bar.

You can also complete your pre-reading and donation questions online with RapidPass, which helps speed the process along and reduces wait times. Simply visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass the day of your donation, read the information, answer the questions and print the pass.

On behalf of the Masonic Lodge #753, and the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, thank you for your consideration and support!

July 2016 Programs at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has some really exciting programs this month! Take a look at the following events and be sure to pre-register, as they fill up quick!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Aquarist Apprentice
Wednesdays, July 20 & 27 at 2 pm

Check out a dirty job you're sure to love. Join staff on a behind-the-scenes tour and learn about Aquarium animals, what they eat, how they live and how to care for them. Assist aquarists with food preparation and help feed the animals. Participants also observe aquarists during daily care and maintenance tasks. This limited opportunity is only open to 10 participants. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and be prepared to smell fishy. For ages 10 and older. Ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $28 for ages 13 and older, $26 for ages 10-12.
Pre-registration required.

Behind the Scenes Tour
Fridays, July 15, 22, 29 at 3:00 pm
Saturdays, July 16, 23, 30 at 1:30 pm
Sundays, July 17, 24, 31 at 1:30 pm
Monday, July 25 at 3 pm

Experience the Fourth of July Pleasure Island Style

Why limit the Fourth of July to just one day of celebration? Revelers can show their patriotic love at The Independence Day Weekend Fireworks By The Sea and Boardwalk Gazebo festivities July 1 through July 3 to celebrate our country's birthday.

What Pleasure Island has to Offer

Pleasure Island is home to some of the loveliest beaches in North Carolina, and this Fourth of July it's going to rock one awe-inspiring Independence Day tribute. From a fish fry to a pancake breakfast, from performing arts to live music, and of course breathtaking fireworks, come experience the three-day fun-filled festivities. Here are some event highlights of the Fourth of July weekend in Pleasure Island. Visit the Pleasure Island website for more information.