Beach Dogs "Dog Day" Fundraisier Event - March 28th

Today, March 28th, 2009, Beach Dogs Restaurant & Spoiled to the Bone Mobile Pet Spa are taking part in a fundraiser for Saving Animals During Disasters, a nonprofit organization that provides essential care to animals during emergencies.

Beach Dogs, a burger and hot dog restaurant located at 304 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach, will be collecting donations such as dry food, bedding, crates, food and water dishes, and any other pet related items.

Spoiled to the Bone Mobile Pet Spa will also be on site offering a massaging bath, fluff and puff blow dry and nail trimming special for your pets.

The fundraiser continues until 5:00 pm today so be sure to get down there with your donations!

For more information about this event, please contact Beach Dogs at 910-458-4623.

For information about Spoiled to the Bone, please contact Terri at 910-368-7416 or visit: www.SpoiledtotheBone.com.

Britt's Donuts is Officially Open for the 2009 Season!

It's Official! Britt's Donuts on the Boardwalk in Carolina Beach, NC is open for the 2009 season (as of March 27).

This popular donut destination is only open during the high season - every weekend during April & May, then 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm during June, July & August. In September, they go back to weekends only and then they shut down for the winter.

Be sure to get your fill of Britt's famous & delicious handmade donuts while you can. They are so good, they don't even have to offer different varieties. You get yours glazed and you love it!

The smell of Britt's donuts at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a sure sign of Summer on its way. We're all so excited for this season and Britt's Donuts opening is just another reason to celebrate!

Be sure to stop by this weekend for a dozen of your favorite Britt's Donuts.

Enjoy! Mmmmmm......

Update: Wondering when does Britt's Donuts open in 2012? We've got the answer here!

Restaurants Competing In the 13th Annual Chowder Cook Off

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce would like to announce the competitors for the 13th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook Off:

1. Jack Mackerel's Island Grill, Kure Beach
2. Harbor Master Restaurant, Carolina Beach
3. Michael's Seafood Restaurant, Carolina Beach
4. Olde Salty's, Carolina Beach
   
5. Seaside Grill - Courtyard Marriott, Carolina Beach
   
6. Tangerine Caribbean Grill, Carolina Beach
7. Rucker John's, Wilmington (*first time participant)

Is your mouth watering yet? Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 18th. Admission is only $5 which not only includes samples of the best chowder around, but also a day full of live music and fun for the kids at the ever popular Kidz Zone!

For information about purchasing tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Chowder Cook Off webpage.

Survive and Thrive Workshop Cancelled

We are sorry to report that the Survive and Thrive workshop set for tonight, Monday, March 23rd at 6:00 pm is CANCELLED.

We hope to offer this workshop again later in the year.

If you have any questions, please call the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at 910-458-8434.

Thank you.

Island of Lights Fashion Show - March 28th

The Island of Lights Fashion Show is coming up on Saturday, March 28th. The show benefits the Island of Lights Holiday Festival, organized entirely by volunteers! The festival takes place on Pleasure Island, NC, and includes a Lighting of the Lake Celebration and a Holiday Floatilla!

Details:

• What: Island of Lights Fashion Show
• When: Saturday, March 28th, 2009 from 11am to 2pm
• Where: Courtyard by Marriott in Carolina Beach, NC
  
• Info: Tickets are $20 and include a lunch, a Silent Auction, and a Raffle

Fashions are provided by Island Colors, Linda's Fashions and the Unique Boutique.

Tickets are on sale at the following Pleasure Island locations: Linda’s Fashions, Unique Boutique, Island Colors, The Checkered Church, Le Soleil, and Blue Water Realty.

For more information, please visit The Island of Lights Fashion Show.

Enjoy!

True Value Island tTackle Hardware - Ribbon Cutting!

Come help us celebrate a Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting / Social!

Details:

• What: True Value Island Tackle & Hardware Grand Opening
• When: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 5:30 pm
• Where: Carolina Beach, NC

Dennis, Wanda, and Wes want everyone to come take a look at their newly renovated store which includes:

• sportswear,
• a fishing center,
• hardware,
• boating supplies,
• and much more!

While you're there, be sure to check out the newest State Record Blue Marlin (mounted) up close and personal.

Support your local Pleasure Island businesses and come out for the celebration!

Sun Coast Cruisers Car Show - March 27 & 28

Mark your calendars for the Sun Coast Cruisers Car Show, March 27 & 28!

Details:

• What: Sun Coast Cruisers Car Show
• When: Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28, 2009
• Where: Fort Fisher AF Recreation Area, Kure Beach, NC

Bring the family out to enjoy the Friday night cruise from Carolina Beach to Fort Fisher (starts at 7 pm) and the car show at the Fort Fisher Recreation Area on Saturday (9 am to 4:30 pm). There will be music, food, beverage, vendors, and awards presentations. What a fun event! Car enthusiasts, old and young alike, are sure to enjoy this classic car show.

See you there!

Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Announces Upcoming RASP Certification

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce announces an upcoming RASP certification course:

• Responsible Alcohol Sellers Program (RASP) - Thursday, March 26th at 6:00 pm. The purpose of this class is to certify everyone who volunteers to serve beer at any of The Pleasure Island Chamber events (Chowder Cook Off, Beach Music Festival, Seafood Blues & Jazz Festival, etc). Additionally, this class is great for our local establishments who serve alcohol as it teaches how to detect underage and intoxicated patrons, fake, altered, or imposter identification, and covers the general rules and regulations of the ABC Commission. Each participant will receive a certificate showing that they have taken this course. The session will run from 6-7:00 pm in the Police Training Room at the Carolina Beach Town Hall offices.

Please contact Aimee at 910-458-8434 or via the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce website to register to attend this certification class.

1st Annual Tri-4-Rye - Carolina Beach on April 18th

Be sure to come out for the 1st Annual Tri-4-Rye event benefiting the Carolina Beach Elementary School in honor of our own Ryan McKee whom we lost late last year.

Details:

• What: 1st Annual Tri-4-Rye Triathalon
• When: Saturday, April 18th
• Where: Hamlet Beach Access, Carolina Beach, NC
• Fees: $20 per persons ages 8 and above and $30 for those needing a beach cruiser style bike courtesy of Pleasure Island Rentals

Shuckin'Shack Oyster Bar, Pleasure Island Rentals, and Muscleworx Personal Fitness Systems have put together this great three-stage event which will include:

1. a 2-mile bike,
2. a 2-mile beach run, and
   
3. a 3-tier sandcastle building race

For more information about the Tri-4-Rye event, incuding sponsorship opportunities, please contact Sean Cook at 910-228-8103

Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Announces Upcoming Seminar

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce - serving businesses, residents, and visitors of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Fort Fisher as well as the greater Wilmington, NC area - announces an upcoming small business seminar:

• Survive and Thrive Panel Discussion: Monday, March 23rd at 6:00 pm. This workshop is designed to assist small businesses seeking strategic and operational input to help manage their businesses more effectively and efficiently in this downturn economy. The panel will consist of senior members from the SBA, SCORE, the UNCW Small Business Technology & Development Center, the New Hanover Business Resources Center, and the CFCC Small Business Center.

Wow! Small business owners won't want to miss this one.

Please contact Aimee at 910-458-8434 or via the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce website to register to attend this event.

3rd Annual Pleasure Island Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the UNCW Cameron School of Business and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, is now receiving nominations for the Pleasure Island Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nomination Deadline: March 19th, 2009

To qualify for nomination, the business owner must:

• Have been in business less than 7 years
• Have an aggressive and focused entrepreneurial spirit
• Be effective and efficient in the recognition and implementation of change
• Have experienced rapid and significant business growth
• Demonstrate innovative concepts and actions in their business
• Display active community engagement and involvement

All candidates must meet all of the aforementioned criteria to be considered. Please submit in writing no later than March 19th either by mail, fax, or email:

Mail: 1121 N. Lake Park Blvd., Carolina Beach, NC 28428
Fax: 910-458-7969
Email: gail@pleasureislandnc.org

Pet Photos With The Easter Bunny - Coastal K-9 Bakery

Coastal K-9 Bakery will be hosting Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny!

Details:

• What: Easter Bunny Pet Photos
• When: March 22nd from 1:30 - 4:30 pm; March 28th from 10 am - 1 pm; and March 29th from 1:30 - 4:30 pm
• Where: Coastal K-9 Bakery, 5905 #9 Carolina Beach Rd., Wilmington, NC
• Price: $10 for 1 pet, $15 for 2 and $20 for 3 or more.

All proceeds from the Easter pet photos will benefit Adopt-An-Angel no-kill rescue adoption group.

Enjoy!

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher Offers New Program

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will host a two-day celebration of our amphibian and reptile friends on March 7th and 8th from 9 am to 5 pm.

Visitors to the Aquarium will have an opportunity to see, touch, and learn about our cold-blooded neighbors. Aquarium staff and invited experts will introduce the public to dozens of live amphibians and reptiles including:

• alligators
• snakes
• iguanas
• lizards
• turtles
• albino animals
• and more!

The event is free with regular Aquarium admission. For more information, please visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher online.

Tuscan Grill Winter Specials - Carolina Beach NC

Tuscan Grill restaurant in Carolina Beach, NC is now offering a winter special menu chock full of hearty, home cooked meals.

For $12.00 per person, choose from one of the following dishes:

• Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage Chicken and Shrimp
• Pasta Carbonara
• Grilled Pork Chops topped with a Cajun Cream Sauce, served with cornbread
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mashed Potatoes

Each of these delicious entrees comes with soup, salad, and dessert.

Please visit the Tuscan Grill, Carolina Beach website for more information. The restaurant is located at 720 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach, NC.

Enjoy!

Kure Beach Community Center's Annual Sprit Awards

The Kure Beach Community Center Spirit Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 21st at 6:00 pm.

The Community Spirit Awards recognize and honor Kure Beach residents who have demonstrated outstanding service as a volunteer to the Kure Beach community. The event will be catered by Bon Appetit. Tickets are $16.00 per person and are available at the Kure Beach Town Hall or from any Community Center Committee member.

Nominations for the Spirit Awards are being accepted through the end of February. Nomination forms are available at Town Hall or through their website at www.TownOfKureBeach.org.

Staples Monkey Junction to Hold Business Before Hours

Scott Matheney, manager of Staples in Monkey Junction, invites the Pleasure Island Chamber membership to attend their Business Before Hours.

Details:

• What: Staples Business Before Hours
• When: Thursday, March 5th from 8 am to 10 am
  
• Where: Staples newest store: 5613 Carolina Beach Rd., Monkey Junction / Wilmington, NC
• Info: Come network with the morning crowd and explore Staples' newest store

Enjoy!

13th Annual Chowder Cook-Off - April 18th, 2009

Save the Date:

• What: 13th Annual Chowder Cook-Off
• Who: Sponsored by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
• When: April 18th, 2009 from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Where: Carolina Beach Lake, Carolina Beach NC
  
• Info: People's Choice and Judges Choice will be announced at 5:00 pm
• Price: Admission is $5

The Annual Chowder Cook-Off is a fun way to get together with friends and neighbors and enjoy some of the best Chowder in North Carolina! Chefs from Pleasure Island, Monkey Junction, and Wilmington enter the contest each year to show off their amazing creations. You don't want to miss this.

Plus, we offer live music, a Kidz Zone fun area, and other food, wine and beer for sale (no coolers or pets, please).

Mark your calendars for April 18th, 2009 to come on down to Carolina Beach for this great event.