In Case You Missed It - Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off is CANCELLED

The 21st Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off is officially CANCELLED.

In case you haven't heard the news, the Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off, originally scheduled for April 8, 2017, has officially been cancelled. It is with a sense of pride, remembrance and sorrow that we announce the end of this signature spring event after 20 great years.

The Chowder Cook-Off celebrated delicious area food, great music and fun for the entire family. Chefs from southeast North Carolina's finest restaurants each brought their own unique chowder recipes - seafood or otherwise - and invited guests to sample and judge the selections. Attendees were able to sample a true taste of Cape Fear during this friendly chowder competition, held each spring at Carolina Beach Lake Park in Carolina Beach. Kids were able to play in the park's playground and the Kidz Zone, with face painting, a giant inflatable slide, laser tag and more. The sounds of live music filled the air all day as the children played and the grownups enjoyed a few adult beverages along with scrumptious chowder.

Although the event was much loved by the local community, after careful consideration, the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors decided to officially end the annual event. Unfortunately, the Chowder Cook-Off became a victim of the increasingly high cost of seafood, lack of restaurant participation and the growing complexities of outdoor events.

The Board will be meeting very soon with the assistance of the local restaurant community to determine a future culinary-based event (or events) to showcase our area's restaurants and food purveyors.

In the meantime, the 2017 season will not be without fun events, great food and lively music! The first ever Spring Pleasure Island Seafood Blues and Jazz Festival will be held at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area on Sunday, April 23, with 12 great bands on two stages with plenty of seafood, face-painting, laser-tag, crafters, artists, beer and wine, and fun for all ages. This inaugural Spring event will feature headliners Jonny Lang and Samantha Fish along with ten other bands overlooking the banks of the might Cape Fear River in Kure Beach, NC.

For more information, please feel free to contact the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce at (910) 458-8434.

Don't Forget, Public Safety Day is March 25!

Police Cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and games! If you’re looking for something to do along the family fun lines, Public Safety Day in Kure Beach on Saturday, March 25th offers adults and kids of all ages an interactive opportunity to learn about the public safety initiatives and resources in the Pleasure Island community.


Carolina Beach & Kure Beach Police Departments are partnering together to host a fee community event at the Ft. Fisher Air Force Recreation Area for the whole family to educate, create community interest, raise awareness, and build relationships with first responders. And of course, to have fun! This is your chance to meet the police offers, paramedics, and firemen—in a non-emergency environment—who keep our community safe, and learn about the resources and programs that each offer in New Hanover County.

Public Safety Day at Fort Fisher

Enjoy a FREE family fun day exploring the emergency service agencies in our area at Public Safety Day on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.

This event features local police, fire, ems, military branches and other supporting organizations as they connect with the community and share their role in how they protect and serve the citizens of New Hanover County. There will also be demonstrations, food, vehicle displays, a free kids area with fun activities, and more!

Town of Kure Beach to Hold American Cross Blood Drive

Donating blood is a way to give back. Whether you’re donating for a friend or a family member, or just because you feel it’s the right thing to do to help someone else out, giving blood can be a rewarding experience; knowing that you’ve helped change or save a life. Not to mention, blood is something most people have to spare, so when you give blood you’re helping keep blood on the shelf for those who need it an emergency. And if that’s not enough, donors get free juice and yummy cookies!