Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station
The Oregon Inlet LifeSaving Station was first constructed in 1883. This is one of the oldest Coast Guard stations in the United States. Since its inception, the station has been moved and rebuilt 3 times. The historic station was first rebuilt in 1897 after a vicious storm that destroyed the previous structure. The station was used until 1988 and was then abandoned due to Oregon Inlet migration. After the abandonment, a new building was erected in 1990 behind the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. The building is still in working condition today, however, it is in dire need of a facelift.
The North Carolina Aquarium Society has been given the task of overseeing this re-modeling project. They are currently accepting bids from various general contractors for the exterior renovation of the building. The NC Aquarium Society will announce who the project is awarded to on July 22, 2008.
The renovation will include stabilizing, securing and moving the building from the storm surge area. Although there is no time limit for the renovations, the plan will be designed to work around hurricane season. “We don’t want to have a historic structure on blocks in the middle of a hurricane,” said an employee of the NC Aquarium Society.
In order to move the building to a secure spot, it will have to be lifted and moved 15 feet out of the sand dunes and the storm zone. The General Assembly will provide funding for the project. The funding was actually approved back in 2004, but before the project could get underway, significant surveying and remediation had to be completed.
Anyone wishing to place a bid on the project may do so. There is a pre-bid meeting on July 8, and the contract will be awarded on July 22. Please contact the NC Aquarium Society for more details.
Roanoke Island Park
As you may have seen in the last 2 blog posts, there are many events that take place at Roanoke Island Festival Park. This park is filled with historic sites that are staples of the Outer Banks. The park is dedicated to the history of the Roanoke area, which was home to the first temporary English settlement in the New World, headed by Sir Walter Raleigh.
One place to make sure you visit in the park is the Roanoke Adventure Museum. Here you’ll find interactive exhibits detailing the long 400 year history of the Outer Banks. There are many cool exhibits including being able to locate a stars position with an astrolabe, meet Algonquians through the drawings of John White, climb aboard a spritsail skiff and raise the sails, meet a pirate who sailed with Blackbeard, learn about lighthouses and lifesaving, check out some duck hunting and take a trip to a 1930’s general store.
Be sure to also stop by the Art Gallery. Featured in the gallery are exhibits by artists from near and far which change every month. In the Art Gallery there is a great museum store that offers unique gifts, books, jewelry, toys, nautical gifts and more.
In addition to the museum and Art Gallery, countless special events take place here throughout the year. Check out the calendar of events to see what’s in store.
Columbia, NC Fires
Smoke is still spread out across the sky along the coastal areas of North Carolina. The fire which has been burning since June 1st started in Columbia, NC. So far it has only been burning on private land and in the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge.
There are approximately 400 personnel on the scene from various agencies helping to get the blaze under control. The effort is being led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Forest Service. Local fire departments along with fire departments from across the state have joined in to help battle the blaze. In addition, personnel and equipment has also been arriving from other states, including Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee along with some help from federal agencies.
One major problem that the fire fighters have been encountering is the abundance of peat soil. This type of soil allows the fire to burn underground, making it more difficult to contain the fire. Due to the peat soil, officials expect the fire to smoulder for weeks. At the beginning of the week, more than 35,000 acres had been burned by the fire.
With all the smoke in the air, it is best to limit the time you spend outdoors. Try to limit your exposure to the smoke as much as possible, until it has all cleared up.
Labels: Columbia Fires
Some More Stuff Happening in June
There are a bunch of events taking place in June. Last week we covered the first half. Let’s take a look at what’s going on during the second half of the month.
June 17 – Summer Open Sail:
This event is open to sailors who have completed the “learn to sail” program at the Maritime Museum. The event is taking place from 6-8 pm weather permitting.
June 19 – Build a Boat Day:
Bring your team and build an 8-foot plywood boat. It’s taking place at the North Carolina Maritime Museum on Roanoke Island from 9am to 5pm. Space is limited and the cost is $275 for members and $300 for non members.
June 25 – Wild & Wonderful Wednesdays:
It’s taking place at the Film Theatre & Art Gallery on Roanoke Island Festival Park at 2pm. The event is free and attendees get a behind the scenes preview of the evening’s 8pm performance. Guests will be allowed to meet the performers.
June 26 – Simple Rigging:
Come learn basic rigging techniques, including whipping and splicing, three strand line and students can bring dock lines to splice in class. Cost is $25 for members and $50 for non members. Space is limited so reserve your spot now at the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
June 28 – Kitty Hawk Kiteboarding Competition:
Come see the best kite boarders in the world compete for prizes at the Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Center in Nags Head. Free demonstrations and competitions will be available as well.
June 29 – Into the Woods:
Watch this Broadway show be performed by members of The Lost Colony. The show is taking place at the Waterside Theatre at 8:15pm. Tickets range from $10 - $20. For tickets please visit www.thelostcolony.org or call (252) 473-3414.
Labels: June Events, Outer Banks
