Kure Beach's Ocean Front Park Celebrates Grand Opening

March 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Kure Beach’s Ocean Front Park Celebrates Grand Opening

Grand Opening Celebration and Annual Street Festival to Take Place on April 26-27

Kure Beach, NC – March 6, 2013 – Kure Beach (http://www.visitkurebeachnc.com/), North Carolina’s small wonder, is welcoming spring this year with a two-day oceanfront celebration for the whole family. Ocean Front Park – Kure Beach’s largest public green space – will hold its grand opening ceremony on Friday, April 26, followed by Kure Beach’s annual street festival on Saturday, April 27. Both events are free and open to the public.

Ocean Front Park’s Grand Opening (http://www.visitkurebeachnc.com/events-calendar/kure-beach-ocean-front-park-grand-opening-ceremony-and-celebration/) will kick off at 11:30 a.m. and last until 10:00 p.m. that evening. Planned activities include speeches from government officials, performances and special exhibits by local school children, and live musical performances by popular bands like South of K Bluegrass, The Imitations and Wilmington Big Band.

Ocean Front Park is located in the heart of Kure Beach’s quaint business district near the town’s iconic fishing pier. The park will feature a boardwalk, a playground, benches, swings, rain gardens, oceanfront benches and public restrooms. It will also have a “tot lot” playground for children ages 3 to 6 complete with a pirate ship, fish and turtle, perfect for climbing and exploring. One of the biggest attractions at the park is an open-air pavilion with a stage area to be used for concerts, weddings and educational events.

As part of this massive project, the existing boardwalk from K Avenue to M Avenue and one of the beach accesses was replaced in order to meet ADA standards. Atlantic Avenue also received a face-lift, with new asphalt sloping to pavers to increase storm water drainage.

Keep the fun going all weekend long by attending the 2013 Kure Beach Street Festival (http://www.visitkurebeachnc.com/events-calendar/2013-kure...) on Saturday. Enjoy festival food, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Kids activities will include a clown, balloon animals and face painting. The festival begins at 11:00 a.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m. with a fireworks show over the ocean.

Trade the stress of everyday life for the natural beauty and laidback atmosphere of Kure Beach. In addition to Ocean Front Park, there are plenty of family-friendly events taking place over the next few months. Now is a great time to book a getaway to Kure Beach to enjoy these upcoming events. Lodging options range from family-owned motels to vacation rentals. Visit our website (http://www.visitkurebeachnc.com/hotels-lodging/) for details on special rates.

Special Programs at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (http://www.visitkurebeachnc.com/things-to-do/north-caroli...)

Varies days/times

Whether it’s an Easter egg hunt with a reptilian twist or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is always an exciting and educational family destination.

The 12th Annual Alligator Easter Egg Hunt will take place on March 23, 29 and 30. Kids will have the chance to see a live baby alligator, as well as create their own special alligator egg basket and search for candy-filled “alligator eggs.” Then celebrate “green think” during St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Activities will include a recycled craft project, guided garden tours, scavenger hunts, games and prizes. There will be two behind-the-scenes tours highlighting the Aquarium’s conservation and sustainability efforts. Registration is also now open for the Aquarium’s various summer camps. Space is limited advance registration is required for many of these special programs, so make sure to visit the website (http://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher) to pre-register.

Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off (http://smi.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/EventsDetail.aspx?location=kurebeach&coe_id=47)
April 13, 2013 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

A favorite event for 16 years, this year’s 17th annual event will once again feature an all-day lineup of area chefs and their award-winning chowder, live music and children’s activities. Make sure you bring your appetite along with you to Carolina Beach Lake Park!

Bluegrass by the River Festival (http://smi.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/EventsDetail.aspx?location=kurebeach&coe_id=237)
May 4, 2013 beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand, this second annual event will feature live music by a variety of bluegrass bands, clogging and an open jam session. Pickers of all kinds are invited to bring their instruments and enjoy bluegrass…island style. The event will take place at Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area.

Confederate Memorial Day (http://smi.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/EventsDetail.aspx?location=kurebeach&coe_id=56)
May 11, 2013 – 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This annual memorial service at Fort Fisher State Historic Site honors the sacrifice of Confederate defenders of Fort Fisher. The event is free and open to the public.

About Kure Beach
Kure Beach, North Carolina’s small wonder, offers a naturally beautiful setting and small-town atmosphere. The coastal beach community, with its relaxed pace, lets visitors unplug and reconnect while they enjoy an undeveloped beach and signature state attractions, including the Fort Fisher State Historic Site and the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For more information, go to www.VisitKureBeachNC.com or call (800) 631-1460. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KureBeachNC and Twitter @KureBeachNC (https://twitter.com/KureBeachNC).