Upcoming events
A celebration honoring eastern North Carolina's historical contributions to American independence.
Events across southeastern North Carolina will include reenactments, living history camps, cultural exhibits, and educational experiences, with Moores Creek National Battlefield serving as a central site.
Legends and Landmarks — Art Exhibition
Visit the Bellamy Mansion for an exhibition of paintings and drawings by local artist James C. Horton. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and admission is FREE!
Featuring a reception by the artist on February 27th from 6:00—8:00 pm. Art is available for purchase.
Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information, or email info@bellamymansion.org with any questions.
Location: The Bellamy Mansion
Happy Birthday America Music Celebration
In honor of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, Bladen Community College is pleased to announce Happy Birthday America, a music celebration on Thursday, February 12 at 6:00 p.m. This patriotic evening of music and community will bring together local talent and nationally recognized performers for a memorable celebration of American heritage.
The evening will begin with a special pre-show performance by the East Bladen High School Band, highlighting the talents of local student musicians. The main program will feature the US Army 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus as they proudly present a musical tribute to America. As we honor those who serve our Nation, the members of the All American Chorus, as well as the Brass and Woodwind Quintet, will inspire you with the sound of freedom!
The 82nd Airborne Chorus has earned national recognition for its outstanding performances, including an appearance on America’s Got Talent, where the ensemble captivated audiences with its musical excellence and patriotic spirit. Their participation makes this event a rare and exciting opportunity for the Bladen County community.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This free event is open to the public and is designed to be a family-friendly celebration for attendees of all ages.
This music celebration is one of many regional events taking place throughout the year to commemorate this historic milestone and reflect on the significance of our nation’s past, present, and future through music and community connection.
For more information, visit BladenCC.edu, call 910.879.5500, or follow Bladen Community College on Facebook and Instagram for updates and event details
Location: Bladen Community College Auditorium; 74188 NC Hwy 41, Dublin, NC 28332
Contact: sguyton@bladencc.edu, 910-879-5634
Website: https://bladencc.edu/
"Outlander in the Cape Fear" Walking Tour
Come celebrate love and local history.
The walking tour will invite guests to walk in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser from the global phenomenon book and Starz TV series, "Outlander." Using the North Carolina history that is laced into the romance series, guests will be able to learn about the Colonial Wilmington that real Scottish Highlanders like Claire and Jamie found when they arrived in America in the 1770s.
The walking tour will depart from the Burgwin-Wright House.
Trail Festival Weekend: Paths of History
The annual Trail Festival Weekend in Mother Nature’s Playground will take place from February 13-16, 2026.
As part of the America’s 250th celebration, we will honor the great outdoors in Bladen County with a nod to our long leaf pines, naval stores, Carolina Bays and rich agricultural heritage. Be a part of history as we announce the first-ever Historical Driving Tour of Bladen County!
The NC First in Freedom Festival Kicks OFF
The First in Freedom Festival is a statewide celebration honoring North Carolina’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence, marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Highlighting historic events like the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, the festival brings history to life through reenactments, living history encampments, cultural exhibits, and educational programming. Communities across southeastern North Carolina will host events from February 21–28, 2026, with the Moores Creek National Battlefield serving as a central site. This commemorative week reflects North Carolina’s enduring spirit and commitment to freedom, uniting residents and visitors alike in a tribute to the past.
Red, White, & Blueberry Pancake Breakfast
A Delicious Way to Celebrate Community, Heritage, and America 250
Start your day with a plate full of patriotism and blueberry flavor! Join us for the Red, White, & Blueberry Pancake Breakfast — a sweet annual tradition but this year we are celebrating community, heritage, and America 250.
Burgaw, NC
Kids Olympics—Children's Museum of Wilmington
Children will have the opportunity to become Kid Olympians and compete in Winter Olympic-themed events to collect stamps and go for gold! Events include a snowball toss, a torch relay, floor hockey, and much more at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington.
Visit the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA: A Legendary Ship with a Remarkable Story
Visit the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA: Where History Comes Alive
Rising proudly along the Cape Fear River, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is more than a landmark—it’s a powerful journey into America’s past. Just minutes from historic downtown Wilmington, this iconic World War II battleship invites visitors of all ages to step aboard and experience history where it happened.
The battleship is an ideal stop for families, school groups, and visitors exploring the Wilmington area. Self-guided tours allow you to explore at your own pace, while guided tours and group programs provide deeper insight into the ship’s history and significance.
Living History: The Stamp Act Resistance
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic site as we travel back in time to February 1766 as tensions are growing in the lower Cape Fear regarding the dreaded stamp act. Visitors can expect to see and interact with interpreters portraying key players of the stamp at resistance in Brunswick Town.
Travel back in time to February 1766
Travel back in time to February 1766 as tensions are growing in the Lower Cape Fear regarding the dreaded Stamp Act. Visitors can expect to see interpreters portraying key figures in the Stamp Act resistance in Brunswick Town and interact with them. Activities for kids will include making tricorn hats and painting toy soldiers.
Brunswicktown/Fort Anderson State Historic Site
8884 S. Phillips Rd SE Winnabow, NC 28479
Freedom: Full Steam Ahead
All Aboard at the Wilmington Railroad Museum to celebrate America 250! Steam Engines and railroads may not have been at play during the American Revolution, but they were an integral part in the development of the United States.
NCFIFF Founding Fathers Exhibit
NC FIFF at Latimer House features original documents by 3 Founding Fathers.
During the First in Freedom Festival Week, Latimer House will serve as a Passport Site. The day tours will include the opportunity to view documents of the Founding Fathers, including: an original document granting permission to a ship in Wilmington to sail to Jamaica, signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison from 1807, and a rare copy of Washington's "Farewell Address," whose twin hangs in the U.S. Senate. The tour will also feature new research on the American Revolution and the Latimer and Savage families.
Location: 126 South Third Street, Wilmington, NC, US 28401
Contact: executive.director@latimerhouse.org, 910-508-1038
Ticket Information: https://latimerhouse.org/
Stories of the Revolution: People and Places of Pender County
American Revolution stories of people and places of Pender County located at the Pender County Museum.
Guided History Tour—Airlie Gardens
Dive into the rich history, horticulture, and ecology of Airlie Gardens on a walking tour of the grounds. This program is included in Garden Membership, advance registration is required.
Tours are offered the first and third Saturday of every month. More details can be found here:
America 250 Begins Here
10:30 a.m. – Opening at Clinton City Hall, adjacent to the Sampson County History Museum.
10:45 a.m. – Posting of Colors by the Sons of the American Revolution
Welcome – Joel Rose, Director of the Sampson County History Museum
Special Guest – Secretary Pamela Brewington Cashwell,
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
11 a.m. – Speaker – Jack Fryar, Author and Historian
The Revolutionary War in Southeastern North Carolina
11:30 a.m. – Speakers:
– Nancy Chavis, Director/Curator of Museum of the Southeast American Indian
– Cory Brewington, Coharie Tribal Historian
American Indian voices in the Revolutionary War
Following the program, you are invited to visit the museum next door for refreshments furnished by the Richard Clinton Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution, along with music by the Dulcimer Ensemble of First Methodist Church, Clinton, and Mrs. Barbara Bullard, violinist, and a flutist.
Location: Clinton City Hall - 221 Lisbon St, Clinton, NC 28328
Contact: sampsonmuseum@gmail.com, 910-590-0007
Website: https://www.sampsonhistory.org/
America 250 Begins Here
The museum will host special guests, speakers, refreshments, music, and open museum buildings for those wishing to tour. Everyone is invited to this free event.
Sampson County Celebrates the A250
The Sampson County History Museum will host the kick-off for the A250 celebrations that will take place in Sampson County. There will be speakers, activities that highlight the History of America, but also more specifically of Sampson County.
Visit Colonial Topsail
The Historical Society of Topsail Island will kick off the nation’s 250th birthday celebration with a day of activities designed to recreate life during colonial times in North Carolina. The event, held inside and outside of the Historic Assembly Building, will feature colonial food and drink, performances, live exhibitions, speakers, and hands on children’s activities.
Colonial Topsail kicks off First in Freedom Festival with Colonial Topsail
Celebrating America's 250 years, the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will host Colonial Topsail at the Historic Assembly Building, 720 Channel Blvd.
Visit https://topsailhistoricalsociety.org/ for more information.
Black History Carnival
Come celebrate Black history with us at our carnival filled with music, food, games, and more!
Sightseeing Tours
Cape Fear Riverboats is excited to announce February Sightseeing Tours for 2026 in support of the North Carolina First in Freedom Festival. For over 35 years, Cape Fear Riverboats has operated captain-narrated Sightseeing & Sunset Tours from downtown Wilmington which is TripAdvisors' Top Destination on the Rise for 2024. Daily tours onboard our current vessels, Henrietta and Osprey, highlight the area's history, legends, and charm, weaving over 400 years of history from the area's founding by English settlers all the way to modern times.
Dancing in Defiance: A Night of Merriment and Rebellion
Step Back into 1766 - The Friends of BTFA Present- Dancing in Defiance: A Night of Merriment and Rebellion
The Friends of Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson cordially invite you to Dancing in Defiance: A Night of Merriment and Rebellion. Join us on February 21, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, for an unforgettable evening where history comes to life.
This is an immersive experience. You will march to the ruins of Royal Governor Tryon’s house, retracing the steps of the historic Stamp Act resistance. Enjoy live Colonial Music & Dancing in a stunning historical setting.
This is a ticketed event with limited capacity, and all registrations must be completed by February 6. Adults: $30, Youth (Ages 12–18): $15. Please note: This event is curated for an adult and teenage audience and is not suitable for children under 12.
To see other events or buy tickets, see: https://friends-of-brunswick-townfort-anderson.square.sit...
Laser Light Shows—Ingram Planetarium
Visit the Ingram Planetarium in February for themed laser light shows!
Expect these events to be going on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the month of February. Details about specific event times and directions on how to reserve tickets can be found here:
A Colonial Faire at Harmony Hall
Late 18th Century home of Col. James Richardson and family. Like, share, follow, visit us as we work to keep our nation's history alive for future generations!
An opening ceremony and presentation by the Le Marquis de Lafayette Chapter from the North Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution on "The Race to Wilmington—Bladen County and the Pathway to Moore’s Creek" 1:00 at the main house
Freedom’s Road: the refugee crisis of 1865 in the lower cape fear
Freedom’s Road: the refugee crisis of 1865 in the lower cape fear
A talk by site manager, Jim Mckee.
North Carolina's Black Patriots of the American Revolution
Join us aboard the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA for a free educational experience! Museum Educator Trevor Freeman will explore the lives, service, and enduring legacy of Black soldiers from North Carolina who fought for American independence. The presentation will spotlight individuals with personal connections to the Wilmington area, bringing their stories to life.
Education Day at moores creek bridge on feb. 26, 2026.
The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge will be commemorated with a week-long series of events from February 21 to 28, 2026, in Currie, North Carolina. This celebration is part of the broader North Carolina First in Freedom Festival (NCFIFF), which honors America's 250th anniversary by highlighting the state's historical contributions through various cultural and educational activities.
250th Commemoration of the battle at moores creek bridge on feb. 26-28, 2026.
The 250th anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge will be commemorated with a week-long series of events from February 21 to 28, 2026, in Currie, North Carolina. This celebration is part of the broader North Carolina First in Freedom Festival (NCFIFF), which honors America's 250th anniversary by highlighting the state's historical contributions through various cultural and educational activities.
Stories of the Revolution: People and Places of Pender County
American Revolution stories of people and places of Pender County located at the Pender County Museum.
Celebration of 250 Years of Freedom
A visit to the Duplin County Veterans Memorial Museum is a reminder that history lives not only in books—but in the lives of those who served and the communities that remember them.
Stories of the Revolution: People and Places of Pender County
American Revolution stories of people and places of Pender County located at the Pender County Museum.
Laser Light Shows—Ingram Planetarium
Visit the Ingram Planetarium on February 27 and 28, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm for the usual themed laser light shows. On Friday at 6 pm, experience Michael Jackson’s greatest hits featuring lasers projected onto the planetarium dome, harmonizing to the music! Follow this up with an exciting journey through The Beatles’ Abbey Road at 7 pm! Then, on Saturday February 28 at 7 pm, experience Ingram Planetarium’s Love Under the Lights show, where great Valentine’s Day-themed hits like Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” U2’s “With or Without You,” and Santana and Rob Thomas’s “Smooth.”
Expect these events to be going on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the month of February. Details about specific event times and directions on how to reserve tickets can be found here:
An Evening with Diana Gabaldon
An Evening with Diana Gabaldon at the historic Penderlea Auditorium. This intimate program will feature engaging conversation, storytelling, and insights from the bestselling author whose work has brought colonial America to life for millions of readers. The evening includes an opportunity for a backstage meet-and-greet, giving fans the chance to meet Ms. Gabaldon in person and take photos.
Guided Battlefield Tour with Diana Gabaldon & Park Ranger
Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie
Semper Fidelis: A Community Wide Celebration of America 250 in Onslow County
Onslow County Kicks Off the America 250 Celebration!
The year 2026 marks America's 250th anniversary, and Onslow County is proud to join the national commemoration with a year-long celebration that honors our past, present, and future.
Our local commemoration is titled: Semper Fidelis: A Community Wide Celebration. Why "Semper Fidelis"? This historically significant motto was the family motto of Arthur Onslow (for whom our county is named) and, coincidentally, is also the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps—a bond central to our identity since 1941.
Throughout 2026, we will explore Onslow County's role in the nation's early struggle for Independence and create a meaningful connection to our contemporary community.
Diana Gabaldon Book Signing Event at Lucas Farm
A special book signing event at Lucas Farm, offering fans another opportunity to meet Diana Gabaldon in a scenic and historic rural setting. One person and one book per ticket.
"Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" Walking Tour
Join the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens for its thrilling "Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" walking tour on March 13, June 12, September 11 and December 11!
The walking tour will invite guests to learn about how the American Revolution swept across Wilmington in the 1770s by visiting places important to the town's earliest days, including the former jail, courthouse and market sites. Get a unique perspective on what Wilmington would have looked on the eve of the Revolution, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America's independence!
An 18th Century Garden
Open House and Garden Tour at the Historic Pelletier House and Wantland Spring hosted by the Onslow County Master Gardeners and Cooperative Extension.
Location: Historic Pelletier House; 100 Old Bridge St, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Contact: Lisa_Whitman-Grice@onslowcountync.gov, 910-324-5008 OR 910-455-5873
Sampson County Ag Day
Biennial event to celebrate and educate about agriculture, the #1 industry of Sampson County. This event offers educational booths and activities for all ages, entertainment, and demonstrations. Live music and food trucks are on site throughout the event.
Location: Sampson Community College; 1801 Sunset Ave, Clinton, NC 28328
Contact: eileen_coite@ncsu.edu, 919-222-1525
Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk-251st anniversary of the Wilmington Tea Party
The Burgwin-Wright House, the oldest and largest historic site in Wilmington, is partnering with the Wilmington Ladies Tea Walk chapter to commemorate the 251st anniversary of the Wilmington Tea Party. Never heard of it? That's OK! The lesser known but still influential moment in history was one of the last local acts of resistance against the Crown in the Cape Fear prior to the start of the American Revolution in the spring of 1775.
At the event, guests will be able to explore the Burgwin-Wright House Gardens, sip on an exclusive new commemorative tea blend, hear brief words from a few local historic experts and organizations, and then join a procession to the riverfront where tea will be burned in solidarity with this act of revolution on the eve of war.
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Sailors and Tar Workers in the 18th Century
Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea: Sailors and Tar Workers in the 18th Century. This program will provide a comprehensive view of maritime history along the Cape Fear, the history of naval stores production along the Cape Fear, and eighteenth-century trades that are relevant to maritime history and sailing. It will contextualize the role of the naval stores industry in Brunswick's development as a major colonial port.
Location: Brunswicktown/Fort Anderson State Historic Site; 8884 St. Phillips Rd SE, Winnabow, NC 28479
Contact: makayla.coley@dncr.nc.gov, 910-371-6613
Website: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/brunswick-town-fort-anderson
Roseboro Bloomfest
The second biggest festival in Sampson County, filled with food trucks and street vendors as a means to engage community members and visitors. The committee members will coordinate activities to be located at the Convention and Visitors Bureau tent that highlight the A250 efforts.
Location: 101 NW Railroad Street, Roseboro, NC 28328
Contact: tylerwise.tor@gmail.com, 910-525-4121
Website: https://www.roseboronc.com/bloomfest
"Outlander in the Cape Fear" Walking Tour
Come celebrate love and local history.
The walking tour will invite guests to walk in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser from the global phenomenon book and Starz TV series, "Outlander." Using the North Carolina history that is laced into the romance series, guests will be able to learn about the Colonial Wilmington that real Scottish Highlanders like Claire and Jamie found when they arrived in America in the 1770s.
The walking tour will depart from the Burgwin-Wright House.
Summer Artillery Day
A living history camp for displays and demonstrations as well as a lineup of artillery pieces for firing demonstrations by costumed staff and re-enactors.
Location: Fort Fisher State Historic Site; 1610 S. Fort Fisher Blvd., Kure Beach, NC 28449
Contact: cameron.kinard@dncr.nc.gov, 910-251-7347
"Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" Walking Tour
Join the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens for its thrilling "Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" walking tour on March 13, June 12, September 11 and December 11!
The walking tour will invite guests to learn about how the American Revolution swept across Wilmington in the 1770s by visiting places important to the town's earliest days, including the former jail, courthouse and market sites. Get a unique perspective on what Wilmington would have looked on the eve of the Revolution, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America's independence!
America 250: Independence Day "When Are We US?" Pop-Up Exhibit
Leading up to the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Latimer House transforms its 1st floor with the pop-up exhibit, "When Are We US?" The exhibit explores the various ways that the United States has been shaped by both the forces of history and the struggles for civil rights and citizenship.
Location: Latimer House; 126 S. 3rd Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Contact: executive.director@latimerhouse.org, 910-508-1038
Ticket Details: www.latimerhouse.org
Annual Onslow County Park and Recreation - FREEDOM FESTIVAL
Annual Onslow County Freedom Festival - Independence Day Celebration - Musical Entertainment, Vendors, Food Trucks, Children's Activities and More!
Location: Onslow Pines Park; 1244 Onslow Pines Road, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Contact: LaQuesha_Cadwallader@onslowcountync.gov, 910-347-5332
Website: https://www.onslowcountync.gov/2268/Freedom-Festival
"Outlander in the Cape Fear" Walking Tour
Come celebrate love and local history.
The walking tour will invite guests to walk in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser from the global phenomenon book and Starz TV series, "Outlander." Using the North Carolina history that is laced into the romance series, guests will be able to learn about the Colonial Wilmington that real Scottish Highlanders like Claire and Jamie found when they arrived in America in the 1770s.
The walking tour will depart from the Burgwin-Wright House.
"Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" Walking Tour
Join the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens for its thrilling "Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" walking tour on March 13, June 12, September 11 and December 11!
The walking tour will invite guests to learn about how the American Revolution swept across Wilmington in the 1770s by visiting places important to the town's earliest days, including the former jail, courthouse and market sites. Get a unique perspective on what Wilmington would have looked on the eve of the Revolution, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America's independence!
Don't Be Blue - We have lots of indigo for you
Don’t be blue – we have lots of indigo for you! This subtropical plant was an incredibly important commodity in the Carolinas of the 18th century. In conjunction with the Southport Maritime Museum, we will be exploring the process used by skilled enslaved African labor to extract this valuable dye from the indigo plants - and delve into the science behind dye production. Visitors will have a chance to view and work an active fermentation vat, and dyeing demonstrations will occur throughout the course of the program. T-shirts will also be available for purchase for visitors to try their hand at resist dyeing.
Location: Brunswicktown/Fort Anderson, 8884 St. Philips Road SE, Winnabow, NC 28479
Contact: makayla.coley@dncr.nc.gov, 910-371-6613
Website: https://historicsites.nc.gov/all-sites/brunswick-town-fort-anderson
Square Fair: A Taste of Our Culture
The Square Fair is the annual BBQ cook-off and craft fair in Sampson County. Committee members of the A250 group will create activities to share the history of the town and the region from its colonial roots through the present day.
Location: Downtown Clinton; 101 E Main Street, Clinton, NC 28328
Contact: twise@cityofclintonnc.com, 910-299-4904
Website: https://www.downtownclinton.com/
"Outlander in the Cape Fear" Walking Tour
Come celebrate love and local history.
The walking tour will invite guests to walk in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser from the global phenomenon book and Starz TV series, "Outlander." Using the North Carolina history that is laced into the romance series, guests will be able to learn about the Colonial Wilmington that real Scottish Highlanders like Claire and Jamie found when they arrived in America in the 1770s.
The walking tour will depart from the Burgwin-Wright House.
"Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" Walking Tour
Join the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens for its thrilling "Colonial Wilmington & The Revolution" walking tour on March 13, June 12, September 11 and December 11!
The walking tour will invite guests to learn about how the American Revolution swept across Wilmington in the 1770s by visiting places important to the town's earliest days, including the former jail, courthouse and market sites. Get a unique perspective on what Wilmington would have looked on the eve of the Revolution, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America's independence!
161st Anniversary of Fort Fisher's Capture
Commemorating the 161st anniversary of Fort Fisher’s capture on January 17th, 2026!
General admission is FREE, no tickets required for entry. Doors open at 9:00am and close at 5:00pm. Public programs will be held between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
-Living History and Community Group Displays- Connect with our community and explore details of daily life during the Civil War!
-Artillery Demonstrations- Witness military drill and feel the heat of a full battery of 4 cannons!
-Above the Scenes Guided Tours- Learn the history of Fort Fisher's land and people!
-Artifact Highlights- Take a special look at some of our recent acquisitions of fascinating historical objects!
-Fun Activities- Bring the family for hands-on activities that teach you about cool aspects of our nation’s past!
FIFF Regional Art Show & Reception – August 16, 2025
Join us for an inspiring celebration of creativity and patriotism at the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Show, featuring powerful visual interpretations of the theme “Freedom” in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
This regional showcase brings together winning artists from Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover, Onslow, Sampson, and Pender Counties, with artwork that reflects the spirit of independence and the enduring meaning of freedom.
🖼️ Art Show Opens to the Public: 2:00 PM
🤝 Reception & Artist Meet and Greet: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Celebrate our nation’s history through the arts, meet the creators behind the work, and support local talent at this unforgettable cultural event.
🎉 Free & open to all!
📧 Learn more at penderartscouncil.org/events
📨 Questions? Email: penderartscouncil@gmail.com
2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest
Pender County, in partnership with the Pender Arts Council, invites artists to participate in the 2025-2026 NC First in Freedom Festival Regional Art Contest in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. The contest is open to high school students and adult artists from Pender and Duplin Counties, with the theme "Freedom."