In the wee hours of Feb. 27, 1776, the Loyalist and the Patriots fought a battle that was a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War. The Patriots’ victory invigored a beleaguered army, leading North Carolina to become the first of the 13 colonies to declare independence from England.
This is why Pender County is celebrating the First in Freedom Festival, starting Feb. 21 of this year.
The kick-off First in Freedom event is Colonial Topsail with the Historical Society of Topsail Island. The Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. event will feature guest speakers, demonstrations of weaving and spinning, a visit by Thomas Jefferson, dance lessons in the Virginia Reel, and many children’s activities, including a kid-friendly “tea party” in which they will toss “tea” into the Intracoastal Waterway. The event is free. The historical society will sell lunch tickets for a colonial meal of Brunswick Stew, cornbread, and more for $12 per person. Lunch tickets will be available online. Watch https://topsailhistoricalsociety.org for more information.
The NC Blueberry Festival will offer a Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Breakfast in historic downtown Burgaw. Watch the website for details.
At Moores Creek National Battlefield, the site of the first Patriots’ victory, the festivals will ramp up with encampments, tours, and demonstrations of colonial life.
On Feb. 27-28, Diana Gabaldon, the author of the Outlander series, will visit Moores Creek for several events, including a book signing, a tour of the battlefield, and an evening program with the author. Only a few tickets remain, but visit the First In Freedom Festival website, https://www.ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com, for more information.
Eight counties in Southeastern North Carolina will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the birth of Independence with a wide variety of events throughout 2026. A “passport” featuring events and historical sites will be made available to hotels and museums for the public.
Watch the First in Freedom website, https://www.ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com for upcoming events.
