4th Annual NC Gator Fest: A Day of Music, Community, and Fun

This festival offers a safe and welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and is the perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends while soaking up the unique spirit and the Lake Waccamaw hospitality.

The Soundtrack of the Lake: Musical Lineup

Music is a central draw for the Gator Fest, providing a lively backdrop to the day’s festivities. This year’s stage at Elizabeth Brinkley Park features a diverse range of regional talent performing throughout the day:

• Patricia Charlton Duo: A versatile ensemble known for soulful acoustic sets and a sophisticated blend of jazz, rock, and pop sensibilities.

• Chris Nash: A storyteller raised in “Tobacco Country,” Nash delivers a signature “classic twang” mixed with vintage pop sensibilities and a high-energy presence.

• Jeffery Simmons: An accomplished saxophonist who has performed with icons like Ray Charles and The Temptations, Simmons brings a soulful touch rooted in country and classic rock.

• Later Gator: Appropriately named for the festival, this local favorite group is known for infectious rhythms and high-energy covers.

• The Ford Project: A regional staple bringing a steady rotation of classic hits and upbeat energy to get the community moving.

Support Local: Marketplace & Food Trucks

While the music and many activities are free to enjoy, you’ll want to bring along your preferred payment method to support our local entrepreneurs and artisans:

• The Marketplace: Explore over 60 vendors featuring professional woodwork, handmade pottery, custom jewelry, and artisanal soaps. It’s a great chance to find a unique treasure while supporting local craft.

• Food Truck Row: A “handful and a half” of the region’s most popular food trucks will be on-site to keep your thirst quenched and your “tummy from rumblin” with a variety of local flavors.

Engagement & The Kids’ Zone (No Cost)

There are dozens of ways to stay engaged at the park. Council Tool Company is hosting an axe-throwing event to celebrate their 140th anniversary, and the Columbus County Dixie Youth softball team will host a dunking booth.

For the younger crowd, the Kids’ Zone offers a variety of activities at no cost:

• Rides & Fun: Horse rides, “gator train” rides, and carnival games.

• Entertainment: Flimsy the Clown, face painting, a petting zoo, and the immersive Flamingo Foam Party.

For those visiting Elizabeth Brinkley Park for the first time, the most direct route is via Highway 214 (Sam Potts Highway), where you will turn onto Bald Cypress Circle to reach the designated parking area.

Please be aware that because of the Gator 5K and Gator Dash, Columbia Avenue will be closed from the “big curve” to Schley Avenue starting at 8:00 a.m. Since the race route cuts off lakefront access, there will be no entry to the parking lots from Columbia Avenue; all festival goers are encouraged to use the Highway 214 entrance to ensure a safe arrival before the main festivities officially kick off at 10:00 a.m.

A Celebration for the Community

Whether you’re here for the competitive spirit of the morning races, the soulful sounds of our local musicians, or simply to enjoy a beautiful spring day in the park, the NC Gator Fest is a celebration of everything that makes the Lake Waccamaw community special. It’s a day to set aside the hustle of the work week, support the talented artisans and vendors who call this region home, and make lasting memories with your family. We invite you to stay until the last note is played and help make the 4th annual festival the best one yet.

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