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hen folks heard that the Dragon would run only at 8:30p on New Years Eve (for the second year in a row) – and not at 11:30p – there were some long faces in Oriental. The late night (close to midnight) Dragon Run is a long time Oriental tradition – the first run was in 1961. More recently an earlier run was added for kids and families.

Last year, instead of two dragon runs (early 8:30p and late 11:30p) – there was just one – the early one. When it was announced there would just be an early Dragon run again this year, one man decided that didn’t seem right. Charlie Overcash talked with friends around town, and found a lot of support to restore the traditional New Years Eve experience. The volunteers that run the earlier run were firm that they wouldn’t run a dragon at 11:30p – so Charlie started to research how to get a second dragon. He found a source. It wasn’t in Pamlico County. It wasn’t even in the USA. It was where the tradition comes from – China. And so a second dragon was ordered. Local business owners and residents told Charlie that they would donate towards the effort.

Charlie Overcash found quick support around Oriental for the 11:30p Dragon Run. Supporters gathered at a Hodges Street porch (appropriately with a dragon). From left – Keith Smith, Jack (canine), Elizabeth Cordes (sporting a new years mask), Lee Duer, Roger Cordes, Nancy Cress, Ed Duer, Tom McIlhenny, Sigrid Overcash, Charlie Overcash, Dave Sargent and Eric Kindle.

The new dragon is on its way from China via express mail. It is over 40 feet long – and looks impressive.

Above left is the “early” dragon, the new “Midnight” Dragon on order, and a right the Croaker for the midnight drop

The new dragon cost $800. Eight hundred bucks on Charlie’s credit card. Almost a half of that cost has been raised so far. If you like that a 11:30p Dragon run is back, supporters ask that you join the cause and donate to the new Midnight Dragon. There are collection buckets at The Bean and M&Ms. If you’d like to send in your donation, send it to:

Charlie Overcash
PO Box 893
Oriental, NC 28571
Attn: Midnight Dragon

Any small amount – $5, $10, $20 – is welcome. Checks made out to Charlie Overcash. Any monies in excess of those needed will be donated to local charity.

With the return of the 11:30p Dragon Run – also comes the return of the midnight Croaker Drop.

On New Years Eve do come out at 8:30p for the first Dragon Run. It usually is the one with the biggest crowds. (Bring your pots and pans, the traditional noisemaker, to join in.) Then come on out again at 11:30p for the Midnight Run. The late Dragon Run will finish just a few minutes before midnight, then at exactly midnight comes the Croaker Drop. It all happens on Hodges Street near the harbor.

Posted Tuesday December 28, 2010 by Keith N. Smith