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he 37th Croaker Festival is coming early this year on Friday June 30 and Saturday July 1.

Croakerfest organizers say the 2017 Croakerfest Parade theme will be, “Celebrating our Fishing Heritage.” As is tradition, Ladies of the Neuse will be awarding trophies to standout entries in the parade.

There is no charge to be in the parade, though there is a form to fill out. You can pick up the form at Oriental Town Hall or the hardware store. Completed forms should be turned in at the Oriental Town Hall or emailed to cetsail23@aol.com

Want to ramp up your participation this year? Croakerfest needs a Parade Meister, someone to coordinate all those entries and tell them their order in the lineup. Interested parties should contact Cheryl Thompson @ 252-249-0510.

There are still other ways you can take part in making Croaker Festival 2017 happen.

The big spectacle of Croakerfest is the Saturday night fireworks display. Last year there was some last minute scrambling to find a place to set off fireworks – this year the festival has secured permission to set them of from a long-time vantage point – the top of the Oriental Bridge.

As in recent years, the Sponsor a Sparkle campaign lets patrons donate to the Fireworks show – paying for the fireworks of their choice. Make check payable to Croakerfestival, Inc. mailed to P.O. Box 1067. Oriental, 28571.

To be in the Program Guide as a Firework Patron payment must be received by June 1st.

Want to help keep the Festival green and clean? Adopt a Garbology Run at Croakerfest 2017. The Garbology Crew is seeking groups of people and/or organizations to tackle one of the 6 runs on the festival grounds that weekend.

Typically teams of 3-4 people tackle each 30-45 minute run – collecting the bags of trash from the vendors and food court areas 2 on the team should be relatively strong to empty the trash bins into the garbology receptacle on the forklift. For their efforts, each volunteer will receive a Croakerfestival Garbology Crew t-shirt (and appreciation from the crowds.) Family visiting for the weekend? A garbology run can create a memorable family bonding activity.

The Oriental Bicycle Club has taken on one run. Only 5 runs left to fill. To adot a run, contact Jayne Stasser at jayne.stasser@gmail.com or call 252-617-9219

Croakerfest is now accepting applications for vendors who want to sell at the festival. Booth space may be purchased. Non-profit Pamlico County groups may also apply for booths for vending or information.

For more info on all things Croakerfest, contact Chief Croaker organizer Cheryl Thompson at 252-249-0510 or email cetsail23@aol.com

Posted Friday May 26, 2017 by Melinda Penkava