home

A TownDock file photo from 2003: Mayor Sherrill Styron greets Heavyweight Champ Evander Holyfield during a visit to Oriental.
Sherrill Styron passed away Saturday. For much of his life, he was Mr. Oriental, leading a successful seafood company, and serving as Mayor. More about the life of Sherrill Styron is here.

4:22p Sherrill Styron served Oriental as both Mayor and Commissioner. He led Garland Fulcher Seafood on Oriental’s harbor for four decades.

Sherrill passed away a few days ago, age 83. More about his life is here.

Josh Kali, aboard 19 ft SV Skookum, is diverting to the Bahamas for a few days to avoid some unpleasant weather at sea. This may change his Oriental arrival to late April.

Readers who have sailed small boats offhsore, know how schedules have to adapt to the sea.

9:19a Round-the-world sailor Josh Kali is returning to Oriental. Guesstimate date, April 22. But sailing in the Atlantic doesn’t always match up with a schedule. Add to that, Josh is sailing a 19 ft boat.

Josh sent this note in this morning:

If there is a Bahamas diversion, that will change those dates. TownDock will keep the tracking chart updated, as Josh gets closer. Whatever day he ends up arriving, will be a big day in Oriental.

Here’s the latest track on Josh:

Tuesday morning Josh is about 665 nautical miles from Beaufort NC.

10:33a One day every year, folks in town bring out treasures, ready to send them off to new homes. It’s called the Town Wide Yard Sale, set this year for Saturday May 2.

To get your yard of stuff included, call Marsha Paplham at 252-675-5142‬.

A few days before the event, a map of all the yards is created. That map will be available on TownDock.

8:50a The boat show weekend brought boats and folks to downtown Oriental. Bucolic weather every day (word is that it was a record Friday gate).

No major events this coming weekend (phew). But there’s not too much rest.

The following weekend, April 24-26, is Cycle NC. That means over a thousand (last time it was 1,400) cyclists become part of Oriental for the weekend.

Here’s a look at the 2023 and 2017 Cycle NC events in our town:

• NC Coastal Ride 2023

• Cycle NC 2017 In Oriental

9:41a Sad news to share on a Sunday morning: Sherrill Styron has passed, age 83.

A true village icon, Sherrill served his town in multiple roles. Styron is a past Oriental mayor and town commissioner, and the long time owner of Garland Fulcher Seafood on Oriental’s harbor.

4:34p The Oriental In-Water Boat Show is happening all weekend. Open until 6p tonight, 10a-6p Saturday, and 10a-3p Sunday.

Tonight, Taqueria San Luis is at the Brewery until 8p. Mac & Dave perform in the beer garden 6-8p.

Mariposa serves fresh baked goods Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 7-11a, and charcuterie & wine flights in the evenings, 3-9p. ‘Second Sunday Soup’ is on offer from 11a-2p.

Saturday morning visit the Oriental Farmer’s Market at the other end of Hodges Street (in front of Marsha’s Cottage) from 8-11a.

Get your dog microchipped or vaccinated against rabies Saturday, 8a-11a at the County Courthouse in Bayboro for $10. Broad Strokes Gallery features their artists of the month: watercolorist Jack Hurley and ceramicist Terry Swanson. Open 10a-5p Fri & Sat, 11a-4p Sun.

Saturday afternoon, Jasmine Tasty Thai serves at the Brewery from 2p-8p, Brant Island Strings plays in the beer garden from 4-7p. Donate to the PAWS 4 Pamlico fundraiser while you’re there, from 4-7p.

Saturday evening at 6p, Raleigh’s own WolfPack Polka Band plays at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. It’s the first annual Polishfest. Dinner includes pierogi, kielbasa, beer and wine. Get your tickets at Marsha’s Cottage or online.

It’s all in What’s Happening.

11:42a Boats on land, and in the water. Everything for your boat (electronics, sails, line, etc). There’s a beer garden. And the Nautical Flea Market.

The 2026 Oriental Boat Show opens at noon today. Here’s the schedule:

• Fri noon to 6p. Admission $10 (includes rest of weekend)
• Sat 10a to 6p. Admission $10 (includes rest of weekend)
• Sun 10a to 3p. Admission $5

6:45a High low 70s today, 80 Saturday, mid 70s Sunday.

At this moment, Mom Nature just might like us. Perfect boat show weekend weather ahead:

Summer’s heat is on the way… temps in the upper 80s late next week.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

5:30p Tonight’s The Gathering meeting has moved to the back room at Brantley’s. Hodges Street (in front of The Bean) is closed for the Oriental In-Water Boat Show.

8:27a Water levels are down a foot from yesterday’s high… and Hodges Street is again dry. The wind forecast for the weekend indicates water levels won’t be coming back up. All good for the boat show.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Oriental Water Level Gauge
• Oriental Weather Station

2:52p They capsized. Some even went aground. Nineteen sailing teams came from all over the United States and even Canada… all to sail in SailPack 2026 in Oriental. Here’s the report.

There’s a cliche that says “it takes a village.” Sometimes it’s not just a cliche. A lot of volunteer effort and generosity comes together to make the SailPack Regatta happen every year.

NC State Wolfpack coach Dana Magliola writes in with thanks.

10:35a The Oriental In-Water Boat Show has some changes and new things for this weekend.

New is the Beer Garden… complete with stage and live music at the very location where the “Old Store” was decades ago (behind Beth Frazer Real Estate). The Nautical Flea Market has moved to the parking lot adjoining Marsha’s Cottage, across from Oriental Marina Inn.

It all looks like this:

click image for the big view

8:35a Oriental’s Piggly Wiggly rolls out new weekly specials every Wednesday.

Here are the Piglet deals for Apr 8-14.

6:25a This morning awakens to northeast winds, with a 20-25 knot forecast on the Neuse. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Thursday morning.

Water levels are up:

Fortunately winds will be calmer for Friday, and become southerly by Friday night. That should pull those water levels back down for this weekend’s boat show.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Oriental Water Level Gauge
• Oriental Weather Station

4:07p FYI, the Piglet’s summer hours are now in effect: 7a – 9p, 7 days a week.

8:11a While you wait on more SailPack photos, a request for volunteers from the folks at NC Cycle, happening April 23 – 26:

We have 3 rest stops Friday, 4 Saturday, and 3 Sunday and still need many volunteers so thanks for your help too. Volunteers primarily pass out and restock the items we provide, but equally important is they enjoy talking to the cyclists about the area. We need 6 or more volunteers for each shift which are about 3-4 hours. All volunteers get a free t-shirt.

Sign up to volunteer for the NC Coastal Ride in Oriental here.

Oriental resident Judge Jimmy Ragan passed away at the end of March. His family sends thanks to the community for their support. Read their letter here.

10:33a At the end of racing Sunday, the college sailing teams had to get their 19 boats onshore and stowed away. It takes about 40 minutes, but TownDock brings you The Sailboat Shuffle in 55 seconds:

3:30p Sailpack Regatta 2026 is complete. The host team NC State Sailpack came in 1st. In second, the first international guests at Sailpack, Queens University of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Third, the Jackonville University Fins of Florida.

The map keeps expanding: in 4th, San Diego Tritons visiting from California. In all, 19 teams competed.

NC State hosts the annual regatta, all based out of Bow To Stern boating on Smith Creek in Oriental.

Regatta results here:

			School	Team	A		B		TOT
	1		North Carolina State University	Wolfpack	28		37		65
	2		Queen's University	Gaels	39		38		77
	3		Jacksonville University	Fins	41		48		89
	4		University of California at San Diego	Tritons	59		43		102
	5		Christopher Newport University	Captains	56		52		108
	6		Virginia Tech	Hokies	57		53		110
	7		University of South Florida	Bulls	103		87		190
	8		University of Texas	Longhorns	106		95		201
	9		Rice University	Owls	122		124		246
	10		Clemson University	Tigers	115		137		252
	11		University of Florida	Gators	141		120		261
	12		William and Mary	Tribe	100		169		269
	13		University of North Carolina	Tar Heels	196		117		313
	14		University of North Carolina at Wilmington	Seahawks	159		173		332
	15		Arizona State University	Sun Devils	188		149		337
	16		Georgia Institute of Technology	Yellow Jackets	186		187		373
	17		Michigan State University	Spartans	193		190		383
	18		Embry-Riddle University	Eagles	182		208		390
	19		University of Mississippi	Rebels	191		217		408

Sunday’s racing was all on Smith Creek, a Small Craft Advisory kept the boats off the Neuse (where they did race Saturday). TownDock’s Oriental Weather Station recorded peak winds of 31 mph Sunday afternoon.

Coming early in the week, a complete story & photos from the weekend.

10:51a High wind so far today, 26 mph at 10:12a. It’s a breezy day for the Sailpack Regatta, but they are out there (on Smith Creek).

9:37a With a Small Craft Advisory in effect today, gusts forecast to 30… the Sailpack Regatta is moving into the creeks for Sunday racing.

Race HQ moves from Lou Mac Park to Bow To Stern on Smith Creek. Race watchers are welcome to visit Bow To Stern.. there is parking available.

8:48a For the latest results during today’s racing (it starts about 11a), go to this link:

scores.collegesailing.org/s26/10th-annual-sailpack-oriental-intercollegiate

7:04a This morning’s Sunday Sunrise Service at Lou Mac Park, with a perfect sunrise over the Neuse.

(Joe Clark photo)

6:50a Saturday results for the Sailpack Regatta: Host NC State is in first place. In second, the team from Canada, the Queens University Gaels.

There are more races to come on Sunday. Here are the standings so far:

			School	Team	A		B		TOT
	1		North Carolina State University	Wolfpack	19		13		32
	2		Queen's University	Gaels	36		15		51
	3		Christopher Newport University	Captains	27		29		56
	4		Jacksonville University	Fins	34		26		60
	5		University of California at San Diego	Tritons	45		24		69
	6		Virginia Tech	Hokies	38		36		74
	7		University of South Florida	Bulls	75		34		109
	8		University of Texas	Longhorns	87		53		140
	9		Clemson University	Tigers	88		69		157
	10		Rice University	Owls	93		69		162
	11		University of Florida	Gators	110		60		170
	12		William and Mary	Tribe	89		87		176
	13		University of North Carolina at Wilmington	Seahawks	105		84		189
	14		University of North Carolina	Tar Heels	146		62		208
	15		University of Mississippi	Rebels	131		97		228
	16		Arizona State University	Sun Devils	148		83		231
	17		Georgia Institute of Technology	Yellow Jackets	141		93		234
	18		Embry-Riddle University	Eagles	137		108		245
	19		Michigan State University	Spartans	153		98		251

Sailors maneuver at the upwind mark Saturday. (Jennifer Smart photo)

3:15p Collegiate sailors. An Easter Egg hunt. A reception for artists. It’s all happening in Oriental.

Tonight at the Brewery, Tanja’s German Street Food serves 5-8p and Yard Sail plays in the beer garden 5:30-8p. At 6p, wander down the road to celebrate Good Friday at Oriental United Methodist Church.

Start Saturday on Hodges Street, from 8-11a, for fresh produce at the Oriental Farmer’s Market. At 10a, Oriental United Methodist Church hosts the annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt. Bring a basket.

Catch the SailPack Regatta on the Neuse off Lou Mac Park between 10a-5p (with a break for lunch). Shred any old or unwanted documents and bring a non-perishable food item to the Shred Event and Food Drive at Beth Frazer Real Estate, between 11a-2p. Welcome April’s artists of the month to Broad Strokes Gallery, 2-5p.

Saturday evening, Roadside Dogs serves 4-7:30p at the Brewery, Hoff ‘n’ Finch play in the beer garden 5-8p.

Sunday morning is the Easter Sunrise Community Service. Bring a chair and meet by the river at Lou Mac Park at 6:30a. Service begins promptly at 6:45a.

Regular Easter Sunday services held between 11a-1p. Collegiate sailors are back on the water between 10a-noon.

M&M’s is one of the few restaurants open Easter Sunday for lunch and dinner. Order off the menu or enjoy their specials board with spiral cut ham, steaks, and a whole lot more.

It’s all in What’s Happening.

11:55a A couple notes re Easter weekend biz hours.

Casa Que Pasa (aka the Taco Tower) is open today and Saturday, 8a-2p, then closed Sunday. Mariposa is also closed Sunday for Easter… they are open Sat & Mon 7a-11a (bakery) and 3p-9p (wine bar).

9:43a This corgi is one of the forty-some participants in the 2026 PAWS Pet Parade, strutting riverside. See check out the parade pics here.

On March 14, Russ Stevenson’s family celebrated his life at the Oriental UMC. Peta Lewis, his daughter, writes in with her thanks to the community. Read her letter here.

8:21a Nineteen teams. They are coming to Oriental… from all over. There are sailing teams from Mississippi, Texas, California and even Ontario, Canada. All coming to sail in our little town.

Here’s the lineup:
NC State, UNC Wilmington, Jacksonville University, Clemson University, Embry-Riddle, University of South Florida, Georgia Tech, University of Florida, Christopher Newport University, Virginia Tech, UNC-Chapel Hill, Queen’s University, University of Texas, Rice University, UC San Diego, the College of William & Mary, Michigan State University, Ole Miss, and Arizona State University.

Sailpack coach Dana Magliola writes in with info about this weekend’s collegiate regatta.

11:28a The Boat Show is coming… less than two weeks away. Part of the boat show is the nautical flea market, run by Rotary Club volunteers.

Seeking bronze, anchors… your funky odd old electronics. Joe Valinoti writes in:

For more info, email joesail1@gmail.com.

11:14a He wrote plays. He told stories that kept your attention. A leader in the community. Husband, father, grandfather. Jimmy Ragan passed away last week at age 84.

More about his life is here.

Saturday night was the annual Pamlico Arts Dragon Burn. It was well attended. Folks had fun.

But they didn’t burn the dragon. Yet. Here’s the story.

7:32a Late yesterday afternoon a statewide open burning ban went into effect, until further notice. This was issued by the North Carolina Forest Service, due to dangerous forest fire conditions.

The ban landed just two hours before Pamlico Arts annual Dragon Burn was scheduled. The event went on… just without the dragon burning. There were fire dancers, the small dragon danced, and music played.

But that special dragon, modeled for the Year Of the Horse, will burn. Pamlico Arts will wait til the ban is lifted, and then schedule a new date.

Behind The Silos/Red Rooster, that dragon/horse is waiting:

3:08p Burn a Dragon? Join the Pet Parade. Listen to the blues. You can do all of it in Oriental this weekend.

Tonight, Uncle Man’s Food Emporium is at the Brewery, serving 4-8p. Big Jim Kohler will be in the beer garden, 6-8p.

Over at the Old Theater, the Pamlico Community Band performs under the direction of Dave Falardeau at 7p.

Saturday morning, the Oriental Farmer’s Market provides produce and more from 8-11a. The PAWS Pet Parade is 11a at Lou Mac Park. Arrive early to register ($5 per pet), and try to bribe the judge for your chance to win. All proceeds benefit PAWS, the Pamlico Animal Welfare Society.

The Oriental History Museum shows off their collection of hand-stitched items from 1-4p. The Neuse Sailing Association hosts their annual Shrimparoo at the Oriental Marina & Inn / Tiki Bar from 2-4p. The Jerk Truck serves jerk chicken at the Brewery, 4-8p. TerraTones plays the beer garden 6-8p.

At 6p Saturday night, the gates open for the Pamlico Arts Festival’s annual Dragon Burn. The dragon burns at sunset. At 7:30p, the John Jorgenson Quartet performs at the Old Theater.

Sunday, join the churches of Oriental at Oriental United Methodist Church for their 5th Sunday Sing, starting at 6p.

Mariposa serves fresh baked goods Saturday, Sunday, & Monday 7-11a, and charcuterie & wine flights in the evenings, 3-9p.

Details for all these events – and what events are in the weeks to come – are in What’s Happening.

10:01a We are sad to report that Judge Jim Ragan passed away Thursday. He was 84.

A retired attorney and judge, Ragan was a beloved character in Oriental and Pamlico County. We look forward to sharing more about his life when the family is able to provide it.

Above is Jim Ragan at a storytelling night at the Old Theater, May 2016.

2:24p Friday is the second day of the Town’s Budget Retreat.

At 8:45a at Town Hall, members of the local Pickleball League are scheduled to give a presentation to Commissioners requesting an expansion of the courts in Lupton Park.

Some neighbors are opposed, and write in with their concerns.