From a new bridge to old digs

By Molly Harrison | Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Archaeological digs are going on all week at Fort Raleigh

The big news on the banks is that the temporary bridge over "New New Inlet" on Pea Island opened on Monday. That means that you can drive to Hatteras Island for the first time since Hurricane Irene hit on August 27! And, more importantly, it means the people of Hatteras can get their lives back to normal and come and go as freely as they need to without having to take the long, slow ferry to Stumpy Point. * It's also great news for the people of Ocracoke Island, because it means they'll be getting back to normal, too. * Have you seen pictures of the efforts to build the bridge? If not, check out the pictures on this link. It's really amazing what humans can do: www.flickr.com:80/photos/ncdot/sets/72157627547895700/show/...

Many Hatteras Islanders, especially in the Tri-Villages, are still working to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Irene. If you want to help, you can make donations to the Really Really Free Market, which is now open every day in Salvo. Here are some of the things they need: bug spray, toiletries, socks, underwear, shoes, clothing, towels, baby care items, diapers, blankets, sheets, cleaning supplies and storage totes. Call (252) 216-6558 to find out about drop-off locations or if you have questions. * If you want to make cash donations that will benefit Hatteras Islanders, you can send them to the Cape Hatteras Methodist Men at P.O. Box 1591, Buxton, NC 27929. This group runs a food pantry and offers financial assistance to families in need...

So, what is going on around here this week? One thing that's happening is the Roanoke Colonies Archaeology and History Week. This week-long series of events includes public symposiums and archaeological research for evidence of Sir Walter Raleigh's colonies and Algonkian Indian habitation on Roanoke Island. A new exhibit opened at Fort Raleigh, Beneath the Sands: Past and Present Archaeology at Fort Raleigh, with artifacts that have never been on display before. Two of the nation's preeminent historical archaeologists, Dr. Eric Klingelhofer and Nicholas Luccketti, are directing and training selected Dare County high school students and adult volunteers in field excavations. They're also presenting programs at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo at 7 p.m. on Tuesday through Friday nights. For more information, see www.firstcolonyfoundation.org...

On Wednesday, the Teacup Quilters are having the Teacup Quilters Trunk Show at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Stop by to meet the quilters. There's also a cool exhibit in the Art Gallery called The Art of the Costume, featuring the works of Joan Brumbach, Nancy Harvey and Genna Miles. This show runs through the end of October. Call (252) 475-1500 for info on either show...

On Thursday, the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive. Donors get free admission to the aquarium and a complimentary tote bag. * While you're there, don't forget that it's time to get your tickets for Trick or Treat under the Sea, the aquarium's Halloween event. Tickets are $6 per person and they sell out fast! Call (252) 473-3494 for info...

On Thursday night the Outer Banks Birth Network is hosting an educational workshop for parents. A midwife will help moms-to-be with tips for a fearless labor. The free workshop is at the KDH Library from 7 to 9 p.m...

On Friday, All Saints Episcopal in Southern Shores is holding its 4th Annual Lobster Fest as a benefit for disaster recovery. You can dine in from 5 to 7 p.m., enjoying your lobster, baked potato, salad and dessert at the church for just $25 per person. Or you can get your lobster to go, for $25 for a full dinner or $15 per individual lobster. To-go pickup time is from 3 to 6 p.m. Orders will be taken until Wednesday at 3 p.m. Call (252) 261-6674 to reserve your lobster...

On Saturday, The Colony Lost & Found 5K and Fun Run are being held on Roanoke Island. Online registration has closed, but you can register at Packet Pickup on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Food for Thought Building on Highway 64 in Manteo (across from Front Porch Café). If spaces remain, you can also register on race day, Saturday morning, until 7:30 a.m. in the Fort Raleigh parking lot. The course is through the woods and on the bike path on the north end of Roanoke Island. * It's also time to register for the 3rd Annual Outer Banks Gobbler 5K and Fun Run on Thanksgiving Day in Nags Head. Race time is 8 a.m., and the race is through the Village at Nags Head. This one sells out early, so get your tickets now. Go to www.outerbanksrunningclub.org. * And while we're on the subject, you can still register for any of the Outer Banks Marathon weekend events on November 12 and 13 - the full marathon, half-marathon, 8K, 5K or Fun Run. Did you know that participating in these events is more than just for fun? These events raise money for the Dare Education Foundation, benefiting all Dare County schools, and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation, which helps people in crisis on the Outer Banks (and that includes hurricane victims)...

Dare County Arts Council is hosting a Literary Skill Building seminar for writers of all levels at the College of the Albemarle campus in Manteo on Saturday. Called Fiction-Writing Techniques To Help Your MS Get Published, its featured presenters will include a professional editor and several published authors: Chris Roerden, Suzanne Tate, Maggie Toussaint and Kip Tabb. The seminar will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a break for lunch. Cost in advance is $15 for members of DCAC, $20 for nonmembers. Cost at the door is $5 more. Box lunches will be available for $6 each. Go to www.darearts.org or call (252) 473-5558...

Saturday is the 2nd Annual Fishing Tournament Super Slam at Marshes Light Marina in Manteo. The tournament includes four categories: king mackerel, wahoo, dolphin and tuna. Cash prizes are awarded to winners, and proceeds benefit local charities. Call (252) 305-4737...

Kitty Hawk Elementary School's Fall Carnival is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They've got tons of fun activities for kids, from bounce houses to face painting, so take the kids by to burn off some energy...

If you're craving a little fall-season spirit, at Powell Farm Market in Sligo, on Saturday, they're having a Day at the Farm event with hayrides, pumpkin picking, animal petting and other fun activities. Cost is $5 per person. Call (252) 339-9923. * Anytime between now and Halloween you can head up to Grandy Greenhouse for fall activities. For $6.50 per person, you can go on a hayride, pick out a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, stuff a scarecrow and have tastes of apple cider and frozen yogurt. Call (252) 453-2658. * Another fun thing to do is pick apples, grapes or pumpkins at Martin Vineyards on Knotts Island. You have to take a ferry over, and getting there is part of the fun. Go to www.martinvineyards.com for info...

In the planning ahead department, next Tuesday night don't miss the OBX Peace and Justice Coalition's presentation of the film Blue Gold: World Water Wars at 7 p.m. at Kelly's Restaurant. The film reports on the various powers trying to take control of the public's water for profit...

Keep checking around our site. There's a lot more to do and we're sure you'll have fun doing it! Have a great week...

About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.