43rd Annual Pender Spring Fest Makes Its Return

“The festival seemed as if it had never left, bringing back local music, entertainment, old timey games and nearly 100 local Pender County vendors with handmade, homemade and homegrown products/art.”

The 43rd Annual Pender Spring Fest made its return last weekend to downtown Burgaw following a two year hiatus. The festival seemed as if it had never left, bringing back local music, entertainment, old timey games and nearly 100 local Pender County vendors with handmade, homemade and homegrown products/art. All of the vendors were local to Pender County and were required to live, work, or own a business there to participate. 

Festivities kicked off during the annual Barbeque Cook Off on Friday evening with dozens lined up to taste some of Pender County’s finest barbeque. During this time, the streets of downtown Burgaw were filled with dancing and the enjoyment of delicious food throughout the evening to get ready for the family- filled event Saturday. 

The streets began to fill around 8 on Saturday morning with the Family Fun Run being the first festivity of the day. Participants and vendors were met with warm temperatures and sunny skies in Burgaw. Tents with all the vendors wrapped around the Courthouse Square. Vendors at the Spring Fest sold a number of products, arts, crafts, plants, delicious treats and locally grown food. Ranging from the Rotary Club selling sausages to fundraise for scholarships to Potts Wood Shop displaying their woodworking skills and products, each and every vendor brought something special to the town square. 

Throughout the day there was no shortage of entertainment. Whether it be the Cripple Creek Cloggers or the Carolina Little Miss Spring Fling, the stage never saw a dull moment. Several bands played on stage as well, The Community Band, Pender High Patriot Band, Final Warning Rock Band and Noah Blanton and Crew were just among a few of the musical entertainment at the Spring Fest. 

Over in the games area, crowds were constant in cheering on participants playing several of the old timey games. Games included a sack race, egg on a spoon race, water balloon toss, bubble gum blow and, crowd favorite- cow pie toss (yes, with real cow pies collected around the county). Children, adults, volunteers and vendors were all welcomed to compete. 

After a jam-packed day of music, art, games and entertainment, the 2022 Pender Spring Fest offered vendors, locals and volunteers a chance to celebrate their local Pender County pride and celebrate the community.