Southport NC– Fall is in the Air

My daughter Kate, when she was little, used to say when she was really excited, "Yipeee, Yip! Yip! Yip!" just for emphasis. She coined it but we've all used it ever since when we want to show a little extra enthusiasm. So that's how I'm feeling right now with the change in seasons, marked by cool nights, even cooler mornings, sparkles on the water, and all the other telltale signs of Fall.

There are plenty of happenings coming up so lets get to it. Starting out, if you haven't ventured out to Playhouse 211 yet for a play or a concert, you owe it to yourself to do so. For the few that made it out for Red Molly last night, what a treat that was! These talented ladies just raised the bar for live music in Southport and undoubtedly made some new fans. As Brunswick County's newest performing arts theater, 81 seats create an intimate environment for audiences and performers . Playhouse 211 also is the only theatre in the County to offer beer and wine during performances. Coming up is jazz great Frank Vignola in Concert September 30 - October 2. Fri/Sat shows begin at 7 and Sun at 3. 910.200.7785

"Frank Vignola is one of the most extraordinary guitarists performing before the public today. His stunning virtuosity has made him the guitarist of choice for many of the world's top musicians, including Ringo Starr, Madonna, Donald Fagen, Wynton Marsalis, Tommy Emmanuel, the Boston Pops, the New York Pops, and guitar legend Les Paul, who named Vignola to his "Five Most Admired Guitar List" for the Wall Street Journal. Vignola's jaw-dropping technique explains why the New York Times deemed him "one of the brightest...stars of the guitar". Tickets: $30 per person

It's not too late fishermen. Coming up this Saturday the 24th is the 4th annual Bay Creek Classic Benefit Flounder Tournament. This is a benefit tournament for Brandon Matthews – "He is a great emblem of “Old Southport” and the tradition of Robert Ruark. Just the same, he represents the new generations of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. This tournament is a dedication to and reflection of Brandon and the invaluable Cape Fear River." Read Brandon's story here. Captains Meeting & Registration on Friday 9/23 from 5-8pm at the Wildlife Boat Ramp on Fish Factory Road. 910.363.4038

Contact Kerry Matthews for any questions you can email her at ncflounders@yahoo.com.

Meanwhile, back in Southport, is the 2nd annual Southport Wooden Boat Show on the 24th from 10-4. This is an event that showcases the historic heritage of wooden boats and their commercial and recreational value to Southport and the surrounding area. Providing education and enjoyment of the crafts, skills, and knowledge related to wooden boats, their construction, their history and their restoration. Wooden Boats, demonstrations, nautical/maritime exhibits and vendors, children's events, and participation from NC Maritime Museum @ Southport. Old Yacht Basin Area Bay & Moore Streets. Southport . Contact: Jeanne Crabtree at 910.457.5223. Organized by the Southport Wooden Boat Show Committee of Downtown Southport Inc.

The Artisans of St. James are hosting a fun "red carpet" event at the St. James Community Center on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, from 7-9 PM. This "Evening with the Arts" will have Broadway-themed entertainment as well as an art show and competition, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds will provide art scholarships for area seniors going on to study art and art materials grants for Brunswick County teachers.

Your $10 ticket for this benefit includes a glass of wine or soft drink and an opportunity to vote for your favorite Broadway-inspired piece of art, done by members of the Artisans. There are no sales permitted that evening … this is a fun “get to know the artists” event! There will also be musical entertainment. The Community Center is located on 211 across from the St. James entrance. Tickets to "with Regards to Broadway" may be charged by phone at 253-0767 ext. 3 or purchased at the following locations Artistry, Baked with Love, Boo & Roo's, Cattail Cottage, Ricky Evans Art Gallery, and Uncorked by the Sea Wine Shop & Gallery. Checks should be made payable to "The Artisans of St. James". For questions, email allielull@ec.rr.com.

Thousands of fishermen will descend on Southport September 29 - October 1, 2011 for the annual U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament. Over $100,000 in prizes. Come to Southport Marina and watch the boats bring in their fish to the official weigh-in. There'll be lots of entertainment, food, and beer on tap on Saturday. If you're an early riser it's so worth it to go down to the waterfront at daybreak and watch the hundreds of boats come out of the ICW headed out to sea. The tournament brings an estimated 2 million dollar impact with it to Southport and the Brunswick County area. One of the unique aspects of this tournament is the fact that most of the winning fish are caught within 15 miles of shore, with some caught much closer inshore. This allows a 16’ skiff to compete with the big rigs of a 40’ offshore monster.

Just for the youngsters is the Captain Charlie's Kid's Fishing Tournament, also on Saturday the 1st from 9 to noon. Bring a rod and bait to the City pier at 8:30 for registration. The first 100 kids receive a free T-shirt, and there are free hot dogs and drinks for everyone. There is a fish-bowl drawing for prizes throughout the tournament; the prize for the biggest fish is a rod and reel, and there are many other prizes donated by merchants. Best of all, this is a catch-and-release tournament — an environmental lesson for kids. Free event sponsored by the Southport Parks and Recreation and the Southport Lions Club. For more info you can call "Cookie" Moore at 910.457.7945.

Southport is also sponsoring a Senior Fishing Tournament for the 55 and over crowd on the next Saturday, October 8th. Again, bring your rod and bait and a valid NC Fishing Permit.

Well folks, you're just going to have to stay tuned. I had intended to get through the end of October but there is just way to much fun stuff coming up in Southport later on October leading up to the Halloween. I'll have to save it for next time. Meanwhile, get out and enjoy the changing season. Walking, paddling, biking, fishing, you name it…it's ALL GOOD right now!