Popular Carolina Beach croquet fundraiser to continue under new leadership

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — A longtime Carolina Beach fundraiser will have a new organizer when it returns next year.

The Carolina Beach Mural Project announced Wednesday that Island Women will take over leadership of the Fancy Pants Croquet Soirée, an annual event featuring costumes and croquet competition.

The Mural Project said the decision will allow its volunteer board to focus on its expanding public art efforts, which include new installations, educational programming, MuralFest and other community projects.

“Fancy Pants has been a wonderful fundraiser and an incredible way to bring our community together,” Andrea Cannistraci, marketing and public relations chair for the Carolina Beach Mural Project, said in a news release.

Maureen Lewis, founder of the Mural Project, said the event had grown beyond what its small volunteer board could sustainably manage.

“The event simply became more than our small team could sustainably manage, and we knew it deserved an organization that could give it the time and attention it needs to continue flourishing,” Lewis said. “The Island Women are the perfect fit, and we’re excited to watch them take it to the next level.”

As part of the transition, the Mural Project provided Island Women with information developed through previous years of organizing the fundraiser, including financial records, sponsorship information, vendor contacts, volunteer requirements and event timelines.

Island Women President Julie House said the organization plans to maintain the event’s traditions as it assumes responsibility for organizing it.

“The Carolina Beach Mural Project has given us an incredible roadmap for success, and we’re grateful for their confidence in us,” House said. “We look forward to honoring the event’s history while ensuring the Fancy Pants Croquet Soirée continues to grow as one of Carolina Beach’s favorite community traditions.”

The next Fancy Pants Croquet Soirée is scheduled for April 18, 2027.

The fundraiser has previously supported the Carolina Beach Mural Project’s public art efforts. The nonprofit says it has installed 21 murals throughout the community.

Island Women, a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, has nearly 300 members and supports community initiatives on Pleasure Island.