Wilmington festivals combine food, fun, and fundraising for local kids
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington’s Live Oak Bank Amphitheater will host two beer and wine festivals this weekend, offering attendees food, drinks, and live entertainment while raising funds for the Carousel Child Advocacy Center.
The events, organized by Lighthouse Beer and Wine, include the Voracious Cellar, Sea and Shore Event on Friday night and the traditional Beer and Wine Festival on Saturday. Friday’s event is designed as an upscale evening featuring chefs, oysters, champagne, wine, and beer, while Saturday’s festival will feature more than 100 breweries and wineries, food trucks, live music, and a larger, younger crowd.
“All of this benefits the Carousel Center, and it’s exciting to see the community come together,” said Jason Adams of Lighthouse Beer and Wine.
The Carousel Center serves as a child advocacy center for Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties, supporting children who have experienced abuse or severe neglect. The center provides trauma therapy, forensic interviews, medical care, and family advocacy all in one location.
“Instead of sending children to multiple locations to tell their story over and over, we bring together all the necessary support in one place,” said Laura Pawlewicz of the Carousel Center. “It allows kids to share their experience safely and begin the healing process.”
The festivals have raised nearly $1 million for the center over the years, helping ensure that families never pay for services regardless of financial ability. Pawlewicz said the events this weekend could surpass that milestone.
Tickets are still available for both events through the Lighthouse Beer and Wine website. Attendees can purchase single-day tickets, combined tickets for both events, and designated driver tickets.
