SIGNATURE EVENT: The annual celebration brings together dozens of artists, carvers, and crafters to showcase their work during the Core Sound Waterfowl Weekend. Friday night is a preview party, followed by two full days of programming that celebrates the unique heritage of the little more than a dozen small, unincorporated communities that make up Down East Carteret County.

This annual celebration of Down East’s traditions begins Friday evening with the Island’s “Bring Back the Lights” opening night and a new event, Core Sound Chow Down.

The first weekend of December has grown to be the Island’s homecoming weekend with the Decoy Festival at the school, craft sales all along the way, yard sales, fund-raisers and Down East hospitality every mile of the way.

Saturday will offer everything from scallop fritters to sweet puppies, artists and carvers, online auction and the next day, Sunday morning church.

Photo Credit: Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center