On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wilmington’s beloved Halyburton Park will come alive with the sights, sounds, and excitement of the Fire in the Pines Festival. This free, family-friendly event, hosted by The Nature Conservancy and the City of Wilmington, promises a day full of educational activities, entertainment, and hands-on experiences aimed at raising awareness about the critical role of controlled burning in the survival of longleaf pines, red-cockaded woodpeckers, Venus flytraps, and many other plants and animals native to the Southeast.
Attendees can explore a wide variety of attractions, including kid-friendly activities like crafts, games, and hayrides. Other activities include helicopters and fire equipment, food trucks, live music, 40 local organizations showcasing fire equipment,with engaging, hands-on displays , plants, live animals, and more! For the grand finale, a live fire demonstration will give attendees a firsthand look at how controlled burns are conducted.
This year, the festival includes celebrating Smokey Bear's 80th birthday. Smokey and Burner Bob—a bobwhite quail mascot devoted to teaching safe burning practices—will make appearances. Guests can take photos with Smokey and Burner Bob while learning about preventing uncontrolled forest fires and the essential role that controlled burns play in the survival of Southeastern forests.
Also check out other Festivals in Wilmington, Music events in Wilmington.