Recently several students and adults presented William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Deepwater Theater. There were 3 opportunities to see it...Thursday evening, May 6; Friday evening, May 7 and a matinee on Sunday, May 9 (Mother's Day).
I have been hearing about this event since last fall and I know that preparations have been long in the works. Tryouts were held, costume and makeup ideas were shared throughout the winter months. Rehearsals began in earnest after basketball season ended (many of the players are on the basketball team).
Much fretting was heard about the island as the actors struggled to learn their lines. Several actors were seen walking or biking along talking to themselves. They hadn't lost their minds...they were memorizing and familiarizing themselves with their parts. As the play dates neared the rehearsals grew more intense and the anticipation grew. Not only among the cast and crew involved with the play but with family, friends and neighbors who were looking forward to this great event.

I bought my tickets early to go to the Mother's Day matinee and I am glad that I did. By opening night tickets for all three shows were sold out. Plans were made to sell a limited number of standing room tickets at the door each night.
Right after the opening night show ended I started hearing reviews...RAVE reviews!! Everyone loved it! Everyone that had seen it couldn't stop talking about it. The costumes were great! The actors were great! The play was great! Ocracoke was impressed!
Several people had bought tickets to go more than one night. Several that didn't buy tickets for multiple nights stood in line to buy standing room tickets. By the time Sunday arrived I could hardly stand it! I was so excited to see this play.
I must mention that I have never seen any of Shakespeare's plays performed. Nor have I actually read any of his plays (at least not the whole thing). But I could not have been more impressed and pleased if I had seen Shakespeare himself put this performance together.

I'm not going to give any details of what the play is about. Many people have seen it or read it I am sure. But I will say that everything about this play was fantastic. The actors, the costumes, the makeup, the weather, the audience...I would love to see it again! I know that a LOT of hard work and planning went into putting this together. Everyone did a fantastic job with every aspect.
You should all be proud and pat yourselves on the back for a job well done.

The island is still abuzz with "play talk". We can't stop talking about it...in the stores, the post office, at work, on the streets...and my Facebook friends keep posting and posting and posting about how wonderful the play was and how much they enjoyed it.
There are tons of pictures and here I have posted just a few (even though it is a lot of pictures) to share with you the actors, the costumes and the makeup. I, along with everyone who saw or had anything to do with the play, am SO PROUD OF YOU ALL!!!! Thank you so much for entertaining us and amazing us with your talent.
(More credits at the end). I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we all enjoyed Ocracoke's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".




     
Theseus, Hippolyta, Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius     

                                          
Theseus, Duke of Athens played by Bill Cole.                                                   Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons played by Kati Wharton.

                                            
Egeus, Father to Hermia played by Bill Jones.                                          Philostrate, Master of Revels played by Wyatt Norris.




Hermia & Lysander in the forest.



                                                                      
Hermia played by Jessie Morrisey.                                                                       Lysander played by Joseph Chestnut.



  
Demetrius & Helena             


                                                           
Helena played by Virginia Downes, daughter of Dee & Jack Whitehead of OIR.            Demetrius played by Emmet Temple.




Nick Bottom, Snug, Tom Snout, Robin Starveling, Peter Quince & Francis Flute.


                                                
Nick Bottom played by Charles Temple. Charles is the high school English teacher at Ocracoke School. He took several students
to see "A Midsummer Night's Dream" some time back. The students were inspired to put on the play themselves. Charles directed
and performed in this production. He is well loved by all of his students...and why not...he is just a big kid himself.


  
Peter Quince, carpenter, played by Annie Buchanan.
          


                                                                              
Francis Flute, bellows mender, played by Lori Masaitis.                            Francis Flute as the "girlfriend" in Quince's skit.


                                                         
Tom Snout, tinker, played by Kevin Perez.                                 Tom Snout as the wall in Quince's skit.
Kevin also helped with the artwork for the play.




                                                                   
Snug, joiner, played by Walker Garrish.                                                                   Snug as the lion in Quince's skit.



                                                                       
Robin Starveling, tailor, played by Andrew Tillett.                   Robin Starveling as the moon in Quince's skit.         



Queen Titania, King Oberon and their fairy attendants.


    
Queen Titania & King Oberon.
  

      
       Oberon, King of the Fairies, played by DJ Lukefahr. (You may notice that there are probably more pictures of DJ than anyone else.
       That is because DJ is my son and I am just being a mother. No offense is meant to anyone because everyone did a fantastic and 
       impressive job!!).



Titania, Queen of the Fairies, played by Zoi Tsaousis.



Queen Titania, King Oberon & Puck



  
Puck & King Oberon with the magic flower.                


    
     King Oberon keeping watch over the players.



Puck, jester to Oberon, played by Echo Bennink.



Mustardseed, Titania, Peaseblossom, Cobweb & Moth



                                                         
Peaseblossom played by Caroline Temple.                                                     Cobweb played by the great ad-libber, Phyllis Wall.



        
Mustardseed played by Jennifer Kidwell. Jennifer also played the tambourine to signal intermission and stage changes
and she was instrumental in creating and putting together costumes.
   


      
       Moth played by Deena Seitz, daughter of Sidra Seitz of OIR.



Moth, Cobweb, Mustardseed and Peaseblossom meeting Bottom for the first time.



King Oberon's fairy attendants.


   
Attendant to Oberon played by Dalton Kalna.                      

                                                          
   Attendant to Oberon played by Wyatt Norris.                                                 Attendant to Oberon played by Waylon Underwood.



 
Stage Manager, Molly Lovejoy. Molly worked very hard for this production. She fretted and worried and, with the help of her friends, made it all come together. Thanks, Molly! Molly is a Sophomore at Ocracoke High School.

     

        
         Fiddler Dave, David Tweety, provided the music for the play and for intermission. You may recognize David from Molasses Creek. You can see
         them perform at Deepwater Theater throughout most of the summer.


Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't include thanks to several people who helped make this all possible.

Thanks to:

Roger Meacham, Emmet Temple, Charles Temple, Andrew Tillett, Leslie Espinoza, CJ Wynn and Virginia Downes for the set construction.

Jennifer Kidwell, Sundae Horn, Lisa Jones, Megan Aldridge, Jude Wheeler, Merle Davis, Susie Kennedy, Julie Howard, Roger Meacham, Mary Bassell and Bill Jones for the costume creations.

Jennifer Kidwell, Jessie Morrissey, Leslie Espinoza, Barbara Adams, Ashley Haddad, Marissa Gross and Gissette Suarez for the creative makeup.

Susie Kennedy and Roy Revels for hair styling.

Roger Meacham and Jennifer Kidwell for the props.

David Tweedie and Jennifer Kidwell for the music.

Jamieson Wilson, Kitty Mitchell, Kevin Perez and Lori Masaitis for the artwork.

Special thanks to Leslie Lanier, Deepwater Theater, Ocracoke Civic and Business Association, Creekside Cafe, Ocracoke Pizza Company and Village Print.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" was funded in part by a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council with funding from the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts.

ALL OF US WHO SAW THE PRODUCTION WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE INVOLVED FOR DOING SUCH A WONDERFUL, FANTASTIC JOB ENTERTAINING US!! WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS AGAIN ALONG WITH ANY OTHER WORKS YOU WISH TO PRESENT TO US!!

I would personally like to thank Molly Lovejoy, Emma Lovejoy and Jennifer Kidwell for allowing me to use their great pictures for this blog. There were so many great pictures and it was so hard to choose. I tried to use at least one decent picture of every actor because you all deserve props!! 

        

Thursday, April 22nd, is Mediterranean Tapas Night at Cafe Atlantic. Owner Ruth Toth and her friend, Debbie Wells are working hard, even as I write, to prepare several interesting sounding dishes. There will be samples of appetizers, such as Gazpacho, Felafels and Ratatouille over Polenta...Entree samples, such as Mushroom and Eggplant Moussaka and Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops...Dessert, such as Flan De Naranda and Profiteroles...and even beverages, such as Sangria and Cristolina Cava.
Cafe Atlantic usually has one or two "feature events" per season and they are always a huge hit. If you are on the island don't miss Mediterranean Tapas Night at Cafe Atlantic.

There are quite a few things going on Saturday, April 24th, that you may be interested in attending.

         Aren't these the cutest little basketball players you have ever seen?

The Annual Ocracoke Child Care Hoop-A-Thon will be held at the Ocracoke School Gym from 11AM to 1PM. This is always a fun event for the participants and the spectators. There will be hot dogs, Mexican food and baked goods sold inside the School Commons area. There will also be raffles and adult & school age shoot-outs. All proceeds benefit Ocracoke Child Care, which we are very happy to have available. It is a great place for kids! Peace begins in the playground!
If you would like to learn how to sponsor a child or a team with a tax deductible donation, please contact Ocracoke Island Realty and we will be glad to assist.


Portsmouth Island

The Friends of Portsmouth Island will be sponsoring homecoming on Saturday, April 24th. This event is held every two years. It is an opportunity to visit "open houses" at the post office, Methodist Church, schoolhouse, US Life Saving Station and selected homes. Porch talks and demonstrations will be offered and new exhibits at the Visitors Center will be officially opened.
The theme this year is "Celebrating The Life Of Portsmouth Village". There will be two hymn sings at the church and a potluck dinner on the grounds.
Portsmouth Island lies just south of Ocracoke Island and has been abandoned for about 35 years. The National Park Services now manages the entire island, including the village.

Portsmouth Island is accessible only by boat. Reservations for transport to the island can be made with Rudy Austin by calling 252-928-4361. ($20 per person, round trip).

For more information about Portsmouth Homecoming 2010 and a schedule of events click here . 




Mike Murray, Outer Banks Group Superintendent, invites children throughout the Outer Banks to take part in National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 24th. This program is designed for ages 5 to 13. It is a fun way for children to explore and learn more about the National Parks and how they can help protect them. Children can become three different kinds of Junior rangers.

At the Cape Hatteras National Seashore children can complete a "Seashore Ranger" workbook to earn a Junior Ranger badge. You can get these workbooks from any Seashore visitor center, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and near the ferry dock in Ocracoke Village. "Especially For Kids", a special Junior Ranger program, is scheduled for 11am and 2pm at the Bodie Island Visitor Center; 11am and 3:30 at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center next to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse; 11am and 2pm at the Ocracoke Visitor Center.

To earn a Flight Ranger patch visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, complete their booklet and attend one ranger program. There are three Junior Ranger programs scheduled for April 24th. Take To The Air-30 minute paper airplane program at 11am...Fun With Flight-30 minute kite making program at 2pm...Flight Room Talks-presented at 10am, 12pm and 4pm.

Fort Raleigh National Historic site offers a chance to earn a Roanoke Ranger patch by attending a program and completing the booklet. You can also earn a National Junior Ranger Day special Underground Railroad Junior Ranger badge by completing The National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom booklet. A 30 minute program, Fort Raleigh Kids will be presented at 11am and 2pm. Also offered is a chance to become a Fort Raleigh Web Ranger and earn a Junior Ranger badge through the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/fora . From there you can print out worksheets, fill them in and mail them to the park.

Children who cannot visit a National Park in person can still take part in the national "WebRangers" activities at www.nps.gov/webrangers  .



Aaron Caswell Band

Just in case you aren't tired yet...and I hope you aren't...there is a BBQ & Concert scheduled to benefit Ocracoke's own WOVV radio station. This will be held at the Community Center from 4pm until...
There will be BBQ for $10 and tamales-2 for $3...Raffle and Silent Auction. 
There will also be lots of great music...Aaron Caswell Band, Rob King, Free Poor with Craig Ramey, April Trueblood.

So if you are on Ocracoke Island Saturday, April 24th, and can't find anything to do...then you haven't read this blog. Hope to see you somewhere.

        

Did you know that April 17-25 is National Park Service Week? This is an annual celebration of the National Park Service (NPS) that creates an opportunity for families and communities to get outside and explore any of the 392 great National Parks located in the United States...WITH NO ENTRANCE FEES. 

Highlights of National Park Week include the 40th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22 and National Junior Ranger Day on April 24. 

There are 3 National Parks located in the Outer Banks area...Wright Brothers National Memorial, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and, of course, Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 



The Wright Brothers National Memorial celebrates the first successful airplane flight made by Wilbur and Orville Wright after 4 years experimentation.   Here you will find many exhibits, movies and educational programs that tell the tale of the road to the first flight. You can also climb Big Kill Devil Hill for a panoramic view from Sound to Sea.
Wright Brothers National Memorial is located at milepost 7.5 on Highway 158 in Kill Devil Hills, NC.



Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is another park located near the Outer Banks. This park protects and preserves known portions of England's First New World settlements from 1584 to 1590 and the cultural heritage of the Native Americans, European Americans and African Americans who have lived on Roanoke Island. Be sure to visit park partners The Lost Colony Outdoor Drama and The Elizabethan Gardens.
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site is located on Roanoke Island, 3 miles north of Manteo, NC.



Cape Hatteras National Seashore is made up of over 70 miles of barrier islands stretching from Nags Head, NC to Ocracoke Island, NC. The Cape Hatteras National Seashore has many historical sites to visit and many, many things to do. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, walking or just plain relaxing on some of the best beaches in the world. Hike along any of the several nature trails located along the National Seashore. Birdwatching (not just on the beaches) is a popular passtime. Visit the Bodie Island, Hatteras and Ocracoke Lighthouses and any of the many historical sites along the way. There are so many things to see and do that I can't even list them all here.

If you are not going to be near the Outer Banks during National Park Week remember there are still 389 other National Parks scattered throughout the United States and entrance fees are waived at all of them from April 17th to April 25th.
Please note that while entrance fees will be waived for passengers in both private and commercial vehicles, recreation "user fees" such as permit fees, camping fees and lighthouse tour fees are not waived. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Cape Hatteras National Seashore do not charge entrance fees.

For more information on National Park Week visit http://www.nps.gov/npweek

        

                                                                                      




If you are going to be on Ocracoke Island Saturday, April 10, you shouldn't miss QUIZO at the Community Center on HIghway 12!! QUIZO is a fun game similar to BINGO.
Many island businesses have donated prizes for this event which is a fundraiser for the Cadet and Senior Girl Scout Troop 2829.
There is a 6 person Parasailing trip, a massage and many gift certificates to local restaurants and that is just a few of the prizes that can be won.
QUIZO is great fun to play so come on out at 7:00 pm and help support the Girl Scouts! Cards will be $10 for the whole night. That's a great bargain!

While you are having fun playing QUIZO and winning prizes you can help support the Junior Girl Scouts by purchasing Girl Scout Cookies. Who doesn't love those? Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils and Tagalongs will be available for sale at only $3.50 a box.

Come on out and join the fun!!

        

                                                                                        

I want to share the story with you of the turtle that crosses the road twice a year. I started working at Sharon Miller Realty in September of 1998. I continued to work as the realty changed hands twice...first to Sandy Shores Realty, then to Ocracoke Island Realty. Each year since I started working here we have been delighted twice a year...once in the spring and once in the fall...by the "crossing of the turtle".

I am not sure what kind of turtle it is but it is a fairly large one. In the spring it comes from somewhere in the marsh behind Tradewinds or thereabouts and crosses Highway 12. It then goes down beside the yellow building (Rentals and Sales), crosses the back yard and the road behind the realty and goes into the marsh. In the fall it travels the reverse trail.

I am sure this turtle did not just start making this trek in 1998. In fact, there is no telling how many years the turtle and it's descendants have traveled the same route each year. I like to think it has been happening since the island first rose from the sea but who can say.

Each time the turtle makes its crossing there are many witnesses. Those of us who work at the realty come out to look at it. People biking or walking by stop to look at it. People in cars will slow down to watch or even stop their cars and wait for the turtle to get out of their path, if necessary. I have not ever seen anyone get upset about stopping to let the turtle pass...only delighted smiles. The turtle has been photographed many times, been oohed and aahed over and watched with fascination at each crossing.
I have been wanting to do a blog about the crossing of the turtle but wanted to get a picture first so I could share it with you. I have not been lucky enough, or fast enough, to get this picture for whatever the reason may have been at the time.

Monday, as I arrived at work, I saw a couple of guys standing on the side of the road and between them was the turtle. I thought, "This will be the day that I get the picture and write the turtle blog." By the time I parked my car, went inside the office for the camera and walked back outside there were probably 20-30 people gathered around and 5 or 6 cars had parked while the occupants watched the turtle. Cars were slowing in the road to get a glimpse and it was becoming quite the circus. The turtle had a huge audience this crossing.

I then noticed, much to my dismay, that a couple of women had a crab basket and a rake and were trying to catch the turtle. 
The next thing I know they have herded the turtle way over to the opposite side of the parking lot from where it passes through and it was trapped between the fence and the people who were trying to catch it. I told the lady that the turtle had been crossing through the realty property for many years and that I had watched it do so for the last 12 years myself. I asked her why she was trying to catch it. She said that it was trapped and couldn't get through. I told her that it was trapped because they had been trying to catch it and had thrown it off it's path. I showed her the route the turtle always took and told her that in all the years I had been watching it had always traveled that path and always had an audience. I told her that usually people only looked, made comments and took pictures. No one ever tried to bother it in any way. Eventually, they got the turtle in the basket and took it across the road behind the realty (where it usually goes) and released it.

I was very upset at the events of Monday's turtle crossing. It bothered me that people didn't know to just leave an uninjured turtle, that wasn't in any danger,  alone and let it go its own way. The large crowd that was watching was not a problem because they weren't trying to catch it or alter its path. Why would anyone feel the need to catch the turtle if it was uninjured and not in a dangerous area?

I would like to take this opportunity to make this point. The entire island of Ocracoke is a wildlife habitat. All of the creatures who are here...insects, birds, snakes, rats, mice, turtles, people, etc...whether it is full time or part time, have the right to dwell in their natural environment. We all share this place. The insects, birds and animals live in the marsh, trees, ground and beach. The people live in houses. As long as a creature is in its natural place it should be left alone. Sure, we can watch the birds fly and the turtles cross the road and all of that fun stuff but we should not ever try to interfere. If we do then it throws things off course.

I do agree that there are times when interference is necessary. If rodents or insects are invading our houses then we certainly have the right and obligation to get them out of our homes. That is not their natural habitat. If we see a bird or other animal that is injured or that has wandered into a dangerous area or situation, then we should certainly call someone who is trained to deal with these circumstances to do so. But if there is no injury or danger we should not bother whatever creature it may be.
We can all share this island...from the village to the marsh to the beaches...there is enough room for everyone.

In the end of it all I did not get the picture of the turtle as I had been planning to do for so long. I was so disgusted by the way the spring crossing went that I didn't want to bother the turtle further. I did feel the need to write the story though and I hope you enjoyed it and maybe learned something from it. Maybe I will try to get a picture of the turtle's fall crossing. And maybe I will stand guard so that no one interferes with its course and it can make its journey unhindered.

(Note: I am not sure what kind of turtle it is and I call the turtle "it" because I really don't know if it is male or female).

        

I was having trouble getting these final pictures to load in the right place for Part 1 of this blog...thus, Part 2.





2009 Homecoming Queen Chante Mason and 2009 Homecoming King Chase Garrish were on the scene to crown the 2010 Royal Court.


2010 Homecoming Prince Casey Tolson
2010 Homecoming Princess Devynn Mager


2010 Homecoming King Aaron Caswell
2010 Homecoming Queen Jordan Jones

ALL OF THE LADIES WERE BEAUTIFUL AND ALL OF THE FELLOWS WERE HANDSOME!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL!!!!

        

Friday, March 19, 2010...Homecoming at Ocracoke High School. The only time of year when our teens get all dolled up and decked out and parade themselves in front of a large part of the community. No matter how reluctant these young men and women may act about doing this, I really believe that most of them secretly enjoy the attention. When they walk out we whoop and holler and whistle. Oohs and aahs abound. How can that not make them feel beautiful (handsome for the guys)!

Ocracoke Island Realty parents were represented by 3 teens in the Homecoming Court this year.
Virginia Downes (Sophomore), daughter of Jack & Dee Whitehead
Jasmine Flores (Junior), daughter of Rene Flores and Margarita Gonzalez
DJ Lukefahr (Senior), son of Terry Lukefahr

This year we saw many fabulous dresses and fancy hairdos and it is so nice to see the guys in their suits and ties. Before the Homecoming there were several basketball relays and games played by the elementary and middle school students. High school parents sponsored a BBQ sandwich and hot dog sale with lots of baked goods...and don't forget the Mexican cuisine. The food was excellent, as always. Proceeds from the food sale went to the Athletics department at the school. After the Homecoming the Varsity boys played. Everyone had a wonderful day and evening!

Here are some pictures of the Ocracoke High School 2010 Homecoming Court. I hope you enjoy them.

   
As you can see, these teens are just exploding with excitement before Homecoming!

                     
Who's more excited?                                            Where else are you going to find a more beautiful bunch?!

        
The guys are excited too!!

     
Virginia & Casey                                 Joe & Jasmine

     
Best buds...                                                ...since daycare!!

       
Virginia & Jordan                                                      My handsome senior!


Freshmen: Emmet Temple, Annie Buchanan, 
Karina Rodriguez and Casey Tolson
(Not pictured: Miguel Monter)


Sophomores: Virginia Downes, Molly Lovejoy,
Cassandra Hagins, Leslie Espinoza, Echo Bennink
and CJ Wynn.
(Not pictured: William O'Neal)


Juniors: Mitchell Ibarra, Jasmine Flores, Joe Chestnut,
Devynn Mager, Cody Smith, Maddie Payne and Ronnie
O'Neal.


Class of 2010: Samantha Vander Myde, DJ
Lukefahr, Jordan Jones and Aaron Caswell.
Three members of this years Senior class have been together since daycare...DJ Lukefahr, Jordan Jones and Aaron Caswell. Samantha joined the class in 2003 (6th grade). CONGRATULATIONS, SENIORS!! LOVE YOU!!


See "OHS Homecoming 2010 Part 2" for the Royal Court!!

        

Most people know the basic rules when it comes to riding a bike on a public roadway. Most people also know that bicycle laws haven't been heavily enforced. Things will be different this year on Ocracoke.

Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic can be pretty heavy on Ocracoke...especially during the summer months. With so much traffic on such small roads things can get pretty hairy if people don't obey the rules of the road. With golf carts now joining the throng of traffic even more caution will be required.

Did you know that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has a Division of Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation?
I didn't until I started looking up NC bicycle laws. Interesting...

Be aware that more attention will be given to bicycle laws this year. The laws will be enforced and tickets will be given for violations.

North Carolina traffic laws require bicyclists to:

* Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic

* Obey all traffic signs and signals

* Use hand signals to communicate intended movements

* Equip their bicycles with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a rear reflector that is visible from a distance of 200 feet when riding at night

* Wear a bicycle helmet on public roads, public paths and public rights-of-way if the bicyclist is under 16 years old

* Secure child passengers in a child seat or bicycle trailer if under 40 pounds or 40 inches

You might also do well to remember that you can be ticketed for driving while impaired and reckless driving while on a bicycle.

While pedestrians almost always have the right of way there are pedestrian laws as well. I believe the most important one is this:

When sidewalks are not provided, pedestrians walking along or on the highway should, when practicable, walk on the extreme left of the roadway or shoulder facing traffic and must yield the right of way to traffic.

Basically, it all comes down to common sense, safety and consideration.

Walking and biking are the best ways to get around Ocracoke. You don't typically get caught up in traffic jams and more places are accessible to pedestrians and bikes. You can sightsee at a much slower pace and wander around more easily. After all...isn't that what vacation is all about? Once you get here you can slow down, relax and enjoy. Isn't that the point?

When you arrive on Ocracoke...park the car and get out the bike or take a walk. It is good for you and much more enjoyable! 


While these folks seem to be having a good time...they are not wearing proper bicycle helmets. Hopefully they are older than 16 years old! (Actually, I just thought this was a funny picture so I included it in the blog).

        

I mentioned in a recent blog that people seem to have trouble finding the right place to go since Ocracoke Island Realty and Sandy Shores Realty merged. Rentals, Sales, Beach Outfitters, Maintenance and Housekeeping are spread out in 2 parking lots and 3 different buildings. It can be confusing...especially in the busy summer time.

After some discussion of this issue we decided that it might make things a little easier if we had some bright, colorful signs to identify each department and some directional signs to help lead the way. Some consultation was done and then Jason Daniels, local deputy and sign artist, was contacted to make the signs for us. Jason has made several signs for businesses and rental houses on (and off) the island. You have certainly seen the signs even if you didn't know who made them.
Jason did a fantastic job and we are pleased with our new signs. We hope that they will be helpful as well as pleasing to the eye.
 
The yellow building (formerly Sandy Shores Realty) is where the rental office and the sales office are located. As you are facing the building from the parking lot rentals is to the right and sales is to the left (with the screened porch).

When you see this sign...



...you know this is where you go to check in, check out, pick up rental brochures and rebook for the next year.



At the other end of the yellow building is the sales office.



You can access the sales office from the porch...



or the parking lot...



To the left of the Sales Office is a wooden walkway leading to Beach Outfitters and the Maintenance/Housekeeping Office. You can't miss the bikes in the parking lot.
If you need to speak with someone in the Maintenance/Housekeeping Office or if you need to rent a bike or beach equipment follow this sign:






Once you cross the walkway you will see the sign for Bike & Beach Rentals (Beach Outfitters).





If you approach the building from the parking lot where the bicycles are kept you will see this sign...



To the left of the Beach Outfitters building (facing from the parking lot) is the Maintenance/Housekeeping office. If we can be of any assistance to you, please stop in.





To the right of the Beach Outfitters building (facing from the parking lot) is a set of stairs. This is a private residence and the occupants can't do much to help you pick up a key or rent bikes and beach equipment after hours. So please pass them by.





If you happen to park in the parking lot where the bikes are and you need to find the Rental Office or the Sales office...you will find the wooden walkway on the left side of the parking lot. There you will see this sign...





...which directs you to the Rental Office and the Sales Office.

We hope that you will find these signs helpful and that you will more easily be able to navigate your way to the place you need to be to do what you need to do. Of course, we are always happy to help you on your way or assist you in any way we can...no matter which office you enter, no matter where you need to go or what you need to know.

Warmer weather is coming and we hope to see you soon!

        

If you are going to be here Easter weekend be sure to catch the 2010 Ocrafolk Festival Fundraiser. 
Each spring a fundraiser is held for the Ocrafolk Festival (June 4-6...more info later). Many island performers get together at the Ocracoke Community Center for a pre-season concert.

The Ocrafolk Festival Easter Fundraising Concert will be held Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the Ocracoke Community Center on Highway 12.

Doors open at 7:00 pm...concert begins at 7:30 pm.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for kids.

For more information about the Ocrafolk Festival click here.