On Friday, November 28th, the Island of Lights Festival officially gets underway with its annual Light Up the Lake ceremony at Carolina Beach Lake at 7pm. The program includes music, dignitaries, refreshments and Santa�s arrival. Each night throughout the season visitors are invited to tour the lake and take a driving tour of the island�s festive streets lined with decorated street lamps, singing snowmen and holiday decorations.

Visitors are in for a special holiday treat the weekend of December 5 through 6. On Friday, December 5th the annual Island of Lights Nighttime Christmas Parade in Carolina Beach cruises along Lake Park Boulevard beginning at 7:30 p.m. with lighted floats, bands, queens, clowns, horses, Santa and more. On Saturday, December 6th, experience a unique Cape Fear Coast tradition when the annual Island of Lights Holiday Flotilla gets underway. At 7:00 p.m., fishing boats and pleasure crafts adorned with thousands of lights cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, beginning at Snows Cut to Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. On Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 6-7), Santa will be at the Boardwalk Gazebo at 9:00am and a Craft Festival will take place along Cape Fear Boulevard. Other island events this weekend include the annual Shop �Til You Drop shopping experience (Dec. 5-7) with fabulous holiday savings at area shops and restaurants.

The following weekend kicks off with the Ladies� Auxiliary 3rd Annual Christmas Show in Downtown Kure Beach (December 11 & 12 at 7:00 p.m.) with a fun-filled program of music, dance and drama for all ages. On Sunday, enjoy the Island of Lights Tour of Homes (Dec. 13, 4pm-9pm) that features some of Carolina and Kure Beaches� finest residences.

Looking for a fun way to usher in the new year? Then mark your calendar for the Island of Lights New Year�s Even Countdown Party/Fireworks Display at the Kure Beach Pier (Dec. 31, beginning at 10pm), always a hit with visitors and residents. This year�s Countdown features an all-new lighted beach ball that will drop at the stroke of midnight to ring in 2004.

Experience the Island of Lights Festival (www.islandoflights.com) and you�ll discover Pleasure Island�s many charms. Bunk in for the evening at an island hotel, cottage or bed and breakfast inn and spend the next day visiting attractions such as the new N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Fort Fisher State Historic Civil War Site, or Carolina Beach State Park. Unique coastal shops and restaurants beckon at every turn.

For more information on holiday packages click on the Cape Fear Coast�s friendly mascot �Sammy Sand Dollar.� Or you may call 1-866-534-8995 or stop by the Visitor Information Center located at 24 North Third Street in Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Media:
Connie Nelson
cvbpr@cape-fear.nc.us
Communications Manager
(910) 341-4030 or
(800) 222-4757
Cape Fear Coast CVB
www.cape-fear.nc.us
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The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a the Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau (CFCCVB) is the official destination marketing organization of New Hanover County that stimulates economic development through the promotion of travel and tourism.