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| History of the Buggy Festival |
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Started in
1988, the Carthage Buggy Festival is a celebration of the rich
history of Carthage, North Carolina. The Buggy Festival is
held each year to commemorate the famous Tyson and Jones Buggy
Factory that, from the mid-1800's to the 1920's, produced the
carriages that were essential to life in rural North Carolina.
On Friday evening May 9th and Saturday May 10th, 2008, the
20th Annual Carthage Buggy Festival will be held in Carthage,
located eight miles north of Pinehurst in the Sandhills region
of North Carolina, and it promises to be the biggest and best
yet. With an annual attendance of 15,000, the Buggy Festival
has grown into one of the biggest and best known festivals in
the region.
The Buggy Festival grew out of a suggestion that Carthage, the
County Seat of Moore County, needed to stage an event that
would draw attention to its history. Since the Tyson and Jones
Buggy Factory had been one of the largest buggy manufacturers
in the nation for over half a century, the focus on buggies
seemed natural. But you couldn't have a buggy festival without
a buggy, so where to find them became a burning question.
A search began and soon samples of those early modes of
transportation were found and purchased. Each festival since,
has seen more Tyson and Jones buggies on hand for festival
attendees to view as well as to ride.
There is only one building remaining of the famed factory that
flourished in Carthage until after World War I. A fire
destroyed one building in 1905, and in 1976 the largest fire
in the town's history claimed a small section of the remaining
building
The Tyson and Jones Factory may have gone up in smoke, but
from the ashes, its memory has been preserved. Each year, the
Carthage Buggy Festival is an event people not only from Moore
County, but surrounding counties and even surrounding states,
look forward to with great anticipation.
The festivities of the Carthage Buggy Festival begin each year
on the Friday before Mother's Day (the next to be held Friday,
May 9, 2008) at 6:00 p.m. when the Arc of Moore County BBQ
Cook Off begins at Nancy Kiser Park. On Saturday, May 10, 2008
over 100 food and craft vendors will surround the Historic
Courthouse from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Buggy Festival Idol
contest and street dance will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 11 p.m. A stage is set up on the
steps of the Courthouse, and is host to a variety of
entertainment, including cloggers and bands playing gospel,
country, and southern rock music. To find out more about Buggy
Festival events call (910) 947-2331.
This year we will be searching for the "Fifth Carthage Buggy
Festival Idol." Competition will begin on May 10th during
the Buggy Festival. The winners will receive $250 and the
opportunity to sing with the band during
their performance at the street dance that night. Children's
rides and games are prominent and always provided free of
charge. An impressive display of buggies and historic tractors
can be found, and one of the largest classic car shows in the
area also takes place. Buggy rides are offered along
residential streets adjacent to the Buggy Festival.
Ms. Buggy Festival is crowned on Saturday during the
festivities. Ms. Buggy Festival is nominated by the children
at Carthage Elementary School. Children in kindergarten through
fifth grades write letters about why their mom, grandma, aunt,
etc. should be Ms. Buggy Festival. We've even had a Mr.
Buggy Festival. A winner and five runners up are chosen
and the students read their letters at the festival.
Mr. and Mrs. Pinelake Nursing Home and Mr. and Mrs. Tara
Plantation Retirement Home are also crowned.
Most impressive of all, the Carthage Buggy Festival is
planned, publicized, and staffed each year by a group of over
50 dedicated volunteers, including local leaders, business
people, and citizens.
To truly appreciate what the Buggy Festival means to the
community and to visitors, it has to be seen first hand. Only
then can you see the historic buggies, classic cars, and
exquisite arts, crafts, and antiques; hear the sounds of bands
playing; smell the aromas from the food vendors; and
experience the joy and pride of an entire community
celebrating its heritage. This is the essence of the Carthage
Buggy Festival.
Beneficiaries
Each year, the Buggy Festival Committee saves only enough
"seed money" to get next year's festival started. The balance
of any money raised goes back into the community. |
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