The Emerald Isle Holiday Parade will be held Sat., Nov. 28, beginning at 4pm. The parade begins at CVS Pharmacy on Emerald Drive. Also after the parade there will be an official Christmas tree lighting at Merchants's Park. Enjoy free refreshments as well as a carol sing-a-long as Santa Claus visits with the children. Call 252-354-2916 for details or email dschools@ec.rr.com.

The Swansboro Christmas Flotilla will be held Friday, Nov. 27,  in Historic Downtown Swansboro. It will begin at dusk. For details call Judy Hailey at 910-326-7370 or email tpevents2@earthlink.net.

This three week show and sale of original juried artwork by members of the Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition opens each year in alternating locations. Local artists combine their work to create the show for Christmas shopping opportunities and, because of the outstanding works, it is truly an event not to be missed. This year it will be held in the former Shore Decor Business, 4024 Arendell St., Morehead City. For more information call 252-723-0540 or email collier1505@embarqmail.com.

The Beaufort Historic Association (BHA) will host its community Thanksgiving feast Nov. 22 from 11:30 til 1:00pm. A traditional turkey dinner is provided by some of the area's finest restaurants. Served at the Beaufort Historic Site on Turner Street, dinners are available for take-out or to enjoy under the tent. Admission fee. For details call 252-728-5225 or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

"Mistletoe Magic" holiday gift & craft show will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. There will be great gifts for the upcoming holidays including pottery, jewelry, purses, accessories, art of all kinds and food ideas for the holidays. For more information call 252-247-3883.

All visitors will get free admission at the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day. Call 252-247-4003 for more information

The 22nd annual Carolina Kite Fest will be presented by Kites Unlimited on Oct. 24 and 25 from 10-5 at the Sheraton at Atlantic Beach. Saturday at 8pm there will be night flying. For info call 252-247-7011 or email info@kitesunlimitednc.com. Kites Unlimited is located in Atlantic Station Shopping Center in Atlantic Beach.