Albertson to host stewfest
By Catharin Shepard
Published in News on October 25, 2009 2:00 AM
ALBERTSON -- Fans of bluegrass music, hearty food or just a good game of horseshoes are invited to the community of Albertson for the annual Grady-Outlaw Memorial Library Stewfest.
The festival will raise money for the library, Duplin County's only privately funded and operated library. The library has been developed almost entirely using donations, organizer Dorine Williams said.
"We really went out on a wing and a prayer even starting this library, but we have a beautiful house," Mrs. Williams said. "We're in debt, but we've had over $160,000 donated to our library."
The community of Albertson has worked hard to develop the library and get it running. About 75 percent of the books in the library were donated by thoughtful citizens, Mrs. Williams said.
"I think everybody cleaned out their bookcases," she said.
All proceeds from the Stewfest will go toward purchasing books and making improvements to the library.
Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Stew will be available for purchase beginning at 11 a.m., and hot dogs and drinks will also be available. The Stewfest will also raise money for the Grady-Outlaw Memorial Library with a raffle and a silent auction, as well as selling stew and other refreshments.
The opening ceremony, led by Linda Rouse and Scott Kennedy will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the corner of NC Highway 111 and Sheep Pasture Road in Alberston. The Lee Family, the Hallenberger Steppin Stones, the Dulcimers and the Pink Hillbillies will provide entertainment. Commercial and craft vendors will set up booths and tables to sell their products.
A trophy presentation for the best stew will be held at 2 p.m.
"We have a wonderful history, we really do, and we have this stewfest every year," Mrs. Williams said. "The first time we had it in June, and it was so hot, so we changed it to Nov when it's a little cooler and it's been very successful."
There will also be a presentation for the best decoration.