The Wilson Whirligig Festival
whirl·i·gig ˈ(h)wÉ™rlēˌɡiÉ¡/
noun
.a toy that spins around, for example, a top or a pinwheel.
2. a thing regarded as hectic or constantly changing.
"the whirligig of time"
The Wilson Whirligig Festival is an annual arts and crafts festival held each November in Wilson, NC. In 2008, approximately 20,000 people visited the"main"outdoor event.
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind-driven works of art that dot the landscape around downtown Wilson. If you’re an artist or food vendor, we encourage you to be a part of our festival the first weekend of November.
Mission: People and Art in Motion
- whimsical
- people & art in motion
- citizen driven
- visitor supported
- celebrating difference
- fulfilling Wilson 20|20
- economic opportunity for all
Like the whimsical outsider art, the Whirligig Festival is a community celebration of people and art in motion held the first weekend in November.
With the goal of entertaining, attracting visitors, celebrating differences, providing a positive economic impact, promoting the sharing of our rich history, and fostering civic pride, the Whirligig Festival is a community celebration.
2009 Whirligig Festival – November 7 & 8
The event lasts for two fun-filled exciting days during the first weekend in November each year. Approximately 20,000 people attend the festival each year. The “main street” of Wilson is closed, as well as many of the surrounding side streets, and filled with stages, vendors, artisan booths, non-profit tables, kids games and more! Many of the downtown organizations, such as the Art Council and Imagination Station Science Museum sponsor additional events during the weekend. There is fun, shopping and food for the entire family.
Whirligigs are whimsical, wind driven works of art that dot the landscape around downtown Wilson and across the country.
2009 Schedule
Saturday – November 7
- 10:00 am – 10:15 am – Opening Ceremony
- 10:15 am – 11:00 am – Karate School Demonstration
- 10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Easy Street, Classic Rock band
- 10:30 am – 12:30 pm – Brandi Love, Country, Pop and Gospel
- 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Band tbd
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Winston Band, Jazz and R&B
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Seaside Band, Beach music
- 2:00 pm – 1:30 pm – The Tams, R& B band
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Without Further Ado band, Country
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Give ‘N Take, Beach band
Sunday – November 8
- 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm – Holiday Band
- 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm – Holiday Band
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Holiday Band
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2009 Executive Officers:
The Board of Directors elects Executive officers and hires a Coordinator and Fundraiser on an annual basis for the operation of the festival.
Festival Coordinator - Judi Clayton
Festival Fundraiser -
President – Terri Williams
Vice President – Theresa Mathis
Secretary – Lt. Kendra Howell
Historian – Sheryletta Lacewell
Festival Chairs and Board of Directors
Arts & Crafts - Susann Hood
Food - Terri Williams
Non-Profits - Judi Clayton
Entertainment Co-Chairs - Carol Alexander & Bowie Martin
Kidz Korner Co-Chairs - Jonathan Brooks & Barry Page
Sponsor Hospitality and Pre-View Party - Bruce Beasley
Volunteer - Diane Kuster
Site Layout - Lt. Kendra Howell
Decorations - Sheryletta Lacewell
Cultural Event and Chefs Area - Elisa Suarez
Elk's Lodge BBQ Cook Off - Frank Johnson
Bike Tour - Cynthia Whaylen
Board Member - Morgan Dickerman
Board Member - Bob Rosenberger
Board Member - Tammi Barnes
Board Member - Officer Angie Harrold
North Carolina Festival Association’s Volunteer of the Year Award
The Wilson Whirligig Festival organizers offer a warm "THANK YOU" to CleanItSupply.com for their generous donations of custodial products. We take pride in leaving the sites we use as clean or cleaner than we found them. The recylable bins, large trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper are hidden heros for any event involving large crowds. These cleaning supplies are used by everyone - participants, food vendors, entertainers, tourists. So thank you CleanItSupply.com for making a huge difference - we appreciate the clean bathrooms & dining areas!
The Wilson Whirligig Festival is proud to announce that Theresa Mathis is the recipient of the North Carolina Festival Association’s Volunteer of the year award. Theresa was nominated for the NC Excellence Award by the Wilson Whirligig Festival Committee for her dedication to our community, her can-do attitude and her tireless efforts to provide festival attendees and vendors with a great festival experience. Congratulations Theresa Mathis!