From Hyde County

The staff of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and the Greater Hyde County Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Swan Days Festival for 2015 at Lake Mattamuskeet during Dec. 4–6. They are inviting the public to attend this family-oriented event.
Lake Mattamuskeet is North Carolina’s largest natural lake and the wintering home for tens of thousands of migratory birds. Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, Canada Geese and more than 20 species of ducks make the long flight from the Alaskan Tundra each year in the fall, and by the first week of December, most have arrived at Mattamuskeet.
According to Sherrie Carawan of the Greater Hyde County Chamber of Commerce, Friday, Dec. 4 is dedicated to many wildlife, educational and environmental programs for school children from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The third-graders from Mattamuskeet School are coming as a group. All other students should bring their chaperones and lunch.
Saturday, Dec. 5 is the main festival day for everyone from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A variety of programs and exhibits for all ages are scheduled. Vendors will feature arts, crafts, photography, wildlife videos, decoys, great food and much more. There is no admission charge for any of the educational and environmental activities. On Sunday, the Engelhard Volunteer Fire Department will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. as a fundraiser for their organization.
Pete Campbell, refuge manager, his staff and refuge volunteers will provide guided tram tours on Saturday to view large concentrations of waterfowl within restricted areas of the refuge. Reservations are required for these tours by calling 252-926-4021.
At noon on Saturday, Dr. Lewis Forrest of the Mattamuskeet Foundation will present a one-hour program on the history of the lake. For nearly 21 years, the mission of the Mattamuskeet Foundation has been to preserve and interpret the history of the lake and Mattamuskeet Lodge.
Randy Hignite of Hyde County has arranged several music groups to perform throughout the day on Saturday. These include the Believer’s Trio (gospel) at 10 a.m., Double Portion (gospel) at 11 a.m., The Mighty Saints of Soul (beach music) at 1 p.m., Tim Cifers (country artist) at 2:15 p.m. and the Main Event Band (beach music/rock ‘n’ roll) at 3 p.m.
The address for the festival is 85 Mattamuskeet Road, Swan Quarter. For more information, call 252-926-9171, or visit us on Facebook or at www.swanmdays.com.