Last year's spotlight shone brightly on community - Washington Daily News

Last year’s spotlight shone brightly on community

Published 7:23 pm Tuesday, January 16, 2018

: UNAWARE: Cameraman Justin Casey films local actors Tori Banks and Hunter Banks as part of Haunted Pamlico's late summer production of the short movie, "You're Mine, You Monster!"

While politics, the economy and differences of opinion on the local, state and national levels occupied much of the news headlines, the Washington Daily News’ Pamlico Life feature kept things positive and focused on events and activities that are the background of Beaufort County culture.

Celebrations of the lifestyle enjoyed by residents of the Original Washington and surrounding areas abounded, from reaping the benefits of the local agricultural community to observations of the rich history of the towns along the Pamlico.

The arts were alive and well, with Washington High School’s production of “Peter Pan” one of the most talked about shows of the year. Fundraisers benefiting various nonprofit and charitable events were well received, and annual events and festivals continued to be popular among local residents and visitors to the area alike.

Such activities are already well underway this year, offering the promise of a 2018 that should prove to be as special as 2017 was.

YUMMY: Enjoying a snack of sweet potatoes and black-eyed peas are Aurora students Aniyah Weatherford (left) and Darnasia Tatum during a visit to the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum.

STARRING ROLE: Cassie Teixeira strikes a pose while playing the lead role in “Peter Pan,” a musical staged in the early spring by students at Washington High School.

RELIABLE DONOR: David Fields gives the gift of life during one of many American Red Cross Blood Drives held throughout Beaufort County last year.

PREPARATIONS: Will Boahn sprays a final coat of paint on a prop for the 2017 “Six Nights of Fright” event held at Raised In A Barn Farm in Chocowinity.

NUTRITIOUS SNACK: Dallas Williams chomps down on a sweet strawberry, one of Beaufort County’s delicious agricultural offerings in the spring and early summer.

HARD DECISIONS: Judges Tyler Johnson (left) and Charlie Elks award scores during the annual Spring Heat Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Big Rig Show hosted by the Chocowinity Fire Department.