Pink Hill to hold RoseFest Saturday

By Junious Smith III

PINK HILL — As the flowers blossom, a special event for Pink Hill nears.

The town will host its seventh annual RoseFest Saturday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. downtown on South Pine Street. About 50 vendors will be on hand for the event, providing food, crafts, artwork and other activities.

The event is free and children will have access to inflatable bounce houses at the event. Performances will also be a big part of RoseFest, with the Onslow Jazz Band, Jennifer’s School of Dance and Ross Gymnastics showcasing their talents early and The British Invaders finishing as the headlining band.  

Jennifer Scott, one of the members of the RoseFest committee, said she’s excited for the upcoming event.

“We are thrilled to have our local community come together to showcase Pink Hill talent through crafts, cooking and performances,” she said. “The roses are in bloom and we can’t wait for everyone to come out and smell them.”

At 1 p.m., there will be a presentation for two Pink Hill natives — Robert Leslie “Les” Turner and Swannie Turner — who will receive the RoseFest Lifetime Achievement Award. Les Turner was elected as Chief District Court Judge for the 8th Judicial District in 2000 and served until his death in 2018 while Swannie Turner — a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in 2018 — began organizing the Pink Hill Blood Drive in 2000.

The kickoff event takes place Friday with the Skittle Kid’s Fun Run at 6 p.m. and followed by a free bubble party. At 6:30 p.m., Zen in the Roses will have an event for participants to learn Tai Chi and yoga from professional martial arts masters and yoga instructors. The first 30 people who register receive a free yoga mat.

All proceeds go to the Pink Hill Area Preservation and Development Committee.

For more information, volunteer or register, call 252-568-2425 or email pinkhillrosefest@gmail.com.