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Havelock, NC Area Guide

Havelock is located in Craven County, North Carolina, between New Bern and the beaches of Crystal Coast. As of 2000, Havelock's population was approximated at 22,000. The city is home to the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, which is the largest Marine Corps Air Station on the East Coast. Havelock has much to offer both residents and visitors alike. The city blends old fashioned Southern hospitality with cultural diversity, giving you the most welcoming experience you could imagine.

History

The Havelock area boasted permanent plantation sites as early as 1707 and was home to many woodsmen, fishermen and farmers before the American Revolution. The area welcomed the coming of the railroad in 1858 at a time that a British general was gaining worldwide fame for his heroic rescues of hostage citizens during a bloody uprising in India. When the Atlantic and North Carolina tracks came to a crossroads and a depot was built, it needed a name. The local folks embraced the name of General Henry Havelock for their budding community. Sir Henry was a devout Christian and a military genius.

Wills and other records indicate that production of "naval store" such as tar and turpentine had more economic impact in Havelock than did farming. While most people farmed, the greater income was produced through the operation of turpentine distilleries and tar kilns.

From the late 1800s until the 1930s, the Havelock area was a haven for hunters and fishermen. Sportsmen came from all over the east coast to enjoy the river and forests. Several old-timers' albums boast photos of baseball stars Babe Ruth and Christie Mathewson and then-famous cartoonist Bud Fisher decked out in hunting gear in the local woods.

Havelock welcomed the United States Marine Corps in 1940. Today, visitors are often seen craning their necks as a Harrier or Intruder streaks by overhead. Local residents are used to the roar acknowledged by a sign near the base's main gate which reads, Pardon our noise. It's the sound of freedom.

Parks and Recreation

The Havelock Parks and Recreation Department operates and maintains over 100 acres of park grounds including its home office at the Recreation Center. Parks and Recreation facilitates and works with various youth athletic associations including T-Ball, Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, Babe Ruth Softball, Youth Soccer, Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading, Youth Basketball, and Youth Lacrosse. Recreation also facilitates for adult Church and Co-Recreation Softball. The Recreation Center offers a full court gymnasium, exercise/weight room, arts and crafts room and conference room. Parks and Recreation Staff operate an eight week Summer Camp. Other program offerings at the Recreation Center include high and low impact aerobics, Pilates, Yoga, and Swing Dance lessons. Parks and Recreation also works with local middle and high schools as well as Craven Community College in hosting athletic and classroom activities.

The Parks and Recreation Department is involved with several various special events including the July 4th Freedom Festival and Fireworks show, Music in the Park Series at City Park, Chili Festival and Road race, and Christmas in the Park.

Recreation Center

The Recreation Center covers 5 acres and features 4 ball fields, a concession stat, 4 backstops, a swing set, an arch climber and a horizontal climber.

City Park

City Park covers 10 acres and offers restrooms, 2 picnic shelters, a covered stage, 4 ball fields, a swing set and more.

Walter B. Jones Park

Jones Park spans over 12 acres of land is offers restrooms, a picnic shelter, a swing set, 2 lighted basketball courts, an Imagination Station Playground and more.

Sermons Park

Sermons Park features a basketball court, swing set, 2 teeter totters and more. The park covers over 3 acres.

For a complete list of parks in the area, please visit http://www.cityofhavelock.com/Departments/Parks%20Recreation/HavelockCityParks.aspx

Events

Havelock features many great events throughout the year for everyone in the family. Bring your kids to the Easter Egg Hunt or to the Cherry Point Air Show. Come create great memories that you'll never forget here in Havelock!

Easter Egg Hunt
All children younger than age 9 are invited to the park to hunt for eggs stuffed with gift certificates, money and toys. The hunt usually takes place the Saturday before Easter morning. Children need to bring a basket.

Cherry Point Air Show
The Cherry Point Air Show is one of the largest events in the area, with more than 100,000 people attending when the air station opens its gates to the public. The free air show features a variety of aerial displays of military and civilian aircraft. The numerous static displays allow visitors to get a close look at many of the military's high-tech aircraft.

Flounder Jubilee Golf Tournament
The Flounder Jubilee Golf Tournament golf competition is sponsored by the Men's Golf Association of Carolina Pines each June. There is no deadline for entering, but early entrants are given first consideration. The event is a two-person Superball competition.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Old Fashioned Fourth of July is Havelock's Independence Day celebration. It is the prelude to a grand fireworks display in the evening. For years, crowds have enjoyed a variety of entertainment, including musical groups, clowns and games. Food is available.

Havelock Chili Festival
Havelock hosts North Carolina's Chili Cook-Off Championship, and it really is a big deal. Havelock is where you need to be on the third Saturday in October. Premier chili chefs come from all over to vie for the title of state champion and the right to compete in the national cook-off contest later in the year. This is one event not to be missed, whether you like chili hot, mild or not at all. A salsa contest, music, crafts and other displays keep everyone happy. Many local charities benefit from the profits.

Christmas Parade
Havelock hosts a Christmas parade the second Saturday in December. Decorated floats and a visit from Santa Claus are part of the events. Holiday music is provided by the members of the Marine Corps 2nd Marine Air Wing Band as well as other area bands.

Attractions

Havelock offers residents and visitors alike great attractions all year long! Come visit Harrier Monument, the Croatan National Forest and more. There is something perfect for everyone in the family to enjoy here in Havelock.

Harrier Monument
The Harrier Monument, AV-8A Harrier jump jet, looms at the intersection of U.S. 70 and Cunningham Boulevard. Mounted on a pedestal and encircled by flags, the AV-8A is a symbol of the past. Although Cherry Point is home to the largest number of Harriers in the world, the AV-8A jet was taken out of service during the mid-1980s and replaced by the new AV-8B. This mounted jet was the second AV-8A military officials gave to civilians for display purposes.

Aircraft Viewing

The sound and sight of aircraft in flight is a regular occurrence for locals, and it is often the very thing a visitor wants to experience. Although there is no designated or best spot for prime viewing, a good vantage point is along N.C. 101 near the main gate. Runway 5 ends here, and if the winds are right, it is often used by Harriers, Intruders and C-130 cargo planes.

Croatan National Forest
This 157,000-acre national forest borders Havelock on three sides and offers visitors and residents a wide range of activities. Outdoor recreational activities include camping, picnicking, boating, hiking, hunting and saltwater or freshwater fishing. For more information about the Croatan National Forest, see our Crystal Coast Attractions chapter.

The Trader Store

The Havelock Historical Preservation Society formed in late 1998, growing out of an ongoing effort to restore the landmark Trader Store on Miller Boulevard. The Trader Store, originally owned by Hugh and Elsie Trader and donated to the society by Ernest and Frances Trader, was once the center of commerce between New Bern and the coast, where families used the barter system to purchase everything from aspirin to plows. In the early 1900s, the store had the only telephone in the area. The restored store features early twentieth-century artifacts, including the store's original ledger.