By Miles Layton
BELVIDERE – The Belvidere Ruritan Club will host the 14th annual Belvidere Day on Saturday, Oct. 31, bringing a full day of family activities, local food and community pride to the area.
This is one of the best fall festivals in Northeast NC; maybe mark your calendars. Beautiful drive out there through Perquimans County. Story’s photo comes from our family’s visit last year. Good time. I recommend the hayride. Maybe get a drink at Layden’s, sit on the front porch.
The event draws local residents and visitors for food and craft vendors, children’s activities and a parade. All proceeds support the Ruritan club and help fund student scholarships, park upkeep and other community events.
“Belvidere Day is an annual event that brings together local residents and visitors for family activities, food and craft vendors, and a parade,” said Eugene Baker, a longtime key organizer.
About 60 vendors are expected again this year. Children can take part in a hay ride, bounce house, pumpkin painting and slime making.
Community parade — contact Doug Layden at 252-297-2155. On that note, the parade begins at noon sharp.
The day begins with a Cake Bake Off contest. Judges will consider up to 12 cakes, with prize money of $100 for first place, $75 for second and $50 for third.
The Belvidere Parade follows at noon. It will feature antique cars and tractors, muscle cars, horses and first responders.
A raffle drawing from two Belvidere businesses will be held at 3 p.m. Prizes include a $100 shopping spree from Scott’s Store or a $300 meat package from Layden’s Supermarket. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at either store before the event.
Baker said the event began in 2012 with an idea from Doug Layden. “Doug Layden envisioned this event,” Baker said. “The very first was a horse and wagon event. Locals with an equine and wagons circled up at the community building. That led to a trek through Winfall, Hertford, and Beech Spring, ending in Belvidere. It has just bloomed from there.”
Baker said he expects this year’s event to look much like the last. “I believe it will be mostly the same as last year,” he said.
For Baker, the best part is the people. “For me, the best part of Belvidere Day is seeing and catching up with old friends and making new ones,” he said.
Organizers say it is a good day to see neighbors and celebrate what makes the community special.
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