The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners held an official ribbon cutting and announcement of the purchase of 834 acres of land of which a portion has been designated for the future Coastal Events Center on September 16, 2006. The official site located on Highway 211, two and one-half miles west (on left) of the intersection of Highway 17.

The idea for the Events Center dates back over the previous decade as Brunswick citizens though periodic surveys and strategic plans have indicated their interests in and the need for property and facilities for large public gatherings and festivals, a public market and quality of life resources. Thus the idea was launched and a steering committee was formed to research and investigate the possibilities. Since 2005, approximately 100 volunteers have been involved in the process and the excitement and momentum have continued for pursuing the project development. The acquisition of property is seen as the first major step in moving the project forward.

The Coastal Events Center will have many positive benefits to Brunswick County and the region. The Center will provide a resource for viable economic development, create jobs and contribute to sustainable tourism efforts while capitalizing on the region's growth and economic wealth. It will provide safe, state-of-the-art facilities and open green space for citizens and visitors. Additionally, it will provide a place to perpetuate the County's heritage, culture, traditions and recreational interests.

The Center's vision is to provide residents, visitors and organizations with facilities, programs and opportunities oriented towards education, competition, innovation and practical experiences. Through public-private partnerships, the Center is projected to be self sustaining and provide revenue to support educational programs and meet the demand for services for children and families.

The mission of the Coastal Events Center is to provide the region with a multi-use facility and resources that will perpetuate the area's heritage, culture, traditions and recreational interests along with providing a resource for viable economic development and sustainable tourism.

• Public Market
• Events Arena
• Festival Grounds
• Multi-purpose Community Hall
• Children's Discovery Village

Also designated are parking areas, RV parking sites, camping area and service road.

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- click image for a full sized PDF version -

The idea for the Coastal Events Center dates back over the previous decade as Brunswick citizens participated in the countywide "Brunswick Tomorrow" strategic plan and the Parks and Recreation strategic plan. Through citizen input, the plans indicated interest in and the need for property and facilities to host festivals, a county fair, large public gatherings and quality of life resources.

Community partners have embraced the idea and are working to help bring the Coastal Events Center to fruition. Since 2005, community volunteers have been involved in the process and the excitement and momentum have continued for pursuing the endeavor. The acquisition of property is seen as the first major step in moving the project forward.

The official site is located on NC Highway 211, 2.5 miles west (on left) of Highway 17. The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners officially purchased an 834 acre tract in July 2006 of which a portion has been designated for the future development of the future Coastal Events Center.

1. To fulfill citizens expressed interests and needs.
2. To improve quality of life for County residents and visitors.
3. To provide safe, state-of-the-art facilities to hold large public events.
4. To provide open green space for the public.
5. To provide a place to bring Brunswick County citizens together and strengthen our communities.
6. To provide a place to perpetuate the County's heritage, culture, traditions and recreational interests.
7. To provide a resource for viable economic development and contribute to sustainable tourism efforts.
8. To capitalize on our region's growth and economic wealth.
9. To provide a place of beauty and pride for Brunswick County citizens.
10. To provide supplemental funding for non-profits, educational programs, youth and family services.

Funding for the Coastal Events Center will be through public-private partnerships, collaborations and solicitations from a variety of sources such as: government, grants, foundations, industry, businesses, corporations, individual donors, campaigns, civic clubs, non-profits, special interest groups, youth organizations and event revenue.

A future capital campaign is being planned that will offer a range of giving opportunities such as individual contributions, private and corporate gifts, along with naming opportunities.