BLADENBORO — What has been called “a well-kept secret” is throwing open its doors Saturday.

Each year, the Bladenboro Historical Society hosts a Bladenboro Fun Day for the purposes of expressing appreciation to the community and encouraging residents to come see what the society has to offer. In its 24th year, the event has become a draw to the town.

This year’s lineup of activities begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Rotary Club’s pancake breakfast. For $5, guests will enjoy pancakes and sausage, as well as coffee, milk and orange juice. Serving will continue until 9:30, and guests can eat in or take out.

Beginning at 10:30 a.m. and throughout the day, a variety of talent will take the stage. Loose Floorboards, a local favorite and Bladen County-based band, will be highlighting from 10:30 a.m. until noon and again at 1 p.m., bringing their mix of country, rock and beach.

“I’ve seen them play, and they play good dancing music,” said Ricky Walters, president of the Bladenboro Historical Society. A variety of other local singers and groups will be performing throughout the rest of the day.

Plenty of food will be on hand as well.

“We have local volunteers making hot dogs and porkloin sandwiches, which are always a hit,” said Walters.

Snow cones, boiled peanuts, and funnel cakes will be available for those wanting lighter fare.

“The highlight is usually for the kids,” said Walters. “The adults enjoy the entertainment part, but kids really have a good time with the carnival.”

Delighting youngsters will be fair-type games with prizes, a kiddie train and dunking booth, and a variety of kiddie rides.

The main attraction for the organizers, though, is what’s inside.

“I want to encourage everyone to visit the museums,” said Walters. “People that see them are wowed and say they didn’t know we had anything like that in Bladenboro.”

Housed in the building are a farming museum, military room, old Bladenboro High School room, a geneology room where volunteers can help guests trace ancestry, and a visual arts room with displays of local artists. All will be open at 10 a.m.

“In the past we’ve had good support from the community and even from surrounding communities coming together on that Saturday,” said Walters. “We just want to say a special thank you to the community for its continued support of the Bladenboro Historical Society.”

Bladenboro Fun Day will take place at 818 Main St. in Bladenboro.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com