News Summary
Jockey’s Ridge State Park in North Carolina will mark its 50th anniversary with a four-day festival from June 5-8, featuring activities like a Drone Light Show and a live concert. The event will highlight the park’s rich history and community advocacy for preservation efforts. Attendees can enjoy various family-friendly activities, educational programs, and a special sunset toast. As a leading destination for adventure lovers, the park emphasizes environmental preservation as it celebrates its significant milestone.
Nags Head, N.C. – Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the most-visited state park in North Carolina, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a four-day festival from June 5-8, 2025. Officially designated as a state park on May 31, 1975, Jockey’s Ridge is known for its towering natural sand dune, which stands approximately 90 feet tall and attracts over one million visitors each year.
The anniversary festivities will include a variety of free, family-friendly activities, all requiring reservations for participation. Highlight events will feature the Outer Banks’ first-ever Drone Light Show over the iconic dunes, a live concert by the celebrated indie rock band The Connells, and a tranquil sunrise yoga session with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can also engage in interactive educational programs, such as a disc golf tournament, a horseshoe tournament, and kayaking adventures, allowing them to immerse themselves in the park’s rich outdoor offerings.
In addition, the celebration will unveil a new shoreline expansion project and premiere a documentary focused on Jockey’s Ridge. A special sunset toast at the peak of the dunes will culminate each day, followed by a flag-raising ceremony symbolizing the park’s legacy. Other notable events include a homecoming celebration and the dedication of a time capsule, intended to honor the park’s significant history.
The significance of this 50th anniversary celebration is deeply rooted in the park’s preservation efforts. In 1973, Carolista Baum led the charge to protect Jockey’s Ridge from development threats, mobilizing community support and gathering over 25,000 signatures to establish the area as a national natural landmark, which was achieved in 1974. Ann-Cabell Baum, the daughter of Carolista Baum, has expressed her pride in celebrating this momentous occasion.
The park offers visitors a diverse range of activities, including hiking, kayaking, flying kites, and sandboarding. In addition to the various recreational facilities, Jockey’s Ridge provides ranger-led educational programs and features a visitor center equipped with exhibits that delight and inform the public about the park’s unique ecosystem.
As a leading destination for adventure enthusiasts, Jockey’s Ridge is renowned for hang-gliding, hosting the annual Hang Gliding Spectacular that draws participants and spectators from across the region. However, recent changes have raised concerns among advocates, particularly the removal of the park’s designation as an “area of environmental concern” by the North Carolina Rules Review Commission. This development has sparked discussions about the ongoing commitment to preserving the natural landscape.
Visitors to Jockey’s Ridge enter the park via Carolista Drive, a street named in honor of its founder, representing the ongoing legacy of those who fought to protect this treasured natural resource. The park remains a testament to the importance of environmental preservation and community advocacy. As Jockey’s Ridge celebrates its 50 years of operation, it also looks toward the future, inviting guests to enjoy and cherish its landscapes for generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Connells to Headline Jockey’s Ridge State Park Celebration
Nags Head Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Additional Resources
- WRAL: Tar Heel Traveler – Jockey’s Ridge
- Wikipedia: Jockey’s Ridge State Park
- WITN: Jockey’s Ridge 50th Anniversary Drone Show & Concert
- Google Search: Jockey’s Ridge
- Pilot Online: Jockey’s Ridge State Park Celebration
- Google News: Jockey’s Ridge
