THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 8, 1994 TAG: 9410080269
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: COROLLA LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
In recent years, much has been said both officially and informally about the growing rivalry between Currituck County's mainland and Outer Banks residents.
Next Sunday county officials hope to revive the communal spirit that once glued both factions together by again sponsoring Excursion Day at the Whalehead Club in Corolla.
``This will be only the second time we've held it,'' said Gwen Tatem, Currituck County clerk and one of the event organizers. Excursion Day is sponsored by the Whale-head Preservation Trust and Currituck Wildlife Museum, and is limited to Currituck County residents.
``The reason for it was to bring the mainland and Outer Banks residents together for fellowship,'' Tatem said.
Beyond a chance to mingle with old and new neighbors and take in the unique surroundings of the former Corolla hunt club, there's another incentive to stop by from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - a free fish fry.
Last November between 500 and 700 county residents turned out for the gathering.
This year, with the event moved up a month, organizers hope to double the attendance.
In addition to the free food, a tour of the Whalehead Club and boat ride to Monkey Island will be provided.
The Currituck County High School Hunter Safety Team will give a demonstration.
County officials in the past several months have publicly commented on the animosity that has developed between mainland and beach residents.
B.U. Evans III, the chairman of the Currituck County Board of Commissioners, appealed for harmony among residents in the county's summer newsletter.
``The adversarial relationship which has developed between the mainland and the Outer Banks is detrimental to the county's potential and prosperity,'' Evans wrote.
Since development began to take off on the northern beaches several years ago, the importance of the county's Outer Banks has grown. This fiscal year, the northern Outer Banks will contribute 56 percent of the county's tax base, the newsletter said.
``I realize, of course, that the mainland `carried' the Outer Banks for many years. But it is the Outer Banks that now drives the economy of Currituck County,'' Evans wrote.
He urged all residents to stop ``the petty bickering and work together for the betterment of OUR county.''
Excursion Day will include free beverages and fish for as long as supplies last, Tatem said.
For more details about events or transportation, call 919-232-2075. by CNB