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A sunny Saturday afternoon brought crowds of people to Dare Days at Festival Park. Summer Stevens photo

Games and activities were set out on the lawn for families to enjoy by The Town of Manteo, including this (toddler) life size Connect Four game. Summer Stevens photo

Samuel Stevens, 11, won first prize for his blueberry buckle in the NC Extension sponsored “Biscuits and Blueberries” baking contest in the cobbler division. Summer Stevens photo

The Ring the Bell game, always a favorite, tested the strength of Dare Days attendees. Summer Stevens photo

This year’s Dare Days featured community businesses and nonprofits. This tent from the Elizabethan Gardens shaded the lovely plants and flowers for sale. Summer Stevens photo

Furry friends were invited to Dare Days, too. Summer Stevens photo

Furry friends were invited to Dare Days, too. Summer Stevens photo

Vendors appealed to customers of all ages. Summer Stevens photo

A variety of vendors were at Dare Days selling jewelry, artwork, crafts, woodworking and more. Summer Stevens photo

Local residents and visitors enjoyed a three-day celebration in Manteo for this year’s Dare Days event. After a two-year hiatus because of COVID-19, people were ready to get outside and enjoy the warm days with friends, family and neighbors.

Dare Days 2022 kicked off Friday night, June 3 at the new College of The Albemarle’s campus. Guests enjoyed food, activities and live music by Blue Crab Boys and Trick Fly. As the rain came down into the evening, the deck of COA’s large new academic building was full of guests taking cover from the weather to continue enjoying the evening and the music.

Saturday’s events were held at Roanoke Island Festival Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Several dozen vendors set up booths of handmade wares and food was available from the Lions Club and a variety of specialty food trucks. Families enjoyed a game of cornhole, people tested their strength at the Ring the Bell game and young people played soccer or a game of hoops at the inflatables.

“I love Dare Days because it reminds me what an awesome community we have! I am thankful for the opportunity to connect with our neighbors and welcome visitors in such a beautiful place,” said Manteo resident Dana Lisenby.

There were performances on stage throughout the day, including East Coast Storm Cheer, Steel Drums, First Flight High School, Island School of Dance, Motley Tones, stage combat shows from Shadow Players and a demonstration from K-9 Officer Boscoe.

Some visitors strolled through quickly; others brought lawn chairs and made a day of it. Warm weather and a light breeze made it an ideal community celebration day.

The weekends’ festivities wrapped up on Sunday afternoon at the Pea Island Cookhouse on Sir Walter Raleigh Street with a gospel concert, sweets made by local churches and an old-fashioned lemonade stand.

CHECK OUT OUR OUTLOOK EDITION FOR 2022 HERE.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS HERE.

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