2009 CARTHAGE BUGGY FESTIVAL

May 8 & 9, 2009

Started in 1989, the Carthage Buggy Festival is a celebration of the rich history of Carthage, North Carolina.  The Buggy Festival is held each year to commemorate the famous Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory that, from the mid-1800’s to the 1920’s, produced the carriages that were essential to life in rural North Carolina.  On Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2009, the 21st  Annual Carthage Buggy Festival will be held in Carthage, located eight miles north of Pinehurst in the Sandhills region of North Carolina, and it promises to be the biggest and best yet.  With an attendance last year of approximately 15,000, the Buggy Festival has grown into one of the biggest and best known festivals in the region.

The Buggy Festival grew out of a suggestion that Carthage, the County Seat of Moore County, needed to stage an event that would draw attention to its history.  Since the Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory had been one of the largest buggy manufacturers in the nation for over half a century, the focus on buggies seemed natural.  But you couldn’t have a buggy festival without a buggy, so where to find them became a burning question.

A search began and soon samples of those early modes of transportation were found and purchased.  Each festival since has seen more Tyson and Jones buggies on hand for festival attendees to view as well as to ride.

There is only one building remaining of the famed factory that flourished in Carthage until after World War I.  A fire destroyed one building in 1905, and in 1976 the biggest fire in the town’s history claimed all but one small section.

The Tyson and Jones Factory may have gone up in smoke, but from the ashes, its memory has been preserved.  Each year, the Carthage Buggy Festival is an event people not only from Moore County, but surrounding counties and even surrounding states, look forward to with great anticipation.

The festivities of the Carthage Buggy Festival begin this year on Friday, May 8, 2009 with the Arc of Moore County Barbeque Cook Off at the Nancy Kiser Park.  Music will be provided in the amphitheater by Sweet Tea.  On Saturday, May 9, over 120 food and craft vendors line the streets of historic downtown Carthage and the traffic circle surrounding the Historic Courthouse, tempting festival attendees. 

A stage is set up on the steps of the Courthouse, and is host to gospel music from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year’s entertainment will be provided by the Union Pines High School Band, Temple Teens, Teen Challenge Band, The Bledsoes, The Harvesters Quartet and the Quick Silver Cloggers. The Buggy Idol Contest will take place at 5:00 p.m.  Johnny and the Cadillacs will play at the street dance from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Children’s rides and games are prominent and always provided free of charge. 

An impressive display of buggies and historic tractors can be found along with one of the largest classic car shows in the area.  Buggy rides are offered along residential streets adjacent to the Buggy Festival.

Ms./Mr.  Buggy Festival is crowned on Saturday during the festivities.  Ms./Mr. Buggy Festival is nominated by the children at Carthage Elementary School.  Children in kindergarten through the fifth grades write letters about why their mom, dad, grandma, aunt, etc. should be Ms./Mr. Buggy Festival.  A winner and five runners up are chosen and the little authors read their letters at the festival.  Awards are also given for Mr. and Mrs. Pinelake Nursing Home and Mr. and Mrs. Tara Plantation Retirement Home.

Most impressive of all, the Carthage Buggy Festival is planned, publicized and staffed each year by a group of over 50 dedicated volunteers, including local leaders, businesspeople, and citizens. 

To truly appreciate what the Buggy Festival means to the community and to visitors, it has to be seen firsthand.  Only then can you see the historic buggies, classic cars, and exquisite arts, crafts and antiques; hear the sounds of bands playing; smell the aromas from the food vendors; and experience the joy and pride of an entire community celebrating its heritage.  This is the essence of the Carthage Buggy Festival. 

 ________________________