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Lights, Parades, Closures & Scams - This Week in Onslow County!
Lights, Parades, Closures & Scams - This Week in Onslow County!
Your guide to Onslow happenings, holiday lights, closures, scams and this week’s weather.
Roy Shipley
Nov 27, 2025
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Thanksgiving is TODAY!
Christmas is 28 Days Away! |
From The Onslow Insider Family to each of our readers:
Happy Thanksgiving, and may God bless your home with His love and fill your heart with Thanksgiving today and every day. |
Quote Of The Day |
"Thanksgiving reminds us that no matter what befalls us in life, we can take the charred remnants, and we can reconstruct a life unimaginably richer than that from which the shards and pieces fell." -Craig D. Lounsbrough |
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re not using the FREE classifieds in the Onslow Insider, you’re literally leaving money, customers, and eyeballs on the table.
FREE CLASSIFIEDS THROUGH NEW YEAR’S EVE
Jobs • Yard Sales • Small Biz Promos • Rentals • Events • Services
If you can type it, we’ll publish it.
But listen - DEADLINE is Wednesday at 12 NOON if you want it in Thursday’s issue.
Miss it? You’re waiting a whole week.
👇BUSINESSES - READ THIS👇
Thousands of locals are opening the Onslow Insider every Thursday morning. If your business isn’t in there… your competitors are.
👉Sponsor a spot.
👉Get seen.
Own the attention your business deserves.
Let’s grow your reach, your brand, your sales - and this community.
Onslow County deserves better. We’re building it.
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OF INTEREST |
Onslow County GovernmentThanksgiving Holiday Closures |
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Most Onslow County Government Offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, November 26-28, 2025.
The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office and Onslow County Emergency Services will continue to operate for emergency services calls. Administrative offices, including detention and detective divisions, will be closed Wednesday through Friday, November 26-28.
Exceptions Onslow County Sheriff's Office Radio Room (where citizens can walk in for assistance, get a deputy dispatched, etc.) will be closed Thursday, November 27, but will observe normal hours on Wednesday from 8AM–6PM and Friday–Sunday from 8AM–6PM.
The Onslow County Landfill is closed Thursday, November 27 but will be open for regular business hours of Wednesday and Friday.
Onslow County Public Library branches and the Onslow County Museum will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Book drop off will be closed at all library locations during this time.
The Department of Social Services will be closed Wednesday through Friday, but if there is a need to make a Child or Adult Protective Services report, please call the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office at 910 455-3113 and ask to speak to the social worker on-call. |
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Our Officers will be increasing enforcement throughout the busy holiday season to ensure safe driving practices.
As part of the NC Governor's Highway Safety Program's Click It or Ticket Holiday Campaign, we ask that you safely secure all passengers in your vehicle before hitting the road, and if you choose to drink, plan ahead for a designated driver.
We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and stays safe!
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Top Five: The Most Common Scams of 2025 |
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Scammers never quit - and in 2025, they have become smarter with every trick in the book. From artificial intelligence to sneaky fake apps, fraudsters are finding new ways to target everyday bank clients. The good news? A little knowledge goes a long way in keeping your money and personal information safe.
Check out the five most common scams of 2025 and how to avoid them. 1. AI-Powered Bank ScamsArtificial intelligence has made life easier in many ways - but it’s also given scammers a continued here |
This newsletter sponsored by |
Will Be Handy, LLC |
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Beat the storms. Impress the guests. Get it painted - now.
We do it the right way: Protect everything: floors, furniture, fixtures Prep right: patch • sand • caulk Apply clean: straight cut-ins, even coverage Daily clean-up + final walkthrough
Interior: walls, ceilings, trim, doors · Exterior: siding, brick, porches, shutters
Free, no-pressure estimate.
(Mention you saw this in the "Onslow Insider") |
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EVENTS/HAPPENINGS |
Swansboro Christmas Flotilla |
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See Swansboro’s waterfront sparkle at the Christmas Flotilla on Friday, November 28, as boats decked in shimmering lights parade along the White Oak River. Enjoy festive music, sweet treats, and Santa’s arrival by boat - the perfect holiday highlight to anchor your Thanksgiving weekend in the “Friendly City by the Sea.”
WHEN: Friday, Nov 28, 2025 - 5 PM to 8 PM WHERE:102 W Church St., Swansboro, NC |
🐴 NC Horseback Riding 🐴 |
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BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
One or Two hour slots available between 9am and 6pm, please message me to schedule you in!
I can take groups as big as 7.
-No age requirements or minimums (even new borns are welcome as long as you have them safely swindled) bring the whole fam!
-We DO accept special needs children! (Please message me for details) -No experience necessary, all of the horses are gentle and docile -The minimum trail ride is one hour ($60 each for non military, $50 each for military but you have to let me know you're with TRV so I can book your discount!) You can schedule as many hours as you'd like back to back as well! -We do require a digital deposit but the remainder can be paid with cash, card, cashapp, Venmo, or PayPal. -Each rider is required to sign a riding waiver, minors will have a guardian sign -Maximum 7 riders On the trail:
-WE DO NOT RUN, we only walk or trot, no cantering or galloping.
This is safest for our customers, prevents potential incidents, and protects the health of our horses
-Please wear closed-toed shoes -Helmets not required, but available -We ride western saddles, have different sizes available as well as one bareback saddle IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY you are more than welcome to walk the trail for free!! The fee is just to pay the campground for their horses.
WHEN: Friday, Nov 28, 2025 - 9 AM through 7 PM
WHERE: 148 Cotton Top Lane, Beulaville, NC
MORE INFO: County Line Horse Trail Rides |
Pogie's Festival of Lights |
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The Pogie's Festival of Lights and Winter At the Farm is back: Friday-Sunday Starting Nov-28th through Dec-21st
The Festival of Lights Trail will be celebrating its third season; this is a walk-through light trail full of holiday joy. A quirky mixture of classy and tacky holiday fun will be filling the trail through the farm. With plenty of dedicated “instagram worthy” photo stops along the path.
Winter at the Farm Activities: 12pm-9:30pm - Christmas Trees for sale (Fresh NC Mountain Frasier Firs) - Ornament making station Playground (FREE) special guest including Santa, princesses, and more. (FREE) -Animal Feedings -Face Painting -Food Trucks and Hot Chocolate Station -Local Vendors
Pogie’s Festival of Lights: 5pm-10pm (100% Free to attend)
WHEN: Nov 28 through Dec 21 (Fri through Sunday) 12 PM to 9:30 PM |
Island of Lights: Lighting at the Lake |
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Get in the Holiday Spirit at the Island of Lights opening celebration. Festivities begin with a brief opening ceremony followed by the illumination of the festive displays surrounding Carolina Beach Lake. Walk the one mile trail and view beautiful lighted displays for some unforgettable photos. Santa will also be there to hear Christmas wishes on this enchanting night to start your festive holiday season. The Lake will remain festively lit through the holiday season. Additional details available closer to the event.
WHEN: Friday, November 28, 2025 WHERE: Carolina Beach Lake Park N Lake Park Blvd and Atlanta Avenue Carolina Beach, NC 28428 (910) 458-5507 |
Merry & Bright a Holiday of Lights |
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Join the Holiday festivities as historic Poplar Grove Plantation's beautiful grounds shimmer with a magical Christmas light display and more. Surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, get in the Christmas spirit with the barn bustling with arts, crafts and gift vendors, a libations tent and more.
Children (both naughty and nice) can spend time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Santa at the Gazebo as well as cozy around firepits with marshmallow roasting, or tap your toes at the Holiday Hootenanny Live Music Tent.
Bring you furry friend on select dog friendly nights, the whole family can savor the sparkling spirit of the season! Additional details and tickets available closer to the event.
WHEN: 11/28/2025, 11/29/2025, 11/30/2025, 12/4/2025, 12/5/2025, 12/6/2025, 12/7/2025, 12/11/2025, 12/12/2025, 12/13/2025, 12/14/2025, 12/18/2025, 12/19/2025, 12/20/2025, 12/21/2025 WHERE: Poplar Grove Plantation
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NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach |
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Celebrate the holidays coastal-style at the annual NC Holiday Flotilla. A local delight since 1983, the celebration kicks off Friday night with the Wrightsville Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony that is open to the public.
The fun continues Saturday with the Festival in the Park featuring over 100 arts and craft vendors, an antique car show, a large play area for children with several inflatables, festival food and more.
The Flotilla (lighted boat parade) begins Saturday at 6:00 pm and is followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Don't forget to vote via text for both the "People's Choice" and "Crowd Favorite" awards once the parade starts! Additional details available closer to the event.
WHEN: Fri & Sat - November 28 & 29 WHERE: 1 Bob Sawyer Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC (910) 256-2120 |
Topsail Beach Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting |
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Join us on Saturday, November 30th at 4:30 PM for our 19th Annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony!
The parade will begin promptly at 4:30 PM followed by our Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Town Center Park. There will be light refreshments, caroling, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus!
For any questions, call Town Hall at 910-328-5841. We hope that you will be able to join us as we kick off the Christmas season!
WHEN: Saturday, November 30 - 4:30 PM WHERE: 624 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC |
The Great Christmas Holiday Laser Show |
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A Night You Won’t Soon Forget…Enjoy the Sounds of the Holidays put to Mesmerizing Laser Lights! Fun for the Entire Family!
Nov. 28-30 & Dec 5-7 2 Shows Nightly (6:15 & 7:45)
Tickets Available NOW!
Tickets are PER VEHICLE!
Grab your vehicle ticket EARLY!
These shows ALWAYS SELL OUT!
This is a Rain or Shine Event!
Sponsored by: Crystal Coast NC
**TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE!
BEWARE OF THIRD PARTY VENDORS OR PEOPLE SELLING “THEIR OWN” TICKETS AS THESE ARE NOT AUTHORIZED & CANNOT BE HONORED!** *WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING VENDORS FOR THIS EVENT! PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO ANY COMMENTS ASKING FOR THEM AS THEY ARE SCAMS!
WHEN: Fri/Sat/Sun, Nov 28/29/30 - 6:15 PM & 7:45 PM WHERE: 501 Whitehouse Fork Rd, Swansboro, NC |
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS |
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We’re gathering fall and holiday photos from across Onslow County - colorful leaves, cozy porches, Christmas decorations, and everything in between! Fall in Onslow County is one of the most beautiful times of year - and we want to see it through your eyes!
onslowinsider@gmail.com - by 12 noon Wednesday for a chance to be featured in the next Thursday edition of the Onslow Insider.
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Year End Books A Mess? |
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🔥 1 business bank + 1 credit card
🔥 750 transactions max
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🔥 Done personally by me
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Dirty books = higher taxes + missed deductions.
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It’s almost tax season - don’t wait until the IRS is breathing down your neck.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY - READ THIS CAREFULLY
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Once the week fills up, you’re pushed to the next open slot.
Get full details & apply here: 👇
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If your books are a mess and tax season is coming fast, you’d be crazy not to grab this.
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CLASSIFIEDS |
For Sale: |
For Rent: |
Jobs: |
Services: |
Will Be Handy LLC - Remodels (kitchens, baths, flooring, drywall), custom decks, fence installs/repairs, interior/exterior painting. Local & reliable. Free, no-pressure estimate. Call/Text 910-284-4272. Will Be Handy, LLC |
LuxeBabe Boudoir & Portrait Studio Luxury photography studio offers luxury boudoir sessions with hair and makeup included, along with maternity, branding, birthday portraits, family sessions, and outdoor portrait experiences. Website: Veronica Contreras Photography |
shipleybookkeeping.com Contractors, (roofers, painters, welders, landscapers, door/window, flooring, realtors): Do you know your cash balance 90 days from now?
$350/mo flat (tax-deductible) includes:
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Yard Sales: |
THE WEEK IN WEATHER |
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Debunking Common Cleaning Myths |
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