Arts and Crafts

The N.C. 4th of July Festival Arts and Crafts show began humbly as a street fair in an area beside what was then Leggett’s off E. Moore Street. After growing and a couple of location changes, the Arts and Crafts found its home in Franklin Square Park. Franklin Square Park, located beside the Southport Baptist Church and at the corner of N. Howe and E. West Streets. Franklin Square Park was called The Oak Grove in the original Town of Smithville layout in 1792 (Southport was originally called Smithville). Visitors to the over 120 Arts & Crafts booths can appreciate the beautiful live oak treesthat offer shade from the summer sun. Not only are there many fine hand-made items by artists and crafters in Southport, we also have unique specialty items located in the many independently owned businesses throughout the City.