Annual Cypress Festival Canceled, Replaced by 'Summer Kickoff' Event

Annual Cypress Festival Canceled, Replaced by ‘Summer Kickoff’ Event

Pocomoke Cypress Festival in 2013. (Photo credit: Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce)

By Myleah Lofland and Kye Parsons

After more than 40 years, Pocomoke City’s Cypress Festival has been canceled. However, this year it has been succeeded by the new “Summer Kickoff on the River” event, which got underway Thursday and will continue through Saturday, June 18 at Cypress Park.

According to Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Hickman, due to complications with ride rentals, the chamber was unable to secure adequate rides for the 2016 Cypress Festival.

The chamber posted on its website the following message from Chamber President Katy Fleming:

“Each year has become increasingly difficult to secure a ride company for the event. We were notified at the last minute that our supplier for this year’s rides had closed his business. After strenuously searching from New Jersey to North Carolina, we are unable to find a replacement for this year. We are currently negotiating with a growing company out of Virginia for 2017’s festival.”

To fill the void left by the cancellation of the Cypress Festival, the chamber decided to create “Summer Kickoff” to take its place.

While “Summer Kickoff” will not feature rides, Hickman says organizers have planned different events for children. There will be a rock wall, spider mountain, giant obstacle course, bounce house, and a giant slide. These activities are open to both children and adults.

Obstacle course in 2014. (Photo credit: Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce)

“Summer Kickoff” will feature many of the same events as the original Cypress Festival, but organizers are also incorporating some new ones. A classic auto and truck show will be held, along with the barbecue competition. Live music peformances will also highlight each day of the event.

Also on-hand will be 12 exhibitors and eight food vendors. All food vendors are non-profit organizations. There will be a new donut eating competition, sponsored by Dunkin Donuts. Fireworks will take place on Saturday at 9 p.m.