By Michelle Bliss
01-03-11 – The Battleship North Carolina docked in Wilmington nearly 50 years ago in 1961. Throughout 2011, several celebrations will commemorate the ship's 50th anniversary.
When a few Wilmingtonians heard that the battleship was going to be scraped by the Navy, they started a save-the-ship fund. Adults raised a lot of the cash, but schoolchildren across the state helped as well, giving up their pocket change.
Heather Loftin with the Battleship says the 50th anniversary is a chance to reignite that personal connection to the ship.
"Back when she was brought in 50 years ago, so many people had a stake in it because they had given their nickels and their dimes to bring her here. And we just want to this new generation have that same excitement about the ship."
Celebrations will include a summer music festival and a "need for speed" showcase with boats, cars, and motorcycles. On the actual anniversary, October 12, entry fees will revert back to what they were in 1961: 25 cents for kids and 50 cents for adults.
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