AURORA, N.C. (WITN) — Step back in time with dinosaur bones and prehistoric shark teeth as downtown Aurora transforms into a chronological journey for the NC Fossil Festival this weekend!
The Aurora Fossil Museum is presenting its yearly NC Fossil Festival this coming Saturday and Sunday.
Thanks to activities like fossil excavation, STEM learning programs, over 60 exhibitors, and musical performances, this event offers a journey back in time while keeping the more than 49-year-old nonprofit fossil museum thriving.
It’s the museum’s biggest event and fundraiser of the year, and Aurora Fossil Museum’s Executive Director, Cynthia Crane, says the site is historic.
This site holds immense scientific importance,” Crane stated. “It forms the basis for much of the fossil and paleontological studies focused on a specific era of marine life—such as sharks’ teeth, whales, walruses, and sea birds—that existed approximately between 13 to 7 million years ago and have been preserved within the sediments, turning into fossils.
Crane mentions that community support is what maintains the museum’s operations. “As a non-profit, every individual who contributes by donating, participating in our silent auctions, or purchasing T-shirts plays an essential role. All these efforts combine to ensure that this compact yet resilient museum continues to thrive.”
A number of participants, such as Shelby Johnson, traveled long distances to join the festival. Johnson mentions that the two-hour journey from Swansboro was well worthwhile.
There are many fascinating items. I discovered a collection of shark’s teeth, along with numerous pieces of coral,” Johnson stated. “Additionally, I’ve come across several scattered fossils. So yes, there’s an array of various objects one can stumble upon.
The museum can be found at 400 Main St, Aurora, NC 27806.
To learn more about what the festival provides, please click
here.
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