Ayden Collard Festival

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Ayden, NC
Ayden Collard Festival

For more info visit website at www.aydencollardfestival.com. In the early 1800s, the little community that we know as Ayden, was known as Ottertown.

Otter Dennis was a lot of things, but a gentleman he was not. He was known as a mean and ruthless man who loved nothing better than a good fight. Because of his frequent encounters with the law, Otter Dennis was forced to leave town to avoid being imprisoned. In the 1870s, as legend has it, our community got its name from its reputation. The community was known at that time as Aden, because every

criminal misfit and cut-throat who had been banned from or run out of another area came and settled here. We were known as a den of corruption, or to some, a den of thieves. At that time, the town was located about a mile and a half west of its present site, or about where Farmer’s Funeral Service is now located. About 1888 or 1889, the railroad came through this area, and its location is the same today as it was then. A man by the name of William Henry Harris laid off streets along the railroad and the town moved from its old site to its present site. At the time our community was started along the railroad, Second Street was the main street. And about this time, the town changed its name to Harrisville, a name that lasted one year. In 1890, when we were trying to get a post office and be chartered as a town, the name Harrisville was dropped and the old name of Aden was proposed by Alfred Harrington. Congressman Small, who was our representative in Washington at that time, suggested to Mr. Harrington that a “y” be placed after the “A” in Aden to help dignify the name. It was done and in 1891 we were chartered as the Town of Ayden. Ayden has made much progress through the years and continues to change with time. History of the Ayden Collard Festival

It all started in the spring of 1975, when Mrs. Lois Theuring wrote a letter to the editor of the Ayden-NewsLeader suggesting that Ayden have a festival. After considerable discussion, a committee was formed and a “festival” went into the planning stages. It was decided to let the citizens of Ayden vote on naming the festival. Six names were selected to choose from: Collard Festival; Cucumber Festival; Garden of Ayden-Almost Paradise; Harvest Festival; Progressive Ayden Day; and September Fun Festival. Ballots were printed in the local newspaper and “Collard Festival” won by a large margin. Committees were formed and Saturday September 13, 1975, was chosen for Ayden’s first Collard Festival. On that day, Ayden was the scene of a large street dance; a parade witnessed by 6,000 people; amusement rides; and booths filled with many fun activities. The Ayden Collard Festival, which is now over 30 years old, is held the first weekend after Labor Day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoTR93X62wg

07/19/2025

Calling Collard Festival historians!!

06/27/2025

🎶✨ Kicking things off RIGHT! ✨🎶
We’re so excited to welcome Morgan Hudson & Company to the 2025 Ayden Collard Festival stage! 🔥

This powerhouse local band brings the perfect mix of rock, blues, pop, and country music, often incorporating original songs and unique twists on covers—all with a sound that’s as bold as their name. Whether you’re here to two-step, slow dance, or scream-sing the chorus with your bestie, they’ve got you covered! 🎤🎸

Come early, grab your collards, and let’s get the party started the Ayden way! 🌿💃

📍Downtown Ayden
📅 Festival Weekend 9/6/2025
🕕 Don’t be late—this opener is one you’ll wanna say “I saw them when…” about!

06/26/2025

🎉 Y’ALL!!! This ain’t a drill! 🎶
You asked for a party, and we DELIVERED.
💥 The legendary 69 BOYZ are headlining the 2025 Ayden Collard Festival! 💥 09/06/2025

You already know what time it is… Tootsee Roll your way to the main stage this September! 💃🕺

06/24/2025

🎉🥬 Parade Time, Y’all! 🥬🎉

The 2025 Ayden Collard Festival Parade is gonna be here before you know it—and we want YOU to be part of it! 🚗👯‍♂️🎶

Whether you’re reppin’ your school, business, church, dance crew, or just wanna ride through town waving like you’re royalty—we’ve got a spot for ya!

📣 Parade Entry Form is LIVE!
Click the link below to get signed up and secure your place in the most collard-green-fabulous parade!

Let’s make this year unforgettable! 💚

06/17/2025

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our incredible sponsors who have supported the Ayden Collard Festival over the years!
Your generosity is the reason this beloved tradition continues to thrive. Because of your past support, we are fortunate enough not to seek sponsorships this year—your contributions have made a lasting impact that allows us to move forward with confidence and pride.
The joy, unity, and celebration the festival brings to our community each year wouldn’t be possible without you. We are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to Ayden and the festival we all love.
Due to your generosity over the years, won’t be seeking sponsors this year outside of sponsors for pageant contestants, but please don’t forget about us next year—we’d love to partner with you again!
Thank you for partnering with us,�The Ayden Collard Festival Committee 🥬💚

05/15/2025

Don’t forget, our Collard Pageant Interest meetings are tomorrow!!!

05/14/2025

BIG NEWS, collard lovers!
We’ve been keeping this one under wraps, but it’s time to spill the (collard) greens—Morgan Hudson is our Saturday opening act at the Ayden Collard Festival!

Even better? You don’t have to wait until the festival to see her—she’s playing TONIGHT at The Doghouse Tavern! Catch her live, local, and totally electric before she hits our main stage.

Tag your concert crew and come get a sneak peek of Saturday’s local star!

It’s Wednesday!!! The beautiful and talented Morgan Hudson is playing tonight from 6:30-9:30!!! Come out and have dinner with us and listen to some live music!!! We will have an update menu from 2nd Street Cafe giving you more options to choose from!! Grab a menu, place your order with the bartender and the rest is taken care of!!

05/13/2025

We are still accepting applications in our Artisan area, but our food truck and retail vendor spaces are full!

05/07/2025

The interest meeting for the 2025 Ayden Collard Pageant will be on Friday, May 16th! We look forward to meeting everyone!

04/06/2025

Congrats to Abigail, Grifton’s 2025 Miss Grifton Shad Queen!

04/05/2025

Congrats to these young ladies!!! 🎉🎈🎊 Grifton’s Little Miss Shad and Young Miss Shad!

03/22/2025

🌟 A Heartfelt Thank You from the Ayden Collard Festival! 🌟

As we gear up for another amazing season, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to all of our past sponsors. Your unwavering support has helped make the Ayden Collard Festival a success year after year, and we couldn’t do it without you!

This spring, we’ll be highlighting as many of our incredible sponsors as possible. Stay tuned for some special shout-outs and celebrations of the businesses and organizations that have made this festival so special. We are so excited to continue this journey with all of you and look forward to many more years of collaboration and community.

Thank you for being part of the Ayden Collard Festival family! 🌱💚

Address

Ayden, NC

Website

http://aydencollardfestival.com/

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