Winter Hauntings, the second annual evening of ghost stories with EPIC Carteret, cast an unforgettable spell on more than 100 attendees on January 29, 2025, raising more than $2,400 in revenue to support Carteret Community Theatre’s ongoing renovation campaign.

The event, held at the theater’s temporary venue in Atlantic Beach, was a celebration of regional storytelling, introducing emerging local writers to an enthusiastic audience of literature lovers.

“Hearing the words of local writers performed by local actors was a great way to spend an evening. I loved the original songs written and performed by local artists too. The collaboration of so many talented people made for an extra special evening in Carteret County,” said Mary Ann Yauger, a returning attendee.

At the heart of the evening were the top three finalists in the 2024 Winter Hauntings Ghost Story Contest, whose chilling tales were brought to life by CCT actors in dramatic readings that captivated listeners. The grand prize—$100 and the dubious “Haunted Doll” Award—was awarded to Jessi Waugh for her story “Taste of Robins,” a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that left the audience with a newfound respect for coastal wildlife. The other finalists, Mike Barton (“The ‘Stacks”) and Heidi Skinner (“A Different Perspective on Silhouettes”), were also honored for their outstanding contributions.

“My favorite part of Winter Hauntings is knowing that our top writers can sit back and just enjoy their own stories—brought to life so eloquently by a professional actor,” said event producer Autumn Ware. “It’s a rare treat. Even better, this event introduces them to a local audience that’s going to want more, and I have no doubt we’ll be seeing their names again in the future.”

Beyond the contest readings, the event featured a memorable portrayal of Carteret County’s most famous spirit by young actress Kennedy Brooks in “Abigail Rumbarrel,” a short play by Ware. Adding to the night’s rich storytelling tradition, award-winning local songwriters Emily and John Carter debuted original ballads inspired by Eastern North Carolina ghost lore during the Haunted Half-Time Act. The performance was also an opportunity to announce Emily Carter as the next host of the EPIC Carteret podcast, as well as to celebrate the upcoming release of her memoir, A Spork in the Road, in February.

Visiting from Nash County, first-time attendee Jennifer Sharpe quipped, “As the youth advise, it’s the vibes. Winter Hauntings…it’s giving eerie and enchanting; it’s giving inspiration and community.”

The Skull-astic Book Fair, a new addition to Winter Hauntings, proved to be a big hit, offering guests the chance to mingle with regional storytellers like event sponsor Claire Jones of Crystal Coast Ghost Tours, mystery author Tom Kies, and other local talents while browsing Beaufort Bookworm Tara Sandmann’s innovative pop-up bookshop. Attendees also enjoyed themed drinks from The Neigh Bar and delicious cookies from Slice Bakery, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“From the time we arrived to event-themed drinks and cookies to the awards presentation, we were enveloped in the atmosphere of the evening. The ‘Skull-astic’ Book Fair was a great addition this year,” said Beth Hardison, another returning attendee.

This year’s Winter Hauntings also marked the debut of Planck Length Publishing, a new speculative literature press founded by Autumn and Jack Ware. The first publication under the imprint was the professionally designed Winter Hauntings souvenir program, a magazine-quality literary chapbook featuring the top five contest stories. Designed as both a keepsake and a showcase for emerging local writers, the program reflects Planck Length Publishing’s commitment to fostering regional voices in literature that raises more questions than it answers.

Rebekah Brooks, business manager of Carteret Community Theatre (seen in Featured Image), expressed appreciation for the event’s impact: “CCT is grateful for the collaboration with our friends at EPIC Carteret and Carteret Writers. We hope to continue these efforts in bringing varied options of the arts to this community for all to enjoy!”

With its blend of eerie tales, immersive performances, and literary camaraderie, Winter Hauntings has solidified itself as a must-attend annual event in Carteret County. Whether guests came for the ghost stories, the music, or the community spirit, they left with something more—a shared experience of storytelling magic that will linger long after the final tale was told.