This is the 17th year of the annual North Carolina Whirligig Festival. The event started as a way to celebrate what was unique to Wilson, NC - the innovative and whimsical folk art whirligigs created by Vollis Simpson. At the heart of the festival is a park containing 30 of the giant metal structures that spin in the wind. The festival includes home-made arts and crafts, food vendors, non-profit agencies and sponsors. Entertainment is provided on several stages with live music, a free kids zone, a kids performance stage, strolling artists and art demonstrations. More than 30,000 visitors attend over the 2-day festival weekend in historic downtown Wilson. The festival is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and is held each year the first full weekend in November.