WHITE LAKE, NC (WECT) - There is still a mystery as to the origin of White Lake, but there is no mystery about what takes place in the town this weekend -- the annual Water Festival, the kick off to their lake season.

Only about 500 people live at White Lake year round, but that population swells to several thousand during the warm weather months.

All around the lake are homes, businesses, campgrounds and plenty of campers. And thru the years, town leaders have worked to make sure White Lake remains a family destination.

Harry Womble has owned and operated one of those businesses, Goldston's Beach, for nearly 75 years. He says the town has changed over the years, but one that has remained constant, and that is the lake itself.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Well these cooler temperatures will continue in to the end of the week as northwesterly winds continue to pump in slightly cooler air under a brilliant sunny sky – with continued breezy conditions.  Normally we see temperatures into the mid 60s for highs, however over the next few days temperatures will run several degrees below normal. 

It's Sunday into Monday that temperatures turn the corner – moving back into the 60s for highs ahead of the next spring cold front.

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SOUTHEASTERN NC (WECT) – Gov. Bev Perdue announced Thursday that 21 counties and communities statewide have been awarded NC Catalyst Community Development Block Grants for community improvement projects, according to a news release.

Columbus County, along with the towns of Whiteville and Bladenboro, received the following grants: