Bebop’s Multi-Use Pier to be dedicated

A new public pier in Manns Harbor will be dedicated in honor of Betty Dean “Bebop” Fearing with a ribbon cutting June 21.

Bebop’s Multi-Use Pier at the west entrance to the William B. Umstead Bridge will open to the public following the 2 p.m. ribbon cutting. It includes wheelchair accessible positions for fishing and recreation.

Dean Fearing was a talented athlete at Manteo High School and went on to receive a degree in mass communications from the University of Florida, the county wrote in an announcement of the dedication. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1976.

“Dean loved the outdoor treasures of Dare County,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Warren Judge said in the announcement. “Now future generations will be able to share her love of the outdoors from this new pier that will provide the public with recreational access to the scenic Croatan Sound.”

Land was donated by the Fearing family and funding for the pier was provided by the Dare County Tourism Board and the Water Resources Division of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The Manteo Rotary Club, the Coastal Purple Martin Society and the North Carolina Department of Transportation also provided support.

After the dedication, a reception will be held at the Dare County Center, 950 Marshall C. Collins Drive in Manteo.