Tea parties, gourmet gardens, Southern luncheons, Easter brunches, wedding tips, a home interiors show and a birdhouse-making workshop for children are among the highlights of the 2008 Birdhouses on Parade at Carolina Inn.

The Inn's seventh annual celebration of spring begins Sunday and lasts through March.

What began seven years ago as a display of one-of-a-kind birdhouses crafted by North Carolina artisans has grown into a 22-day series of activities and special events. It begins Sunday with the opening of this year's birdhouse displays and a free Community Open House from noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday will also offer a workshop offering children aged 12 and under the opportunity to build their own birdhouses.

Reservations are required for many of the events and may be made online or by calling 919-918-2711.

Complete information about all of the Birdhouses on Parade events at The Carolina Inn including dates, times and cost, if any, is online at www.carolinainn.com.