Beach Bites

Rockin the stache
Theres nothing wrong with channeling your inner Magnum P.I. if its for kids

Dont miss the memo on the comeback of the most suspicious type of facial hair in history. Thats right its that time of year again when daring souls sacrifice their upper lip to grow an awesome stache for the Wilmington chapter of Mustaches For Kids. Since its inception the chapter has been wildly successful due to the lively nature of the competition the camaraderie of the stache grower culture and the support for the charitable nature of the cause namely the kids.

For the past few years the chapters earnings have averaged between $30 000 and $35 000 all of which are donated to foundations for children such as the Make A Wish Foundation Hope From Helen Ocean Cure and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ryan McInnis the chapters founder says all growers must show up at Kefi on November 15 for Shave Day with a clean shaven face. Each week there are optional meetings at various local restaurants for mustache inspections by the stache judge with photos taken of the progress. During the Stashe Bash on December 13 all participants gather to celebrate their month-long facial hair achievements and announce their earnings.

“For some reason everyone usually shows up in costume now which is something that just arose organically ” McInnis says. “The bash is just a really fun time to get together and see all the hard work pay off.”

For more information visit the website at www.m4k-ilm.org. Cole Dittmer

Float your boat
Bundle up and head to Banks Channel for the 28th annual NC Holiday Flotilla

The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla is tacking on some new innovations this November as it launches the 28th year of festivities. Never fear the important traditions will still be saluted culminating on Thanksgiving Saturday with the parade of decorated lighted boats and capped by a fireworks show.

This year the parades Best in Show winner will net a $5 000 cash prize. Other categories will also receive cash for Best Costumes and Crew Spirit Best Commercial or Corporate Boat Best Sailboat and more classes for powerboats than ever before.

All captains and crews will be invited to the Launch Party at the Blockade Runner Beach Resort on Friday Nov. 25 and anyone who wants to get in on the fun may purchase tickets. All flotilla sponsors will be invited to watch the parade from a hospitality suite at the hotel or join the thousands thronging the streets and bridges. The lighted boat parade begins the grand finale and proceeds along the Intracoastal Waterway through Motts Channel to Banks Channel starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 26.

The flotilla weekend would not be complete without the Festival in the Park. Held at Wrightsville Beach Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the parade it will include arts and crafts booths food and beverage vendors a car show and more. If thats too long to wait entering the annual 5k Run/Loop Walk on Nov. 12 helps raise money for the flotilla.

Meanwhile the flotilla board is excited about its own headquarters this year. Decked with banners photographs and other memorabilia the office at 10A Seawater Lane will offer tickets registration forms and merchandise to help the memories last a lifetime. Patricia E. Matson

Shaped to perfection
Coastal Carolina Clay Guild Holiday Show and Sale