Anchors Aweigh for the
HOLIDAY FLOTILLA
The Wrightsville Beach tradition readies for its 39th year
BY FRITTS CAUSBY THE sense of excitement has never been stronger for the North Carolina
Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach, as many locals and visitors are
hoping it will help chart a path to a brighter future over the holidays and
into next year.
The relaunch begins with the door-to-dock decorating contest on Friday,
Nov. 26. The boat parade, fireworks extravaganza and Day in the Park—complete with a
classic car show, food vendors, inflatable houses and live music — form the centerpiece of
the Thanksgiving weekend, taking over the town of Wrightsville Beach the following day.
“Everyone is ready to get together for the Flotilla,” says committee chair Linda Brown.
She noted that early registrations from boaters are at a higher level than ever before,
whether due to pandemic fatigue or an uptick in
boat purchases over the past year.
Most of the Flotilla events are time-honored
traditions. A refinement from the pandemic may
prove just as enduring. To ensure compliance with
social distancing and safety guidelines imposed by
COVID-19, event organizers created the door-to-dock
decorating contest in 2020.
“This was hugely popular last year, so it is here
to stay,” Brown says. “It’s nice to see the lights up
throughout the holidays.”
Nov. 26th- 27th
HOLIDAY FLOTILLA
at Wrightsville Beach
This year, people will have the opportunity to text in their vote for the Best Commercial
Dock, Best Residential Dock, Best Dock Spirit, and People’s Choice award.
“We have been redoing everything to come back fresh and better than ever after
38 years,” Brown adds, referring to the new logo and website.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach will feature a dock decorating
contest in addition to the traditional Thanksgiving weekend boat parade and fireworks
display.
BETH HEDGEPETH BETH HEDGEPETH MARK STEELMAN
14 november 2021
WBM
BETH HEDGEPETH