From the Washington Harbor District Alliance

 

The historic Inner Banks town of Washington will hold a one-day Marine Market on April 25. This event is being presented by the Washington Harbor District Alliance (WHDA) and will highlight the beautiful waterfront town and its many marine-related businesses.

The fifth-annual Washington Marine Market will have several components, including marine vendors, a flea market, new and it used boats, artists and antiques and lively entertainment. Treasure hunters and shoppers will find a wide selection of merchandise for sale — everything from new and pre-owned boats, including power, sail and paddle, to marine equipment, nautical art and fishing gear.

The Carolinas Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club will display antique and classic outboard motors and boats from the 1930s to the 1960s. This year, in addition to the old motors on display, some 25 motors will be available for sale, swap or trade. Raleigh Traditional Small Craft will also be presenting traditional marine craft under 20 feet.

Handmade/homemade boats will be on display, along with a three-day long presentation on “Family Boat Building” at the North Carolina Estuarium. Kits will be available from Graham Byrnes’ 12-foot Mandy/Amanda series. Park Boats will exhibit both fishing boats and pleasure craft on land and in water.

There will be great seafood and landlubber grub for sale provided by local establishments and non-profit groups. Be sure to get there early to get some of the best Clam Chowder in eastern NC, as it usually runs out.

Thirty-minute “Banjo Boat” rides aboard the River Rover will be offered at the N.C. Estuarium at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required; call the Estuarium at 252-948-0000.

Singing madrigals for the king by day, pub songs for the hoi polloi at night and love songs and sailor songs all day long, come to see the Motely Tones perform. The BoCo Music Festival, presented by the Beaufort County Arts Council and the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association joins us on the waterfront for entertainment starting at 10 a.m.

Be on the lookout for roving pirates, and you may even see George and Martha Washington on hand for photo ops.

“Washington is a vibrant community with so much to offer to visitors and residents alike. This is one of the many events we hold each year. I love this event because it brings all the components of the boating community together with music and fun. Our event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine”, said WHDA Executive Director Beth Byrd.

Vendor spaces are still available but are going fast. It is not too late to get involved. If interested in participating as a vendor please go to www.whda.org and download the application which has all the pricing and information you will need.

Whether you come to shop or to sell, join us for a great weekend of waterfront fun.