From the Washington Harbor District Alliance

 

The historic port of Washington is calling seadogs and landlubbers alike to attend its one-day Marine Market this Saturday. Presented by the Washington Harbor District Alliance, the event will feature a wide range of local marine vendors that will gather on Stewart Parkway for a full day of nautical-related activities, local seafood and entertainment, courtesy of a band of pirates and the BC Traditional Music Association.

The market, starting at 9:00 a.m., will feature an array of marine vendors, a flea market, local artists, antiques and live musical entertainment provided by the Motley Tones. The Motley Tones are a band of pirate singers, who will present a selection of pub songs, sea chanties and other pirate and sailor songs. Attendees will also find a wide variety of items for sale, including new and pre-owned boats, marine equipment, nautical art and fishing gear, according Beth Byrd, WHDA director. Park Boats will have pleasure craft on the Pamlico for in-water demonstrations.

Several marine related organizations will be on hand, including the Carolinas Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club, which will be displaying antique and classic outboard motors and boats from yesteryear — 1930s to the ‘60s. Raleigh Traditional Small Craft will also be presenting traditional marine craft under 20 feet.

New this year will be the chance for families to participate in “Family Boat Building,” a three-day long presentation by Graham Byrnes, who will be selling kits for market-goers to build their own basic row, sail or power skiff boats — 12-foot Mandy/Amanda/Jessy series. Byrnes, a world sailor, has designed, built and sailed power and sailboats of all sizes. Byrnes will have pre-built models on display and will conduct the boat-building workshop at the N.C. Estuarium for those who pre-registered.

Another new and exciting offering is at 10:00 a.m. when a SAR (search and rescue) demonstration coordinated between the US Coast Guard and US Marine Corp will be conducted on the Washington waterfront. The SAR (search and rescue) demo will exhibit how the US Coast Guard and US Marine Corp work together to rescue mariners in distress.

The Marine Corp will be manning ‘Pedro”, a HH-46E helicopter, which is primarily for Search and Rescue missions by MCAS Cherry Point and the United States Coast Guard when extended searches in eastern North Carolina are required. The U.S. Coast Guard will be manning a 45 foot response boat and they will perform several lifts from the Pamlico River.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 45 foot response boat will be moored along the waterfront on free dock I to accommodate visitors for a short time after the demonstration.

 

In addition to the market’s vast arsenal of items for sale and its many activities is the smorgasbord of great seafood and other grub, which will be sold by area nonprofit groups and other vendors, including some of the best, fastest-selling clam chowder in the eastern part of the state.

A nice activity for the family at the market will be 30-minute “Banjo Boat” rides aboard the River Rover at the N.C. Estuarium. Times for the ride occur once every hour, from noon to 3:00 p.m. — a total of four opportunities for residents and guests alike to get out on the beautiful Pamlico River and explore. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 252-948-0000. The 72 foot Schooner Jeanie B will also be cruising the Pamlico waters at 10:00, 1:00 and 5:00pm, stop by the WHDA tent for a coupon worth $5.00 off the normal price.

“Washington is a vibrant river 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.