BELHAVEN — Belhaven is continuing its efforts to promote the town’s water-related assets and draw in visitors.

Rummaging for supplies and using a little bit of homegrown engineering, a group of residents put together their own vessels for a friendly boating contest on June 11.

Organized by the Celebrations Committee, the event, Up the Creek — In Belhaven, was organized to highlight the town’s water attractions, while also giving residents a light-hearted opportunity for fun.

Don Stark, a Belhaven resident and one of the organizers, said Up the Creek was advertised around the county and beyond to stimulate interest. Visitors were also encouraged to explore some of the restaurants and shops while in town.

“We just wanted to have an event that was fun without a whole lot of work. Just something that was different,” Stark said. “The event was simple enough, but fun enough to make it a good event.”

Along with a sailboat race, participants in the Anything That Floats Regatta had to create watercrafts from regular supplies, and that brought out creations of plastic, pool noodles, rubber balls and handmade sails. One vessel was allowed to have between two and six people involved, and those manning the crafts were required to take safety precautions, according to Stark.

“We were trying to encourage people when they come to town to enjoy the restaurants, the shops,” Stark said. “This event was really, specifically designed for boaters or people who wanted to get into the water.”

In the sailboat race, first place went to Greg Polovick, who was sailing “Nifty Fifty,” second place went to Bob Loeber with “Karen N.,” and Bill Lackey sailing “Mia-Lyn” came in third. The awards for the Anything That Floats Regatta were: fastest boat, “K2,” Tom Koch; slowest boat, “Red Bug Brewery,” G.B. Bowen; most dramatic sinking, “Huckleberry Finn,” Les Porter; and most creative, “Soggy Doggy,” Mary Jane Koch.

Other groups are also pushing to promote the town.

The Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce is pitching in with its “The Boats Stop Here” campaign. This marketing program has received support from the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners and is in the process of finding sponsors, according to a June newsletter.

By holding events such as Up the Creek and working to market Belhaven’s assets, town residents hope to draw more visitors, increase tourism and improve the economy.

Stark said he hopes organizers will make Up the Creek an annual event.

“This is the kind of event that spark(s) people’s imagination,” he said. “We encourage people to come to Belhaven and enjoy themselves.”