BELHAVEN — Belhaven is inviting residents and out-of-towners alike to celebrate its waterfront roots.

The town kicks off its fourth-annual Intracoastal Waterway Celebration on Saturday with plenty for all ages to do.

Celebrating 88 years on the Waterway, a 3,000-mile stretch of water connecting Boston to Florida, the event begins with opening ceremonies and blessing of the waters as a way to pay homage to the natural resource bringing commercial and pleasure watercraft exposure to Belhaven.

Following these ceremonies is the Down East Chowder Tasting, which features a packed list of 16 entries this year, from local restaurants to individual chowder experts.

The Loafalong, a motorboat built by Vincent Serio, will also be on display again this year. Loafalong was launched in 1928, the same year Belhaven was connected to the Waterway. The boat first made a trip to the town in 1957 in the company of the Norfolk Yacht Club.

Yvonne DeRuiz, Belhaven alderman and one of the event organizers, said a lot of hard work was put into making this the best ICW Celebration yet.

“We’ve got a great group of volunteers,” she said. “It takes some time and some effort to put these things together.”

DeRuiz said visitors can expect a wide range of vendors along Pamlico Street, as well, including jewelry designers, wood carvers and authors, and live music from local bands.

The goal for organizers is to keep the event growing, she said, and to continue promoting all Belhaven has to offer to residents of other counties.

“Participation wise, of course, we would like for it to grow,” DeRuiz said. “It should be fun.”

Part of the proceeds from Down East Chowder will go toward revitalization of Belhaven’s downtown area, and stores and restaurants will be open early for visitors, as well.

For more information about the event, visit the “ICW Celebration” Facebook page.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown Belhaven

Water and Pamlico streets

11:30 a.m.
Opening ceremonies/blessing of the waters (town dock)

12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Down East Chowder Tasting (end of Pamlico Street)
Live music by The Madame Presidents

3 p.m.
Roaring ’20s Fashion Show

3-5 p.m.
Live music by Sand Sounds Band

All day
Beer and wine garden/vendors/classic car show