Wrightsville Beach, NC – The 39th North Carolina Holiday Flotilla, Zambelli Fireworks, and Airlie Gardens’ Enchanted Airlie launched the coastal holiday season on Thanksgiving weekend at Wrightsville Beach.
“I have to give it to the captains; they truly brought their ‘A-game’ this year,” said Flotilla Chairman Levi Boyd. “Every spectator I spoke to told me this was one of the best Flotillas they can remember. It was a special night and an all-around great weekend.”
“The weather was perfect, and the parade of boats was amazing,” added Bill Baggett, long-time Flotilla supporter and co-owner of Blockade Runner Beach Resort. “The crowd was larger than ever, and the holiday season is off to a great start.”
Boyd announced Flotilla winners at an awards ceremony today.
Best in Show Award – Captain Doug Spencer
Boat #4: Legacy – Theme: Presents Under the Tree
Best Entry 22-ft. and Under – Captains Gil Bowen & Jason Rivenbark
Boat #9: InTune – Theme: Octopus’ Garden
Best Entry 23-31 ft. – Captain Brooks Bridges
Boat #16: TowBoatUS – Theme: TowBoatUS Saves Christmas
Best Entry 31-ft. and Over – Captain Nathan Riddell
Boat #20: Maverick – Theme: Christmas
Costumes & Crew Spirit Award – Captain Matt Roberts
Boat #21: Soundside – Theme: Grizmas
People’s Choice Award – Captain Lindsay Hancock
Boat #24 – Theme: Sea Serpent
Best Sailboat – Captain Scott Marx
Boat #17: Pacifique – Theme: Palm Tree Island Misfit Toys
Source: Robert Butler, NC Press Release
