Wrightsville Beach, NC...The 28th Annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla and Fireworks ended with a nighttime parade of beautifully decorated boats and a spectacular fireworks display. Weekend crowds were estimated at 50,000.
Flotilla festivities offered something for all generations. On Friday, tykes and toddlers attended the official tree lighting and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Saturday's Festival in the Park featured a shopping emporium of fine handcrafts, outdoor children's games--a climbing wall and The Arab Choo Choo--and an antique car show for the 'happy days' car enthusiasts.
This year featured a $5,000 cash prize for the Best in Show. Winners were announced today (Sunday) at a special brunch at host hotel, the Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla and Fireworks is consistently named one of the Top 20 "Must See Events in the Southeast" by the Southeastern Tourism Society.
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Photography by Joshua McClure
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Photography by Joshua McClure
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Photography by Joshua McClure
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2011 Winners:
Best Costume and Crew Spirit - Captain Steve Arnold - Boat is the Wendy Lee II - Theme was Arctic Holiday Celebration
Best Powerboat 22 Feet and Under - Captain Brent Jernigan - Boat is Craig Cat - Theme was Santa's Shuttle
Best Powerboat 23 Feet to 31 Feet - Captain Kris Matson - Boat is Joker's Wild - Theme Having Fun
Best Powerboat 31 Feet and Over - Captain Skip Wilson - Boat is The Bottom Line - Theme was Sponge Bob Square Pants
Best in Show - Captains Paula Sturdy and Van Marr - Boat is Reel Hot - Theme was Wrightsville Beach Christmas Trolley
Linda Brown, Chair, 2011 NC Holiday Flotilla
For more details, visit www.ncholidayflotilla.org
Fireworks photo courtesy of NC Holiday Flotilla
