Regatta competition awes spectators for 32nd year
Michelle and Jeff Drake of Longs and Tim Kettner of Little River, owners of the sightseeing business Getaway Adventures, have entered their 42-foot custom-made catamaran in the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta the past six years. (Kettner also owns Crab Catcher’s on the Waterfront in Little River). In 2015 and in 2013 the boat, “The Getaway,” was named overall winner. “I thought it was a good idea [to participate],” Michelle says.
She did research and decided “The Getaway” would look like a choo-choo train last year, so gathered friends and family to decorate the boat, which took more than a week to complete. She has her idea organized for this year’s competition and is as excited as always about the regatta. “Let’s say I’m competitive,” she says.
The six-mile long parade includes 30 boats, and the length of the boat determines which of the four categories it will be placed in. Entry fee in the parade is $50 or a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for underprivileged children in Horry County. Viewers of the parade are asked to contribute a new toy at any one of the marinas in Little River or North Myrtle Beach, but monetary donations are also accepted.
All the money benefits children, says Susie Watson, who originated the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta 32 years ago. “We take care of children in our community,” she says.
She explains her family owned Palmetto Shores Marina in Cherry Grove and were always boating enthusiasts. When she saw the boat parades in Florida she thought that idea would be unique along our shores. About 10,000 people line the banks of the Intracoastal to watch the regatta, she says.
“It’s fun, and I help with sorting the toys and giving them out,” Michelle says. “That’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life.”
What | Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
Where | Little River Inlet at the Intracoastal Waterway and Calabash River traveling south to Dock Holidays Marina, 13th Ave. N, NMB
When | 5 p.m. Nov. 26
Cost | Entry fee, $50 per boat or new toy for children
Contact | Susie Watson, 249-8888, www.christmasregatta.com
Details | Bring new, unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation
Other events on the North Strand
ARCHEOLOGY AT COLONIAL BRUNSICK
What | Jim McKee discusses what was discovered and was excavated at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson State Historic site.
Where | Museum of Coastal Carolina, 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
When | 6 p.m. Nov. 15, doors open at 5 p.m.
Cost | Adults, $9.50, 62+, $8.50, 3-12, $7.50, free to museum members and those 2 and under
Contact | 910-579-1016, linzy@museumplanetarium.org, www.museumplanetarium.org
Details | McKee is site manager at Brunswick Town/Ft. Anderson and will bring items not yet on display.
COASTAL SHAG CLUB DANCE
What | Thanksgiving Dance
Where | Moose Lodge, 253 Holden Beach Road, Shallotte, N.C.
When | 6:30-10 p.m. Nov. 19
Cost | all shag club members, $5; guest, $8
Contact | Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.www.coastalshagclub.org
Details | Turkey, ham and stuffing are provided. Bring a side dish or dessert. DJ Terry McPhail provides entertainment. Free basic shag dance lesson for guests who ask at the door.
HUNTING AND SURVIVAL SKILLS OF NATIVE AMERICANS
What | Alex Tempsick discusses the topic, including artifacts Native Americans made
Where | | Museum of Coastal Carolina, 21 E. Second St., Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
When | 11 a.m. Nov. 19
Cost | Adults, $9.50, 62+, $8.50, 3-12, $7.50, free to museum members and those 2 and under
Contact | 910-579-1016, linzy@museumplanetarium.org, www.museumplanetarium.org
Details | Games, hands-on activities and a take-home craft.
1ST ANNUAL BBQ COOK-OFF
What | Grissettown Longwood fire & Rescue presents the amateur and professional BBQ cookers competition
Where | Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
When | 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Nov. 12; tasting 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Cost | $5 includes five tasting tickets
Contact | Debbie, 910-287-2800, www.silvercoastwinery.com
CHRISTMAS TRAIN SHOW
What | Train layouts for the entire family
Where | Grissettown Longwood fire & Rescue, 758 Longwood Road, Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.
When | 6 p.m. Dec. 2; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Dec. 3,4,10,11
Cost | Free; donations accepted
Contact | 910-287-3030
Details | Train vendors and train raffle, baked goods for purchase, Santa Claus appearance
This story was originally published November 8, 2016 at 9:37 AM with the headline "Regatta competition awes spectators for 32nd year."