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WILMINGTON / WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, NC – Two long-running traditions, the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla and Airlie Gardens' Enchanted Airlie, launched the coastal holiday season this weekend.
"Our 36th-anniversary brought perfect weather with thousands of excited visitors and residents who came to see what the NC Holiday Flotilla is all about," said Linda Brown, Flotilla Chair. "Eighteen uniquely decorated boats and a spectacular fireworks display capped a weekend full of family-oriented events. Our 36th Flotilla was a huge success."
Saturday night’s Flotilla, Zambelli fireworks, and Enchanted Airlie attracted an estimated combined crowd above 50,000.
2019 North Carolina Holiday Flotilla winners:
2019 Best In Show
Theme: Stick Man Christmas
Captain Chuck Ohnmacht, Boat name: La Pachanga Tres
2019 People's Choice
Theme: Santa Sleigh
Captain Joshua Reda, Boat name: Chaos
2019 Costumes and Crew Spirit
Theme: Stellar Nights
Captain Dean Brennan, Boat name: Stellar
2019 Best 31 and over
Theme: Palm Tree Island
Captain Bob Bleecker, Boat name: J&B
2019 Best 23-31
Theme: Grandma's Walk
Captain Zac Schnell, Boat name: Escape
2019 Best 22 and under
Theme: Baby Shark
Captain Lisa and Andy Almeter, Boat name: HR Nightmare
2019 Best Sailboat
Theme: Peace on Earth
Captain: Billy McGrew, Boat name: Stress Relief
Airlie Gardens’ Enchanted Airlie unveiled the opening of their 15th season on Friday and Saturday night. Enchanted Airlie brings to life 35-acres of night-time forest with more than one million sparkling lights, holiday displays, and seasonal music. Showings continue Dec. 6-22.
"We are very excited to be celebrating our 15th year for Enchanted Airlie," said Janine Powell of Airlie Gardens. "Each year, we sell out faster and faster, and this year we’re approaching the half-million mark for cumulative attendance."
Although sold out for the season, a limited number of Enchanted Airlie tickets are available to guests at Blockade Runner Beach Resort, host hotel for the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla. Guests may contact the hotel to make arrangements.
Contacts:
Linda Brown
North Carolina Holiday Flotilla
910-256-2120
Janine Powell, Director of Donor Relations
Enchanted Airlie, Airlie Gardens
Office: 910-798-7703
Robert B Butler
Communications | Public Relations