Each year during the third weekend in November, the city of Norfolk holds its Grand Illumination weekend, which kicks off the official holiday season in the city. The culminating event of the festive weekend is the illumination of the Norfolk & Portsmouth downtown skyline.
While the traditional parade still won't be part of the festivities, there will be plenty of other activities in the downtown area that are sure to bring holiday cheer! Prior to the lighting of the downtown skyline, the Grand Illumination weekend consists of Saturday's festive activities with marching bands, dancers, music and Santa himself.
BBSA sailors take part in a cruise to Norfolk’s Waterside Marina for the joyful weekend events. We plan to have a flotilla of boats sail down to Waterside Marina for this last cruise of the season. The Grand Illumination Cruise, now in its 9th year, always enjoys a robust fleet of sailboats and powerboaters as well.
Come join us as we end the 2021 cruising season in fine holiday fashion. Join us in ringing in the holiday season in grand style as only boaters can. Many BBSA and Hampton Yacht Club cruisers sail downtown on Friday and some on Saturday morning. We rendezvous at Waterside marina late on Saturday to watch the activities and enjoy warm ciders, hot toddies, and other libations, along with crockpots full of chowders, chilis, and charcuterie platters.
At approximately 7 pm on Saturday, we plan to have a chowder and chili cookoff, with nautical prizes going to the winner and runner ups, with HYC members serving as judges. So, break out your favorite recipes and plan on eating, drinking, and being merry.
Make sure to call Waterside Marina early at (757) 625-3625 to reserve your slip today before they are all gone. The following are a list of non-food items needed; cups, plates, bowls, plastic utensils, serving spoons, ice, and table covers. E-mail Jonathan at romeroarms@cox.net to let me know what items you will bring to the event, in order to avoid duplication.
So, plan to clean your bottoms, dress your boats, bring potent potables, hot libations, and crock pots full of your favorite recipes and join us at Norfolk’s Waterside marina for the last cruise of the year.
Jonathan Romero
S/V Tempo
