This year on the weekend of Nov 22-24, the City of Norfolk will hold its Grand Illumination Parade, which kicks of the holiday season in the city. The culminating event is the illumination of the Norfolk downtown skyline. The parade features spectacular floats, marching bands, giant balloons, dancers, and Santa himself.

Schedule:

• Friday or Saturday arrival
• Saturday
• • 5pm Crockpot Setup on seawall
  • 6pm crockpot judging at 6pm (awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places)
  • 7pm Grand Illumination Parade start
• Sunday
• • 9am Dish to pass breakfast on Shangri-La

If this year’s cruise is any indication, plan on getting your slip assignments early as this end of the local sailing season cruise will be a complete takeover of the Norfolk Waterside marina. We brought over 2 boats from various sailing association and yacht clubs to last year’s event, with folks traveling from as far as Bay Creek and as close as Tidewater Marine. We met up with old friends and met many, many new ones.

On Saturday evening, as in years past, we held a crock pot challenge, with over 18 crockpots consisting of all manner of hot brews, chilis, soups, and stews. Maybe we can even convince Mike Ottaway to make his award-winning Thai Butternut soup this year. Or maybe last years first place winner, Mike Monteith will bring his delectable stew to the Waterside Marina. The contest had several warm libations make a showing, such as Amy Guyer’s warm Peppermint Schnaps and Ed Darling’s Hot Buttered Rum.

During the event many participants took advantage Norfolk Waterside’s E-Scooters, to explore the downtown waterfront scene, the Waterside Live marketplace, Towne Point Park and Nauticus.

As has been the tradition over the last few cruises, Jean & Jerry Pattenaude will again host a robust and hearty Sunday morning breakfast about their catamaran, Shangri-La before folks departed for points home. Make sure to bring a hearty breakfast dish to pass.

Not much time left so make your plans now to attend this year’s Grand Illumination cruise, which will be held over the November 22nd -24th weekend.

Make sure and call Waterside marina at (757) 625-3625 and mention that your with the Grand Illumination cruise, and we will see you there!

Jonathan Romero

romeroarms@cox.net

(757) 285-6017