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Trawler Chastity Brooke departs. (Seamus Bartlett photos. Click photo for more Chastity Brooke views)

2:24p The Sailing Winter Seminars are back. These seminars are via Zoom, starting Feb 1 and running through early March.

Some are sailing specific (Introduction to Sailboat Racing for Cruisers), some are general to most all boating (Diesel Engine Maintenance, Refrigeration, Plumbing).

These seminars are coordinated by Oriental’s three sailing clubs: SCOO (Sailing Club of Oriental), ODC (Oriental Dinghy Club) and NSA (Neuse Sailing Association).

Click here for more seminar details.

12:51p Here’s one for your calendar – Chinese New Year is coming up.

Officially, Chinese New Year is Wed Jan 29. The Chinese Lunar New Year in 2025 will be the Year of the Snake.

Globally, this is a 15-day celebration, celebrated by billions of people. In Oriental, we celebrate on a specific day. Turnout may be somewhat less than billions.

Oriental’s Chinese New Year is set for Saturday February 1st. There will be a Dragon Run on Hodges Street at 2p.

It looks kinda like this:

More info here.

3:03p This afternoon at 5p filmmakers descend on the Old Theater.

This weekend has been the 48 hour film festival. Film teams started their efforts Friday at 5 – they have until 5p today to turn in their completed works.

Then you come in. The films will be screened Friday and Saturday nights (Jan 17 & 18), 7:30p at the Old Theater. Local judges will select the best films.

Then the awards ceremony, Sunday, Jan 19, 3p. Trophies will be presented in 10 categories, from Best Film to Best Story Line.

9:44a Overnight temps dipped to 25. A semi-balmy 45 high expected this afternoon.

Monday may sneak up to 50… but then it gets colddd. Tuesday and Wednesday lows to 20, and Wednesday’s high might not get above the high 30s.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

A calm music option:

Today at 12:30p, Lauren Blackerby presents an Oboe Concert at First Presbyterian Church in New Bern, 400 New Street. Lauren is the daughter of Oriental residents Jim and Cheryl Blackerby.

Admission to the concert is free, and you’re invited.

8:14a It’s just 34, but roads (at least in “downtown”), are more wet than icy.

Still, might be best if you don’t drive like a knucklehead.

It may be cold, it may be early, but the Taco truck is open with hot stuff ready.

6:34a It’s barely above freezing, 33 at this moment. Roads may be icey, with more freezing rain possible early.

A sunny clear day is forecast to appear around noon today.

7:58p Rain mixed with freezing rain is coming down. It’s a good night to stay where you are.

• Oriental NC Forecast

10:25a Last night hit a low of 24. It’s a bit warmer today, but the cold trend basically continues:

From the Oriental Weather Station:

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

5:18p. Some hardy sailors did take to the Neuse for today’s very windy Instead Of Football Regatta. We’re told 22 boaters took part (sometimes a hundred show up, but twenty-two is impressive for today’s weather).

Bobbie Cochrane writes in with results:

9:10a 2025. Has a certain ring to it. We just might have to get used to writing it.

The first day of twenty twenty five brings Oriental’s favorite regatta. The Instead Of Football Regatta. The forecast is… a bit breezy.

On one hand, sunny and about 60.

On the other hand, a Small Craft Advisory. West winds 15 – 25 knots.

If you’re up for some brisk breeze, it all starts at noon on the Neuse.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

Even if you decide that these conditions are too unpleasant, there’s is still the Mandatory Skipper’s Meeting after the race, 3p at The Silos.

You don’t have to actually attend the regatta, to attend the after regatta Skipper’s Meeting. Fabricated stories of toughing it out in massive waves are welcome.

Tonight’s the night. The Dragon will emerge (with help from a second dragon), taking over Hodges Street. Twice.

The first run is at 8p. The second is at 11:30p.

Bring your pots, pans, and other noisemakers and join Oriental’s Drumming Dragons in coaxing The Dragon out into the night.

At midnight, the Croaker drops at the town dock, signaling the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

Spotted at Oriental’s minscule beach today, a wedding on the last day of the year:

(Jennifer Smart photo)

Soon, it will be 2025. Just 500 years to go for this song:

5:21p Habitat For Humanity builds low income housing for families in need, including in Pamlico County.

TownDock reader Sam Myers writes in about Habitat, it’s founder, and a fellow named Jimmy Carter who donated time and energy to its cause.

3:32p All the 2025 Dragon Patron slots are full. Thank y’all for keeping the Dragon housed and happy.

1:58p Thank you to the 16 folks that have signed up as 2025 Dragon Patrons. Just a few more needed.

You still have time to help The Dragon keep their home for another year. There are 6 Dragon Patron spots left.

There is another Oriental institution that needs a little help. The New Village Brewery building will turn 115 years old in the new year. She is showing some signs of her age, with floors showing a bit too much “character”.

The building herself has written a letter describing her history and plight. Click here to learn more.

10:25a It’s time to make sure Oriental doesn’t have a homeless Dragon.

One day each year we band together to make sure the Oriental Dragon has a proper Dragon’s Lair.

Today is that day. The Dragon is BIG… you can’t just put him on a closet shelf.

While waiting for his New Year’s Eve gig, he gets stored in a dry protected unit at Village Mini Storage, made possible through the generosity of Friends Of The Dragon.

Click here and learn how you can become a Friend Of The Dragon.

10:10a The New Year’s Dragon is getting ready for its traditional runs on Hodges Street New Years Eve. But Dragon Master Jim Edwards requires a little help. His usual Dragon lead is unavailable. That’s where you come in.

The Dragon head needs some muscle. A strong individual who can carry the weight of this awesome responsibility. Literally. You would hold up the Dragon head for its two New Years Eve runs.

This could be you.

Also needed – Dragon attendants. That’s an easier gig (and a lot of fun).

If you think you’re a match for the dragon, let Jim Edwards know. 252-474-6000.

The ferry still runs on Christmas, but on a reduced schedule. From Cherry Branch:

Cherry Branch operation will be on a 1-boat schedule Wednesday, December 25th.

9:18a Mom Nature is kind this week. While Tuesday may see rain, Christmas Day is forecast for sunshine & near 50. Boxing Day (that’s the 26th, Bunky) high 55, then reaching 60 for the weekend.

• Oriental NC Weather Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Pamlico Sound Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar
• HarborCam

For you last minute shoppers – Christmas Eve hours around town:

Nautical Wheelers is open Christmas Eve 10a-4p, The Piglet 7a-6p, The Bean 7a-4p, The Provision Company 9a-4p.

10:10a Many say the finest small grocery store on the planet is in Oriental. Here’s Piggly Wiggly owner Billy Flockhart with the December update:

Piglet suggestions? Email store owner Billy Flockhart directly – he welcomes and wants your input. Email bflockhart1010@gmail.com.

5:33a It’s another foggy morning. From Cherry Branch:

3:55p Spirited volunteers have deployed luminaria all over today this afternoon. They are lit tonight at 5p.

From the TownDock archives… luminaria:

12:02p Spirit of Christmas is underway. If you wander wisely, there is food & drink waiting.

Here’s the schedule.

9:05a It snuck down to 30 overnight. Warm on the way: Mid 50s on the way, highs near 60 for the weekend.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

Click here for the Taco menu.

Dee Dee King plays Saturday night at the Pamlico Community College Delamar Center. Here is King’s new Christmas single:

9:15a Spirit Of Christmas begins today, with a single event. The “Tree of Names and Lights” is lit at 4:30p, at Lou Mac Park.
The tree honors and memorializes residents and loved ones (both people and pets).

It’s an Oriental tradition. You’re invited.

The Spirit of Christmas schedule is here.

The December town meeting is tonight, 6p at Town Hall.

6:45a Almost an inch of rain fell yesterday. The ground was happy to get it.

It’s 32, even on freezin’ this morning. A clear sunny forecast for the Spirit weekend:

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

1:27p Wednesday means sampling wines at Nautical Wheelers. Bill Wheeler writes in:

12:02p Rain. Wind. All the fun stuff.

High wind so far today 36 mph at 11:15a. For this afternoon, southwest winds 20-25, gusts to 40. It continues tonight, then calms down for Thursday.

Kind weather is forecast for the Spirit Of Christmas weekend. Friday sunny and 50, Saturday highs near 60.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast
• Weather Radar

8:22a It’s Wednesday, and Oriental’s Piggly Wiggly has new weekly specials.

Here are the Piglet deals for December 11 – 24.

2:22p Tonight at the Old Theater, Pamlico Music Society presents the Christmas program “A Winter’s Evening”, from award-winning duo Ryanhood. All About Churros food truck at the brewery 5-8p today.

The Farmer’s Market has a full lineup of farmers and artisans in December (Christmas coming helps)>. Find them 8a-11a on Hodges St near the harbor. Maybe you need a kitten. A cat & kitten adoption event “Home For The Holidays” is 3-6p Saturday at New Village Brewery.

The Boomerangs are a nostalgic trio, performing “A Very Boomy Christmas”… a nostalgic look back at the Christmases of yesteryear. It’s Saturday 4p at The Old Theater.

It’s all in What’s Happening.

6:14a Water levels are about at normal. The ferry is running on it’s regular two boat schedule.

Overnight it got cold, but not quite as cold as expected. It’s 26 out there.

A high today just in the low 40s.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast

11:10a How about one ferry:

7:11a Now all ferry runs stopped:

6:45a There is a one boat ferry schedule this morning. Why?

The “tide issues” are low water levels, from brisk southwest winds.

Want some warm? Warmth is visiting today, sunny & highs near 60.

But then it promptly departs: tonight’s forecast low is 21. Friday’s high low 40s, and another low of 21 again.

• Oriental NC Forecast
• Oriental Weather Station
• Neuse River Marine Forecast