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2019 Spirit of Christmas Weekend
Rain delay doesn't stop Spirit of ChristmasDecember 17, 2019
Kayakers and boats strung with lights in the harbor. The lighting of the Christmas Star on Hodges St. And an ice sculpture contest. It was all part of the 2019 Spirit of Christmas.Luminaria at Oriental United Methodist Church.Rain shuffled this year’s Spirit of Christmas schedule a bit. The lighting of the star, the kayak flotilla, and the lighting of the Tree of Names and Lights were all moved to Saturday. The weather cleared, as forecast, an hour before the Spirit of Christmas parade.
Large lights decorate Hodges St.Finola Corbett as Ms. Claus.Members of the semi-walking Kazooligans living up to their name.Tools of the ice sculpting trade.
In the parade: a dragon, the band, and a Grinch.Heather Brewer on a paddled into Oriental Harbor as Ms. Claus.Mayor Sally Belangia leads the First Citizens Bank float……which was voted best float in the parade.The New Bern Yacht Club got the TownDock.net best float vote.Mary and Joseph enjoying better conditions than their namesakes.Mayor Belangia lights the Christmas star on Hodges St.Dr. Hick’s veterinary office was busy during their open house.Pat at the Provision company holds up the remnants of Loris Wagoner’s sculpture – it was taken out by a high wind.Jim Edwards and Dr. Stefanie Carperos watch their daughter sculpting ice.
Contenders for the 1st Inland Waterway Ice Sculpture contest.
The Tree of Names and Lights, decorated with candle ornaments, was lit in Lou Mac Park.Several Spirit of Christmas attendees were four-legged.Petey and Buddy look for Dr. Hicks while Hattie, on the seat, keeps an eye out for strangers.Volunteers with Parade Master Lance Burgo – some volunteers were locals, some were visiting sailors. (Photo Hannah Puckett)Luminaria from OUMC ringed the community labyrinth.[page]
Local artist Laura Turgeon and her mom watch the parade.Many dressed for the occasion.
Watching the fire trucks roll by during the Spirit of Christmas parade.Minions on parade. This character was part of the New Bern Yacht Club display.Members of the Kazooligans……bear a strong resemblance.A smiling, young float rider throws candy from the Men’s Christian Association float.Dayna from Dr. Hicks’ office, steers the office float/golf cart.Throwing out bags of candy…Watching the water for the kayak flotilla.Capturing the kayak flotilla.Clever engineering; warm and festive.
The kayak flotilla entering Oriental Harbor.
The Pamlico Chorale performed Friday and Saturday night at Oriental United Methodist Church.The flotilla exits the harbor.
Posted Tuesday December 17, 2019 by Allison DeWeese

















