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T

he Spirit of Christmas. Two days. A Live Nativity, luminaria, and a Christmas parade. Special to Oriental are the engineless flotilla and the Tree of Names and Lights.

The Tree of Names and Lights was larger this year, and able to hold nearly all the names (so far).

Think parade on the water, but human powered and at dusk. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and peddle-powered trimarans are all welcome. And this year, among the snowmen, elves, and Claus’, a dragon also appeared in Oriental’s Harbor.

Smoke poured from its mouth, it flapped large wings, and gave the occasional wave to watchers along the rail on Hodges Street.

The engineless Dragon.

Down at Lou Mac Park, the Tree of Names and Lights was lit (and will stay so until the New Year). The ornaments decorating the tree have the names of love ones living and gone.

Businesses, churches, farms, non-profits – all of them get involved in the Spirit of Christmas parade.

When you need to get somewhere – a yelling Kellenberger in a kilt may (or may not) be the answer.

Every year, the Children’s Theater puts on a Live Nativity. Some of the child participants are budding actors. Some are vaguely willing volunteers. The scene generates smiles every year.

Mary, who moments before had a head scarf malfunction, gets her accessories and baby back under control.

And this year, Oriental’s oldest resident was named Grand Marshall. Known as The Watermelon Lady, The Turtle Lady, recent winner in the Senior Olympics, and general town treasure, 99 year old Fay Bond was dressed in all white and lead the parade.

99 year-old Fay Bond was Grand Marshall of the Spirit of Christmas parade.

The Spirit of Christmas is the second weekend of December.

Christa Kreutz on paddleboard with reindeer, during the engineless flotilla in the harbor Friday evening.

New Bern Yacht Club member begin carried by another New Bern Yacht Club member. (It’s a long parade when you’re only a foot off the ground.)

Larry Summers, front, organizers the annual engineless flotilla. He and several other members invade the harbor to watch the lighting of the Star.

Santa gets the Coast Guard escort through town.

More than a few younger members of the Live Nativity audience may not have been big fans of the public sing-along sections.

A new float joined the engineless flotilla this year – one that breathed smoke and stole the show.

The smoky, up close view of a floating dragon.

The Oriental Dragon Boat carrying part of the winning crew.

Tea lights line the Labyrinth, making the path esier to see in the dark. Lights decorate the Rose home in the distance.

On the water with Mrs. Claus, a kayaking elf, and a glowing jellyfish.

2D carolers sing out to Broad Street from the porch of the old Captain’s Quarters.

Meta jones reading the history of the Tree of Names and Lights before lighting the tree.

The Pamlico Community College threw candy by the bucketful. One lucky kid was there to get it.

Two very intense angels keep watch over Mary & Joseph in the manger.

Pamlico County High School JROTC Color guard led the parade.

Kids feeding kids – even if it is candy.

The Grinch and his (un)willing companion Max, roll through the parade with a Christmas tree in tow.

A misbehaving Nativity lamb gets caught.

The Rotary Club brought ‘snow’ to the parade.

The staff of Oriental Village Veterinary Hospital – two and four-legged – took a walk through the parade.

The float for Oriental’s Ham radio Club: N4PRS.org.

Waiting on the next parade float to pass by.

The Sudan Mourners brought a horse powered ‘float’ to the Spirit of Christmas parade.

Members of Oriental’s volunteer fire department – Station 19 – and the 1950s fire engine.

Drummin’ Dragons caught a ride through the parade route.

Irma Fay Bond drives her mother, Grand Marshall Fay Bond, through the parade.

Croakerfest Miss Minnow winner Hartley Boyce.

The dragon from the engineless flotilla makes and appearance on land.

This dog may have the perfect seat for parade watching.

The largest entry in the Spirit of Christmas parade.

The engineless flotilla departs Oriental’s harbor.

Posted Wednesday December 14, 2022 by Allison DeWeese