WHDA sets date for open-air Marine Market | Eastern North Carolina Now

    The Washington Harbor District Alliance announced its plans to host the city's first Marine Market, to be located along Stewart Parkway from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 30 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 1, in a press release e-mailed today.

    "We plan on the Marine Market being an annual event and to grow every year," WHDA Executive Director Beth Byrd was quoted as saying in the press release. "Our event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine."

    The Marine Market will feature a maritime-themed Flea Market, with nautical art, fishing gear, boat equipment, etc. for sale; a Boat Corral, with used boats for sale; new boats for sale; marine-related seminars and demonstrations; both fresh and prepared seafood vendors; other food vendors and booths; and lively entertainment. The neighboring N.C. Estuarium will provide free river-roving boat rides on Apr. 30 and is organizing children's events for both days. According to the press release, there may be surprise appearances by river-roving pirates and George and Martha Washington.

    The WHDA hopes that the Marine Market will increase activity among adjacent businesses for at least that weekend. Downtown merchants have been asked to participate by arranging nautical-themed windows and possibly providing light refreshments.

    Some downtown merchants will be raffling select merchandise: Inner Banks Outfitters will be raffling an Emotion Traverse paddle board; Washington Jewelers will be raffling Guy Harvey jewelry; and NautiLife will be raffling a hand painted crab and shrimp platter. A total of 500 raffle tickets will be sold, for $5 apiece, until the event, with the drawings to be held May 1 at 3:30 p.m. All proceeds will go the WHDA.

    For $10 per car, any member of the general public can register for a two-day parking space at the Flea Market, where he/she can sell his/her extra nautical gear, such as fishing poles, tackle boxes, etc. The registration deadline is Apr. 8; otherwise, the parking fee will be $20.

    The WHDA invites anyone who would like to try to sell their used boat, or boats, the opportunity to purchase space in the Marine Market Boat Corral. Boat Corral space is $25 if pre-registered by Apr. 8, or $35 the day of. Pamlico Sail and Power Squadron will be on site to perform any necessary boat inspections. Click here to download a PDF of the Flea Market/Boat Corral Application.

    Commercial marine vendors or artisans can purchase a two-day 12 ft. by 12 ft. space at the Marine Market for $150. Other sizes can be arranged by contacting Byrd at 252-946-3969 or whda@washingtononthewater.com. The registration deadline is Apr. 8. Click here to download a PDF of the Vendor Application.

    For boat dealers and manufacturers, display areas are available that accommodate up to eight boats for $400. For information about reserving a boat display area, or for any other question relating to the Marine Market, contact Byrd at 252-946-3969 or whda@washingtononthewater.com.