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(l to r) Jim Thomas, Lynn McArdle, Brian McArdle, François Kirkpatrick, Amy Thomas |
Members of Flotilla 33, Kilmarnock, VA, thought it would be a good public affairs event to participate in the “Lights on the Creek” on the Saturday night before Halloween. This is an annual event held on Carter’s Creek in which decorated boats participate in a parade starting from The Tide’s Inn in Irvington, (VA).
“We thought that since this was happening in our area, it would be good to participate in this community event,” commented Jim Thomas, Coxswain of Auxiliary vessel #27137. “Station Milford Haven also sent a boat to participate with us, so we had good Coast Guard participation that night.”
Jim and Amy Thomas, Peter and Francoise Kirkpatrick and Brian McArdle spent Saturday morning decorating the boat. The Kirkpatricks, who came down for the weekend so Peter could practice his coxswain qualifications, brought a portable generator to run the lights and the inflatable ghost.
“At a Captain’s meeting prior to the parade, it was great for them to recognize the Auxiliary as a participant in this year’s parade,” commented McArdle. What was really satisfying was their concern about safety. In addition, in light of the terrible tragedy on the Rappahannock in July, each captain signed a pledge that they would not consume any alcoholic beverages during the event.”
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Auxiliary facility #27137 all dressed up for a parade |
At sundown, a half hour before the parade started, the Tide’s Inn fired cannon as a signal for all boats to turn their lights and for people to tour the dock area to view the boats up close. “This was a great opportunity to talk to people,” said Francois Kirkpatrick. “Many people were pleasantly surprised that the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary were participating.”
“We are always looking for new and different ways to promote safe boating and the Auxiliary,” said Amy Thomas. “This was a unique event, fun for us and it gave us the opportunity to wave the flag.”
~HRW 11-14-10