Intracoastal Christmas Regatta

Plans for the 23rd Annual Intracoastal Christmas Regatta are in full swing!

As tradition holds, the Christmas Boat Parade (as locals call it) will take place on Saturday, November 24…two days after Thanksgiving.

We have Poo McLauchlin and his niece Susie Watson to thank for this much-anticipated event. A local and celebrated boat captain, Poo had participated in, and greatly enjoyed, holiday boat parades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As he sat with friends back in North Myrtle Beach discussing this, it came to him that this could happen here. After all, he certainly had the contacts! The year was 1984, and within a week, and mainly by word of mouth, the first Christmas Boat Parade became a reality.

Thanksgiving weekend was chosen because of favorable weather conditions and the large number of people that were still at the beach, either celebrating the holiday with family or before their move back to their "permanent" residence. Susie recalls that 24 boats participated that year. Folks living along the Intracoastal Waterway from Little River to North Myrtle Beach observed from their homes or other convenient viewing spots. Boats of all sizes and shapes were decorated with Christmas lights, the music blared, and the tradition was born!

Susie organized a committee to help with the ever-growing list of steps needed to keep the event running smoothly. This group has been in place since 1994, and includes members Dawn Fowler, Pam Bane, Ginny Maynard, Penelope Hinson, Sarah Faulk-Dean, Ann Maynard, Lillian Edwards, Stacey Strickland, Kelley Shahan, and Jackie Perry-Medlin. These women work hard to ensure all goes well. Susie says, "I have my committee and the community to thank for the success of the regatta!"

The Boat Parade has always had a charitable aspect. It was requested that unwrapped toys be dropped off at specific viewing locations or collected at the holiday parties, with these gifts going to children of the community who otherwise might not have a gift to open on Christmas morning. This is coordinated through the local schools, and Susie suggests that if anyone knows a family in need, please call the school and get them on the recipient list. They also accept donations of pet food, cat litter, and other pet products for the Humane Society. Proceeds from t-shirt and sweatshirt sales go into the fund also.

Locals, visitors, and participants have responded with great aplomb. The tradition has continued with each year seeing more participating boats and more observers. It was estimated that 25,000 watched the parade last year. In 23 years the parade has never been cancelled. A few years it rained, and one year there was a little snow; but never too dangerous to call it off.

When asked what his favorite memory was over the years, Poo responds that they have ALL been great! He recalls in the 5th or 6th year, a beautiful boat owned by Julio Iglesia graced the entourage. He wishes it would be possible to have more celebrity participation, but agents and contracts prevent the feasibility. After all, this is an endeavor to benefit our local children. He also regrets that more commercial fishing vessels don’t participate, but the holiday weekend is a very lucrative one financially for them. He would like to see more local businesses join in, sponsoring and decorating a boat.

All in all, it is obvious that Poo and Susie and the committee love the Intracoastal Waterway Regatta. We all benefit from their vision and tenacity to make it a reality. When asked what was his final thought on the regatta, Poo exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye, "Just come! Get in the parade!" What a beautiful way to usher in the holiday season!