Although the three-day spree of North Carolina Holiday Flotilla events have only a few days left in countdown for final preparations to be made, its new 5k Run and Fun Loop Walk, second year in the running, officially kicked off the Wrightsville Beach holiday celebration bright and early on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The event, co-chaired by Alex King and Frances Goodman, was a success despite the weather. King shared with flotilla board members, at its last meeting held on Nov. 16 at the Blockade Runner Resort, that the air temperature around 54 degrees and misty, deterred some runners from entering but nearly 350 participants showed up for the race. Everything ran smoothly, King said, and a lot of that had to do with volunteer help the team of organizers received from the Hoggard High School Beta Club.

Day in the Park chair, Michelle Clark, was happy to report Wrightsville Beach Park will be booked with vendors with more than 70 in all. Day in the Park is planned for Saturday, Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With the flotilla only a week away, a dozen boats have now committed to the big Saturday-night show. Boaters may continue to register up until the day before the event.

The six judges have been finalized and will include: U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre, WECT-TV anchor Jon Evans, WECT-TV anchor Kim Ratcliff, WWAY anchor Kevin Wuzzardo, Lumina News/Wrightsville Beach Magazine publisher Pat Bradford and Wrightsville Beach Mayor-elect David Cignotti.

For more information on the 26th annual North Carolina Holiday Flotilla visit, www.ncholidayflotilla.org.