NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach kicks off the Christmas spirit

Wrightsville Beach, NC (WWAY)– The North Carolina Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach has kicked off the Christmas mood with their amazing display of decorated boats soaring through the coast. The main winner this year is Josh Reda.

“It feels amazing. This is the second time we have won best in show, and it is a big shock every time. We are very thankful,” said Reda.

Since 1983, the Flotilla parade has helped to set the Christmas mood by having boats light up the water for everybody to see. This year, there was everything from a Grinch themed boat, an alien themed boat, and even a Pinky Pony Club themed boat.

The event is great for people to see and enjoy, but for Bill Salling and his family, it is a tradition that means something for the whole family.

“We have the entire family, the entire Salling clan for Thanksgiving. It is four sons, my wife, my sister, nine grandchildren, and nothing is better than that,” said Salling.

For the Salling family, seeing the flotilla is a special moment for them. Bill’s granddaughter, Lucy, was overjoyed at getting to see it with her family.

“It is really fun, especially because we have family far away and they are usually not all here to see the Flotilla,” said Lucy Salling.