The show must go on in Carolina Beach after the Flotilla is cancelled

CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — The official Carolina Beach Flotilla may be off, but the Island Men are making sure folks still have something to celebrate this weekend.

The men’s group, which focuses on giving back to the community, will be having a mini flotilla of their own. They got some friends on board to join them in decorating their boats in a water parade for folks to enjoy. The unofficial flotilla will not be giving out prizes and there won’t be a “best in show”, but Island Men President Bob Lewis says it will be a whole lot of fun.

Lewis says he believes a few factors played into the cancellation of the 21st Annual Carolina Beach Flotilla. A combination of Thanksgiving being so close to Christmas this year and a less than favorable weather forecast for Saturday night seem to have scared away all but two entrants.

Many people plan parties around the event each year and now, thanks to the Island Men, they have something to look forward to. Lewis says he hopes next year the flotilla will be as big and exciting as ever, but for now he hopes this mini flotilla will spread some holiday spirit.

The Island Men will set sail on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. at the beginning of the Yacht Basin and finish at Gibby’s Dock and Dine.