Yesterday was the 30 Anniversary of the Outer Banks St. Patrick's Parade. A very nice event, but boy has it gone downhill in parade participants, not watchers. Very noticeable this year, even last year was the absence of any Dare County HS Band. No FF, Manteo or Hatteras HS. Yes, I know what you will say about some rowdy spectators who "Teased" the kids. Well show your local pride, Shameful. Even the E City State U Band marched several years back. Next the South Nags Head White Trash Band, a parade favorite for many years, was missing. For many years there was Scouts, Dance Schools, Churches, Every OBX FD and PD, The Sheriff, the Lost Colony/RIFP, the NPS, Jolly Roger Pirate Ship, Motorcycle Groups, FOE, K of C, the Dare Devils and on and on and on. What the heck happened?

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It seems that Mike left a large void that the Chamber of Commerce has yet to fill.

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It seems that Mike left a large void that the Chamber of Commerce has yet to fill.

Yep, that’s Kelly’s baby! My offspring was an infant that first year, so it’s easy for me to remember the inaugural parade and follow up party at the restaurant and grounds.

That social group is all averaging 65+ and many are retired, retiring and aging out of that sort of thing. IIRC “Taste of the Beach” was also a Kelly idea that started off on a smaller scale and exploded into an expensive experience. I don’t remember why or when it got pushed into prime NCAA basketball or ACC tournament time, but that’s a schedule problem for many North Carolinians!

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It seems that Mike left a large void that the Chamber of Commerce has yet to fill.

Yep, that’s Kelly’s baby! My offspring was an infant that first year, so it’s easy for me to remember the inaugural parade and follow up party at the restaurant and grounds.

That social group is all averaging 65+ and many are retired, retiring and aging out of that sort of thing. IIRC “Taste of the Beach” was also a Kelly idea that started off on a smaller scale and exploded into an expensive experience. I don’t remember why or when it got pushed into prime NCAA basketball or ACC tournament time, but that’s a schedule problem for many North Carolinians!

I have to be totally honest that taste for the beach has been a disappointment for the last 2 years as well.

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