December 11, 2023

For immediate release

Contact: Interim Executive Director Tammy Proctor, 910-329-4446

TOPSAIL – The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism announced the first, second, and third-

place winners of the 2023 Topsail Island Flotilla.

The first-place trophy and $1,000 prize were presented to “Polar Express” by Kathy Blackburn, Jeff Brown,

and friends. “Whoville” by Team Shakespeare captured second place. Tracey and John Shakespeare won a

$300 cash prize. The third-place winner was “Splish Splash” by Claire Jennings who received a $200 cash

prize.

“Our five judges had a difficult time selecting just three winners,” said Tammy Proctor, Executive Director at

the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “With 27 boats registered, this was the largest

Topsail Christmas Flotilla, and the lighted designs on the boats were amazing.”

The sponsor of the 2023 Flotilla was Sea Tow of the Greater Wilmington area.

“Sea Tow’s sponsorship and leadership on the water caused this Flotilla to be our best yet,” said Annette

Erny, chair of the chamber’s events committee. “We can’t thank Sea Tow enough.”

The Topsail Flotilla was a portion of a day of activity, which also included the Christmas Market at Soundside

Park, 517 Roland Ave. in Surf City. Santa and Mrs. Claus met with families for photos.

Topsail Dental sponsored the musical entertainment, Fryd on the Boat, which performed all afternoon.

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is committed to making the area an even better

place to live, work, build a future, and play through regional economic development, demonstrated

community leadership, and advocacy for our business community through collaboration.

For more information about the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, call 910-329-4446 or

visit online at topsailchamber.org.