POC’s Lighted Boat Parade, sponsored by the Port O’Connor Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Saturday, December 5, scheduled to start at dusk, approximately 6:30 p.m. in the ICW from Little Jetties to end of Scurlock Drive, and is open to all boats of all sizes that meet the minimum U.S. Coast Guard Safety Requirements. There is no entry fee. Please, give us a call, decorate your boat and join us!!

The Captains’ Safety Meeting will be held at the Inn at Clark’s at 5:00 p.m. on December 5, along with late registration and assignment of parade positions. The U.S. Coast Guard will have a member at the safety meeting in case of any questions or concerns.

Locals and tourists alike look forward to this annual event, and it is hoped that many boat owners will participate. Plaques will be awarded in several categories – Best Overall * Most Spirited * Most Unique * Best Commercial * Best Large Pleasure * Best Medium Pleasure * Best Small Pleasure. This year, as in the past several years, we are happy to announce that the U.S. Coast Guard along with most of the boats and owners who participate in the Toy Run are planning on being a part of this great tradition. It looks like this year is no exception – This is going to be a fantastic lighted boat parade.

If you would like to participate, or for more information, visit the Chamber website, www.portoconnorchamber.com and download the registration form or contact the Boat Parade Chairman, Brent at 361-207-5955.

Following the parade, winners will be announced at the Hurricane Junction.

December 9 at 6:00 p.m. in the courtyard of the First United Methodist Church, there will be a Community Christmas Tree Lighting.

We will sing carols, roast marshmallows, drink hot chocolate and decorate our outdoor Community Christmas Tree.

ALL community members are welcome to bring an ornament on behalf of their family to put on the tree. It will need to be suitable to withstand the outdoor elements through the holidays. If you are unable to bring an outdoor ornament, we will have wooden crosses that your family can put your name on, and then you can place it on the tree. Once it is dark, we will light the tree.

We hope the whole community is able to come and celebrate with us, and to help make our tree beautiful with the spirit of Seadrift.

Pastor Cody Logan
First United Methodist Church

The Seadrift Chamber of Commerce has fun events lined up all day on Saturday, December 12. First there will be a Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt from Noon until 3:00 p.m.

Then, from 3:00 until 5:00 have your kids (or yourself) take a photo with Santa Claus while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies.

To end a perfect day, participate in, or enjoy watching, a lighted vehicle parade on the bay front at 6:30 p.m. And, at the pavilion, there will be Christmas caroling and the announcement of the house decorating  and business decorating contests, and scavenger hunt.

For additional information, call Tracey at 361-746-8488.

Plan to be there!

Hi, everyone! This year is coming to a close, and what a year it’s been, like no other before. The Port O’Connor Community has survived and flourished during all the pandemic issues. The Chamber has had many phone calls this past month, even though the Summer is over and school has started, seems this community is becoming a well known place to come, to relax and enjoy life and stay safe.

This month, the new playground at King Fisher Park, was dedicated to the County, “THANKS” to everyone who worked to make this a possibility for our children. Without everyone working together this would not be possible. The Chamber was also awarded a grant, that was a tremendous help, with this project. “THANKS” also to the Commissioner and County workers for all the projects they completed to make this an enjoyable place for parents and children.

Still to come this year are several Chamber Events. Mark your calendars and make plans:

Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt
November 28th
Starts at 9:30 am at King Fisher Park–$15. per person -Maximum six passengers per golf cart

Lighted Boat Parade
down the ICW
December 5th
Begins at 6 pm. Must attend Captain’s Meeting before parade.

Annual Chamber
Christmas Party
December 11th–6-8 pm
POC Community Center
Short meeting -election of directors for 2021- Finger Foods and Beverages will be served.

Annual House & Business Lighting Contest
December 16th & 17th
Sign up to be considered, and judges will be viewing each night.
Ten categories will be awarded.

New & Renewed Members:

Beacon 44 Seafood Market
5D Steakhouse
Compadres Design Inc.

If you need to contact the Chamber call 361-983-2998 or email info@portoconnorchamber.com or visit portoconnorchamber.com

Oyster season started November 1st and the two harbors in the Seadrift area have 150 boats and more are coming! Some local people who live off the bay are the Ruiz family. Pictured are Cecilio Ruiz (3rd from left) and his wife Sylvia (6th from left). Cecilio has oystered since 1982. One of their three daughters, Cassandra (2nd from left) and her husband, Juan Vallejo (far left), also work the bay. Juan has oystered for 10 years. Their other daughters are also pictured: Cecilia and Victor Garcia (left of Sylvia) and Cathaleen to Sylvia’s right.

On the far right are grandchildren Jocelyn and Zavian.

-Tanya DeForest