Annapolis’ favorite sightseeing boat, Watermark’s Harbor Queen will again host “The Queen of All Food Drives” during the Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade on Saturday, December 14th. The holiday food drive benefits the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. The Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the event. For a donation of a non-perishable food item, pet food or monetary donation guests can watch the Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade from Harbor Queen at the end of City Dock, a prime viewing location for this Annapolis holiday tradition. Harbor Queen will be decorated in holiday lights and décor for the event by Watermark’s crew and staff members. The boat will stay dockside for the evening. Over 500 people – and a few four legged friends – watched the Parade from Harbor Queen last year.
“The Lights Parade is such a wonderful maritime tradition in Annapolis that it makes perfect sense for Harbor Queen to participate. We’re really happy to take part in the fun and end the year helping the Annapolis community during the holidays. It is a team effort – staff and crew members donate and loan holiday decorations for Queen, they’ll spend time working together decorating the boat, and many are volunteering their time to welcome guests and collect donations during the event. Seeing Harbor Queen lit up like a Christmas tree is fun for all.” says Debbie Gosselin, president of Watermark.
The public is invited to drop off donations of non-perishable food items, pet food or monetary donations throughout the evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and step aboard Harbor Queen to watch the Lights Parade. Watermark will have a full cash bar on board with a portion of bar proceeds going to the Anne Arundel County Food Bank. Light holiday treats will be provided by Wegmans. On-leash pets are welcome on board. Representatives from the Food Bank including Executive Director Bruce Michalec will be in attendance. The public is encouraged to dress warmly and bring their holiday spirit to Annapolis City Dock to help those in need while enjoying a festive Annapolis tradition. Reservations are not required; guests should come to Harbor Queen’s slip at the end of City Dock for the festivities.
This is the third annual “Queen of All Food Drives.” Watermark held the fundraiser in 2010 and 2012. In total, the fundraiser has collected over 700 pounds of non-perishable food and raised $2,867 in cash donations. The food drive will benefit our area’s neediest citizens. One in 16 residents in Anne Arundel County are below the poverty line; over 1/3 are children and the Anne Arundel County Food Bank serves these citizens.
