Mike Parker: ‘Breakfast on the Boat’ set for Saturday, Oct. 17

The CSS Neuse II's Galley Crew prepares food for the Oct. 2019 "Breakfast on the Boat."

The CSS Neuse Foundation is hoping the third time will be the charm.

“Breakfast on the Boat” was scheduled in April, but COVID-19 concerns and “shelter in place” orders forced the foundation to postpone one of the foundation’s most tasty and entertaining events. The board rescheduled “Breakfast on the Boat” for June 13, but forecasts of bad weather made event organizers rethink that date.

The Neuse Foundation board knew the traditional third Saturday in October was coming up. The board hoped COVID-19 would be on the down-swing and people would feel more secure about supporting the “Breakfast.”

This year’s third Saturday is Oct. 17, and the Neuse Foundation is inviting you to join us for “Breakfast on the Boat.” The Galley Crew will have the food ready around 7:30 a.m. and will continue serving until 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.

“We hope many people who support our efforts at education and historic preservation will turn out for ‘Breakfast on the Boat,’” said David Mooring, president of the CSS Neuse Foundation.

What is so special about the third Saturday in October? Several years ago, Mother Earth Ironclad Races, Inc. asked the Neuse Foundation board to host “Breakfast on the Boat” in conjunction with the Ironclad Half Marathon and Ironclad 5K on the third Saturday of October. If my memories serves me, this event marks the sixth year the Neuse Foundation is holding its fall “Breakfast.”

This year the annual Ironclad Half Marathon and 5K on Oct. 17 will be a virtual race. The virtual Half Marathon and virtual 5K are events that can be run (or walked) from any location chosen by the participant. The race packet for this virtual run includes a shirt and finisher’s medal.

Ironclad Race’s decision to offer a virtual aspect to the race allowed them to meet their mission of being able to raise money for local nonprofits, particularly this year when the need is so great.

“We have had registration open since November 2019. The number of registered runners was higher than the previous year, and shows continued growth with our event,” Amy Albritton with Ironclad Races told the Neuse News in an Aug. 4 article.

In years past, the race was a single loop starting outside Grainger Stadium, home of the Down East Wood Ducks. The course took runners through downtown Kinston, past the CSS Neuse II Ironclad, and through North Kinston. The race finished on the first baseline inside the Grainger Stadium after rounding home-plate.

The breakfast will not be virtual. This year’s events will still feature an old-fashioned country breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, and biscuit, complete with beverage.

The Gunboat Boys will once again perform lively renditions of Civil War period music, as well as popular bluegrass tunes. In reality, the group is composed of the Farm and Home Bluegrass Band that Jim Gaddis and Bob Gaddis put together years ago. They are kind enough to let me sit in with them to complete what we call The Gunboat Boys as a tribute to the Neuse II.

Period tunes include “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” “Rose of Alabamy,” “Cindy,” and perhaps the most popular song, both for Union and Confederate soldiers, “Lorena.”

“Although ‘Breakfast on the Boat’ is still a fundraiser, through the years these ‘Breakfasts’ have become a way for the Neuse Foundation to show appreciation for the deep support this community gives us,” Mooring said.

In view of COVID-19 concerns, tables will be set up inside the boat, on the dock, and on the grounds to provide for social distancing. The Gunboat Boys will perform at the flag end of the dock at a distance from those eating breakfast. Most of the “boys” are getting up in age – like me.

Make your plans to eat breakfast with the Neuse Foundation this Saturday. Come for a good time. Know that any money raised supports a good cause.

One more request: Pray for good weather and a beautiful day.

Mike Parker is a columnist for Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.