Rose Buddies Celebrate 25 Years
boating, culture, intracoastal waterway, mariners’ wharf park, pasquotank river,
Elizabeth City is serious about making boaters feel welcome.
The city’s harbor, located on the Pasquotank River, is a favorite stop for thousands of boaters who travel the Intracoastal Waterway each year.
Those boaters spread the word about this Harbor of Hospitality, a name the community earned for the warm welcome the visitors receive. For example, boats can tie up free for two nights at the city-owned dock. When five or more boats are docked, the visitors are treated to a wine and cheese reception – not as a matter of community business or public relations, but to show kindness and fellowship.
Leading the welcome party for the last 25 years are the Rose Buddies, a volunteer group of Elizabeth City’s friendly faithful.
“The Rose Buddies go hand-in-glove with this idea of Harbor of Hospitality,” says Dave Thomas, current head of the Rose Buddies. “We continue to be the only community that throws a welcome party for guests. It’s a catalyst for fellowship.”
Thomas continues the tradition of original Rose Buddies, Joe Kramer and Fred Fearing. The two greeted boaters with a warm smile, a hardy welcome and a rose.
Current members include Thomas’ wife, Charlotte, and Susan Hartley.
“We are going to be very much true to the tradition,” Thomas says. “When we have five boats down there we are going to have a party.”
Dressed in Rose Buddies shirts and Mariner’s Wharf caps, the three are easy to spot. Part of their mission is to answer questions about community attractions and services.
This welcoming tradition has put Elizabeth City on the nautical map for American and international boaters along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Story by Brandon Lowe
Photo by Ian Curcio
