THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 24, 1994 TAG: 9411220171
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
If Rudolph thinks he has a hard time each year keeping his rowdy reindeer pals in line, let him talk to George Treiber.
Leading a flotilla of 80 pleasure craft in formation down the Elizabeth River at night, while dodging channel traffic and fighting high winds, is no easy jaunt.
But like his red-nosed friend, Treiber has an advantage.
He's bright.
``It's very helpful for a bright boat to lead the parade,'' noted Treiber, skipper of the Cheshire II. ``So we always go all out decorating.''
Just as he has done for the past five years, on Saturday, from their 41-foot sailboat, Treiber and his wife, Nina, again will lead Norfolk's Lighted Boat Parade down the Elizabeth River harbor past an expected 45,000 spectators lining the waterfront. The Cheshire II will be decorated with hundreds of red and white lights strung across its standing rigging, with even more red lights along its lifeline.
When seen against the night sky, the sailboat's profile will be completely illuminated.
But as an added insurance policy for the other skippers, 13 small boats manned by volunteers will zip among the parade vessels to keep everything running smoothly.
``Knock on wood, so far, we've always had a safe event,'' said Treiber, 50, a former charter captain who owns an accounting firm based in Portsmouth. ``The majority of boats that participate have very experienced skippers.''
Last year, however, strong winds forced the cancellation of the boat parade. In its place, a dockside party was held at the Waterside marina.
The party was such a success that organizers decided to go ahead and plan one from the start this year for after the parade.
The parade itself will begin at 6 p.m. After all the vessels have passed the Mercury Dock judging stand, a fireworks display, choreographed to holiday music, will be held by award-winning pyrotechnic experts, Fine Art.
The party starts at the conclusion of the fireworks. Jugglers, musical groups, a fire-eater and other entertainers will perform. Food vendors also will sell seasonal goodies.
``By moving the Dockside Party closer to the marina, we give spectators more opportunity to see the beautifully decorated vessels and give boaters more time to show off their creations,'' explained Cherie Jordan, organizing chairman for the parade.
Like the Treibers, boat owners sink big bucks into decorating their vessels. Most spend about $500 to compete for 10 different prizes, Jordan said.
In years past, boats have been decorated with cockpit manger scenes, towing ``sleigh'' dinghies from the stern, 12-foot dolphins jumping alongside and a 20-by-40-foot illuminated American flag.
``One year we had a lot of letters and calls from parents who complained that there were just too many Santa Clauses on board the boats,'' Treiber recalled. ``I guess they had a hard time explaining it to their kids.''
The boat parade and dockside party is produced by the Downtown Norfolk Council. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by GARY C. KNAPP
George Treiber, on the deck of the light-adorned Cheshire II, again
will lead the parade.
by CNB