Washington’s first-ever Marine Market is coming to the city’s waterfront April 30 and May 1.

No, it’s not a marketplace for Marines. It’s a nautical market being presented by the Washington Harbor District Alliance. The market is set to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 1 on Stewart Parkway.

“Washington is a vibrant community with so much to offer to visitors and residents alike. This is one of the many events we hold each year. We plan on the Marine Market being an annual event and to grow every year. Our event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine,” said WHDA Executive Director Beth Byrd.

From new and used boats for sale to fishing hooks, the Marine Market offers a wide variety of nautical items and services. Marine-related vendors, a boot-sale flea market and nautical artwork will be part of the Marine Market. For those who get hungry at the market, seafood and landlubber grub will be available, according to a WHDA news release.

The Marine Market’s children’s events will be conducted at the waterfront North Carolina Estuarium. Expect roving pirates and perhaps a visit by George and Martha Washington (OK, not the originals but more-than-adequate facsimiles) during the festival. Informational seminars and demonstrations designed to bring fun to the Marine Market are planned for both days of the event.

Downtown merchants are planning to have nautical-themed storefront windows and open houses during the two-day event.

Byrd believes the Marine Market will prove popular with the public and vendors.

“If we get as many people who have shown interest, it will be a hit,” Byrd said during a brief interview.

“You know, that idea’s been kicked around for years. … It’s something whose time has come,” Byrd said when asked how the Marine Market idea developed.

Byrd said the Marine Market will show people how strong the marine industry is in and around Washington. At least one participant in the Marine Market agrees.

“Eastern North Carolina and Beaufort County specifically have a lot of history and economic investment in the marine industry,” said Austin Smithwick with Park Boat Co., one of the Marine Market sponsors.

Many Beaufort County residents work in some aspect of the marine industry, he said.

“This event … is really a neat idea,” Smithwick said. “We go to a lot of boat shows. … Boat shows are nice, but this is a little bit different.”

The Marine Market will put another spotlight on Washington’s waterfront, Smithwick said.

“Washington’s waterfront attracts boaters, but its waterfront can and should be more of a hub for boaters,” Smithwick said.

Some lucky visitors to the Marine Market will leave with raffle prizes.

Inner Banks Outfitters is donating a Emotion Traverse paddleboard for the raffle. Washington Jewelers is donating Guy Harvey jewelry. NautiLife is donating a handpainted crab-and-shrimp platter. Raffle tickets will be sold during both days of the Marine Market, with the drawings held at 3:30 p.m. May 1.

A raffle ticket costs $5, with a maximum of 500 tickets to be sold. All proceeds from the raffle-ticket sales go to WHDA.

“One of the more popular events will be the nautical flea market. For only $10, you can bring your car and have a space to sell your extra nautical gear,” reads the news release.

Vendor spaces are available, but going fast, according to Byrd. For vendor and flea-market applications and rules, visit www.whda.org. For more information about the Marine Market, call 252-946-3969.