A beloved Washington tradition celebrating the city’s nautical heritage will return to the Washington waterfront this weekend.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, the Washington Harbor District Alliance’s annual Marine Market will take over Stewart Parkway from the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce to Respess Street.

“Our maritime, nautical roots have really created what Washington is,” WHDA Director Meg Howdy said. “We want to bring people to our waterfront, celebrate our great history and give people the chance to find some nautical art. We’ve got a flea market portion to it, so people have tons of great items at insanely good prices.”

From canoes, kayaks and boats for sale to nautical merchandise of every variety, the market will offer plenty to see and do. Displays from Park Boat company will offer attendees a chance to consider owning a boat of their own, and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer free boat checks to ensure a safe time on the water.

Speaking to Washington’s maritime history, the Historic Port of Washington will also offer information on the city’s origin as an important port and shipbuilding location on the Tar-Pamlico River.

“It’s supposed to be a beautiful day, so people can enjoy the wonderful weather, get out and see their neighbors and celebrate our maritime roots,” Howdy said. “Hopefully then, they’ll take the opportunity to do some shopping, grab some lunch at one of our great restaurants and then slide into Arts of the Pamlico to hear the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association.”

MORE STIRRINGS IN HARBOR DISTRICT

While the Marine Market places focus on the waterfront at a time when weather is warming and activity is stirring on the Pamlico River, the coming months hold other exciting ventures for the WHDA.

On May 11, the organization will kick off its annual Farmers and Artisans Market at the corner of Bonner and Water streets, across from the North Carolina Estuarium. The market runs each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon through Sept. 22, and offers an opportunity for local growers and makers to sell their wares in an open-air environment.

In early June, the WHDA is preparing for a soft opening of the Harbor District Market at 140 W. Main St. After more than a year of renovating the historic building, which once housed McClellan’s Five and Dime store, the market will have key vendors in place during the opening, and is seeking others interested in selling their goods in the indoor marketplace.

“Probably in the fall, we’ll have our big grand opening as we continue to add new vendors in,” Howdy said.

For more information on the WHDA, and the projects the organization is undertaking, or to learn more about being a vendor at the WHDA markets, visit www.whda.org or call 252-947-1487.