If you happen to be from Frederick, you have probably seen the boats on Carroll Creek every winter. If you live further away, maybe you’ve seen pictures… It has come to my attention that while so many people know and love the captivating creations that float down Carroll Creek from November to March each year, most don’t know about the amazing purpose of this event and the work so many are doing to better our community while bringing more tourism to Frederick Maryland in the cold months of the year. Don’t worry! I know a thing or two about it!
Let me introduce you to Sailing Through The Winter Solstice.
What Is Sailing Through The Winter Solstice?
Sailing Through The Winter Solstice is the group that created this whole shebang. It is a sister organization to Color On The Creek, a Non-profit that grows and plants the flowers in the creek every spring.
From my understanding of how this whole thing came to be, two individuals had an idea to put a sail boat in Carroll Creek one winter after the flowers were removed for winter. That boat immediately capsized, as have many more since then both in the water and on land. Since that first attempt at sailing in Frederick, the fleet has grown to 27 boats in the water. You can also find the two landsharks (boats that live on land) at The Wine Kitchen and Brewers Alley.
Every boat is sponsored by a company and each benefits a local charity. After the boats launch in November, voting opens for the public to “vote for your boat”. Every $1 = one vote and goes to the boats chosen charity in March. This event has grown exponentially over the years and brings tons of people to Frederick, creates a one of a kind winter display, and raises money and awareness for several local charities.
You can vote for you favorite boat and make donations here!
How Does It Happen?
It’s all volunteers! The boats are launched the week before Thanksgiving. Each boat has a crew that is responsible for their boat but it is a huge group of volunteers that help to get the boats in the water and secured.
The core group that runs Sailing Through The Winter Solstice are all volunteers too. These are the people who coordinate the launch with more volunteers, forklifts, and a crane. They spend countless hours consulting boat sponsors on construction, placement in the creek, how to anchor it, and so much more.
Who Are The Boat Sponsors?
Local companies and organizations sponsor and build the boats! Olde Towne Landscaping, Hood College, and The Ausherman Family Foundation have had their sponsored boats in the creek for several years! There are a lot of seasoned sailors and plenty of boats being added to Carroll Creek every year.
How Can You Take Part?
There are a few ways! You can always vote for your favorite boats! You can also volunteer with Sailing Through The Winter Solstice and Colors On The Creek. Have you ever thought to yourself ” I really want to know what it’s like to be in the Carroll Creek”? I have never wondered that but now I know and you can too. You can find information about that by reaching out to Color On The Creek.
Photos by Nic Smith Photography
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