Maumee River a focus of Memorial Day festivities

5/29/2000

Commodores in crisp summer uniforms lined up for the annual Opening of the Port ceremonies Saturday afternoon at Maumee River Yacht Club. The impressive sight brought chills of patriotism as the American flag was raised. The commodores wearing three gold stars lead the 30 boating groups in Ohio, Michigan, and Canada which are Associated Yacht Club members.

The annual affair is a weekend celebration which started on Friday evening with a steak roast at MRYC followed by a champagne breakfast before the ceremonies at Toledo Sailing Club.

Rain subsided long enough for formalities, but blustery winds kept many onlookers inside. The fleet was blessed and flowers scattered in the water - then it was party time!

Low water levels forced the traditional boat parade upriver to Bay View Yacht Club to be replaced with a land "cruise." Festivities continued Sunday at Toledo Yacht Club with breakfast, followed by a cookout at MRYC. Today, Toledo Yacht Club will host a Memorial Day Service and Fly Over at 10 a.m., weather permitting.

At Toledo Country Club, red, white, and blue bunting and American flags set the tone for Friday's Memorial Day kick-off. About 200 members and guests gadded about on the lawn overlooking the spectacular river view as children played nearby. Highlight of the barbecue was roast pig, with fresh strawberry shortcake for dessert. The laid-back family affair ended with fireworks.

Spotted were Steve Boice and Janine Ody, Charlotte Levis with her great-grandson Bradley Minns, 10, and his parents John and Sharmon Minns; Cindy and Bob Miller with Alex, 3, and Andrew, 2; Steve Serchuk and Nancy Delikat, Janet Delikat and Stewart Hinze with Alexandria, 6, and Andrew, 12; Paul Tait and Dottie Wilkerson; Beth and Phil Casey with Sarah, 11, and Claire, 6, and Ida Casey; Ann and Tom Broderick with Kate, 11; and Jackie and Bill Bass - it was his diamond birthday.

Thursday night was the Miller Lite Rock, Rhythm, and Blues Festival kick-off party at Navy Bistro. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Little Walter Mitchell Award to local troubadour Pat Lewandowski. After the award, Mr. Botek, who started the fest a dozen years ago, was presented with a guitar.

Enjoying the sunshine were Shelly and Mike Crossley, Dee and Jim Campbell, and Pete Taylor.

Barbara Hendel is the Blade's society writer.