Eighty-boats converge in Urbanna, cruise Urbanna Creek, Rappahannock River
by Tom Chillemi –
More than 80 boats turned out on Saturday, June 27, for a parade to support U.S. President Donald Trump. Many of the boats were decorated with multiple American flags, and some sported Trump flags, including ones depicting the 45th president’s image superimposed on a Rambo-style figure.
They circulated through Urbanna Creek before crossing the Rappahannock River and parading on Carter’s Creek in Lancaster County.
Parade organizer Lori Close of Richmond said she got the idea for the parade after learning that Urbanna would not have its traditional Independence Day boat parade, due to COVID-19. Close, who keeps her boat in Urbanna, said she and Nathan Karr put their heads together and decided it would be a great time to have a Trump parade. “In light of all of the horrible, ugly things that are going on in this country right now, we needed a breath of fresh air,” she said.
Close said she created Rappahannock River Trump Supporters on Facebook to promote a Trump parade “to show support for our president, who has his hands full right now.”
She wasn’t sure how many boats would turn out to join the Trump flotilla. She was nervous as she floated in the Rappahannock River waiting before the parade. Then passenger-laden boats festooned with American and Trump flags started to converge at the mouth of Urbanna Creek. “It was a very humbling moment,” said Close. “It far exceeded my expectations.”
Close said she’s already thinking of organizing another boat parade.
According to the Rappahannock River Trump Supporters Facebook page, another boater plans a Trump supporters parade on Saturday, July 25. Details were unavailable at press time.
