Mike Parker: On April 17 support the Neuse II and make Mom happy

The year 2020 was rough on attendance aboard the CSS Neuse II, a full-scale replica of the original Confederate Ram once housed on the Neuse River at Kinston. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 the replica gunboat drew more than 5,000 visitors each year. In 2020, roughly one-third of that number visited the gunboat.

Part of the reason for the steep decline occurred because of the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Gov. Roy Cooper. The Neuse II was closed 14 weeks – and more than a quarter of 2020. The Neuse Foundation board sought to protect our visitors and our volunteers by putting COVID precautions in place.

So far, 2020 has seen the number of visitors picking up. Saturday visitation fluctuates but is growing stronger. More groups are requesting private showings. COVID measures aboard the Neuse II have been in place and are still in place. Like everyone else, the Neuse Foundation board looks forward to the day when COVID is just an ugly memory.

The April 17 “Breakfast on the Boat” is an expression of hope. The Neuse Foundation board expects COVID to continue to decline and visitation to become stronger than ever.

“We hope many people who support our efforts at education and historic preservation will turn out for ‘Breakfast on the Boat,’” said David Mooring, president of the CSS Neuse Foundation.

In the age of virtual education, meetings, and church services, this breakfast will not be a virtual event. As in years past, the foundation will still feature an old-fashioned country breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, and biscuit, complete with beverage. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. until 10 or 10:30 a.m.

The Gunboat Boys will once again perform their lively renditions of Civil War period music, as well as popular bluegrass tunes. In reality, the group is composed of the Farm and Home Bluegrass Band that Jim Gaddis and Bob Gaddis put together years ago. Nathan Bingham will be playing lead guitar and performing a number of lead vocals, and Jeff Haddock will provide the rhythmic foundation on bass. These excellent musicians are kind enough to let me sit in with them to complete The Gunboat Boys.

A few period tunes include “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” “Rose of Alabamy,” “Cindy,” and perhaps the most popular song, both for Union and Confederate soldiers, “Lorena.”

“Although ‘Breakfast on the Boat’ is still a fundraiser, through the years these ‘Breakfasts’ have become a way for the Neuse Foundation to show appreciation for the deep support this community gives us,” Mooring said.

In view of COVID-19 concerns, tables will be set up inside the boat, on the dock, and on the grounds to provide for social distancing. The Gunboat Boys will perform at the flag end of the dock at a distance from those eating breakfast. Most of the “boys” – like me – are getting up in years. What we lack in youth, though, we make up in enthusiasm and love for the music we perform.

Make your plans to eat breakfast with the Neuse Foundation this Saturday. Come for a good time. Know that any money raised supports a good cause.

And a good breakfast always makes Mom happy.

One more request: Pray for good weather and a beautiful day.

Mike Parker is a columnist for the Neuse News. You can reach him at mparker16@gmail.com.