NORFOLK, Va. – Tuesday marks the official first day of spring, and one local community center plans to celebrate with a unique ritual.
Sail Nauticus will host its 4th Annual Sock Burning event on Saturday, March 24 from 12-4 p.m.
Burning winter socks is a ritual that began in Annapolis, Maryland, in the 1970s and has become a tradition popular among Sailors. Sock burning welcomes the beginning of spring and the new sailing season, which is recognized as a time when deck shoes will be worn without socks.
This year’s event will include the sock burning ceremony itself, a food truck, the Mariner’s Olympics, children’s activities and a raffle.
Attendees are asked to wear a pair of socks to burn and bring new socks to donate.
Tickets are $5 and kids 12 years old and under get in free.
Sail Nauticus is located at 1 Waterside Drive in Downtown Norfolk.
