SBYC and DCMM Host Sock Burning & Kentucky Derby Night

The Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club and the Door County Maritime Museum are joining forces to offer the public a fun evening on May 6, 4:30 – 10 pm at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club (SBYC). Members and non-members alike are welcome. No admission is charged. There will be a hot fire to toss your socks into and cold beer to drink while contemplating the upcoming boating season. Champagne will be given to all at entry and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be available. Watch the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby at 5:45 pm. Fancy hats are encouraged but not required. At 6 pm, the SBYC Commodore will give a welcome. Burning of the socks and a cannon salute to summer will begin at 6:30 pm.

The concept of burning socks while drinking beer began in 1978 when Capt. Bob Turner, who managed the Annapolis Yacht Yard at the time, shed his dirty socks, dropped them in a paint-roller tray, sprinkled them liberally with lighter fluid and put a match to the mess. Now this ritual is celebrated in many places throughout the U.S. to mark the end of winter and the beginning of the boating season. Bring a pair of socks to toss in the fire (wool and cotton work best). For more information, call 920.743.5958 or visit dcmm.org.