Barclay Cottage had a full house this past weekend. Guests enjoyed cooler weather and strong ocean breezes as they played in the water, goofed off at the beach, and took in the sights and sounds of Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend. Our location at 16th Street let our guests walk a couple of blocks to be right in the middle of the Boardwalk activities. After taking in the festivities, they returned to the Cottage for a little peace and tranquility before heading out to dinner at one of our fine locally owned restaurants.Boardwalk Weekend is the final event of Neptune Festival which consists of year round activities which raise money for several local and national charities. In March, a prominent business person is elected "King Neptune" who is surrounded by his court of "Tridents", similarly elected from the business community. The results are announced and the honors bestowed at a Gala held for the purpose. May brings: Spring Wine Tasting at the Oceanfront; an Art and Wine festival at Towne Center; and the Neptune Golf Tournament. In April, the Neptune Tennis Tournament is held, and then Neptune and his Tridents knock off for vacation until September when there is a flurry of activities.
The early part of September features: "Endless Summer Beach Bash" with dancing under the stars at the Cavalier Beach Club; followed the next weekend with a Seniors' Gala and Fall Wine Tasting at the Hilton and 31st St. Park; then the Sandman Triathlon is held at the 24th Street Park.
Boardwalk Weekend, which falls on the last weekend of September, has many activities. The North American Sandsculpting competition is held which brings artists from all over the world to compete for a top prize of $9,000. (Yes, there are Professional Sandsculptors!)
Zen Garden & Sculptors - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Dancing with the StarsThe Atlantic Regatta pits many different types of sailboats in a handicapped race along the shore from Cape Henry to Rudee Inlet. Sand Soccer and Beach Volleyball Tournaments and the Neptune Surfing Classic all take place on the beach from Rudee Inlet to 10th Street, and the Neptune 8K/5K foot races start and finish at the 24th Street Park providing hours of excitement for participants and spectators.
Racing sailboats & Surfer in wave - - - - - - - - - - - -Beach Volleyball
Daughter Danielle, Tim & kids - - - - - - - - - - - - Hometown Hereos FloatA Grand Parade is held Saturday morning on Atlantic Avenue from 16th Street to 40th Street led by King Neptune and his court, and features floats, marching bands, military units, service organizations, and plenty of clowns, and characters. 
NOT a Marching Band! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Band - Marching Type
The largest draw is the Boarwalk, itself, where artists, craftspersons, food vendors, and carneys provide two miles of booths to sample, enjoy, and purchase fine art, jewelry, or kitsch. The juried arts and crafts show was located from 16th to 33rd Streets and the carnival rides and games were from 16th Street to Rudee Inlet. Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast is pleased to support the Contemporary Arts Center of Virginia , which runs the art show portion of the weekend.
One of many artists' booths - - - - - - - - - - - -- - Food Vendors, too!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -The OBLIGATORY Corn Dog! - - - - - - - - - - -
