Tidbit: Burning of the Socks

We have all heard of Groundhog’s Day but recently we ran across a new tradition to welcome Spring that is gaining supporters. We pulled into the Broad Creek Marina and Boatworks to discover we had just missed a Burning of the Socks party held the day before.

Rats! In addition to burning socks, the party featured: oysters, crab and scallops, plus I am guessing some adult beverages.

Sock Burning began in the Spring of 1978, when, after a snowy winter, boatbuilder Bob Turner bid his oppressive sock-wearing days farewell for the summer by throwing them into a campfire.

What was an act of defiance is turning into a tradition. Museums, marinas and yacht clubs are jumping on the bandwagon and hosting events to celebrate the return of Spring, topsiders, flip flops, and best of all, the boating season. Turner states that he is amazed at the lasting impression he’s made. Just goes to show that the right idea at the right time can change the course of history.

“It was never meant to be taken seriously. It just says, ‘Enough with the socks! Time to go boating!'”

We anticipate returning to Canada on Moon Dance by mid-June, an appropriate time in our climate to kiss our woolies good-bye and brazenly step into summer with naked feet. All and sundry are therefore cordially invited to attend an Eastern Ontario Sock Burning. Date, time and location will be announced later but in the meantime here are a few notes on etiquette for the event:

• pedicures are not required but this event gives everyone an excuse to pretty up the tootsies,
• socks made of synthetic materials are frowned upon, so keep it to cotton or wool and refrain from fleece or other tech materials,
• you may address the crowd as you remove your socks,
• putting on new socks once you have burnt your winter ones is frowned upon.

See you then!

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